There is always room for a story that can transport people to another place.
Ushna- meaning warmth in Hindi, is a charming concept with colonial era décor, presenting inventive Indian cuisine that compliments flavors and traditions with global ingredients and techniques.
Ushna is a multi-award-winning Indian Restaurant established in 2005 combining authentic Indian cuisine with contemporary styling, Trinity of the warmth interior, flavorful food, and joyful laidback experience.
The Venue
Ushna, located in the Souq Qaryat Al Beri, has one of the best settings in the city with a beautiful terrace offering scenic views of the waterside and the Grand Mosque creating a truly distinct ambience ideal for a relaxing meal.
Renowned and creative architects and interior designers created the modern, stylish interiors with deep, rich colors that exude warmth; giving the décor an opulent feel that perfectly complement the pleasant and knowledgeable service.
The Experience
We were warmly greeted by Adil the manager who has a way to make you feel right at home instantly, he will sit you down, ask about you, crack a few jokes and help you with the menu.
As we set about deciding what to order a platter of papads appeared with traditional chutneys in neat little miniature milk pails along with a refreshing passion fruit welcome drink, very nice.
The Order
They have a QR code that you scan and see the menu on your phone, right now they are taking all recommended precautions and the menu has been tailored to the current situation featuring some of their classics.
Maharaja Platter – This is a selection of all their kebabs for sharing, presented with a flourish under a steel cloche with aromatic smoke wafting out. The selection was truly spectacular, the highlights were the lamb chops, perfectly flavored, char grilled and succulent, the tandoori and malai chicken were exquisite.
Southern Railway Chicken – In the style of south Indian railway food from the colonial era, the flavors were spot on, chicken cooked to perfection and the heat balanced the delicate south Indian spices perfectly reminding us of our childhood train journeys in India.
Paneer Lababdar – A classic north Indian dish of cottage cheese in a thick tomato and onion gravy came with a crisp chur chur naan, the gravy tempered with garlic and garnished with a dry red chili was absolutely divine.
Chicken 65 Biryani – Tender pieces of chicken deep fried and tempered in the classic Chicken 65 flavors with fluffy, aromatic long grain rice made a perfect biryani, the taste was like a symphony of flavors spiced to perfection.
Garlic & Chili Naan – We tried their Garlic and the Chili Tomato Naan, fresh from the over hot and flaky just perfect for mopping up the gravy adding their delicate flavors to each bite. The Chili Tomato naan looks seriously hot but the heat was mild and the flavors intense we loved it.
The Desserts – No Indian meal is complete without dessert however stuffed you might be, we tried the Kesar Rasmalai and the Mango Kulfi, the Rasmalai was outstanding with a warm saffron flavor and the kulfi was stunning, a perfect end to a superb meal.
The Verdict
Indian food never tasted so good but hey this is Ushna we would expect nothing less, the place has moved with the times with a new interior, some additions to the menu but has managed to maintain its exception taste. Its one of those places that you go to for a memorable time with friends and family.
The food is as excellent as ever, the ambiance is classy, service on point and the location stunning, what more to ask for, cant wait to go back once the weather permits outdoor seating to enjoy the food and views.
Sandy, the GM, will come over for a chat making you feel welcome and has done a great job of maintaining Ushna’s high standards. The awards say it all.
Contact
Phone – +971 2 559 9747 / +971 56 515 7360
