We were excited to receive an invite from Deepti Chandak at Saleem’s of Delhi – Dubai. She hosted the gathering and along with the owners greeted Foodies last week to taste the new menu called “Purani Delhi Ke Zaike”. The night featured a journey of culinary delights from the old streets of Delhi. The theme of the night was Mughlai and guests got a chance to strike a pose in Saleem’s and Anarkali’s themed attire. The evening was quite interactive and a well-organized event by JWD PR & Events, Dubai.
Saleem’s Restaurant is well known for its Mughlai cuisine for the last three decades back in India. Now Dubai also can experience the Mughlai delicacies at Saleem’s of Delhi Dubai located at 155 Sheikh Rashid Rd-Dubai. The venue is quite colourful with live performance by Tabla nawaz (Musical instrument player). The wall hangings as well as the art and drawings displayed across the restaurant will depict the same Mughal era and will transport you back to old streets of Delhi.
Food rundown:
In Veg Starters we had tried 3 options, our favorite being Kaju Mutter Pudina Tikki & Anari Paneer Tikka. You can significantly trace the aroma and delectable taste out of those dishes. Its indeed a great Veggie BBQ treat for a vegan. Non-Veg Starter hit all the correct notes, with perfect spice palate and Mughlai touch their Mutton Seekh & Murg Zafrani Tikka stood out. Tandoori Machi however was lacking on spices.
Non-Veg Main Course has Gosht Nihari (stew consisting of slow-cooked mutton along with bone marrow), one dish for which I will definitely go back to this place again and again. It did not just look very appetizing but very consistent gravy made it extra special. Trust me I am a huge nihari cook as well as fan and not everyone can do good nihari. However, this was so decent, not too spicy and moderately flavorful. Hubby’s favourite was Murg Musallam with fresh naan.
Dum Gosht Biryani was so aromatic and luscious in the taste. The essence of those spices just instantly indicated out senses to dig-in the moment they cut open the dum flour-dough cover of that clay pot. We gulp on whole platter manifestly as it was even too light on stomach and more of pilaf similarity.
Veg Main Course has varieties Aloo Udaigiri is spicy and tender. Paneer Musallam is another highlight of Veg main dishes. It’s not just served with mere tomato curry, but adequate attention was given to perfect grilling and searing of paneer (cottage cheese). Dal Bukhara was served in a miniature bronze bucket and was so close to home-made taste and eventually won our hearts.
Cucumber Julep and tornado twist were two very refreshing and amazing drinks we had along with our dinner.
Our food drill finished off on a sweet note with Kesar Kulfi. They have an amazing serving set-up; all members were well aware of the details about the dishes. The best thing about the restaurant is cleanliness and décor. Since it was a laid down setting menu they were not suggesting much but you must definitely ask about all the choices once you go to order and eat.
All in all it’s a very great place and I love the Flavours and spices of the food they served. I would surely visit them back soon and will recommend you to check out this great place for Mughlai place in Dubai. Special thanks to JWD events and Restaurant management and Staff.
Nihari Trivia:
- This dish was first developed during the Mughal Empire which ruled over a significant part of the Indian Subcontinent.
- Nihari is also used as a home remedy for Common cold, Rhinorrhea and Fever. According to a legend, it was concocted at least a hundred years ago in Delhi by a Hakeem.
- Nihari is a dish of Delhi, Bhopal and Lucknow. After the independence of Pakistan many cooks migrated to Karachi and Bangladesh, and established restaurants. In Karachi, Nihari became a roaring success and soon all over Pakistan where its considered to be the National Dish now.