Being in friends with South Indians for long I know for a fact that their culinary journey begins and ends with coconut curry, I am a great fan to only few of those dishes but not many as I hardly use to find much of variation in taste due to common base curry. Hence I did RSVP with great trepidation to try the offerings at Ushna, it is the Indian restaurant at Souq Qaryat Al Beri located in the Al Maqta area, overlooking a fabulous view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the magnificence of art for this monument is even elated at night via artistic graphic works and beautiful spot lighting. Dining in this location and the food itself was highlight of the night. I have to say that I was truly amazed by the pleasant fiery preparations and palate cleaning process. (as each of the dish ended off with its own unique taste without endowing another.)
Diner foodies board on this food excursion with an uplifting watermelon rocket shooter, it has unique taste & hit of melon with black sea salt, sweet and sour in taste with mint sprinkled on it. We also tasted lentil crackers(papad) which was served with the choices of 4 sauces (chutney)I-e: chickpeas, mint, lemon pickle and mango.
Starters: Some call it Pyaz Pakora. It my favorite, its known as Curry leaf and Tamilian Shallot Bhajiya on the menu. A very traditional dish in a completely different level the aroma of curry leaf was so pleasant. It is one of the most popular tea-time snack in sub-continent. We love the demonstration and crunchiness in flavor. It was served on a bed of curd-rice mixture. Rooh-E-Gulab Shorba was next for tasting. It is basically tomato soup with prominent rose flavor, though it’s not over-empowering. It is a must try for the starters. The taste and blend both are unique keeping par balance with both the loud taste ingredients i-e Tomato & Rose. The idea of serving it with salt & sweet croutons (regionally known as namak pare) was exceptionally inventive.
Next up was a mix platter that contained tandoori and BBQ items. Sarsoon Murgh Tikka Zafrani Jhinga (prawns), Murgh Chandi kebab (almond ginger based with edible silver sheer foil) and Hydrabadi mutton chop, all of which were scrumptious, mutton chops being my favorite.
Mains: We were served some of their Handi specialties (Ushna ki Handi se meaning from Ushna’s pot. The murgh makhani is something one must try. It has tandoori murgh soaked in Tomato fondue. The rich fenugreek aroma have made it most aromatic dish so far on the table.
Tellicherry pepper prawn masala was fairly sophisticated and unexpectedly not as spicy in spite of its fiery color. Gulf shrimps are the main ingredients in this dish and it goes really well with Naan.
The Rajasthani Dhuenka Lal Maas was very distinctive–first of a kind I have tasted. They informed me this dish is from Kerala. It was again sweet and sour, the heat was from pepper used in it. Desi Ghee, clove smoked and caramelized onions flavor altogether make it unique dish. Accompaniments has some yummy items too like Daal Saat Nizami & Methi Aloo Gobi. Naan, Roti, Paratha, Raita and Rice were also served. I kept some space for desserts while munching on my mains and all worth it as it didn’t fail to impress.
Desserts: It’s a platter with three choice i-e Saffron Rasmalai milky, aromatic and sweet Indian desserts. Second was Pistachio Cardamom Kulfi, Iloved the taste of dry fruits and nuts inside. It was creamy and with perfect temperature set consistency. I love dark chocolate hence my favorite was the third option i-e Chocolate Delice with Fresh Berry Coulis.
DRINKS: They serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Flavors are bold for the virgin mocktails. We tried Pomegranate Lychee – Fresh pomegranate muddled with the lychee juice and syrup. Hint of cardamom with lemonade makes this drink interesting.
Ushna staff is so humble and generous that we were being spoilt by the flawless overhaul of the tastiest line-up of food dishes. They are attentive and were in providing napkin, towels and constantly changing the dining plates.
The wonderful & tremendous dinner night concluded with their latest masala chai – a very unique variation as it was served cold with whole coffee beans sharpening the taste. I dint find any element of Chai, except the milky part however I enjoyed it as a Frappuccino.
To conclude, Ushna is an ideal Indian fine dining restaurant that offers an awe-inspiring sight and perfect service with delicious food. These innovative starters were liked by all. In main dishes meats were so tender. A must visit destination for Indian food lovers.
Special thanks to Zomato & Rayyan for their kind invitation. #UshnaFoodJourney #ZomatoMeetup
Is this the one you’ve posted on your facebook which you’ve meet up with some other bloggers too? Sweet! :’)