It’s that time of year again where foodies rejoice, Jumeirah Restaurant Week is back for its fourth installment from 14-23 May 2015.
The Spring edition will feature over 40 of Jumeirah Group’s best-loved restaurants located in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, such as the newly refurbished Pierchic, Alfie’s at Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Al Iwan at the iconic Burj Al Arab. In fact, there are so many fantastic restaurants taking part that it will be impossible to try them all over the period of ten days.
During Jumeirah Restaurant Week UAE residents are encouraged to re-discover their favourite Jumeirah restaurants and perhaps try a few new ones with three-course set menus that showcase the best of each venue providing a truly unique experience. The best thing is that the restaurants are all grouped into four price tiers so there really is something for everyone and every budget. The set menus range from AED95 for three courses and go up to AED370 for three signature restaurants.
One of our long-standing favourites, Amala in Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel is also taking part with a middle of the range priced menu at AED120 for three courses and we think that you absolutely must add this to your list of reservations, not only for the truly beautiful setting but for the fantastic, authentic North Indian cuisine.
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, nestled on the far west crescent of the Palm Jumeriah, is not only one of the most beautiful hotels in the entire of Dubai modelled on the palaces of the Ottoman period but has also been the setting for Hollywood Blockbusters and popular TV shows aike, for its impressive, palatial decor. Amala is one of its resident restaurants that is loved by those in the know.
The cuisine at Amala is known as ‘Mughali’ and has strong Persian and Turkish influences which makes this no ordinary Indian restaurant. The unique blend of exotic spices, dried fruits and lashings of cream make the cuisine at Amala unlike anything you will have tried before and that, is a very good thing.
The restaurant itself offers an a la carte and a tasting menu, we highly recommend the tasting menu for those that like to share dishes and to get the most out of your Amala experience by trying as many of the dishes as possible. You can pick a selection from a set menu with no restrictions on quantity. The menu comprises the very best that the restaurant offers. The Murgh kali Mirch (chicken leg with cashew nut, yoghurt, cheese, black pepper and mace) is a particularly good entrée as is the Chokhi Tikki potato with green peas, cumin and spices. For main course you can pick a selection of delicious curries with the chef open to requests depending on how much spice you like (or can handle!) Traditional takes on Chicken Jalfrazi and Rogan Josh are particularly good with lots of creamy tomato sauce and fresh coriander. The dishes are small enough to ensure that you can savour each and every one of your choice without getting full too quickly. This is most definitely stodgy food which makes a pleasant change.
The menu for Jumeirah Restaurant Week is equally as good, if a little more affordable. With a choice of two favourite starters; vegetable samosas and Aloo Mutter Ki Tikki, both rich in flavour and served with a thick, tangy chutney.
For main course you can choose from a selection of curries or grilled meat such as Seekh lamb Kebab or chicken, both signature dishes of Amala. Accompany your dishes with a selection of sides including steamed rice, Naan and vegetables. If you still have room, you simply must try a traditional ‘Kulfi’ ice cream or a Hoy Gulab Jamun which consists of reduced milk dumpling dipped in sugar syrup. Great for those with a sweet tooth.
The food is so good at Amala that you can almost forget the picture perfect setting of the restaurant, with a huge outdoor terrace lit up by ornate swinging lanterns. The inside of the restaurant is equally as pleasing on the eye and perfect for when the temperature heats up. No expense has been spared with extravagant decor and furnishings complimented by lots of polished marble, the overall effect is decadent and exudes a sense of luxury. It’s certainly not your average Indian restaurant.
Amala is not only frequented by the well-healed hotel guests but residents of the UAE and travellers alike who all have one thing in common; they appreciate the finer things in life and have a palette to match. Take your family for an exotic treat or dine with friends and marvel in the rich, flavoursome dishes in this opulent Arabian hideaway on the Palm.
A full list of participating restaurants and menus will be available on early May at www.jumeirahrestaurantweek.com
Click here to make a reservation
The Insider UAE 