Kareem’s, the house of kebabs, curries, and biryani, is located in Ramada Abu Dhabi Corniche. There is no scarcity of Indian restaurants in the UAE or in Capital itself. Hence when a new dining place makes its way to the Emirates, I usually don’t hop on the first opportunity to visit; and rather wait for an occasion to try it out. But Kareem was special as from the very beginning I have heard good reviews of their food from my Indian Friends. Hence recently which is not so soon after its grand opening in 2015, I have decided to visit the place, warmly invited to a booze-free Friday Brunch. For many Indians, Kareem’s brings back nostalgia and memories of bonds and conversations shared over good food.
The restaurant is the brainchild of chef Kareem Dhanani, who has worked magic with dishes and lent them a peculiar distinctness. He is known for highly artistic Indian cooking skills in kebabs, curries, and biryani, the famous dishes that marked the beginning of Kareem’s restaurant business.
Friday Brunch offered a wide selection with almost 50 + items, the basic & staple desi food like cumin rice and Tadka Daal (Lentil) has a mouthwatering taste. Chole Bhathure, Idli Sambhar, and Pao Bhaji were delicious too. Fish Tikka & Biryani were all made to tingle your taste buds with its unique flavors. The authentic Indian-style bread was also available i-e thin and cooked on a tava to perfection and served with Indian-style pickles and many other chutneys (sauces).
It not only the yummy appetizers and the main menu items but they also have a great selection of desserts which were many over there. Plus a separate counter for Salad. And not to forget all this in just 69 AED. The Chicken & Tomato shorbas (Soups) have a distinct taste too, enlivened by coriander and mixed spices with crispy croutons (Namak paras) and drizzled crème on top.
As mentioned the choice of desserts is quite rich too, though fully stuffed tasting a huge range of menu items the Restaurant manager and our great host Naina insisted us on trying out their special Kheer in clay pots. It was worth tasting. The only hitch I found was when the burners went off while we were taking out our food in the second round, hence few dishes were cold in serving dishes. Upon mentioning to the staff, they immediately took notice and fix the error.
If you are planning to dine in at the restaurant or order a meal for delivery, I would suggest biryanis, especially chicken or prawns. As cooked in a traditional style in an earthen pot, each biryani has its distinct character and color, usually white and yellow because of the milk and saffron. Traditionally, biryanis are served with raita to balance the taste of fiery spices in it with its distinct flavor.
For a quick bite, we also tried few dishes from Kareem’s special A’la carte range. Tandoori Chicken Tikka and Malai boti were awesome. It was soft and spicy are truly delectable. I felt it typically tender and succulent with apt marination. The Malai Kebab was melt-in-your-mouth tremendous and tasted great. In curries, Butter Chicken was also delicious, and note merely tomato paste gravy. It has great flavors and amazing taste with just the right amount of spice and complexity. Ala carte dishes were all served hot and fresh.
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With bona fide dining affair, Kareem’s is a place to augment the food familiarity on Indian Cuisine as the staff is quite well versed in dishes and elaborations. Rightly blended curries with herbs and spices gave just a right taste and let your taste buds savor the flavor of original kebabs and biryanis. My experience was exactly how they claim “You do your thing, leave the rest to us” Impressed! Loved the food and the pricing is good as well. You can order full or half portions, which is nice.
I had rarely given high marks to any budgeted buffet/restaurant as I mostly experienced them compromised on quality but Kareem has met my expectations in most of the marks their vigilance in action over diner’s feedback brought great satisfaction to us indeed, and I would give a plus point for that. I would go back there again and will highly recommend it. The staff from supervisors to host, Chefs to Servers were all very cooperative. Highly recommended!
Kareem’s Indian Brunch themed Ghar ka Khana is served every Friday from 11:30 AM – 3:0PM AED Net per person. You can enjoy the richness of traditional home food with the variety ranging all over India.
For more information, visit www.kareeemsglobal.com or call 02-401 9004.
Kareem’s – Ramada Abu Dhabi, Mina Road, Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah), Abu Dhabi