House of Curry - Mohd Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai

[caption id="attachment_2136" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Interiors - Dining at House of Curry[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2128" align="aligncenter" width="705"] House of curry - Interior[/caption]

This one's a new restaurant inaugurated just a month ago and located at Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown. One of the most beautiful restaurants that you could find in that area. Really matches to the name of boulevard. The interiors were mind blowing. I was a little surprised to see an indian restaurant dressed this way. It actually gave me more of a feeling entering a british home in an invaded India. You can find traditional indian bicycle parked in there along with Mona Lisa dressed in a sari. I think she looked prettier in a sari ;) Nice wooden flooring with artificial trees inside the restaurant. I specially loved the tree that had rose flowers on it. Not sure what's the actually name of the tree. My little one had a great time walking around the restaurant. He specially enjoyed feeling the cold air from the AC below as the cooling came from the floor :p

[caption id="attachment_2127" align="aligncenter" width="678"] Daddy look I can stand on one feet[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2135" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Some of the Chairs at House of Curry[/caption]

The 3 sides of the restaurant is surrounded by tall glass and so the experience you have during lunch is really nice with sunlight shooting in from all directions and yet you don't feel the heat from the sun but you enjoy the light coming from it and that does glow the restaurant too. I am not sure how the night would look like in here but I think you should be here atleast once for lunch. By the way the exteriors of this glass restaurant is often a site on all magazines, newspaper or even their website. So I thought I should save my photos for something else that you don't often see.

[caption id="attachment_2133" align="aligncenter" width="705"] House of curry silverware[/caption]

One thing is for sure they've very well taken care of the ambience. It's an excellent restaurant for families and specially a restaurant where you can impress your guests and when it's new it's even better. The earlier you visit the the better, as you get to use everything that's brand new like their silverwares which were all shining and pretty with no scratches on it :D

[caption id="attachment_2126" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Pappad starters on the house with mint chutney, pickle and tamarind chutney[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2149" align="aligncenter" width="678"] Monsoon twist(Dhs 20) and Mango Lassi(Dhs 22)[/caption]

As expected from an Indian restaurant we got pappads and chutneys to begin with. My son ofcourse took this opportunity and ensured he ate as much as pappad as he could before the main dish came in. The drinks we ordered were:

• Monsoon Twist: Appe, carrot, beetroot with a dash of pomegranate syrup.


• Mango Lassi: Buttermilk based on mango flavour

Both drinks had it's own taste. As for me I enjoyed the Lassi more but the monsoon twist was a unique one which I tasted for the first time. It was interesting that I could enjoy the drink even though it was mainly just apple, carrot and beetroots. I guess it was the pomegranate syrup doing the trick.

[caption id="attachment_2129" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Paneer Tikka - Dhs 40 - 8pcs[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2131" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Tandoori Lamb Chops - Dhs 60 - 6pcs[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2132" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Tandoori Lamb Chops - Dhs 60 - 6pcs[/caption]

For me the most favourite part about the lunch at their restaurant were the grills. It had the color, taste, softness, smell to entice you by just sitting their on the plate.

• Panner tikka: Cottage cheese cubes marinated with spices and cooked in tandoor.


• Tandoori Lamb Chops: Lamb Chops marinated with dry spices and grilled over charcoal.

First came the Paneer Tikka and yum yum. It was actually my starter at House of curry along with those deadly Lamb Chops. Let me tell you out of all the grills we ordered the Lamb chops was my favourite. Infact everybody was of the same opinion. Really tender and was literally melting in the mouth. A must try if you are here. By the way, for those of you who count how many calories you intake they do have a calorie counting menu which again is a rare section for an indian menu.

[caption id="attachment_2130" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Tandoori Prawns - Dhs 140[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2134" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Murg Achaari Tikka - Dhs 45[/caption]

• Tandoori Prawns: 4 Tiger prawns steeped in a marinade of fresh ground spices, cooked over glowing embers. A speciality from Amritsar.


• Murg Achaari Tikka : Chicken pieces marinated in a combination of chilies and other aromatic spices.

Tandoori Prawns was really big in size. I haven't eaten in a long time such a big prawn. It definitely tasted fresh and just out of the sea. I really regret not taking this picture with me lifting them so you get to actually see the real size of it. Ahh what can i say sometimes you lose your focus especially when you see prawns looking like tigers on your plate :p. They could have been better with the Murg Achaari Tikka though. Somehow the spices on it just didn't rub with my taste well. The chicken could have been tender too.

