This is one of four Arabian Grill branches in Dubai. Located in the surprisingly smart Al Samari Residence complex in Ras Al Khor, it is one of two stand-alone restaurants which can be accessed from both the small community centre food court, as well as the main courtyard. Arabian Grill is one of those do-it-all restaurants; Arabian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, South Indian, North Indian – Arabian Grill will do them all for you. How well though, is very, very debatable.
I was there on a Friday morning to try their South Indian breakfast, specifically their fiery Sambar which I had heard so much about. I ordered (typically) an Idli-Vada dip, followed by a Masala Dosa. The Idli-Vada dip was nothing special except that it was a big portion. Actually, the Vada was kinda…um, rubbish. The Sambar, however, lived up to its reputation and was fire-breathing-dragon hot. So much so though, that I couldn’t really taste it after a spoonful or two.
By the time my Masala Dosa arrived, I think I had burnt off most of my poor taste buds. And that may have been a good thing because my Dosa was limp and whitish, as opposed to the crispy, golden brown Dosas you get in any self-respecting South Indian restaurant in Dubai.
Service was reflective of the early hour; chilly, uncommunicative and a little grumpy…but I coaxed a smile out of the waiter when I showed him my blistered tongue on the way out. It’s a tough call if you live in the Al Samari Residence and want a South Indian breakfast, you’ve got a choice between Arabian Grill and Boom Boom (which I have also visited). If you’re in a lazy mood, choose Arabian Grill but ask them to brown their Dosas properly. Not lazy, head out to Karama.
Waste NOT. Want NOT.
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