Indian food bears a Middle Eastern stamp

Every region of India has its own traditional style of making biryani with each claiming theirs is the best.

Food is the ingredient that binds us together - words that hold true when it comes to the culinary relationship between India and the UAE. No wonder, the food platters from the UAE resemble those from India, and the treats from India bear a Middle Eastern stamp.
Samosa vs. Sambusa
The fried (nowadays baked) pastry with a savoury filling is said to have originated in the Middle East and not in India, as many believe. On Indian streets, you can grab a hot samosa with tamarind chutney and a chai outside every office building. The Indian version of the crisp triangle snack is stuffed with spiced potatoes, onions, and peas, however, Dubai foodies prefer Sambusa or Sambousek - spinach and Feta cheese or minced meat (lamb/chicken) filling. At Logma, BOXPARK, choose between Samboosa Cheese (served with spiced Oman chips) or Samboosa Beef (with pomegranate molasses). Order a Samosa Bite chai combo for Dh10 at FiLLi's (across 18 locations in Dubai).
A biryani, please
Every region of India has its own traditional style of making biryani with each claiming theirs is the best. Think: Hyderabadi, Lucknowi, Bombay, and Malabar Biryani. Add to it competition from its Middle Eastern counterparts - generous use of dried fruits and nuts and a hint of zafran. Gazebo, Biryani Pot, Shiraz Golden Restaurants, and Student Biryani are some of the easy-on-pocket stopovers for biryani lovers. Head to Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar and Ashiana by Vineet Bhatia for a fine dining experience.
Everyone loves chickpeas
In both countries, you fill find a jar of chickpeas on the kitchen shelves. The chefs swear by the cream-coloured pearl-like versatile ingredient. It features in dips, soups, curries, salads, and more. What's a mezze platter without Hummus, Falafel or Tagine? Similarly, an Indian meal is incomplete without Chana Chaat, Chole Bhature or Chana Masala. Sample the spicy Chana Bhatura at Bikanerwala (across seven locations in Dubai). At Falafel Farm (across two locations in Dubai), savour the deep-fried snack (prepared with ground chickpeas): Classic, Egyptian, Spicy, Halloumi, and Labaneh.
Sweet ties
And then, of course, there is the Halwa - the Middle Eastern quintessential dense sweet treat. The flour-based version of the dessert is popular in India. Plus, there is Luqaimat, the deep-fried sweet dumplings covered in honey and syrup. Don't be surprised if it reminds you of the desi gulab jamun. Sweet shops across the city stock up these treats.
Hungry for History
Lemongrass, the culinary and medicinal herb

Lemon-scented with a hint of rose fragrance - lemongrass is a common plant to grow in home herb gardens
. The herb is native to India, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand. Today, India produces the largest quantity of lemongrass oil in the world.
. It is grown commercially in China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. China produces up to 1,00,000 kg a year.
. The oldest known text about lemon grass oil was found from the Philippines in the 17th century. Today, it is used in the perfumery and pharmaceutical industry.
. It is used to make a medicinal drink called fever tea, which can treat diarrhea, stomach cramps, headaches, and sleeping disorders.
. The herb can be added to a wide variety of dishes, be it soups, stews, curries, marinades, and roasts.
. In India, dried lemon grass, mixed with other ingredients, is used in making writing and printing papers.
. To thrive, lemongrass requires bright sunlight for most of the day with times of light shade.
. Buy a stalk and place it in a glass of water. Once the roots form, it can be transplanted into a pot. When the plant grows, which is very quickly, it can be split apart to make multiple plants.
Belly Good
Don the chef's hat
Learn the art of Italian cuisine at Solo Italian Restaurant & Bar, Raffles Dubai, as they launch cooking masterclasses (11.30 am to 2pm) led by Executive Chef, Doxis Bekris. Chef Doxis will be teaching attendees how to prepare a variety of Italian dishes, as well as demonstrating culinary skills and techniques. The class titles will tempt you to book now: Gnocchi Three-ways, Winter Flavours, Valentine's Menu, Perfect Pasta, The Art of Antipasti, and Italian Classics.
At the end of the class, sit down with fellow foodies for a private meal in the restaurant with the chef, and enjoy the tasty meal you have prepared. Well, if you had always wanted to know how to make your own fresh pasta, gnocchi or pizza dough from scratch, now is your chance!
Priced at Dh300 per person, every Saturday until March 4. To know more, call 043149720 or visit solodubai.ae.
On the menu
Year of the Rooster
Royal China Dubai, DIFC, invites guests to ring in the Chinese New Year in an authentic setting (the restaurant will be adorned in traditional Chinese lanterns) marked with a splendid selection of traditional Chinese dishes. You will be offered a specially designed chef's recommendations menu, representing a delicately balanced and richly evocative taste of China, with highlights including a Baked Golden Bun with Sesame, Braised Sea Cucumber with Mushrooms, Roasted & Poached Chicken with Garlic, and Sticky Rice Dumplings in Red Bean Pastry Soup. End your meal with Sweet Osmanthus Flower Pudding, a treat that is best savoured with an aromatic and refreshing Chinese tea.
Available until February 2
Another slice, anyone?
800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria has opened up a new branch in Riverland Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts. Made with specially sourced Napoli 00 flour and ingredients prepared freshly every morning, the pizzas are baked in an almond wood-fired oven at 800°F. Customizable from the base up, one can either choose from a set menu of speciality pizzas or create one's own pizza. There's also the option of a 95% gluten-free base and over five choices of sauces to spice up the traditional offering. Apart from pizzas, you can savour a variety of kinds of pasta, salads, sides, gelato, Italian desserts, coffees, and special Italian drinks. Now, what could be better than more pizza places in the city?
Aussie-style BBQ
Do you know the exact measurement of butter that goes well with Vegemite on a slice? Did you think Christmas in Dubai was a little bit cold? Or do you think 'mate' is an acceptable way to address people you've only just met? If your answer to any of the above was a yes, then you're on the guest list for this celebration. Renowned for throwing a shrimp on the barbie like no other, Barasti Beach has once again teamed up with the Australian Business Council to celebrate Australia Day. An Aussie-style BBQ (a huge tradition and leisure activity in their culture) will be available throughout the day, along with live entertainment courtesy of a band and DJ. A bunch of activities will keep the kids busy whilst mum and dad enjoy their time off.
On January 28. Free entry, all day, 12 pm onwards.
purva@khaleejtmes.com
 

• Food and Dining