Latest news with #DiningExperience
The National
13-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Daftar review: I tried the 'VIP kulcha' beloved of Narendra Modi at this new Indian restaurant in Dubai
Sometimes the clue is in the name. Such is the case with Daftar, which loosely translates to 'office' in Hindi and Urdu. The DIFC restaurant, which opened in January, has the potential to become something of a star in the emirate's financial centre, given it offers high-quality fare in a relaxed setting, perfect for those on business and those entertaining. This aesthetic is highlighted further by its location in Al Fattan Currency House, known for its swanky offices, and so it immediately gives a commercial feel. So much so that you can be forgiven for thinking you're seeking out a meal in the wrong building. One lift journey to the mezzanine floor, though, dispels any feeling that Daftar is only there to fuel local office staff. Inspired by the hustle and bustle of office culture it might be, but this is a venue with heart, soul and a fierce passion for the Indian flavours it promotes. Where to sit and what to expect On arrival at Daftar, my dining partner and I are shown to a plush corner table by our server, Dilmi. The restaurant is cosy and intimate with warm wood flooring and jewel-toned seating. There are a variety of dining tables, with both sofas and high-backed chairs available. It gives it a homely feel, which is amplified by the friendliness of the staff including head chef Sagar Kalra, who is keen to personally recommend his favourite dishes for us to try. The menu A common 'problem' at Indian restaurants is a feeling that you are spoilt for choice. That is certainly true of Daftar's menu. With the help of Dilmi, my dining partner and I try to pick a selection of house classics so we get to grips with the most authentic version of what this venue has to offer. We share the mushroom and truffle galouti (Dh75) and Himalayan jhol momo (Dh65) to start. While the mushroom has an exquisite velvety texture, it's the momo, a dish that traces its origins to the streets of Nepal, which steals the show. The steamed dumpling is filled with aromatic mince and served alongside Himalayan pink pepper curry. Packed with flavour, it's an exquisite blend of the quiet sophistication one finds in a high-class restaurant while also offering that ever-craved comfort food feeling. Next on our feast-like meal are servings of butter chicken with pickled onions (Dh90), dal makhani (Dh75), steamed rice (Dh25) and a basket of chef Kalra's special VIP kulcha (Dh40). Butter chicken is a staple in any north Indian restaurant in the UAE, and it doesn't fail to deliver at Daftar, either. The chicken is succulent and the sauce offers more of a fiery spice than I have come to expect from this dish, which makes it stand out. The dal makhani adds the perfect ballast to the warmth of the curry. That said, the piece de resistance is the VIP kulcha. Chef Kalra tells us he once served Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and a number of other senior dignitaries, this dish during his time as a chef in New Delhi. It's easy to see why, as the bread's subtlety, cooked in a tandoor oven, is mixed wonderfully with a lavish sprinkling of herbs and spices, adding a touch of elegance to the curry and dal. For dessert, we share servings of kesari moong dal halwa with saffron and clarified butter (Dh50), and orange quinoa kheer pudding (Dh55). Both are deliciously rich and yet equally light, with intricate spices paying homage to the restaurant's Indian roots, and serving as an ideal palate cleanser to round off an excellent dinner. Save or splurge A three-course meal at Daftar can cost between Dh125 and Dh400. On the high end of the price spectrum lie the bottle masala lamb chops (Dh125), lobster malai curry (Dh225) and jalebi rabri (Dh50). The three most reasonable dishes across starters, mains and desserts are Bombay vada pav (Dh35), aloo gobi (Dh55) and kulfi selection (Dh35). A chat with the chef The man in the hot seat at Daftar is chef Kalra, from New Delhi. His culinary journey began as a trainee with the Taj Group, which he credits for his learning of the foundations of cooking, and he has also worked with names such as Anil Khurana and Gaggan Anand. Kalra says kaffir lime leaves are his all-time favourite ingredient to cook with. 'There's a brightness and depth to them that I find incredibly inspiring,' he says. 'Just a sprinkle of this, and you'll know why I'm obsessed. 'My cooking philosophy has evolved over time, and I've realised that food is not about comparison but connection. For me, it's about evoking memories, emotions and stories – one dish at a time. When you cook from the heart, with respect for your ingredients and intention behind every plate, you'll never go wrong,' he adds. In addition to the dishes we tried, his top recommendations are fried chicken with kaffir lime masala for meat eaters; tawa fish for seafood lovers; and white quinoa kheer for those with a sweet tooth. Vegan diners, meanwhile, can sample the brownie sorbet. Daftar is at Al Fattan Currency House in the Dubai International Financial Centre. It is open daily from 11am to midnight. Reservations can be made by calling 050 666 4158.