[caption id="attachment_2138" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Garlic Naan - Dhs 9[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2139" align="aligncenter" width="705"] My plate of Roti - Pudina(Dhs 7), Roomali Roti(Dhs 8) and Garlic Naan(Dhs 9)[/caption]

The Rotis we ordered:

Pudina Roti: A simple wheat flour based round flat bread
Roomali Roti: A large round flat bread tossed to make very thin and cooked on a dome.
Garlic Naan: A triangular thick flat bread cooked in a tandoor giving it crisp edges and a soft center

They made good rotis here but i'd pick Garlic Naan as the man of the match from this section. Thin, soft and easy to chew.

[caption id="attachment_2137" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Curries - Black daal Makhani (Dhs 40), Mutton Rogan Josh - Dhs 60 and chef special chicken curry[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2140" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Mutton Biriyani - Dhs 55[/caption]

You know, the name of the restaurant itself is house of curries. So it wouldn't be fair If we didn't try their curries. We had 3 curries on our table and one came complimentary as chef special.

Black Daal Makhani: Ancient rich and creamy recipe of black lentils cooked over a long period toped with a dash of cream.
Mutton Rogan Josh: Aromatic Lamb in rich red gravy. A signature dish from Kashmiri cuisine

Black Daal Makhani is one of my favourite vegetable curry so I try to order whenever I find it. My guests enjoyed the Black Daal Makhani the most. I enjoyed the Mutton rogan Josh. Both these curries came thick. Even the mutton that came along rogan josh was tender good. The chef special was a green chicken curry which I felt was a little too thin.

Mutton Biriyani: Flavoured rice with array of spices and slow cooked mutton.

Mutton biriyani was on par with taste and didn't disappoint any of us. The masala and the mutton was nicely packed with flavour and taste.

[caption id="attachment_2141" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Desserts at House of Curry[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2142" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Gulab Jamun - Dhs 30[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2143" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Gajar Ka Halwa - Dhs 35[/caption]

Desserts were the typical Gulab Jamun, Gajar Ka Halwa and Kulfi ice cream. Out of these 3 I'd prefer to say Gulab Jamun was the better one. Big and little bit of pista filling in it. The kulfi ice cream even though enjoyed it, I was disappointed it was not made in house. It was similar to the kulfi ice creams you get from super markets. Dessert section is one area I think they need to catch up to make an impression.

[caption id="attachment_2144" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Gulab Jamun - Dhs 30[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2145" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Masala Chai - Dhs 6 - unlimited refill[/caption]

I did enjoy their masala chai. One interesting part about having tea at House of curry is it's unlimited refill! Hehe I haven't seen that perk before anywhere for tea. By the way it's a nice tasting masala chai.

[caption id="attachment_2146" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Me with Restaurant Manager and Team[/caption]

From pricing perspective it's a little on the higher side and you can see where they recover the cost of their interiors :p Parking is a little tricky in this area. You take the first right after Dubai Mall cinema parking and then go straight until you find PARKING 2 on your right. That's where you need to park your car and it's on floor 11. The standalone glass restaurant should be right in front of you once you come up the underground parking.

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Seaview restaurant - Seafood - Jumeirah

[caption id="attachment_2074" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Seaview restaurant located at the tip of the sea[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2094" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Harbour in front of the restaurant[/caption]

After seeing many reviews happening for this new restaurant, I too take a march towards Jumeirah beach road to visit this new restaurant called Seaview. They are located just at the tip of the beach with a great view of the harbour and the sea. I was even thrilled to see few private sailboats which I normally get to see more often in adverts and movies.

[caption id="attachment_2073" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Seaview restaurant - Interiors[/caption]

All tables placed outside the Seaview restaurant were taken and so we decided to settle inside this restaurant. It was better for the children anyway as the weather was cool and windy. My son had already missed a few classes and didn't want him to miss further.

[caption id="attachment_2092" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Mr Victor(restaurant manager) and myself[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2071" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Fresh fish on display to choose for your 'catch of the day' meal[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2072" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Fresh Prawns on display[/caption]

What you see above is where you actually go and choose your fish for the 'catch of the day' menu. They have something on their menu called 'catch of the day' which is basically fresh fish caught that day and available for you to choose for your meal. Nothing like eating a fresh fish from here and you'll know what I mean it as you continue scrolling down. The fish pricing is very well marked and clear. It's normally per fish than weight.

[caption id="attachment_2070" align="aligncenter" width="678"] Bread sticks - on the house[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2075" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Fresh juice - Mint lemonade(Dhs 12) and Carrot Juice(Dhs 15)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2076" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Fatoush - Dhs 12[/caption]

The drinks were straight forward and refreshing. The Fatoush was really nice and tasted just the way it should be. Fatoush normally is served in a bigger bowl but when I look at the pricing I think it's reasonable. And yeah everybody on the table got complimentary bread sticks.

