Recently I was invited to the redesigned and exciting menu of Gharana and so presenting you my candid reviews of Restaurant GHARANA, Dubai – Fine Dining With Live Music.  “Gharānā” – a Hindi/Urdu word translates to “FAMILY” or “HOUSE”.  “Gharānā” word is associated with Indian classical music and as this fine dining restaurant offers dinner with live music, so is the name perfectly matches with its theme. Also it serves the ancient royal cuisine derived from ancient royal households of India.  As you all know that India is a land of diverse culture, cuisines, music and famous Gharanas, so this restaurant serves specific regional cuisines with all uniqueness from different parts or Gharanas of India.

Jaipur Gharana – Western India

 Hyderabad Gharana – Southern India

Awadhi (Lucknow) Gharana – Northern India

        Punjab(Patiala) Gharana – Indian state in North Western Region

These are the famous royal households/Gharana from India, also famous for Indian classical music as well.  Many Indian classical music legends belong to these Gharana and this cult of music is adapted in many music compositions of Indian music in present also.

Let’s take an overview of Restaurant GHARANA, Dubai – Fine Dining With Live Music

The specialty of this restaurant is live Indian music on all days.  So this restaurant not only presents the regional royal household food options but also have daily Indian music with live singers and musicians.  Live music band comprises of Tabla players, male & female playback singers with a keyboard player.  With fully functional bar, live Indian music of your choice, authentic royal Indian food this place makes a perfect place for fine dining option in Dubai.

AMBIANCE / DÉCOR OF Restaurant GHARANA, Dubai – Fine Dining With Live Music

As the name of this restaurant is Gharana, so is the decor of whole place. The warm colors of wall, arches and pillars inside the restaurant transports you to royal household settings. Even the furniture, crockery, cutlery and Indian swing at entrance are designed as per the royal Indian style.

Though the music also is an important feature of this restaurant, so that is also reflected in the decor by having special band area for live musicians and singers. The whole atmosphere is very relaxing, soothing and warm. Due to subtle lighting , candles and colors of wall, the setting is very romantic and soothing. The colors and hues of the wall are light saffron or dark yellowish with traditional lamps all around.  Jaipuri Oak furniture and silver colored Jhula (swing) takes us to the era of Indian Maharajas (kings) and Maharani (Queens) period.  In short, restaurant Gharana is a royal heritage restaurant with live songs.

Reviews of Restaurant GHARANA, Dubai – Fine Dining With Live Music

I went to this restaurant for a casual dine out with my family and received warm welcome by their Restaurant Manager Mousumi with great courtesy and also she took my order with great patience.

WHAT I ORDERED AT 

As this restaurant serves four famous Gharanas, so my selection for starters, main course and desserts comprises choices from all four Gharanas so that I can have flavor of all India in one dining.

FOR STARTERS

They serve initially complimentary Papadums (Indian crisy discs made from flour or lentils) with dips and Indian pickle

ALOO TIKKI SANJHA CHULA – Pan fried potato patties arranged with Masala chickpeas, Mint & tamarind dips, yoghurt. It is basically Indian street food Chaat which is served beautifully with some variations. This comes under the section of  Punjab Gharana in restaurant menu.

ARBI KI SHIKAMPURI – Colocassia cutlets or Kebabs which are coated with special Hyderabadi spices directly imported from Hyderabad(India) are served with tamarind Chutney(Dips) and yoghurt. This comes under the section of  Hyderabad Gharana in restaurant menu.

DRINKS 

The presentation of drinks are very unique and colorful. Many famous alcoholic, non-alcoholic, juices, mocktails and cocktails are served here. From this I chose some non-alcoholic fruit punches with soda and crushed ice. I ordered NASHEDI & PATIALA TOWER .

MAIN COURSE 

RAJASTHAN GATTA CURRY – Steamed Gram flour dumplings dipped in spicy Tomato and Yoghurt based gravy. A typical authentic and very famous curry from Rajasthan. This comes under the section of  Rajasthan Gharana in restaurant menu.

PALAK PANEER KOFTA – Cottage cheese and spinach Kebabs dipped in Tomato creamy gravy. This comes under the section of  Punjab Gharana in restaurant menu.

DAL GHARANA – Black Lentils cooked slowly for several hours which is also the signature dish and secret recipe of this restaurant. This comes under the section of  Punjab Gharana in restaurant menu. The main feature of this Dal or Lentil curry is they put loads of pure butter that is made in their kitchens. Even they prepare fresh butter from milk which is very long and difficult process. But to give authentic Punjabi flavors they make this Dal in purely authentic Punjab style.

INDIAN BREAD – I ordered whole wheat Lachcha Paratha.

DESSERT 

KESAR KULFI FALOODA – Indian famous ice-cream – Kulfi , made  from thickening of milk by cooking it on very low flame till several hours. Saffron flavor is added to it and then kept for freezing. This safforn flavored Kulfi is topped with transparent glass noodles, chia seeds, rose syrup and fruit jellies. This comes under the section of Lucknow Gharana in restaurant menu. I loved its presentation too by serving on banana leaf and in two tier plates. The Kulfi plate is kept on one more plate full of ice crushes so that the temperature of ice-cream remains controlled till the time we finish it off.

COMPLIMENTARY INDIAN MASALA TEA – Now they are also serving complimentary Indian tea after your meals.  Indian tea is made by combining Tea leaves, milk, water, spices like ginger & cardamom into a pan and then left for boiling it for several minutes.

My Verdict – Overall I am happy and satisfied with

• Some unique Indian flavors from different regions
• Live Entertainment which is really is the plus point for this restaurant.
• Serving size
• The temperature of food
• Ambiance
• It is great that, Head Chef – Mr. Anmol Mathur who has previous experience with many famous hotel chains and restaurants visited each and every table during and after the meals to confirm that everything is OK.

FEATURES 

• Live Music
• VALET Parking Available. Also, there are ample public parking slots in front of hotel HolidayINN.
• Free Wi-Fi
• Alcohol is served, having full Bar
• Many Vegetarian and Vegan options
• Opens Late Night till 2:00 A.M.
• Polite and Courteous Staff
• Accept Credit Cards. Many Credit Cards offer good discounts for this restaurant.
• Saturday Night is Street Food Festival Night – Indian Buffet at approximately AED 95 per person
• Can be easily accessed through Metro, Taxis or by Car.
• They celebrate many Indian and Arabic festivals.
• Also they offer  customization of food according to our needs, liking or restrictions.