In the hustle and bustle of Madinat Zayed there is this haven of tranquillity serving exceptional Indian cuisine.
The name Kareem’s conjures visions of delectable kebabs, finger licking, old school Indian curries, bold biryanis and exceptional hospitality, so we just had to go over and give them a try.
Founded in 1995 in Mumbai by the legendary Chef Kareem Dhanani, Kareem’s is renowned for their exceptional kebabs, curries and biryani made using the finest ingredients in the classic old school Indian nawab style.
Kareem’s of Abu Dhabi has taken the brand to the next level with exceptional food in a stunning Indian ambiance, maintaining the same high standards and taste.
The Ambiance
Going past Kareem’s, you would never guess what lies in store for you behind the humble glass door, step inside, and you will be transported back in time to an elegantly decorated setting that feels like the dining room of a Royal Indian family.
The colors blend in with the intricate artwork on the walls oozing warmth and old school charm that is unlike any venue we have ever seen in Abu Dhabi, its just magical and needs to be experienced.
We are greeted warmly and are soon settled into a cozy corner table and the menus are passed around. The owner of the restaurant and his manager are there personally looking after the guests which was a really nice touch.
The Food
The menu is extensive, covering all the classics and the signature dishes of the brand that you will not see on any other menu.
As we are looking through the menu, a waiter brings across something we have never been served in any restaurant ever, a series of shot glasses full of their signature soups.
We get to try the paya shorba, a luxurious soup made from lamb trotters. Next up is the chicken yakhni, a flavourful chicken soup that is absolutely decadent. We also get to try the palak shorba which is a puréed spinach soup and the last is their smooth and silky tomato soup flavoured with coriander.
This was such a brilliant way to get started with a meal, and we are absolutely taken with this unusual serving that allowed us to taste all their signature soups without filling ourselves up.
The Kebabs
Kareem’s is known for their kebabs, so we go for a half serving of the mix kebab platter which has all their classics, each of them is a statement in itself, the flavours are fantastic and the texture soft and silky, we loved the mutton seekh and the chicken tikka, outstanding taste.
A serving of the tandoori prawns is next, juicy plump tiger prawns expertly finished in the tandoor, the smokey flavour with a hint of spice is just divine, we couldn’t get enough of this.
As if all this was not enough, the team at Kareem’s serves us their show stopping chicken tangdi kulfi kebab, a chicken drumstick marinated in cheese and cream with the flavours of a kulfi ice cream. The presentation is just amazing and as you unwrap the foil the aromas of kulfi engulf the room, we just can’t get over this.
The Mains
We move on to the mains, the mutton rogan josh is highly recommended, an aromatic gravy with slow cooked lamb shank that absolutely melts in your mouth, the depth of flavour is absolutely amazing.
We try the chicken shahi khorma, a traditional chicken curry that is perfectly spiced and was a delight to mop up with the piping hot butter naan.
We were recommended the lasooni palak, a fragrant spinach curry tempered with garlic that was something we have also never tried before, the flavor of garlic combining with the smooth spinach is just awesome.
We end the meal with their traditional mutton biryani, the long-grained rice is perfectly spiced and the mutton fork tender all come together creating one of the best flavored biryani we have had in a while.
The Desserts
We are completely stuffed, but the owners insisted we try the desserts, and soon four of their most popular desserts were served. The mawa jalebi with rabri and the gajar halwa were simply irresistible, and we just couldn’t help not finish all of them. The malai firni and the gulab jamon were superb as well.
The Verdict
We have to say we went in expecting some good food but what was served simply blew us away. The food is beyond doubt the best Indian food we have ever had in Abu Dhabi; each dish was a culinary masterpiece with distinct flavours and exceptional taste with presentations to match.
The owners have gone to great lengths to recreate the exact dishes that Kareem’s is famous for, which is what makes this place so special. The food, the ambiance and the traditional Kareem’s hospitality all combine to give you an exceptional and highly unique dining experience.
The location is central with good parking nearby, and the pricing is absolutely a steal for the quality of food and the huge portions. This is truly a hidden gem of Abu Dhabi.
The Contact
For reservations, please call +971 2 633 3575
