Food

India Travel Diaries: Chicken Pulao for Iftar (a hearty recipe to feed a crowd of 40)

I am spending the last few precious days of Ramadan in India with the extended family. Iftars here are rather different from the UAE. When fasting in Dubai, we tend to focus on the socializing aspect of Ramadan, and are spoilt for choice with the plethora of Iftars and Suhoor buffets on offer.

In my husband’s hometown of Shillong (Meghalaya), Iftars are far more solemn and people prefer to enjoy them within the privacy of their own homes with close family. Neighbours exchange dishes, but mainly meet up in the mosque for the extended prayers.

Chicken Pulao Recipe Iftar Ramadan India Muslim Indian Recipe Shillong India Bengal Assam The Tezzy Files Dubai Food Lifestyle Travel Blog Blogger (1)

I spent the last couple of days at my maternal aunt Zuleikha Hazarika’s place, and had the pleasure of watching her very talented cook, Ali, whip up a giant pot full of traditional Chicken Pulao (an aromatic chicken pilaf fragranced with the spicy notes of cardamom, cloves and cinnamon). In the true spirit of Ramadan, the pulao was divided up into boxes, and distributed across the neighbourhood to close friends, as well as the less fortunate.

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Dinner Date at The Artisan by Enoteca Pinchiorri

Tucked away in a quiet corner of DIFC is one of Dubai’s latest Italian imports, one with the much coveted Michelin Star association. The Artisan by Enoteca Pinchiorri already has a huge fan following in Florence, and the dishes this restaurant churns out under the guidance of 3 Michelin Star Chef Annie Féolde are fabled to be absolute works of art.

The Artisan by Enoteca Pinchiorri review by The Tezzy Files Dubai Food Blog UAE Michelin Star Fine Dining (1).jpg

The original branch in Florence has been around since the early 1970’s, and was established by Chef Annie and Giorgio Pinchiorri. Today, the restaurant has earned a reputation as an institution for gourmet excellence, and I was therefore super excited about the prospect of trying out their highly coveted Italian spread, right here in Dubai.

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Iftar at Ananta (The Oberoi): Indian Iftars Rediscovered

I have dined at Ananta, The Oberoi a countless number of times before, and the enticing, ever-changing menu here never fails to impress. Staying true to the culinary traditions of India, Ananta has always been one to keep true to its Indian roots, and the whole premise of their offerings has been to uncover forgotten gems from the different states of India.

Ananta’s traditional stance has definitely paid off, and the restaurant has received a number of accolades including being awarded 3 Black Hats under the What’s On 2016 edition of the ‘The Black Hat Restaurant Guide’, and bagging the prestigious BBC Good Food Award for ‘Best Indian Fine-Dining Restaurant in the Middle East 2014’.

Awadhi Cuisine, which originates from the princely Indian province of Lucknow, is rarely seen offered on UAE menus. Executive Head Chef Dirham Haque explores the tantalizing flavours of Awadhi cuisine and its rich cultural linkup with Mughlai, Punjabi and North Indian cooking, and does a great job at recreating a feast you would only expect to be served at a Nawabi table.

Ananta The Oberoi Indian Fine Dining Iftar review Ramadan 2016 by The Tezzy Files Dubai Food Blog UAE Lifestyle Blogger (17)

Taking the premise of Awadhi cuisine, Chef Dirham has created a delicious lineup of Indian Muslim dishes for Ramadan.

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Iftar at Mazaher (Convention Tower, Dubai)

Mazaher translates to orange blossom, a fragrant essence often found sprinkled on gourmet Arabic delicacies. It is also the name of Trade Center Dubai’s newest Lebanese restaurant, and I had the pleasure of being invited for Iftar there last week.

The restaurant interiors are delightfully bright, chirpy and bistro-style. With Parisian-style cafe seating, potted plants and arched doorways, Mazaher is every bit the quintessential boutique-style cafe.

Image taken from http://www.mazaher-dubai.com
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Iftar at Jodhpur – Royal Dining: Nostalgia in Every Bite

About a week ago, I had the pleasure of being invited for Iftar at Jodhpur – Royal Dining, one of Dubai’s newest Indian fine-dining establishments. This was my very first visit to Jodhpur, and I was really looking forward to it. I have seen beautiful images across social media, and was especially intrigued by their Chaat Macaroons. Will all their dishes be just as innovative? What was their take on Iftar? Jodhpur proved to be a delightful take on classic Indian cuisine with a few global inspirations thrown in, and I had a very memorable experience.

Located in Murooj Rotana (Downtown Dubai), the clean, welcoming exteriors look deceptively modern. Walking indoors, the mind is transported to another world. The turquoise walls and gilded mirrors have all the makings of an enchanted castle, tucked away in the story books of exotic India.

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Iftar at Fountain Restaurant (Al Bustan Centre & Residence)

I was recently invited for an Iftar at Fountain Restaurant, and I was rather intrigued by the restaurant’s name. Surely they must have a magnificent fountain that acts as center stage to the ambience? Nothing cliche like that at all. Instead, the restaurant features a cascade of flowing water that acts like a curtain dividing the lounge area from the dining.

Iftar at Fountain Restaurant Al Bustan Centre and residence Dubai review by The Tezzy Files UAE Food Blog (8)

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Iftar at Tresind!

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of dining at Tresind, chances are that this maestro of molecular gastronomy will be the first to come in mind when asked to name your absolute favorite fine-dining Indian restaurant in Dubai. I recently raved about their brand new Summer 2016 menu (read all about it by clicking here), and was back last week to try out their lineup for Ramadan.

For Ramadan 2016, Tresind Dubai minimizes on the molecular gastronomic drama they are known for, and takes a more traditional route. Having said that, each and every dish is still given a signature Tresind twist and we were in for some very interesting, enticing treats.

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Iftar at Leopold’s of London

Leopold’s of London: Named after a fabled wanderer who sourced spices and teas from around the globe and later opened shop in London, this gourmet cafe-style eatery located on The Beach JBR boasts of stunning views of the Dubai shoreline.

Leopold's of London review by The Tezzy Files Dubai Food and Lifestyle blogger UAE The Beach JBR Coffee Tea Library (1)

What better way to break fast than witnessing the mellowing sunset on this scenic shoreline canvas, with the silhouetto of The Palm Jumeirah in the backdrop? We had the pleasure of breaking our very first fast this Ramadan at Leopold’s of London, and had the very memorable experience indeed.

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Global Eats: Foodie Trail Around Toronto, Canada

Where are you heading off this summer? If you are a major foodie like me, you’d take to Google to plan out your foodie trail in the little time you’ve got at your destination. However, an even better bet is having a local friend who’s lived and eaten around the city. Today we are exploring Toronto (Canada) through the tastebuds of my very special friend Upa Hazarika. Upa and I go back a long, long time and have been friends since we were wee toddlers. Trust me, this girl has great taste when it comes to eating out 🙂 Read on about her recent trip back to her hometown Toronto.

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Pind Da Dhaba: A Fresh New Take on Punjabi Lassis & Kulfis

Pind Da Dhaba is a delightfully quirky little Punjabi joint located in Karama, Dubai. We were hosted by the lovely Deepti Chandak from the Jive with Deepti blog, and literally drowned ourselves in the most delicious lineup of lassis!

Lassi, the quintessentially Punjabi yoghurt smoothie, takes on a whole new lineup of unexpected avatars at Pind Da Dhaba. Served in traditional Kulhars (disposable Indian clay cups), the lassis cost a mere AED 12 each, and you really are spoilt for choice with a total of 12 innovatively different varieties.

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