Lal Qila Mumtaz is a fine dining spin-off of the Lal Qila franchise which specialise in authentic Mughlai, tandoori, live barbecue and traditional Pakistani cuisine. Located on the ground floor of the Tulip Al Barsha Hotel Apartments in Al Barsha 1 (not far from MOE), the interior of Lal Qila Mumtaz is decorated like a Mughlai royal court. Whilst it’s not to my taste, I cannot ignore the amount of time, effort and money which must have gone into creating this splendid environment. The staff, who are dressed in period costumes, successfully complete the theme. My favourite was the Shair O Shayri session in classic Urdu, a similar enactment of traditional Mushaira (poetic symposium) where poets in the old days gathered to perform their works.
I expected all this pomp and ceremony at the expense of food quality. No so. The food at Lal Qila Express is near excellent. My Pakistani-Canadian companion and I kept it simple (and as light as possible) ordering the Dar Bari mixed grill (or Lal Qila platter), an Aasmani Khumb Aur Palak (mushrooms in a spinach sauce) and a couple of naans. Firstly, to leave a Mughlai restaurant without ordering some form of kabab is a sin. Lal’s kababs are simply amazing, the platter we ordered easily good for two. The palak was good too but I’m sure you’ve guessed I wasn’t the one who ordered that.
Dar Bari mixed grill
Aasmani Khumb Aur Palak
Kheer
The staff at Lal Qila Mumtaz are friendly and accommodating. All speak good English and can help you with ordering. I liked this place. While there are many, many Pakistani restaurants in Dubai, there are not many like this one. It’s special. If you like Mughlai cuisine, this restaurant is a very good option. The historic element may not be to everyone’s taste but it’s definitely not an impediment either. I can pay this restaurant no bigger compliment that saying that I will go back. And I say that not because I am somebody but because I believe there is no better way of showing your appreciation for a restaurant than going back. Tamam.
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