Purani Dilli | Four Points Sheraton Downtown

Delhi, or Dilli as it is lovingly called, is not only the national capital of India, but quite a gastronomical one too. The food that hails from Delhi covers so many different aspects of Indian cuisine, it is difficult to categorize it under one or two types. Right from lip smacking chaat, street style parathas and kebabs to lavish curries, biryanis and meats fit for royalty, Delhi fare impresses one and all.

Whether you are from Delhi, have visited the city, or like me, haven’t been to the capital of India ever, that certainly doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try out Delhi styled food in Dubai! Purani Dilli, located in the heart of Bur Dubai at Four Points Sheraton Downtown is offering a very special limited time menu called “Chef Alam Ki Rasoi” that features culinary memoirs from the gastro-tacular capital of India. Priced at AED 110 per person, this journey is filled with flavor bombs that include a selection of street chaat, fried and grilled starters, delicious curries and rice for mains and a delectable sweet ending, all prepared by the Lucnowi Chef Alam.

We started with some complimentary papad and chutneys while we waited for our drinks. My friend opted for a hot cup of tea while I went with an Aam Panna mocktail from their special Mango promotion. The first set of dishes from Chef Alam ki Rasoi included Dilli Ki Chaat – Kurkuri Aloo Tikki, Masala Papdi Chaat & Dahi Bhalla. All yogurt based with an abundance of spices, what differentiated them was the potato patty in the first one, crispy papdi in the second and soft lentil dumplings in the third. Brilliantly executed, what we loved most about these is the fact that despite having almost similar ingredients, each chaat had its own distinct taste which stood out among the others. Don’t ask me my favorite among these, for I wouldn’t mind spending all my money eating just chaat.

We then moved on to starters and asked to try out both options from their veg and non-veg selection. From the latter, we loved the Tali Machhi marinated with mint, ajwain and spices. So tender and literally melt-in-your-mouth. Murgh Dahi Pyaza made with chicken mince was quite comforting too with its Awadhi spice, onion and yogurt mix, along with a hint of chilli and cheese. From the former my favorite was Sarson Ke Phool which was a tandoor grilled broccoli covered with yogurt, cheese and mustard flavors. Bharwan Aloo Ki Nazakat was rather rich and a little sweet for my liking, thanks to its khoya and dry fruit stuffing.

Confused with 7 options from the main course, we decided to let our server Prasad decide what we should try. He got us 6 out of 7, so we could have a little of everything on the list. Rara Gosht, a classic lamb curry had a nice spicy flavor. Murgh Handi Lazeez, almost like butter chicken, featured tender meat cooked in a cashew, yogurt and onion based gravy. Lahori Paneer, my favorite among them all, came with succulent cubes of cottage cheese in a corn, onion and tomato gravy accented with spices. Another veggie option, Bhagare Khatte Meethe Baingan had a prominent flavor of tamarind adding a sweet and sour taste to the eggplants. The Dal Sultani was a lovely lentil preparation that would go perfectly with jeera rice. But for our rice mains, we were treated to the ultimate Murgh Awadhi Biryani, that had a unique Dilli wala taste to it.

After that much of food, we were almost in a food coma, only to be interrupted by the sweet finale of Baked Boondi Jamun. Essentially miniature gulab jamuns, these sweet pearls were baked in a milk rabdi and served in tiny ramekins. Even though I’ve been to numerous Indian restaurants across Dubai, the sheer diversity of food from the homeland never fails to impress me. And that’s exactly why I think you should give this place a try.

P.S. We were offered more dishes than specified in the menu to supplement the review. Drinks are not included in the limited menu.

Purani Dilli

Location: Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Dubai, Mankhool, Dubai
Contact: 050 2116816

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