We stumbled once at this restaurant to grab some Biryani to go while shopping in Dalma Mall. Luckily last week we were invited to review the restaurant. Being an avid fan of India cuisine, I always wanted to explore this place hence decided to give it a try. The yellow chilli’s concept was inspired and born from the streets of Meerut, where Chef Sanjeev Kapoor discovered the magic of yellow chilli spice mix the chaatwalas used there adds that extra zing and brings together a confluence of flavors, aroma, and color. With one bite of the yellow chilli, an idea was born. His restaurant, The Yellow Chilli came into being!
After a warm welcome we were seated in a cosy corner. We ordered refreshment drink ” Tarbooza” it was muddled watermelon chunks with some ginger, black pepper , lemon and mint leaves. One can easily differentiate in taste and freshness as this one is even better than freshly blended version. I like ! Peru Pyala is another exciting new cooler with guava juice and lemon mint infusion; it was served in chilli rimmed glasses which added the flavor to each sip.
FOOD:
We also tried Papadi chaat which was a remnant back to good old street snacks; It was crunchy and delicious. For starters, we decided to taste the veg & non-veg grilled platters to sample variety. I liked both, in fact, Veg platter more than non-veg it consisted of 5 items which were beautifully named as per their historical background of ingredients. Another signature grilled starter we sampled was lasooni Jhinga which is really mild and ideal for those whose taste buds are not prone to extreme spice level.
Non- veg Frontier Mix Grill Platter consist of tandoori basil prawns (best item of entire platter), pudina seekh kebab (succulent and tasty), kali mirch fish tikka (very unique and elegant taste), Chandi kaliyan (mildly flavoured chicken bites with cheese lemon & butter, a tempered taste but full of aroma) and murgh angar bedgi (it was pretty hot and spicy). All the items were good n best accompanied with the homemade chutney.
In veg grilled platters the items were even more impressive starting from ‘Hare Masaley ka bhuna paneer’. Those grilled cottage cheese were marinated in fresh mint and coriander and tasted delightful. ‘Tangra chilli paneer’was a spicy version of cottage cheese and was placed next to ‘Chana Joe garam Tikki’. It was basically potato and cheese patty coated with crushed black gram; was crunchy and detectable. ‘Aloo Nazakat’ was great in looks plus taste, it’s scooped potatoes stuffed with sweet corn, nuts, and cottage cheese. ‘Shabnam kai moti’ were also unique in flavor -e mushroom caps basically stuffed with cheese and cooked in tandoor.
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In the main course ordered Sanjeev Kapoor signature dish “Puran Singh da Tariwala Murgh” this delicious chicken in curry is inspired by a dhaba. Knowing this is Master Chef’s personal favorite dish on the menu we have had high expectations from this recipe, and it was up to the mark. In Naan variety, the pyaaz Mirchi ki roti was so good. Biryani is worth mentioning, and it was a great surprise to find Dum ki biryani served in the traditional way in Clay pot cooked with aromatic spice.
In deserts upon host’s request, we tried Gulab e Gulkand, which was a fresh new avatar for gulab jamun stuffed with Gulkand, a sweet mixture used in paan. It was average in taste and I still prefer the classic version better. We also tried the very famous baked Yogurt, which was unmatchable in taste and I literally haven’t had tasted any such dessert else where in Abu Dhabi. I am confident to return at this venue soon for Biryani and this particular dessert.
Overall a good experience. the skillful and warm staff guided us through the menu and help us choose apt dishes according to our taste, adding a touch of customization! The outlets have lovely dining area and seating with vibrant green color hangings and wooden walls décor.
Food was really good and we are definitely returning back to try more and more varieties and the other Asian specialty restaurant Hong Kong which is a great sharing restaurant concept and located right next infact connected to the Yellow Chilli.
