Rangoli – Colors of Food at Yas Rotana Abu Dhabi.

Hidden away at the Rotana Hotel on Yas Island in Yas Plaza is Rangoli offering a inimitable dining familiarity with an exciting menu that reflects the vigor of established Indian food preparation, with some enticing fusions with contemporary savor. You will highly witness the pre-dominance and creative skills of trained and confident chefs who bring along lots of experience and hence create a great final palate to come straight to your table.

The venue is well laid out internally, providing seclusion if needed, they have close sections, open terrace, group dining halls and an open table if preferred. As the weather is getting better I would prefer sitting outside and eat as late November you may expect a cool breeze flowing suiting the still high temperature. and I would recommend getting a Cubical spot for dining as it’s away from extra noise however if you are going with a large group they well cater to that but placing you in one of the two large round and rectangular table sitting area. These rooms display a great versatility and an appalling pink and green theme having the in-room Mughal swing and pale lights reflecting traditional Indian dynasty touches.

The service is satisfactory, not ‘go by’ attitude by any staff and most of them are well informed and pleasant to converse with. The lady host Sanjeeta forever has a warm greeting for us. Fusion of glittery and chic tableware, the freshly fit to be eaten menu from the Tandoor and the aroma from the back kitchen will carry you to a secluded location altogether where you will enjoy your time with family and friends.

Came here on Tuesday and enjoy Taste on India, which compelled us to try out their Friday Brunch and I must say such a tasty treat it was! We get to enjoy our peace at dining and unlike a lot of outlets not several people rushed our table during the line of your feast to ask how the food is, while an executive Chef has approach to our table presenting his specially designed sweet treat which is so far the best we tasted I-e Pan Masala Kulfi (Chef’s Special) and discussed the overall feedback of the brunch.

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The menu offers a large variety of dishes, it’s a mix of North and South Indian. It is an ordering from the menu system, where you may choose the items you want to come to your table! and, if one enjoys a picky dish, you may order it over again and again! Hence we had shamelessly ordered more of Onion Bhajia (Fritters) & Dahi Vadas (lentil dumplings with yogurt) as well as their complementary papad. A Friday Brunch also either devoid or inclusive of happy cocktails, depending upon your religious persuasion. Appetizing Indian affair and food is awe-inspiring. Very Modest, beautiful interiors and unfussy ambiance with a stress-free and friendly touch! Definitely a “to-go” place to enjoy a weekend afternoon out!

In Starters & Appetizers we also like Mustard Salmon Tikka which is tender and is well marinated in Grain mustard and honey & Aloo Tikki Chaat (V) a vegan option and highly famous amongst the guest. You may well translate it as Crisp potato patty. Chicken Tikka (tandoor cooked morsels) & Lamb Seekh Kebab were so succulent and tender.

In Soups we tried Seafood Broth which seems very oily as cooked in coconut milk, which I am not a great fan of. However, you do have a choice of mentioning your preferred seafood items. I was highly impressed with Saag Murgh, Rich in Nigella seeds aroma and taste with tempered chicken with onion, tomato and spinach. It’s smooth ibn texture and high in iron content. Lamb Bhunna is another likely option for the ones not preferred too much gravy as it’s stir fried with whole spices ginger and garlic, hence very aromatic and wealthy dish

You definitely need to be disappointed if vegetarian as they have great variety too. My all-time favorite was Dal Makhni, which is so yummy. we found the secret as talking to the chef, is in slow stewed cooking of this black lentils with tomatoes. Vegetable Jalfrezi is full of taste and well sautéed with peppers, onions & coriander. Also Masala Aloo is crispy and tasty. We loved the combination of Biryani and plain steamed Rice with the curry items we enjoyed. But they have amazing variety of Lamb, Chicken and Veg biryani.

However, if you are a biryani lover you must not miss their biryani promotion where they offer variety like Kargosh, Malabar, Hyderabadi version as well as SABZ Tehri – Lucknowi style home made with garden fresh vegetables and basmati rice and Kanegach Pulao (V) the Exotic dried mushrooms from land of Kashmir, cooked to perfection with brown basmati

In Desserts it’s colorful and garden affair on plate I would say we get to enjoyed a very artistically prepared, delicate and beautifully prepared Pan Masala Kulfi – Chef’s special. In contrast to how much effort and time has spent in its preparation it was over in no time considering it’s melting clause and being extra ordinary tasty.

It’s a real treat for curry lovers as you simply cannot afford to miss this à la carte brunch, offering a mouth watering array of traditional Indian forte. Well don’t go so far, you may get to taste these true flavors of the opulently exotic destination that is India, every Tuesday at the chic and modern Rangoli Restaurant.

Onion Bhajia was common amongst both menus and we have no complaint at all. Chicken Malai Tikka which is marinated in Cheese and Cream along with Lamb Gilafi Kebab & Fish Amritsari were highlights. Battered friend fish was spicy but totally worth trying.

Kids loved Chicken Tikka Pakora (Fritters) and light Lentil Soup.

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There is a wide spread for Curries on Taste of India menu and none of them is below average. However, our like-meter rate them in below order:
1. Butter Chicken – Curry of Boneless Chicken Breast, Tomatoes, Fresh Cream.
2. Chicken Tikka Masala empowering with garlic and onion taste
3. Keema Matar Lamb Mince, Green Peas, Potato in hot gravy.
4. Marchawangan Korma Slow Braised Lamb with Whole Garam Masala (caution for one whole do not want the whole masala to come in your mouth in each bite)
5. We skipped on Alleppey Fish Curry due to coconut content but if you love it then give it a try as it’s their famous item too

Vegetarian Option is available having Dal Makhni & Dhaba, Paneer Butter Masala (Cottage Cheese Creamy Gravy) and famous Vegetable Kadhai with mixed Vegetables.

Chicken Biryani was good note amongst rice items. Assorted Breads and Naans were accompanied to enjoy with
In Dessert a Square tray with four sections was presented holding Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai, Brownie & Lemon Sorbets. Kids enjoyed strawberry & chocolate ice-cream.

Rangoli’s an ideal permutation of opulence and ease and will surely takes you in the land of food affection. Food is brilliant and service impeccable. The brunch is chiefly superior, however, while some of the food also carries heat, the flavor itself does seem a little bland compared to few Indian restaurants we’ve tried under same category. But overall the food is excellent and not too spicy for those with a delicate palette.
Keeping up to the Rotana standards, Rangoli will surely serve you as they claim:
Have as much as you want of kebabs and Tandoori delights, a variety of curries, a selection of biryanis and vegetarian delicacies, freshly baked bread and naan and an assortment of sweets and ice creams.

You can win a dinner voucher for 2 on their Tuesday night special ‘Taste of India’.

All you have to do is visit the following link and tell us the name of the Chef arranging the menu for Diwali at Rangoli on the comment below.

http://roho.it/rftgk

Hint: You should be able to find the answer on the above link.

We would like to thank the wonderful staff of Yas Rotana and Rangoli. We would also like to extend our special thanks to Sabrina Wurfel for arranging this review.