Abu Dhabi: The impressive spurt in hospitality in the UAE’s capital means you are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a place to dine.
Whether you are in the mood for an all-you-can-eat Friday brunch or an alfresco meal when the weather is still kind or that occasional cozy candlelight dinner, the huff and puff is only about making up your mind.
And finally we did. Angar, the contemporary Indian restaurant at the Yas Viceroy Hotel, welcomed us with the promise of a flawless Friday night as soon we stepped in. The chic décor and interiors make a candid style statement at the very onset. Angar knows too well where it belongs.
Placed in the heart of Yas Island’s iconic hotel and overlooking the marina circuit, the restaurant tries to be nothing but cosmopolitan in its attitude and ambience as well.
The glow of the majestic white lattices forming the LED canopy of the hotel seamlessly blended with the white wired patterns of our table seated outside. The water bodies fringing the outdoors nudged us on to enjoy a laidback dinner as we peeled the menu while enjoying our welcome drink – apple juice laced with mint.
I had to be discerning in my choice as my Italian partner was counting on my desi credentials to embark on her first official spice journey. We took off with a pre-appetiser that included crispy onion bhaji (fritters), panipuri with spicy potato and tomato fillings and karare gobi (batter fried cauliflower sautéed in chilly and garlic paste) all with a refreshingly new and modern twist to the traditional Indian starters. But what blew us away was the watermelon and ginger shot that initiated our gastronomic delight. For starters, we had the mixed kebab platters that came with an assortment of tandoori prawns, red chicken tikka, salmon tikka and lamb chop. Succulent and mildly tangy with the right mix of spices, the red chicken tikka and salmon tikka took the cake.
For all the kebab fans out there, we recommend Angar’s Star of Indian Kebab Festival (every Thursday) where you can enjoy unlimited grilled chicken, lamb, fish and vegetable kebabs along with a main course and assortments of breads. There are tempting desserts as well to sign off the feast (Dh175 including lassi and soft drinks. Dh250 including Indian or house beverages).
Back to our meal, there were surprises galore at every course and that was the best thing about Angar. Already feeling the calorie overdose, we decided to order small portions of Malabar Prawn Curry and Butter Chicken with bread. The finger-licking good south Indian signature prawn dish caused something of a stir with my partner as she exclaimed the dish definitely has a fairytale behind it. The chef was more than happy to explain how he experimented with the creamy coconut gravy and infused some North Indian masalas to give it that unique flavour.
Then we blissfully bowed for some of the best Indian desserts that are definitely worth ditching your diet for – saffron ice cream, chocolate cake infused with cinnamon and rasmalai with red berries. A true Indian treat indeed – but with a modern twist!
Details
Serving Dinner
Meal for two: Dh350-400
Location: Yas Viceroy Hotel, Yas Island
Dinner 7pm-11pm
Call: 02-656 0600
