Are you in search of a distinctive Indian cuisine? Then you should try the ‘dosa,’ the fermented rice beauty that is the staple food of the South Indians, and that is simple yet delectably versatile. Here’s quick guide:
Where: SANGEETHA
What: Masala Dosa
Build:Perfectly round Indian crepes with two dips: coconut mint and coconut chili
Comment: Searching for a rich, authentic experience I went to check out Sangeetha on very busy Electra Street. What I found was the most unaffected Indian experience ever! The double floored small space and the servers dressed in culturally resonant apparel reminded me of the Indian ferry sailors of the 90’s. Within 10 minutes my order arrived. It was served in a large circular hot aluminium plate. If I could have Masala Dosa for the rest of my life, it would need to be exactly like this! It was incomparable fermented rice, and it came with a mushy filling of mashed potato and coconut mint dip to die for.
Recommendation: Great food at a bargain price – you can eat enough to feed a nation!
Rating:5 stars
Where: ARAB UDUPI Restaurant
What:Masala Dosa
Build: Paper-thin Masala Dosa with a choice of dips and ‘aloodaal’ (lentil and potato mixture)
Comment: One of the oldest Indian restaurants in the UAE, Arab Udupi still leads the South Indian pack. My order of masala dosa when it reached my table was a sight to see! Spanning an entire arm’s length (kid you not), it was an impressive sight. I loved it, not only because of its value-for-money to size-of-dinner-plate ratio (literally), but in terms of taste as well! I enjoyed the flakes that tore off the bread, the dips that were of consistent thickness, and texture of the dosa.
Recommendation: A little more expensive then Sangeetha, but one taste of it and you will regret not having tried it earlier!
Rating: 4 stars
Where: ARYAAS Restaurant
What: Aryaas Special Dosa
Build: Vibrant conical beauties in every colour
Comment: Located in Karama, Dubai, Aryaas offers an extensive menu of dosas, uttapams (Indian pancakes), and idlis (rice cakes) using authentic ingredients of rice flour, lentils or semolina. This popular restaurant is a treat to the mouth and to the wallet. Their gorgeous dosa came in multiple colours (green, yellow and orange!) along with a wonderfully pungent ‘sambar’ chutney of coriander, coconut and tomato. The dosas were a delight to eat, with juices dripping everywhere.
Recommendation: Make sure to lick the last bit of sauce from your fingertips because the chutneys are far too precious to waste!
Rating: 4.5 stars
Where: FOODLANDS
What: Rava Dosa
Build: Buttery thicker and crispier, with aachar (pickles).
Comment: Foodlands on Airport Road in Abu Dhabi and Salahuddin Road in Dubai, is a pleasing family restaurant that offers a variety of Indian cuisines (as well as some that are Persian and Chinese). In search of the mighty dosa, I couldn’t wait to try out their version. What I was served were rava dosas that were very buttery, hot, soft and waiting for your teeth to sink into them. Thicker than most regular dosas, these were also somehow crispier but just perfect with the accompanying seasoned squishy potatoes.
Recommendation: If you’re going to binge, the taste makes the ghee factor worth it.
Rating: 4.0 stars
By Nabeela Huda
