Adding some fun to Punjabi dining

It would be inappropriate to name this North Indian eatery anything but Punjabi by Nature. Reason: from quirky one-liners in Punjabi emblazoned across the place (printed on menu cards and table mats) to typical names like Paaji or Bunty (the service staff), for a moment you'd think you were dining out in a Punjabi joint up north (of India)!
It's only natural that a place that exudes so much Punjab would have a menu reflecting the flavours of this mighty North Indian state. And it did! The cuisine takes you on a journey through the land of Lassi (buttermilk quencher), Makai di Roti (flat corn bread), Sarson da Saag ((mustard leaves) and Bhatti da Kukad (chicken roasted in the tandoor).
Situated on Oud Metha Rd. opposite Lamcy cinema, Punjabi By Nature (or PBN) is unmissable. And, perhaps, once the movie hall reopens (it's been shut after ever since the fire at Lamcy Plaza), it would be an ideal place to end your movie night out.
The dining hall is roomy and the interior has an almost robust feel to it, with the wallpaper giving it a rustic touch. The look was complemented  by  some colorful ethnic cushions liberally spread across the place.
Coming to the menu, you can get all your regular Punjabi favourites such as tandoori chicken, murgh makhani, mah di dal, Amritsari fish and more. Not being too familiar with Punjabi fare, we let Paaji do the honours, and he was only too happy to oblige! Here's what he suggested - a tikka platter (with Amrtistari Tikka), Chatti Wali Lassi (a buttermilk shake), Angrezi Chicken Tikka Masala, Kadai Veggies, Laccha Parathas, and Phirni for desert.
First to arrive was a basket of crunchy papads with green chutney. There's nothing better than nibbling on roasted spicy pappads dipped in mint chutney while you wait for the starters to arrive. We were a was a bit taken aback when we saw Paaji coming across to our table with a tray that had these humongous steel tumblers. Paaji informed us that it's common to serve drinks in this Punjabi tumbler (twice the size of a normal glass) in the state. We however, decided to split the Lassi amongst us (the  quantity was just right) since a glass of Chatti Wali Lassi Pede De Naal (Dhs19) would be a bit too much to go through, that too just before our main meal. Suffice to say, this saffron-flavoured shake infused with peda (sweet) made for a delightful quencher!
Next up was the Chicken Tikka Platter (Dhs37). Comprising an assortment of barbequed meats, our pick from the lot was the succulent, boneless pieces of Amritsari Tikka. From the mains, the Angrezee Chicken Tikka Masala (Dhs34) impressed us. It had oven-barbequed pieces of chicken coated in a  rich, thick and creamy gravy. It was full on flavour and had the right blend of spices. The dish went down well with the Laccha Parathas (layered paratha or Indian flat bread).
For dessert we ordered the time-tested popular sweet, Phirni (Dh14). You can't go wrong with this one. This traditional rice pudding, flavoured with cardmom and saffron brought a perfect end to a fun dine-out.
What: Punjabi by Nature
Where: Oud Metha, Opp Lamcy Plaza
Timing: Noon to 3.30pm, 7pm-11.30pm
Contact: 04 396 6044
michael@khaleejtimes.com