Filling your Delhi belly

Dhaba
Dubai Grand Hotel

Delhi Dilwalon Ki. Lost in translation? "Delhi of the big-hearted." Er, how credible that statement is, I can't say. Nor would I like to say anything untoward, for yours truly hails from that same city of the big-hearted.

One thing I can vouch for — Delhiites are definitely big on food. Both as hosts and guests.

Take the example of my own mother. If she is hosting and the dining table is not groaning under the weight of at least a dozen dishes — not counting the starters, salads, pickles and chutneys (which form a dozen in themselves) — we've been lazy.

So, when Dhaba was hosting a Delhi Dilwalon Ki theme fortnight, I just had to be there.

No limits

For Dh69, each evening you are offered — how many, any guesses? 36, you say.

That's not fair! You read the box before finishing the review. Yes, 36 different dishes with unlimited eating.

As you take your seat, you're greeted with a super cool drink — salted lassi (a yoghurt drink).

Nothing like a chilled Punjabi lassi flavoured with fresh mint leaves, green chillies and roasted cumin to refresh you on a hot day in Delhi.

Next, help yourself to more yoghurt — the typical Delhi chaat, dahi wadas (fried lentil dumplings served in spicy yoghurt mix) and Dahi Papdi Chaat (crispy fried bread, boiled potatoes and yoghurt topped with spices).

Make sure to tell the chef to adjust the spice to your taste or you may suffer severe heartburn, for we Delhiites like it really hot.

Entertainment

Take a break after this. The chaat may be an appetiser but it's quite filling. Sit back, sip your complimentary drink and enjoy the Bhangra (Indian folk dance).

Ah, the Bhangra — well, the dancers are really good, but the music is a wee bit too loud.

Next stop — the Tawa counter. One for the veggie lovers and the other for the meat lovers.

The chicken proved a hit at our table. Sadly, I've recently turned vegetarian and couldn't taste it myself.

The meat was given a miss. The menu also offers fish Amritsari which I have had on earlier occasion, and if that's anything to go by, its one of the best in town.

While the others gorged on the chicken and the fish, I fell in love with my plateful of veggies.

Cauliflower, okra, lotus stem (one of my all- time favourites) and arvi (another favourite).

The only thing I missed was mushroom. But, there's always a next time. Again, do let the chef know your spice preference. Mine was just right. Don't forget to add the dash of lemon to it.
Don't miss the bread

Just as no trip to Delhi is complete without a visit to the famous Parathe Wali Gali (literally, Fried Bread Street) in Chandni Chowk, a food festival in the name of Delhi can never be complete without parathas (shallow fried bread).

You can choose from a variety of stuffings or have a plain paratha.

I went for the Pudina (mint) and Gobi (cauliflower) stuffed, while my dining partner opted for a potato stuffing.

Enjoy these with Dhaba Dal, a preparation of black lentils cooked over a low flame overnight. One of the best I've had.

Had enough? Yes, you'd say. But there's more. End your meal on a sweet note — try the Gulab Jamun or Ras Malai. By this time I was so full, I don't think I did full justice to my dessert. I couldn't.

So, it all boils down (or shall we say, spices up) to one fact — when we do, we Delhiites appreciate whole-heartedly. No wonder they call us big-hearted.

Checklist

Getting there: Near Dubai Airport Terminal 2
Open: 7pm to 3 am.
Decor: Casual
Seating: 120
Dress code: Smart casual
Price: Dh50 (Dh69 with drink)
Recommended: Salted lassi and vegetable tawa platter.
The verdict: 4/5