Dubai’s mix of cultures means there’s always something to tickle your tastebuds no matter what you fancy. And with a flight time of just over three hours to Mumbai, Dubai is one of the best places in the world to feast on fine Indian cooking.
The list of Indian eateries in Dubai is huge, but for an experience with a twist, Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor at Melia Dubai is among the very best.
Headed by Sanjeev Kapoor, one of India’s best known chefs (he was once a judge on Masterchef India and had his own cookery show – think Gordon Ramsay, but much nicer), the light and elegant restaurant is the perfect spot for lunch on your honeymoon escape.
The menu is extensive, so choosing one of the specially curated set menus is wise. Intelligently selected by the restaurant’s chefs, the set menus take you on a gastronomic whirlwind through several regions of the Subcontinent; expect staples such as pani puri, papad and chaat with a delicious 21st Century twist.
Our menu included gorgeously spiced lamb Galouti kebab with velvet lamb chops that were melt-in-the-mouth tender.
Biryani received a luxury upgrade with succulent chunks of lobster, while the tasting of Butter Chicken (lifted, unusually, with lemongrass) was bursting with flavour.
Rounding off the meal, the friendly and attentive waiters brought over delicate scoops of frozen cherry tomato sorbet – a refreshing end to a beautiful meal.
From the youthful atmosphere and live cooking stations where you can watch your dinner being prepared, to the excellent front-of-house and kitchen staff, dining at Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor is one of our top picks for newlyweds looking for luxurious yet modern Indian cuisine.
• Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor