ABU DHABI: Avasa, The Indian Kitchen, is the sole curry place at the posh residential and commercial cluster called The Collection, adjacent to the St. Regis Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
As a true reflection of its locality, the restaurant is high-end with décor and setting that is classy yet not too sophisticated for a lazy, laid-back meal.
The indoor seating extends to a sunlit hallway that offers ample fresh air and an outdoor view, but if you want more of the sun and sky there is plenty of space outdoors for an alfresco meal as well. One thing is certain: Avasa does not have to vie for attention despite tough competition from restaurants next door – it’s so visible.
We started our meal for the afternoon with a refreshing dash of cucumber and mint shot.
For starters, we had Punjabi Chicken Tikka (Dh60) which comes as an enhanced version of the traditional Pubjabi kebab. I found the juicy chunky chicken morsels bursting with flavours, but the Varqee Murg Tikka (Dh76) was a tad hard and rigid on the fork than usual for a cardamom and cashew marinated chicken.
Galouti is yet another speciality at Avasa. The Mushroom Galouti (Dh58) we had was a soft mashed paste of mushroom patties served with flat bread. I remained indecisive as to whether I liked the dish or not till I finished my first kebab. But my advice is not to give up on the first bite because the taste is sure to grow on you.
Another of my favourites from Avasa kitchen was Sukha Mutton (Dh55) – mutton simmered in onion, tomato and spices, and made into a medium dry consistency. The mutton was cooked really soft, and the spice-infused gravy was definitely a treat for the taste buds.
Restaurateur Gurav Varma insists that Avasa is not into fusion. “What you get here are unadulterated Indian dishes that stick to their rich tradition, but with some add-ups to enhance the taste and aroma,” said Varma.
For instance, Paneer Anardana (Dh70) looks like your conventional paneer dish in a tomato-based gravy. But when infused with pomegranate paste and juice, the dish gets an overhaul with a tangy twist while retaining all that you want in the original.
Kali Mirchi Ka Murgh (Dh79) is also an equally good curry to go with your bread. It’s a chicken dish prepared with black-pepper and mint-based spice and a generous mix of fresh cream.
It is said that the ultimate test of a good Indian restaurant is in its biriyani, but I felt Avasa did not quite live up to the challenge. The rice was not soft enough and looked undercooked. For Dh85, the Chicken Biriyani could have been much better.
However, it was only a minor gripe in what was otherwise a trully delectable meal, which came to a sweet end with an assortment of kulfis – mango, pista and malai.
With an outstanding combination of taste, innovative presentation and ambience, I wouldn’t be surprised if this new Indian restaurant makes the top league in no time.
Detail:
Meal for two: Dh200-300
Location: The Collection, at St. Regis, Abu Dhabi
Restaurant timings: Noon to 11.30pm
Call: 02-674 2221
We recommend; Sukha mutton, Punjabi chicken tikka and Paneer Anardana
