Indigo: Start with the meaty duck tikka kebab (full of rich flavour), and for mains savour the chunky lamb curry cooked Dhaba-style. The medium-spiced gravy comes served in an iron pot and covers lamb so tender it could be cut with a plastic spoon. A light mushroom naan proves ideal to mop up any remains. For a chic Indian restaurant, Indigo is great value for money. A modern edge coupled with an authentic approach offers an alternative curry experience that’ll be hard to beat.
The Curry House: The glowingly orange interior here is matched by the exotica on the menu. The Himalayan mystical momos is a Nepalese version of dim sum, served with a thick and rich tomato relish, and the bhuteko masu is a braised spiced lamb stew that’s simple and excellent. The Curry House is a bargain – the average main dish costs only Dhs10, and a full meal for two will be little more than Dhs70.
Zari Zardozi: The Goan fish curry – tender hammour with mustard seeds and a rich tomato sauce – is exquisite. The breads, biryanis and rices are all excellent too, with the coconut rice and the lamb-stuffed keema naan a highlight. This is a very good restaurant, and – a rare thing this – one that gives nutritional information for some dishes, for those that want healthier options.
India Palace: The food here is a cut above the average street-side restaurant, though it’s by no means haute cuisine. You can still expect to find a good tandoori or a flavoursome dahl, with a nice mix of the classics. The meat is that bit more tender and the spicing a touch more subtle than in many of the city’s cheaper curry houses, so it’s worth paying a few more dirhams, and we’re sure you’ll still find yourself bulging over your belt for a very affordable price.
Nihal: Nihal stands out because compared to its brightly lit neighbours, it looks positively quaint. Once inside, the place feels cosy, and waiters are happy to talk you through the menu. And then to the food, which is uniformly good. The lamb kadai and beef masala are particular high points. For dessert, the kulfi is just heavenly. Every Friday features an all-you-can-eat buffet, and delivery orders arrive quickly, mandating that Nihal be put on speed dial.