[caption id="attachment_2080" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Jingha Tandoori Prawn going in![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2078" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Jingha Tandoori Prawns - Dhs 60[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2079" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Hariyali Hamour Tikka - Dhs 45[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2082" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Haryali Hamour Tikka - Dhs 45[/caption]

The Jingha Tandoori Prawns was the killer here. One of the best tasting prawns ever. It's the tandoori masala on that king size prawn doing the trick. Specially me being an Indian I was enjoying every bit of it. Seriously you should not miss this order when you are here. When I initially saw the Hariyali Hamour tikka I mistook it for Paneer tikka. The hamour tikka was cube shaped but was fragile. I mean if it was the paneer it would stick onto our fork but this one would just keep cracking if you don't grip it well. Nevertheless hariyali hamour tikka was also good but Jingha tandoori surely stole the show.

[caption id="attachment_2077" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Crepe Homard - Dhs 55 - Cheesy lobster rolled into perfect crepes[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2081" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Lobster exposed inside Crepe Homard - Dhs 55[/caption]

The Crepe homard was my son's favourite. He almost ate the whole of it. It's actually lobster rolled in a crepe with melted cheese around it. It was the cheese and crepe he was after. We enjoyed it too.

[caption id="attachment_2083" align="aligncenter" width="705"] My plate of starters[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2088" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Grilled Hammour with Gherkin sauce - Dhs 80[/caption]

You know after eating the Tandoori and hariyali specials. The Grilled Hammour Fillet tasted a little bland even though I must admit it tasted fresh.

[caption id="attachment_2087" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Majboos rice - Dhs 15 - traditional arabic spicy rice[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2086" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Fluffy sesame bread - Dhs 5 - freshly baked from clay oven[/caption]

I very much enjoyed their breads. The Malay flat bread which you see below reminded me of the Indian parata. The fluffy sesame bread was really fluffy not very often I come across this kind of bread. The Majboos rice is a local speciality which is a spicy rice and it tasted original.

[caption id="attachment_2085" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Roti Canai - Dhs 6 - Malay Flat bread[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2084" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Catch of the day - sea bream - Dhs 65[/caption]

I ordered the Sea Bream fish from the catch of the day special. As you can see in the picture it was looking lovely from a distance. They look like two fishes on a plate but you are actually looking at two sides of one fish. You could have them in 2 different flavours like how I've done it here and it's been a pleasure eating their grilled fish.

[caption id="attachment_2089" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Designer cutlery[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2090" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Creme Brulee - Dhs 22[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2091" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Cheesecake - Dhs 22[/caption]

Their desserts were as good as their fish. I mean I still can't forget their Creme Brulee. It was a sheer delight. The cheesecake was something that could get better. Creme Brulee hit me at the right spot in the first shot. The taste and quality in that Creme Brulee was an impressive one. A Must try dessert.

Its been a wonderful experience eating at Seaview. Their website: http://www.seaviewrestaurant.ae/

Others who have also visited this restaurant: Ishitaunblogged, coffeecakesandrunning, geordiearmani

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Handi - Taj Palace Hotel - Rigga Deira, Dubai

[caption id="attachment_2023" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Food inspectors[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2031" align="aligncenter" width="678"] At the gates of Handi - Me with Mr. Marcel (restaurant Manager)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2030" align="aligncenter" width="678"] Restaurant Awards earned by Handi[/caption]

The first time I noticed this restaurant was when I visited the LIFE pharmacy which was as an attachment to Taj Palace Hotel. My son would enter this pharmacy from the front and vanish through the backdoor of the pharmacy. I would find him sitting on a horse(non-living, kept outside the restaurant). That was the first time I noticed this indian restaurant called Handi. I hear an old classic Indian song coming out of the restaurant. Interestingly I also notice a stage inside this restaurant with musicians on top. A pillar right in the front covered by their restaurant awards achieved in different years. That's when I decided I must definitely visit this restaurant one day.

[caption id="attachment_2028" align="aligncenter" width="678"] Private dining area at Handi[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2027" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Handi seatings for a group[/caption]

So here I am finally inside this restaurant. You can either dine in their private dining space or you could sit in the open inside their restaurant. The chairs, tables, lighting, artwork on top is all depicting traditional India. By the way, I love their chairs. They were pretty, wide and comfortable. I was here for lunch and unfortunately the musicians play on stage only between 8:00pm - 11:00pm in the night. So now I'll have to come for dinner if I need to see them in action :(

[caption id="attachment_2010" align="aligncenter" width="705"] On the house - Pappads and pickles[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2011" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Drinks - Dhs 28 - From left: Mango Lassi - Mango Yoghurt Drink , Fruit Cocktail, Chass-diluted yoghurt[/caption]

As Always it started with the drinks. Let me tell you before we ordered I was hesitant with trying Chass-diluted yoghurt but since it was a recommendation from the restaurant manager I thought I'll try it. I am glad I did cause it was the best among the three. Very refreshing and builds the appetite. I think this drink should be given to everyone before they start their meal at Handi. A great refresher. Unfortunately their mango lassi didn't reach up to my expectation or maybe the mango was dominating and the core of the lassi could not be felt in the taste. It was more of a mango juice to me than lassi.

