Gharana, simply means a family or house hold living under one roof. In musical terms, it refers to a line of musicians, where musical knowledge is passed from generation to generation, whilst in culinary terms,  the knowledge of cooking food, blending of different flavors of various spices and herbs is passed down from one generation to another

Jaipur, Punjaab, Lucknow and Hyderabad Gharanas   –  Pandit Bhat, Ustad alla Rakha/Zakir Hussain, Ustad Bismillah Khan and Sri Subramanyu Pillai, originating from these Gharanas and rising to fame with their chosen instruments:   the Mohan Veena, the Tabla, The Shehnai and Nirrddamgani respectively..

Equally each Gharana has a proud claim to their individual delectable cuisine Indeed at Dubai’s Gharana, cuisine is like a Mahler symphony, its beauty evident but its construct encrypted.

Decor

The theme is seriously ‘Regal Heritage’. The richness in the hues of the wall and the upholstery contrasted with the oak furniture originating in Jaipur –  stained in gold leaf and natural –  is set off by a real Chandi (silver) Jula (swing)  welcoming the patron into the Ghar (home).

Seating can be in seclusion behind the Royal arch or not on rectangle tables. Monotony is broken with two glass topped tables strategically placed under a dome, affectionately called the Maharajah and Maharani tables set off with their unique seats.

Continuation of the theme is found in the bespoke crockery and the specially designed uniforms donned by highly trained staff.

Music plays a big part in the Gharana experience.

Ghazals, Bhuli Beesri Yadein,  Modern Bollywood or Classical take your pick. Gharana guarantees, to get your fingers clicking, feet tapping or heads nodding to the rhythms produced by the resident quartet. It has been known for the seniors to take their loved one to the dance floor, and the young to ‘Wah Wah’ to a request long before their time!

The Menu

Indian food is nothing less than a cultural phenomenon. Our fascinating menu draws from the greatest cooking traditions of North, South, East and West India and features the finest desi delicacies. The magnificently diverse historic states of Lucknow, Delhi, Hyderabad and Rajasthan are known for their rich musical heritage and cuisines. Having been the cultural capitals during the country’s most glorious eras, each region prides itself with its own distinct style of cooking. The legendary Maharajas, Shahenshas, Nawabs and Sultans contributed immensely to the development of music and cuisines in their respective regions and at Gharana we offer you their most fabulous creations.

Gharana Signature dishes

Murgh Ghazala (Hyderabad – clay oven delicacy),  Nihari Al Subha(Lucknow – slow simmered fennel and ginger flavoured lamb shanks)  Daal Gharana ( Punjab – slow cooked overnight Daal Makhni  ) and Litchi Rabdi  (Jaipur – saffron flavours of the reduced milk contrasted with fresh lychees) are my favourite signature dishes. Wash them down with your favourite beverage and you will be in the mood to connect with your favourite requests.

I overlooked the Tandoori Anaar ke aloo, the Tandoori Bhoota and the Hyderabadi Biryani.

The culinary team

Menu engineering was led by the celebrated Chef Shaukat Ali Qureshi who comes from the legendary Qureshi clan.

Hailing from  royal chefs, the 200-year-old Qureshi family prides itself as the guardian of the rich legacy of Nawabi cuisine. Chef Qureshi has perfected the art of cooking like no other in his 40 years of career. His culinary journey took him to some of the finest Indian eateries including the world-famous Bokhara restaurant of Maurya Sheraton in Delhi.

The food at Gharana is certainly a proof of that and reveals a real mastery of flavour and texture.