Dalchini Restaurant, Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha — Restaurant in Doha

I don’t understand how this restaurant boasts a menu curated by a Michelin star chef, yet serves the most sub par food there ever could be. We visited Dalchini exclusively owing to the fact that they’ve been nominated for the Fact dining awards with the idea that they must be good. I cannot comprehend how dissatisfied we were with the service and the food. If we talk about the service, it’s as if the staff are always in a hurry to clear off your table and move you to the next course. My plate had been taken off the table while I was still mid eating and they didn’t bother to ask me if I was finished. I still had food on the plate so I don’t understand how this could have been a mistake? Moving on to the food, it’s bland. One word, BLAND. I haven’t had worser Indian cuisine elsewhere. The desi style tacos were as dry as the deserts of sahara. The only moisture they had in them were the 3 dollops of a bland and tasteless guacamole that really added zero value to the dish. The kebab platter was okay but why should I expect okay from a restaurant that boasts a michelin chef curated menu? Moving on to main course, the biryani? More like steamed white rice. Apart from the little color in it, if I closed my eyes then I would assume I was having steamed white rice. Dal Makhani, tasteless. Saag paneer was okay. Butter chicken was overtly tangy like they forgot what rendering a tomato gravy is. I hated it. The naan was way too greasy and overall our whole main course went to waste because no one could swallow a morsel of it. Finally the desserts, i thought alright how can they go wrong with desserts that is literally the one thing they cannot mess up. Just looking at the microscopic size of the dessert that wasn’t even filled properly and tasted only of sugar concluded our meal that night. What a waste of money and time. We went back home feeling dissatisfied and super gassy. And everyone woke up at 3 am due to the bad acidity it left us with. Trust this review. Anyone else that days they loved the restaurant have zero taste for Indian food. I love food but Dalchini made me question Indian cuisine for the first time. Save your cash and...

I'd been there before and the food was excellent, the best dal makhani in Doha. Returned back yesterday after a few months and the dal makhani was the worst ever. It had a sweetness to it. I don't eat meat but the others with me said the butter chicken was awful, chicken was overcooked and chewy. The staff are really polite but that does not compensate for the taste of food. I don't eat onion not does my husband like it very much, the previous time of our visit, that was not a problem, however this time it was. The food takes ages to come out, over 20 to 30 mins or even more per course. The restaurant was completely empty except us and then one more table got occupied so there was no excuse for this major delay. We come in around 7.30 and told them that we don't eat onion so what is possible to have without it. Chose a starter that was like a chaat and the waitress confirmed that this was possible. 15 to 20.mins later and the dish comes out full of raw onions and so had to be sent back. Then ordered for another dish with she said the chef will make without onion. After 20 mins she comes out and says it's not possible to make without onion ( why not tell me this before, why wait for 20 mins to decide if it was possible or not) and so I just gave up and said to bring it the way it is and she said it will take another 15 mins. If the restaurant is busy its maybe understandable. They came and apologised many times and even waived the charge off the starter, but I don't think I will be...

We had the absolute pleasure of experiencing Dalchini's 10-course degustation menu, and from start to finish, it was nothing short of exceptional. Each course was a journey beautifully plated, thoughtfully curated, and a perfect balance of bold Indian flavors with modern flair. The progression of the meal was seamless, with each dish introducing something unique yet complementary to the next.

Special mention must go to Simran, who truly elevated our dining experience. Her knowledge of the menu, the ingredients, and the inspirations behind each course was impressive. She took the time to introduce each dish with enthusiasm and clarity, making us feel like we were part of a culinary story. Her warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism made the evening all the more memorable.

If you're looking for a refined Indian dining experience with top-tier service, Dalchini is a must and if you're lucky enough to be served by Simran, you're in for something special.

Even with our noisy babies and all the commotion with entertaining them, Simran really took...