Indian food is one of the most popular for all kinds of reasons – there are a lot of regional variations in spices, flavours and ingredients. Punjab Grill, it should be said, is right at the top end of the fine-dining spectrum. It has a sophisticated setting at Venetian Village by Khor Al Maqtaa and has plates of food that are a treat for the eyes as well as the stomach.
A basket of poppadoms arrives at the table with lime pickle, mint raita and chickpea chutney. The perfect pre-starter snack, they last just until the first course arrives. We try the palak patta chat and dakshini shrimp.
The spinach fritters are stunningly crisp topped with sweet pomegranate, yoghurt, radish and cool mint. It’s a dish that’s beautiful and delicious in equal measure.
Also brilliant, the spiced shrimp are expertly seasoned, with a hum of green chilli, cumin and pickled radish. Both starters are recommended.
Mains of laccha panak paneer and chicken tikka masala also hit the spot. The latter is a classic and it doesn’t disappoint here with tender meat and a rich gravy, packed with charred bell pepper that gets soaked up with pillow-like garlic naan. We use torn pieces of paratha to scoop up tender cubes of tandoor-cooked paneer that sit in a thick spinach saag packed with garlic, cumin and chilli.
The food at Punjab Grill is of an extremely high standard. The ingredients are quality, the spicing is perfect, the presentation beautiful. Service is attentive and helpful, too. We’re trying to think of faults but can’t find many.
