Qissa Arabic Restaurant — Restaurant in Bengaluru

Nestled in a quiet corner of the city, Qissa offers a cozy ambiance that transports diners to a world where Middle Eastern flavors take center stage. With a menu boasting traditional dishes, the restaurant promises an authentic culinary journey. My recent visit to Qissa left me with mixed feelings, as the experience was a blend of highs and lows that balanced the overall dining experience.

The evening commenced with a sense of excitement as I perused the menu brimming with enticing options. Opting for the Maqlooba, a classic Middle Eastern rice dish, was an easy decision. However, the dish fell short of expectations. While the presentation was inviting, the flavors lacked the depth and complexity that are characteristic of this renowned dish. The rice was slightly overcooked and lacked the distinct layering of flavors that Maqlooba is known for. The accompanying grilled wings shared a similar fate – they were satisfactory but lacked the desired succulence and seasoning that would have elevated them to greatness.

The dessert, Umm Ali, offered redemption for the earlier disappointments. This traditional Egyptian delicacy, a bread pudding infused with aromatic flavors, was a true delight. Each spoonful was a harmonious marriage of textures and tastes. The flaky pastry was enveloped in a velvety mix of milk, nuts, and dried fruits, creating a symphony of sweetness that danced on the palate. Umm Ali was undoubtedly the highlight of the meal, salvaging the dining experience from a potential downfall.

To wash down the flavors, I decided to indulge in a cup of Turkish Coffee. The strong aroma and rich taste were a perfect ending note to the meal. The presentation, complete with a delicate coffee cup and saucer, added a touch of elegance. Sipping the coffee, I appreciated the authenticity of the experience, which showcased the restaurant's commitment to providing genuine Middle Eastern fare.

The service at Qissa was noteworthy, with attentive staff members who were eager to assist and provide recommendations. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to accommodate dietary preferences was commendable. The ambiance, too, played its part in creating a comfortable and inviting space. Warm lighting and tasteful décor contributed to the overall charm of the restaurant, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and gatherings.

In summary, my dining experience at Qissa was marked by a range of flavors and emotions. While the Maqlooba and grilled wings left much to be desired in terms of taste and execution, the dessert and Turkish Coffee were true winners. The attentive service and pleasant ambiance added to the overall positive impression. Qissa has the potential to be a standout dining destination with a few improvements in the execution of their dishes. For now, it offers an average culinary experience with moments of brilliance that warrant a visit, especially if you have a sweet tooth...

Qissa Restaurant – A Mediterranean Delight

Overview Qissa Restaurant offers a cozy setting to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of authenticity. I visited for a family lunch and left with a pleasant experience, though there’s room for improvement in certain aspects.

Reservation Experience Booking a table was seamless using Swiggy, which made the start of the experience hassle-free. Additionally, Swiggy provides an option to avail discounts, which is a great deal for diners.

Ambiance The restaurant has a small, intimate setup with approximately 10 tables. While it isn’t crowded, the limited seating means it’s better to make reservations. However, finding parking nearby was inconvenient due to the absence of valet parking or designated parking spaces. This is an area Qissa can improve upon.

Menu Qissa’s menu is rich in variety, featuring traditional Arabic salads, soups, main courses, and desserts. It’s an ideal spot for Mediterranean food enthusiasts.

Food Ordered

Cold Mezze Platter: A perfect appetizer with fresh flavors that truly embody Mediterranean traditions.

Qissa Signature Mix Grill Platter: This was the highlight of our meal. The kebabs were tender and juicy, showcasing the mastery of grilling. However, the lamb kebabs were slightly overdone, perhaps due to being left on the coals a tad too long. Despite this, the rest of the dishes in the platter were delightful and made up for the lapse. The portion size was generous and easily served our party of four.

Service The service was efficient, and the staff was polite and accommodating. This added to the overall satisfaction of the experience.

Suggestions

Introduce Valet Parking: As parking on the street was inconvenient, valet service would enhance the dining experience, especially in a busy area.

Focus on Precision in Grilling: Ensuring consistency in grilling, particularly for items like lamb kebabs, would elevate the culinary experience further.

Rating and Final Tips Overall, I’d rate Qissa a 4/5 for its authentic flavors, good service, and inviting ambiance. While parking is an issue, the food and service make it worth visiting.

Tip for Diners: Book and pay through Swiggy to enjoy additional discounts and ensure your table is reserved.

Looking forward to visiting again to explore more of their delightful...

Qissa Qissa Indiranagar - Present day outlet that Focuses on Arabic, Lebanese and Middle eastern fare. I personally adore and fall in love with places which focuses on specific cuisine and brings out the charm in dishing out delicacies

Qissa is one such place that focuses on middle east cuisine - serving some fabulous dishes Hummus, Falafels, Sambousak, Shish Taouk, Shawarma, Manakeesh, Mandi , Koshari, Bamia, Kunafeh and Umm Ali.

One would get to experience a rich Ottawan , Egyptian dishes not to be found elsewhere

This is their USP

They did a fabulous job in recreating those delicacies. For me its a short culinary trip to Cairo and Turkey

Choose to try the Turkish coffee (A perfect one and a must try here) Kawa is decent enough.

Started our meal with Shurba Addas - A rich lentil soup which is comforting. Cold Mezze platter served with Pita - impressive. Sambousek - is my personal favourite when it comes to Hot Mezze, Fried pastry with a generous filling of minced meat . Shish Taouk - a classic from Ottoman cuisine - perfectly marinated chicken served with Hummus fries and salad Grilled Basa - basa fillet grilled with simple spices a must for all fish lovers out there.

Koshari (In mains) - A true Egyptian classic dish made with rice, lentils, macaroni topped with fried onions served along with Bamia (a mild stew with a perfect amalgamation of okra and tender lamb ) - THIS IS ONE SUCH DISH WHICH MADE ME SAY WOW ! Do take my word - do not miss to try this one at QISSA.

Ended our meal with Umm Ali Classic bread pudding ..

Ambiance - is noteworthy and would transport you back to those by-lanes in Turkey and Cairo - with rustic wooden furniture wall arts around.

Service - The staff here deserves a huge applause. They did their best to make sure we had a wonderful dining experience out there.

Would sum up my experience as below

Ambiance - 4/5 Food - 5/5 (stole the show) Service - 5/5 VFM - 5/5

Food is for sure impressive and delectable , portions are huge and quality of ingredients is something which can be sensed in each dish. Do pay a visit if you are in and around Indiranagar. Bon...