Khaleej Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Le Gourmet at Galeries Lafayette unveils new business lunch offering
Le Gourmet at Galeries Lafayette, situated in the heart of Dubai Mall, has announced the launch of its new Business Lunch menu, catering specifically to professionals looking for quality dining within their busy work schedules. Available from Monday to Friday between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM, this curated lunch experience features a three-course menu by the establishment's acclaimed chefs. The menu includes an international selection of dishes, reflecting the culinary diversity for which Le Gourmet is renowned. Starters include popular choices such as Dynamite Shrimp, Chicken Tikka Chaat, and Crispy Cauliflower. The main courses feature dishes like Smoked Salmon & Avocado Tartine, Chicken Escalope accompanied by fresh salad and fries, and Lamb Biryani with aromatic rice. Diners can conclude their meal with carefully prepared desserts, including Chocolate Mousse, traditional Tiramisu, or Assorted Mini Pastries. Priced at Dh80 per person, the business lunch also includes a beverage selection comprising soft drinks and iced teas. Guests may choose to add premium coffee options such as Americano, Espresso, Cappuccino, or Latte Flat White for an additional Dh10. The new lunch menu aims to provide Dubai's professionals with a refined, yet convenient dining option ideal for business meetings or a brief respite from the working day. Le Gourmet at Galeries Lafayette remains a prominent dining destination in Dubai, consistently offering a high-caliber culinary experience.
Arab News
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Jinji' – Korean cuisine in Jeddah
Jinji, the newest addition to Jeddah's growing lineup of Asian eateries, offers a casual and contemporary take on Korean cuisine. Located on Hira Street in Ash Shati District, this spot has quickly gained popularity for its street food-inspired menu, serving up favorites that feel straight out of Seoul's bustling food stalls. My visit started off with Korean classics like the crispy kimchi pancake and seafood pancake, both golden and satisfying. The kimchi version held a bit more punch for me. Their fried chicken is a highlight, especially the honey soy and sweet and spicy variations that offer a crispy bite with rich flavor. The plain fried chicken felt a little underwhelming in comparison and could use a touch more seasoning. Jinji lives up to its bold slogan, 'Serious meals only,' especially when it comes to Korean barbecue. The ribeye and short rib platter is ideal for sharing, with well-marbled cuts that are tender, juicy and full of flavor. The galbi plate, with its savory-sweet soy marinade, is another crowd-pleaser. The striploin and brisket platter is solid, though we found the brisket slightly dry on one visit. That said, grilling right at the table adds a hands-on experience similar to the authentic Korean BBQ joints of Seoul. Noodle lovers will appreciate the variety of ramyeon options, from the creamy pink rose version to the brisket ramyeon. The bibimbap is well-executed with fresh toppings, and the tteokbokki brings enough heat to satisfy fans of spice. Portion sizes are generous, and the pricing is reasonable as the BBQ platter, ranging between SR 200-250 ($53-66), easily feeds two to three people. Desserts bring a refreshing end to the meal, especially the authentic bingsu, a milk-based Korean shaved ice dessert in flavors like mango and Oreo. The hotteok pancake, filled with sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, is warm, chewy, and worth saving room for. The ambiance is minimalist and relaxed, though during peak hours the space can feel a bit cramped and noisy. For more, check Instagram @jinji_sa.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
We tried Cecconi's at Soho House and this what we thought
