Have you ever been on the historical Silk Road? We were, on a culinary experience with flavors from Morroco to Japan, at Aamara Restaurant.
Aamara Restaurant is located on the 2nd floor of Voco Hotel, on Sheikh Zayed Road and has an oriental vibe since the entrance. The tables are quite private with a dim light above each of them. The only "modern sign" are the signboards on the walls with funny and food-related quotes. The restaurant is also licensed and has a smoking area as well.
Aamara is definitely one of the restaurants that we would recommend 100%. The food is beyond delicious and it is sophisticatedly presented. It's traditional food with a twist.
We tried several dishes, one portion of each that we shared. Most of them are amuse bouche and starters and had 2-3 main courses and one dessert: *Hummus with fresh za'atar pesto (AED 45) *Aamara finger salad with lettuce cream and pomegranate molasses (AED 35) - we could have eaten a bowl of lettuce cream to be honest. *King oyster kushiaki with tandoori aioli, chives and garlic chips (AED 85) - king oyster is actually a mushroom and kushiaki is the Japanese term for skewers. Definitely, this is a must when you go there. It's one of the best things we ate so far. *Za'atar kebab with preserved lemon, cherry tomato and olive pickle (AED 105) - this is just divine. *Butterfly prawn with muhammara chutney and candied walnut (AED 125) - these prawns are gigantic and the chutney and candied walnut made a finger-licking combination.
Still, King Oyster Kushiaki is our no. 1!!!
*Green chilly charcoal chops, garlic mayo, hummus and shoestring fries (AED 145) - again, very delicious and something that we would like to eat again. *Lamb shank tagine with caramelized onions and saffron couscous (AED 140) - the shank melting in our mouth, a very pleasant experience, like no need to chew it. *Malabar shrimp curry with lemon rice (AED 125) For the dessert, we opted for Opera cake that was prepared at our table. The best chocolate cake.
As it was dinner, we were able to go for more in terms of drinks and chose 2 cocktails: *Petal Drop (rose petals infused Hendricks, spice syrup, peppercorn bitter served with flavoured smoke) - AED 90 and *Men in Black (black rose macerated Cognac, Absinthe, Campari, mixer's spice honey, edible charcoal and jasmine perfume) - AED 90.
It was our first time at this restaurant but definitely is one suitable for a sophisticated lunch or dinner, special occasions but also one can try the Testing menu for AED 200 only. It's one of the places where a lunch or dinner invitation...
Read moreStepping into Bistro Aamara in Dubai is less like entering a restaurant and more like embarking on a vibrant, aromatic journey through India's soul. But here's the twist: it's an India you might not even recognize, an India amplified, reimagined, and presented with a level of artistry that surpasses even the most lauded establishments back home. "More Indian than India itself" might sound hyperbolic, but after a meal at Aamara, you'll understand. It's not about replicating the familiar; it's about capturing the essence, the spirit, and the sheer audacity of Indian cuisine, and then elevating it to a breathtaking new plane. The "fusion" label often conjures images of chaotic culinary mashups, but Aamara dispels that notion with surgical precision. Their approach is less about forced marriages and more about a harmonious dance of flavors, where traditional Indian techniques meet global inspirations in a breathtaking ballet. The Astonishing Fusion: Each dish is a masterpiece: From the exquisitely plated appetizers to the decadent desserts, the presentation alone is worth the visit. But the real magic lies in the symphony of flavors. A carefully curated spice blend, a surprising textural element, a subtle hint of a global influence – every bite is a revelation. A celebration of regional diversity: Aamara doesn't just stick to the well-trodden paths of North Indian cuisine. It delves deep into the regional treasures of India, showcasing the diversity of flavors with a modern, sophisticated twist. Innovation without compromising authenticity: The chefs at Aamara possess a deep understanding of Indian culinary traditions, which allows them to experiment with confidence. They push boundaries, but never at the expense of the core flavors that make Indian food so beloved. Beyond the Food: Ambiance: The restaurant's ambiance is elegant and inviting, a perfect backdrop for the culinary spectacle that unfolds on your plate. Service: The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, guiding you through the menu and enhancing your dining experience. In conclusion: Aamara is not just another Indian restaurant in Dubai; it's a testament to the boundless creativity and artistry of Indian cuisine. It’s an experience that will challenge your preconceptions and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the culinary heritage of India. If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience that transcends the ordinary, Aamara is an absolute must-visit. Prepare...
Read moreBistro Amaara - a place where the food expectations are exceeded supplemented with service that makes the culinary experience not just enjoyable but for a foodie like me who loves flavour and out-of the-box thinking - takes it to the next level!
Our starters like the jackfruit and corn shami kabab and the butterfly grilled prawns - were super delicious (we wordered seconds!). The lamb chops were succulent and so flavoursome that we willed ourselves from ordering more to give the main courses a chance. The chicken biryani was certainly one of the best Ive eaten and kids can happily have it without any fear of being too spicy.
Not being much of a dessert person - I was blown by the subtlty and flavours of the Mango Passion Sphere - a not too sweet dessert but so beautifully conceptualised and executed - kudos to the chef (Chef Ritwik) who created it. Its the perfect way to start the dessert journey and ending it with the light yet intensely flavoursome Miso Tiramisu.
Our server - Huzaifa Khan - needs a special mention for not just reccomending all the dishes but suggesting the drinks and customising them when we liked a particular flavour. Rarely would one find that not just the food but also the drinks (cocktails and mocktails alike) have been looked after by a restaurant to your liking. In fact he made our lunch experience a delight!
The chef - Ritwik Sarkar - made it a point to come and personally check on our experience which was a wonderful touch. His passion for food and excellence is reflected in every dish and definitely a place to visit again.
The only negative I would find would be in the ambience and the atmosphere which is reflected in the rating. Except for Khan - I wouldn't say the service right from the moment we entered the place was anything to talk about. We had to initially look out for someone to serve us but once Khan found us we were well taken care of.
Except for that minor flaw - would I go again - A hard YES! Bistro Amaara is a top notch restaurant that makes you...
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