Dubai: After an authentic Thai seafood outing last week it was time for me to cross boundaries this time for a seafood night of the Indian variety at Zafran, located on level one at the Central Gallery, City Centre Mirdif.
So sipping on a Kashmir’s Dew (Dh22) - a refreshing drink made with strawberries and mint in a lemonade base – and a Water Melon Mint Smash (Dh22) - thick blend of watermelon, ginger mint and rose syrup – I curiously awaited the first item of their ‘Sensational Seafood’ promotion - a Mixed Seafood Soup (Dh70). With skewers of prawn, mussel and calamari, the broth – made of tomato and seafood stock – looked the part, ready to woo any seafood lover. As for me, the skewers – nicely grilled - tasted fresh and the soup – thick and buttery – tangy and nice.
The star item of the night though was their Seafood Platter (Dh179). Good for three, the dish had half a lobster in a yoghurt and turmeric marinade - chargrilled tandoori style, fleshy ‘tikka’ chunks of a Nile perch and masala fried prawns - garnished with mayonnaise and soya ketchup. The visual spectacle comes to your table, hot and sizzling. That done, follow it up with their signature jumbo prawns biryani (Dh139) made of finely spiced saffron basmati rice cooked “dum” style (steamed over coal in a sealed vessel). The best thing about it though is their premium jumbo prawns, quite deliciously stir fried.
The seafood offerings form part of a special fiesta, on till the end of this month. You can also try some of their regular attractions such as Kali Mirch ka Murgh (Dh59) (a spicy preparation of boneless chicken in black pepper and curry leaves) or Dal Bukhari (Dh31), a winning concoction of kaali daal (black lentil), white butter and tomatoes in town.
Don’t forget though to end your meal with their dessert platter (Dh36) comprising Zafrani kulfi, ras malai, a gulab jamun, and gajar ka halwa.
Details:
Meal for Two: Dh400 (approx)
Timings: Noon to 11.30pm
Location: Central Gallery, Level 1, Mirdiff City Centre
Booking: 04-284 0987
We recommend: Kashmir’s Dew, Seafood Platter, Jumbo prawns biryani, Dal Bukhari
