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Laziness is not usually my nature honest. I would not have minded walking to Zaika, a North Indian restaurant situated deep within the construction labyrinthine that surrounds the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel but I could not refuse the cheap thrill of being whizzed around on a golf cart that deposited me right outside the entrance.
Making our way past the friendly host and down a tastefully decorated staircase to the dining area, we were flanked by keen waiters who fussed over us for a couple minutes. “Please let this not be the sort of place where they don't leave you alone," I prayed. Luckily it was answered because what followed was attentive but unobtrusive service.
A Jhinga tinka starter of prawn and banana fritters with spicy peanut sauce was a choice that was not regretted. The prawns were succulent with a crunchy crust and the fritters were lightly battered and crisp. The too-sweet peanut sauce was unremarkable however. My friend raved about her rather safe choice of the ubiquitous calamari starter that was lightly spiced and crispy fried, South Indian style. It comes with a spicy tamarind and tomato dipping sauce.
In between courses we happily munched complimentary roasted papadams (which were thankfully not dripping in oil), deep-fried South Indian papadams and little aloo crackers that come with mint and tamarind sauces.
Luckily, I had not eaten my fill before the main event the Chicken Chettinaad arrived. A preparation of chicken drumsticks inspired by the Chettiyars community in South India, the dish was a aromatic rather than fiery . Flavours of cardamom, black pepper, curry leaves and bay leaves came through strongly. Just beware of the occasional cardamom or cinnamon stick in a mouthful of food.
The Masoor Dal Gosht, a slow simmered dish with lamb cubes and creamed red lentils finished with Indian herbs and garam masala powder, was a winner. The lamb was melt-in-the-mouth tender and sauce deliciously fragrant. Separately ordered garlic naan breads and steamed rice came in huge portions so be sure to come hungry.
Zaika is currently running a promotion to take advantage of the mango season. My selection of the Mango Kulfi - a nuts and fruit compote that was beautifully presented and came on an icecream stick. Flavours of almonds, condensed milk and cream were pleasing to the palette but the taste of cardamom was overpowering. The compote comes in a little shot glass on the side filled with cantaloupe and clove infused syrup. Again, it would have been fantastic if not for the overpowering taste of cloves.
Zaika is well worth a visit - especially on a quiet weeknight - if you want to try innovative Indian dishes. Ingredients are of high quality and thankfully not served in a pool of ghee or oil.
Those terrified of Indian dishes that scorch your tongue will appreciate the restaurant's more flavoursome and fragrant offerings which also includes an extensive array seafood and vegetarian dishes.
Where: Al Murooj Rotana Hotel
Telephone: 04 321-111
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