Antique Bazaar’s dose of Indian flavours

When I got into a small elevator crammed with a crowd to reach Antique Bazaar little did I realize what an elaborate meal I was going to have. Stepping inside for a second or two I couldn’t recall anything but the image of the massive door wrought out of solid wood and embellished with motifs and the numerous pictures of celebrities who visited the restaurant such as Priyanka Chopra, Imran Khan, Suresh Oberoi and Sohail Khan. 

The atmosphere was vibrant and upbeat; made so by B’wood and Arabic music and diners who relished their hearty share of food. It was no wonder that within minutes I found myself settling down in the comfort of the softly cushioned sofas flourished in Rajasthani block prints, tasting deliciously creamy chutneys, pickles, splitting open pepper pappads with vigour and gazing at the menu.

For starters, I didn’t want to order anything but Paneer. The Shikandari paneer was made artfully colourful with green and red bell peppers interspersed between creamy white Paneer cubes and the whole mass laid on a bed of crunchy pink onion rings. The paneer was tender, chewy and zesty because of the rich flavours of the veggies and the coriander leaves. Soon the second appetiser was served - the Kali Motia Tikka. Although the chicken was delicate it was smothered with tongue-scorching pepper. Thankfully, the butter on my naan slid on my tongue and soothed the raw, stings left by pepper. But after I had overcome the comforting sensation, I realised the bread was a tad hard and leathery. I soon dipped the naans into three distinct dishes of butter chicken masala, katra gobhi mutter and dal tadka.

The butter chicken masala was mild and aromatic, the Katra gobhi mutter lacked flavour but the daal tadka was wholesome and filling.

Minutes later dessert was served. The gulab jamun was soft and juicy and I soon found myself lip syncing a popular B’wood song being played in the background. Although the music was a tad loud for me to have any conversation with my friend, in a way I was glad that because of it I had singularly paid attention only to the food in front of me.

[info]
• WHERE: Antique Bazaar, Four Points by Sheraton, Bur Dubai
• DRESS CODE: Smart-Casual
• CONTACT: 04 397 7444