[caption id="attachment_2012" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Murg ka shorba soup - Dhs 45[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2016" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Paneer chutney tikka - Dhs 65[/caption]

Murg Ka Shorba soup was fantastic. Really nice and you would just continue sipping till the end once you start. Rarely I get a soup in such a wide plate. The paneer chutney tikka is a cottage cheese with black pepper cooked in tandoor. It was really nice. Very soft and had the right taste. Paneer lovers would love it for sure.

[caption id="attachment_2017" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Millie Julie Kebab - Dhs 160 - An assortment of meat, chicken and fish kebabs[/caption]

From the kebab plate all of them was awesome specially the Kasoori Murg tikka(Boneless chicken tikka flavoured with fenugreek leaves). Some of the items that came along in the kebab tray were:

• Boneless chicken tikka flavoured with fenugreek leaves


• Tender fillets of royal hammour flavoured with fenugreek leaves.


• Traditional boneless chicken tikka


• Indian mutton minced and marinated with fenugreek and traditional spices

It was all lovely specially when you dip that sizzling meat in that green chutney provided on the table ;)

[caption id="attachment_2021" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Prawns Biriyani - Dhs 125[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2022" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Prawns Biriyani - Dhs 125[/caption]

The giant prawn that came along with prawns biriyani was special. It was a midly spiced king prawn. I can tell you it did a good job cause the moment I took a bite I totally forgot about my camera until i finished all of it :( Sorry guyz, wish i had some pictures of those lovely king prawns for you to see :p

[caption id="attachment_2014" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Naan in the making[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2013" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Chief Chef with a freshly made Naan[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2019" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Plate of Naans, parathas and rotis[/caption]

All their paratha, naan and roti were worth a try. They make it well. My favourite were their multi layered parathas. I ate most of that one :D You see that chef in the photo with the Naan, he's the one responsible for the taste engine at Handi ;)

We ordered one of each so this is what you see on the plate and I am sure most of you could make out which is which here.

Lachedar paratha - Dhs 18 - Multi layered paratha
Pudina Paratha - Dhs 22 - Multi layered paratha with mint
Naan - Dhs 18 - Butter, plain or garlic
Amritsari Kulcha - Dhs 27 - Aloo, onion and paneer
Tandoor Roti - Dhs 18
Khasta or Rumali roti - Dhs 22

[caption id="attachment_2018" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Khushk Raan - baby lamb - Dhs 125[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2020" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Curries -Dal Handi Dhs 65 (left) and Ghost Korma Avadi Dhs 90(right)[/caption]

Their raan was deadly. Tender little lamb. Well cooked and would just melt in your mouth. The bone of this raan came with a fancy foil work :)

We had their award winning curry which was Gosht korma awadhi - A combination of boneless mutton, cashew nuts and almonds in onion gravy. Dal Handi curry which is supposed to be their blank lentil specialty was good as expected.

[caption id="attachment_2026" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Kulfi Falooda - Dhs 45[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2025" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Rasmalai - Dhs 38[/caption]

Desserts

Rasmalai - cottage cheesedumplings in milk reduction, favoured with saffron and pistachio
Shahi Tukra - A special mughali bread delicacy topped with rabdi and nuts flavoured with saffron.
Kulfi Falooda - Indian ice cream served in a matka garnished with flavoured vermicelli.

[caption id="attachment_2024" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Shahi Tukra - Dhs 43[/caption]

Shahi Tukra rocked here. One of the best tasting Shahi tukra I've had. It came little but tasted great. Rasmalai was pretty neat. Kulfi falooda was a little different here. I mean it's the first time I actually got the falooda seperated from the kulfi. Normally everything is dumped into one space. Its seems there are people who like to have them separately so they are served in separate compartments.

[caption id="attachment_2029" align="aligncenter" width="678"] Masala Chai(tea) - Dhs 28[/caption]

There masala tea came with the right taste. It was a typical northern india masala chai. Even my wife enjoyed her green tea. It came with mint leaves in it and tasted natural. Overall it was a good experience at Handi including the ambiance but the only downside is that their pricing is on the higher side. After all the restaurant is located in Taj Palace, what do you expect! Along with a 5 star comes a 5 star price!

Click here to see Handi on website

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