iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
The campus is set to become the largest dedicated hub for AI and technology companies in the Middle East and North Africa
KT APPDOWNLOAD
A first look at Namak by celebrity chef Kunal Kapur
Located at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, the restaurant reimagines Indian cuisine with a playful twist
Not in person, actually - but his newly-opened restaurant Namak (Hindi for 'salt') promises to impress. Located in the lobby of the towering Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, the restaurant is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Golden lighting, wooden carvings, Indian motifs and splashes of bright colours add to the vibe. We happened to go on a weekend, and the place was packed with all nationalities - clearly his goal to create 'Indian food with a global footprint' is working well.
The food backs this claim. The menu throws up fusion food like Kerala Duck Roast Tart, Dabeli Sliders and Crème Brûlée Mukhwas. We got started with Dahi Bhalla Terrine, complete with that liquid nitrogen effect. I'm picky about my chaat, but this dish - cool and crunchy at the same time - took me back to the streets of Mumbai. After that, the Pomelo salad felt a little underwhelming. But the next dishes made up for it: KFC - Kerala Fried Chicken - was as delicious as it was creative, the Katifi Fried Prawn was a nod to Middle East influences, while the Roganjosh Strudel stole the show. Dessert was none other than the humble Payasam - but we bet you've never seen it presented like this before!
All the dishes are creative. We loved the chaat, the 'KFC', the creamy Kerala Roast Tart, the lamb strudel (with its crispy pastry layer) and the desserts (deconstructed Tiramisu!). It may not be for those looking for traditional roti-chawal, but adventurous diners will love it.
The brightly coloured walls give the place a younger feel while golden lighting and intricate wooden motifs adds a touch of class to Namak. Moreover, plush chairs, spacious booths and wooden carvings give it a regal desi feel. There's certainly a lot to look at!
After setting each dish in front of us, our waiter would explain exactly what the dish was (fortunate, because some were too funky to recognise as Indian food!). The chef and hotel manager were also making the rounds, explaining dishes and asking for feedback. How swell.
Namak is definitely one of those restaurants that follows the 'eat with your eyes' saying, and the menu is created with this in mind. Our Roganjosh came in a plate intriguingly shaped like a bone. Many dishes are assembled at the table, and the liquid nitrogen effect is always cool.
Namak is a fine dining establishment at the end of the day, and prices are competitive. However, those wanting unique flavours - and the celebrity chef experience - will find it worth their while. We recommend you keep this for a special occasion.
janice@khaleejtimes.com
More news from
Dravid's tenure comes to an end after the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies
Stand-in skipper Jitesh believes the absence of key England players will not affect his side's morale on Sunday
Netanyahu came under personal attack from Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for failing to rule out an Israeli government in Gaza after the war
The fund is designed to finance the production of artistic and creative works in film, music, performances, and video games
Fico has been in hospital since Wednesday when a lone gunman shot him four times, including in the abdomen
The country was one of the donor states to freeze around $450 million in funds after Israel accused 12 UNRWA staff of participating in the Hamas-led attack
This inclusive community service is available daily on Al Hamriya Beach from 6.00am to sunset