Punjab Grill – Ritz-Carlton – Abu Dhabi

Entrance to Punjab Grill at Ritz Carlton
Entrance to Punjab Grill at Ritz Carlton
Punjab Grill interiors
Punjab Grill interiors
We with Punjab Grill Chef and Restaurant Manager
We with Punjab Grill Head Chef and Restaurant Manager

Love Punjabi Songs and now love their food as well. Punjab Grill located in Ritz-Carlton AbuDhabi which in itself is a Grand Luxury Resort, a perfect spot for this Elegant restaurant. Punjab Grill is a gourmet fine dining restaurant with modern interpretation of Indian Cuisine. The interiors are exquisite and I just couldn’t take my eyes of their eye catching chandeliers during our dinner.

Punjab Grill interiors
Punjab Grill interiors
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Mocktails – dhs 25 – From left: PEARL(cinnamon syrup, apple juice & Ginageale), Aneeka(pomegranae juice, Mint leaves, lime juice, vanilla syrup), Mango Lassi
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Complimentary Indian dippers with Pappads

While we waited came the complimentary platter of colorful Indian dippers. Some tangy, some spicy, some sweet, it was a wonderful complimentary treat to begin with. As always kids jumped onto the pappads. Each of their mocktail tasted very different from the other. The mango Lassi was traditional in taste and very well made.

Murgh Badami Shorba - dhs 38 - chicken consomme, toasted almonds
Murgh Badami Shorba – dhs 38 – chicken consomme, toasted almonds
Dal ka Shorba - Dhs 29 - lentil soup, palak crisp
Dal ka Shorba – Dhs 29 – lentil soup, palak crisp

The soups were served in a different style. They came in a 2 piece set with the liquid part of the soup separately in a teapot and main ingredients dry in another bowl. The soup is then poured into the bowl as much as you need them. This idea works as you enjoy the soup warm for a longer period. The Dal Ka Shorba(lentil soup) was the better one. Nice, thick and felt great in the cool weather.

Beetroot Kebabs - dhs 45 - Figs & pine nuts stuffed beetroot galletes, crumb fried
Beetroot Kebabs – dhs 45 – Figs & pine nuts stuffed beetroot galletes, crumb fried
Hara Kebab - dhs 45 - spinach patties, mango preserve
Hara Kebab – dhs 45 – spinach patties, mango preserve
Beetroot Kebabs - dhs 45 - Figs & pine nuts stuffed beetroot galletes, crumb fried
Beetroot Kebabs – dhs 45 – Figs & pine nuts stuffed beetroot galletes, crumb fried
Watermelon slider - dhs 35 - palat patta chaat, herb lime glaze
Watermelon slider – dhs 35 – palak patta chaat, herb lime glaze

Starters is where they get an A+. A true reflection of modern cooking. More than cooking you see innovation and fusion. A piece of art with shapes, colors, texture and taste. No matter how many Indian restaurants I’ve visited, there was a new taste coming in from these starters. The Beetroot and Hara Kebab was were a true joy to eat which came with a crisp exterior and a warm stuffing that was packed with exquisite flavours. Watermelon slider was another attraction and one of a kind that would impress anyone.

Chaamp Taajdar - dhs 135 - Signature Punjab Grill lamb Chops, braised & Chargrilled in tandoor
Chaamp Taajdar – dhs 135 – Signature Punjab Grill lamb Chops, braised & Chargrilled in tandoor
Salmon Tikka - Dhs 95 - Chargrilled Salmon, cream cheese
Salmon Tikka – Dhs 95 – Chargrilled Salmon, cream cheese
Zaafrani Jhinga - dhs 145 - Saffron flavoured Jumbo shrimps
Zaafrani Jhinga – dhs 145 – Saffron flavoured Jumbo shrimps

From the Tandoor category, the juicy Saffron flavoured Jumbo shrimps is a mouth watering item. You just wished there was a lot more of those Jumbo Shrimps in that plate. The creamy chargrilled Salmon was succulent and very different in taste from the typical grilled Salmon. The lamb chops were thick, meaty and tender. The sauce on the side gave further push to the taste for the Lamb chops.

Raan-E-Sikandari - dhs 195 - whole mutton leg, cinnamon & cardamom flavoured
Raan-E-Sikandari – dhs 195 – whole mutton leg, cinnamon & cardamom flavoured
Raan-E-Sikandari - dhs 195 - whole mutton leg, cinnamon & cardamom flavoured
Raan-E-Sikandari – dhs 195 – whole mutton leg, cinnamon & cardamom flavoured

The Raan is a must try at Punjab Grill. The meat was super tender and literally a melt in the mouth. Every penny is worth this one. The whole mutton leg is also accompanied with additional sauce, just incase you wanted to further spice it up. In fact after this one I just couldn’t appreciate any other meat on the table.

Mutton Biriyani - dhs 95
Mutton Biriyani – dhs 95
Dal Makhani - dhs 50
Dal Makhani – dhs 50

Their mutton Biriyani was a typical north Indian Biriyani. Along with the Biryiani you had more than half dozen choices for sides. We went for their thick Dal makhani which definitely is a delight even for non vegetarians.

Jalebi Churros - dhs 35
Jalebi Churros – dhs 35
Jalebi Churros - dhs 35
Jalebi Churros – dhs 35

Except for Gulab Jamun, all their desserts tasted different from the typical Indian desserts. The Jalebi Churros is definitely a special here. If you are a Churros fan then you definitely don’t want to miss this order.  It’s called Jalebi Churros cause these Churros are made from Jalebi batter, but don’t expect any Jalebi taste in this one. It’s more of a churros than a Jalebi.

Ras Malai - dhs 45
Ras Malai – dhs 45
Kulfi with Figs - dhs 35
Kulfi with Figs – dhs 35

My favourite Indian desserts are usually the Kulfi and Rasmalai, Unfortunately if you are expecting an authentic taste then you might be disappointed here. At Punjabi Grill these are more creamy. As per the Chef, Besides the addition of cream they don’t boil the milk too long so as to preserve the proteins and vitamin in the milk hence we don’t get to taste the original Kulfi or Rasmalai taste. I say they need to stick to the original method of making as they taste artificial otherwise. The desserts would be one place where they can find some space for improvement.

Gulab Jamun - dhs 35
Gulab Jamun – dhs 35

I also want to highlight their hospitality which has been very supportive throughout our meal. The restaurant manager did an outstanding job by guiding us throughout our dinner, explaining the sophistication behind each dish as they reached our table. Punjab Grill peaks with starters and their mains. Elegant Interiors that sets a perfect tone for that special day, with five star food and service there is no better place to go when you want to delight someone with modern Indian Cuisine. Click here to know more about Punjab Grill. Click pictures below to see them in full screen view:

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