Italian food with views across the sea, what's not to love? When I heard that Cecconi's at Soho House was opening their doors to non-members, I was keen to give it a try and it was a happy day when they invited me over to sample their menu. Cecconi's has sixteen venues across the globe, with several of their restaurants having reportedly hosted some of the biggest names in the celebrity world. A restaurant chain approved by the A listers; I had high expectations. And I must say I was not disappointed. The restaurant's interior (Image: The Argus Staff) Cecconi's Brighton venue is tucked away, just off Marine Parade, and looks to bring a slice of Northern Italy to Brighton's seafront. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor dining, with a large terrace area offering panoramic views across the beach and a fantastic spot to watch the sunset on a summers evening. We took a seat at a table next to the window, where we began our evening with a drink. I went for the apple and honey mocktail which was both refreshing and the perfect alcohol alternative. I was particularly impressed by the number of options for alcohol-free cocktails, something which can often be limited at a lot of restaurants. For starters, we decided to share some calamari, a dish which was clearly popular among diners as we saw many the dish brought out throughout the evening. Calamari, alongside the honey and apple mocktail (Image: The Argus Staff) As someone who can be a little bit fussy when it comes to seafood, the calamari was delicious. The fish was not chewy and the battered coating was really flavoursome, pairing perfectly with the aioli dip. The portion size was also very generous, and having already indulged in some focaccia offered on entry, I was conscious to not spoil my main meal. For main course, I chose the buffalo mozzarella, tomato, and basil pizza. There was a good amount of cheese, and you could taste the quality and freshness of the ingredients used. Our main course (Image: The Argus Staff) My dining partner chose the pork chop with borlotti beans and gremolata, with a side of chips. The piece of pork was huge, the meat very tender with a lovely taste. The beans also complimented the dish well. By this point, I must admit I was feeling a little defeated by the level of carbs I had consumed. However, the temptation of at least looking over the dessert menu was too much. Easily persuaded, and taking a recommendation from staff, we ordered the choux bun. The giant pastry came with caramel ice cream, alongside a huge gravy boat filled with chocolate which you able to able to pour over the top. Hidden inside the profiterole you could also find rhubarb, which added a lovely sharpness to the rich, chocolaty flavours. The choux bun (Image: The Argus Staff) I can see why it's a favourite among customers, just thinking about it is making me hungry! Overall, my experience at Cecconi's was faultless. The food was delicious, topped off by the fantastic service and relaxing atmosphere. Staff had a really great understanding of what the restaurant had to offer and were consistently on hand to offer advice and recommendations. The food was of a really high standard, and although slightly pricier than other places in the city, I feel that the product you receive is good value and worth that little extra. If you are looking for a new restaurant to try this weekend with seafront views and impeccable service, Cecconi's is definitely worth a visit.
Arab News
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Hokkaido' Japanese restaurant in Jeddah
Jeddah's food scene continues to evolve, and Hokkaido on Rawdah street stands out as the city's first all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant. Guests choose from three main dining experiences: a hot pot course, a barbecue course, or a mixed course that offers the best of both worlds. Take your pick from an extensive menu featuring meats and seafood, including black angus beef, crab, squid, mussels, octopus, and a sashimi platter. The barbecue experience is a standout. Grilling your own meats on a tabletop grill adds a fun, interactive element, and the freshness of the ingredients shines through. The hot pot is just as customizable. Create your ideal flavor profile by choosing from four broth options, mixing and matching — sukiyaki, spicy, tomato, and miso. The buffet includes a wide variety of options, including a spread of tempura, fried noodles, fried rice, assorted sushi, fresh fruit, desserts, and ice cream. You'll also find a selection of noodle types like ramen, glass noodles, and udon. While the food quality justifies it to some extent, the pricing leans toward the higher end, especially for larger groups. If you're visiting, I'd recommend opting for the barbecue option for more flavor control and a bit of table-side excitement.
