Abu Dhabi is home to an impressive array of Indian restaurants, ranging from casual eateries serving traditional home-style dishes to luxurious fine dining establishments offering innovative takes on Indian cuisine. Here’s a list of famous Indian restaurants in Abu Dhabi that serve authentic, regional Indian dishes as well as contemporary twists:
1. Biryani Pot
- Cuisine: Indian (Specializes in Biryani)
- Location: Al Khalidiyah
- Why it’s famous: Biryani Pot is dedicated to one of India’s most beloved dishes — biryani. The restaurant serves a variety of biryanis from different regions of India, such as Hyderabadi, Lucknowi, and Kolkata biryani. It’s known for its aromatic, flavorful rice dishes and rich accompaniments like raita and salad.
- Signature Dish: Hyderabadi Biryani, Lucknowi Biryani, and Mutton Seekh Kebab.
2. Chutney’s
- Cuisine: Indian, North and South Indian
- Location: Le Meridien, Abu Dhabi
- Why it’s famous: Chutney’s offers a diverse selection of Indian dishes with a focus on North and South Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s chic and modern setting offers an upscale yet relaxed dining experience, making it a popular spot for both casual dining and special occasions.
- Signature Dish: Butter Chicken, Dosas, Dal Tadka, and South Indian Thali.
3. Punjab Grill
- Cuisine: North Indian, Punjabi
- Location: The Venetian Village, Yas Island
- Why it’s famous: Punjab Grill is a well-known chain that brings authentic Punjabi flavors with a fine-dining experience. The menu combines traditional recipes with modern techniques, offering rich curries, tandoori grills, and street food-inspired dishes.
- Signature Dish: Tandoori Lobster, Lamb Seekh Kebab, Butter Chicken, and Amritsari Macchi.
4. Tamba
- Cuisine: Modern Indian Fusion
- Location: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
- Why it’s famous: Tamba offers a contemporary twist on classic Indian dishes, combining traditional Indian spices and ingredients with modern techniques and presentation. The restaurant has an upscale ambiance and is perfect for those looking for a fine-dining experience with inventive Indian cuisine.
- Signature Dish: Dosa cones, Duck Makhani, Lamb Nihari, and Lamb Chops.
5. Ziya
- Cuisine: Modern Indian
- Location: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
- Why it’s famous: Ziya is one of Abu Dhabi’s most acclaimed fine-dining Indian restaurants, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia. The restaurant specializes in innovative Indian cuisine, offering dishes that reflect a fusion of traditional Indian flavors with international techniques and presentations.
- Signature Dish: Kaleji ke Kebab, Tandoori Salmon, and Crispy Shrimps with Mango Chutney.
6. Patiala
- Cuisine: North Indian, Punjabi
- Location: Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa
- Why it’s famous: Patiala offers an immersive experience in traditional Punjabi cuisine, with rich, flavorful dishes cooked in tandoors and over charcoal. The restaurant’s ambiance and food both reflect the vibrant and robust flavors of Punjab.
- Signature Dish: Patiala Dal, Tandoori Kebab, Butter Chicken, and Lassi.
7. Jodhpur
- Cuisine: Royal Indian, North-Western Indian
- Location: Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club
- Why it’s famous: Jodhpur offers a royal Rajasthani dining experience, with an emphasis on the rich flavors of North-Western India. The restaurant’s luxurious décor is complemented by its menu, which includes tandoori, biryanis, and traditional Rajasthani dishes like dal baati churma.
- Signature Dish: Dal Baati Churma, Murg Tikka, Lamb Rogan Josh, and Ker Sangri.
8. Saffron
- Cuisine: Indian, Middle Eastern
- Location: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
- Why it’s famous: While Saffron blends both Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines, it stands out for its Indian-inspired dishes and spices. The restaurant is known for its rich curries, naan varieties, and tandoori grills, all served in a luxurious, elegant setting.
- Signature Dish: Butter Chicken, Lamb Kofta, Naan, and Mutton Biryani.
9. Sultan’s Lounge
- Cuisine: Indian, Royal Mughlai
- Location: Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
- Why it’s famous: Located in the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, Sultan’s Lounge offers a royal Mughlai-inspired dining experience. The restaurant serves some of the most sophisticated versions of Indian curries, tandoori dishes, and grilled meats, perfect for a lavish dining experience.
- Signature Dish: Kebab platter, Murgh Makhani, and Mughlai Biryani.
10. Khyber
- Cuisine: North Indian, Mughlai
- Location: Dukes The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
- Why it’s famous: Khyber brings the flavors of North Indian and Mughlai cuisine to the UAE, offering a mix of rich curries, grilled meats, and tandoori dishes. The restaurant’s rustic, royal décor adds to the charm and provides an unforgettable dining experience.
- Signature Dish: Tandoori King Prawns, Dal Khyber, Lamb Raan, and Aloo Gobi.
11. Bukhara
- Cuisine: North Indian, Mughlai
- Location: The Le Meridien, Abu Dhabi
- Why it’s famous: Known for its authentic Mughlai and North Indian cuisine, Bukhara offers a traditional dining experience with dishes that are cooked in the tandoor and clay ovens. The flavors are rich, and the service is excellent, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.
- Signature Dish: Dal Bukhara, Tandoori Lamb Chops, Tandoori Prawns, and Mutton Biryani.
12. Moti Mahal Delux
- Cuisine: Indian, Mughlai
- Location: Al Wahda Mall
- Why it’s famous: Moti Mahal Delux is known for its Mughlai-style dishes, especially its tandoori and rogan josh preparations. It is a long-standing name in the Indian food industry, offering authentic, flavorful dishes with a focus on grilled meats and curries.
- Signature Dish: Butter Chicken, Mutton Seekh Kebab, and Rogan Josh.
13. Royal Orchid
- Cuisine: Indian, North and South Indian
- Location: Muroor Road
- Why it’s famous: Royal Orchid serves a wide variety of North and South Indian dishes, focusing on vegetarian fare. It’s known for its dosas, idlis, and vadas, along with spicy curries and biryani.
- Signature Dish: Dosa, Idli, Pongal, and Biryani.
14. Shree Krishna
- Cuisine: Vegetarian, Gujarati, Maharashtrian
- Location: Al Nahyan
- Why it’s famous: If you’re looking for authentic vegetarian dishes, Shree Krishna offers a fantastic selection of Gujarati and Maharashtrian specialties. The restaurant is popular for its thali meals and chaat offerings.
- Signature Dish: Dhokla, Pav Bhaji, Thali, and Puran Poli.
Conclusion:
Abu Dhabi offers a fantastic range of Indian restaurants, from fine dining to casual eateries. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional North Indian or Mughlai dishes, South Indian specialties, or modern fusion Indian, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings