Stick it to me

ZAIKA
What Kebab Festival (March 25 to April 2)
Where Al Murooj Rotana Dubai
Why Kebabs from the traditional to the innovative
Cost Dh350+

It wasn’t my first time to walk down the steps leading to the exquisite North Indian restaurant at the Al Murooj Rotana Dubai. My partner and I were there to review the promotional kebab menu. We pride ourselves on our knowledge of kebabs. We’ve sampled kebab from the famous Iskender Kebab in Turkey to the succulent Iranian Shish Kebab in Dubai and palette-melting Shami Kebab in India, on dusty streets, bustling markets and stylish eateries.

A kebab requires both skill and flair. From our table, we could see the chef with his props – charcoal grill and tandoor. On my earlier visit, I gave this sequestered glass area a cursory glance. This time was different. The restaurant’s elegant high-ceiling, spiral staircase, soft lighting and carved pillars seemed to highlight all but one coal-fired act – kebab making.

The menu is unexpectedly exhaustive. I could barely recall a handful of kebab choices from my earlier visit in comparison to the fresh choices under fish, meat, chicken and vegetable.

Ah! And the descriptions! Names of ingredients in marinades – some delicate, others robust, and cooking methods – some grilled, others in tandoor. It reminded me of French chef Georges Auguste Escoffier’s Le Guide Culinaire, a major culinary reference work.Should Escoffier have included kebabs, he would’ve had to write another book to even begin to embrace the lexicon of kebabs.

At our table, the chef presented a platter of his best selections – two from each category – a full course in itself, though we also had Dal Makhani (lentils) and Garlic Naan.
He suggested Dahi Ke Kebab (deep-fried yoghurt patties with semolina, spiced with ginger, cumin and coriander). Innovative? Yes. Taste-wise? OK. But my partner thought it unworthy of kebab status.

The rest of the selections elicited wholehearted approval. We paused to comment how perfectly marinated the Tandoori Salmon Tikka (marinated in yoghurt and saffron, spiced with green chilli) was; how unashamedly tender the Adraki Lamb Chop (marinated with chilli, yoghurt and ginger) was… There wasn’t much that went wrong really. Nothing much does when kebabs are cooked in the way they should be – with skill and flair. And when a place serves excellent kebabs, not even familiarity can evoke boredom.

This week’s food deals...
 

Al samadi Cafe and sweet shop
What Al Samadi is offering value for money breakfasts. Choose your favourite from French, American and Lebanese menus.
Where Downtown Burj Khalifa, Dubai, 800 2572 6234
Cost From Dh28 to Dh48

Assymetri
What Celebrate the Iranian New Year with a typical Iranian buffet including dishes such as Reshteh Polo and Dolme Barg. There will also be live music.
Where Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Islan, Abu Dhabi, 02 656 2000
Cost From Dh130 to Dh160

EPona Terrace
What Treat your mother to an unforgettable breakfast featuring live cooking stations and a special gift for mum.
Where Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, 04 361 8111
Cost Dh75 per person. Dh60 for mothers.

Elia Restaurant
What Indulge every Friday in a Greek festivity at the family brunch featuring typical Greek dishes. From 12pm to 3.30pm.
Where Majestic Hotel Tower, Dubai, 050 188389
Cost Dh130