North Indian Food Fair at Chutneys

I have a confession. I used to be part of the bunch of people with wrong perception when it comes Indian food. I always thought that Indian food = spicy-mouth-burning food.

Fast forward to almost 3 years of living in Dubai, with a vast Indian population and an even larger number of restaurants specializing in Indian cuisine, I have now embraced the fact that the perception that people have (and the same perception that I used to have) about Indian cuisine is mostly incorrect.

Indian food is not just about being spicy. It's exquisite, aromatic, rich, flavorful, and hearty! Mostly the same characteristics with Philippine cuisine, which is probably the reason why it wasn't hard for me to fall in love with Indian food. And if you've been following me on Instagram, you might have known by now which my favorites are! :P

Mark can also attest to how giddy I get whenever we order Indian food, more so when I receive review invites for Indian restaurants. Just like two weekends ago, when Mark and I got invited to sample the offerings at Chutneys, one of the restaurants in Movenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai, which specializes in North Indian cuisine.

We have been to Movenpick many times but it's our first time trying out Chutneys restaurant. The restaurant overlooks the lobby and the gorgeous staircase and fountain. We were welcomed with a glass of hot chai as we were ushered to our table. With its wooden floor panels, furnitures, and fixtures; dainty chandeliers, and a rich choice of fabrics for the tables and curtains; the ambience at Chutneys is reminiscent of an elegant ancestral house.

Aside from the elegant ambience, inviting aromas from two tandoor ovens and a melodious live entertainment by a Ghazal trio permeate the surroundings.

We were served with Aloo Matar Ki Tikki and Papadum with chutneys as complimentary treats. The Aloo Matar Ki Tikki kind of perked me up. There's a lot going on with it—play of texture and taste-wise. Imagine a ball of spiced mashed potato that's breaded and deep fried, that's made a bit sweet and tangy by the dollop of yogurt and drizzles of mint and tamarind chutneys, with a spicy kick towards the end. Yummy! This became an instant favorite!

Snacking on the crispy papadoms and dipping them with mint, chili, mango, and pineapple chutneys is what kept us busy while waiting for our orders. Mark just can't stop munching on them. He loved all four chutneys. For me, the mango and pineapple chutneys are my favorites!

It took us a little while to place our orders, mainly because Mark and I are really not that well-versed with the offerings. Good thing there's an elaborate description in the menu. Mark got mutton biryani and some prawns, while I chose chaat, curry, and bread.

Mark and I both love Indian food, but he hasn't tried Indian chaats yet as he seems to be weirded out with it. The Papadi Chaat, however, won his approval! He liked it so much that he ate more than I did! Well yes, I have to agree with him, they are so good! Wafer thin Indian puff with chick pea and potato mash, flavored with ajwain (an Indian herb), tangy saunth (tamarind chutney), yogurt, and mint chutney, and sev (crunchy noodles made from chickpea flour)—talk about a burst of flavors and textures in every bite! Aaaahh...I want them now!

Papadi Chaat - AED 35

Four jumbo prawns marinated in fresh garlic and olive oil that's grilled to perfection, is what Jhinga Lasooni is all about. This one's undoubtedly good, with that subtle sweetness from the delicate prawns plus that distinct Indian spice. I've tasted similar dishes in other Indian restaurants at much lower costs, though, and I think Chutneys version is a rip-off. :(

Jhinga Lasooni - AED 115

Tawa Murgh from Chutneys—voted as the best curry in Dubai by What's on Magazine! It's boneless chicken cooked on a tawa or griddle, with tomatoes and onions. Very much different from the Indian chicken curry dishes that I've tried, this one has sort of a reduced sauce, but with the same old curry goodness. I enjoyed eating it with Pudina Paratha. And is it also the best curry in Dubai for me? Heck, yes! Go try it out for yourself and let me know what you think. :D

Tawa Murgh - AED 70

Pudina Paratha - AED 16

Gosht Awadhi Biryani, or simply mutton biryani, has generous fork tender mutton chunks submerged in biryani rice cooked with mace (with nutmeg-like taste), rose water, and kewra (extract distilled from the flower of the pandanus plant). Everything was mildly done; flavors were distinct but not overpowering. I also love how 'clean' the dish is. I mean, I've tried biryanis from other restaurants and I hate it when I chew up on seeds, twigs, and cinnamon barks in my biryani. Good thing it's not the case with Chutneys.

Gosht Awadhi Biryani - AED 85

We had fresh juices for our drinks. Mark got Pineapple Juice while I got Lemon Mint. Not sure why, but I always tend to get lemon mint juice in an Indian restaurant even if I know that it's not that good for my acid reflux. Good thing Chutneys version wasn't that acidic; it actually tasted just like lemon and mint flavored water. Might not be okay for those who actually look for that sweet and tangy mix, but it worked well for me. :p

I also make sure to order Sweet Lassi which has always been my savior for when my palates can no longer tolerate any heat. :p For desserts, we got fresh fruit salad and ice cream in a clay pot.

Lemon Mint and Pineapple Juice

Sweet Lassi

Falaon Ka Zaika - AED 40

Ice cream in a small clay pot? Yup, that's apparently how traditional Indian ice creams (kulfi) are served. It's an Indian ice cream, very much like the usual ice creams but denser and creamier.

Chutneys' Malai Kulfi is traditional saffron and pistachio flavored Indian ice cream. But kulfis can also come in fresh fruit flavors like mangoes and strawberries, or the more exciting flavors like cardamom and rose. It's my first time to try a clay pot kulfi and I loved it! Price is a bit steep though considering the serving size which is even kinda smaller than ice cream cups in grocery stores.

Malai Kulfi - AED 42

A lot of hits and misses, mostly relating to the dish's serving size vs. the price, but I can say that the overall dining experience is still on the positive side. Nice ambience with live entertainment, plus a service that's good and staff that's well-versed, interactive, and friendly.

I wouldn't mind coming back and splurging a bit on their papads, chaat, breads, chicken curry, and mutton biryani! Oh, and I'd sure want to experience their Thali offerings complete with that dainty peacock silver plate! :D

You can also check out our previous dining experience at Movenpick's Fountain Restaurant:

The Art of Brunch

The Grill Night

CHUTNEYS