Tandoori Trumpets – Karama

Tandoori Trumpets is an Indian restaurant in Karama not at all deserving of its suspiciously high Zomato ratings. Its 3-out-of-5 ratings on Google and Trip Advisor are much more reflective of the very average nature of this mediocre eatery. Located in the Al Wasl Hub on Street 41, if this once upon a time shawarma joint has had its interior changed to reflect the new cuisine it serves, you’d be hard pressed to notice. It still looks like a fast food joint to me. And, at what should be their lunch time peak, the restaurant lights were off, kitchen silent. I actually felt compelled to ask if they’re open when I walked in.

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The friendly waiter informs me that they are a multicuisine restaurant as he hands me the menu. By default, I assume that means they, like 90% of the Indian restaurants in Dubai, also serve Indian Chinese. I’m right. But I want to have what’s gotten them a 4.5 Zomato rating, not momos or hakka noodles. He recommends I try the Butter Chicken and Patiala Shahi Gosht. I add a Daal Makhani, Jeera Rice and a couple of Rumali Rotis to that. My local friend arrives and asks why we’re the only ones in the restaurant. Hmm. The food turns out to be as unimpressive as the interior. The butter chicken is ugh-sweet and the daal lacks depth and flavour. The thick gravied Patiala Shahi Gosht is better but only has three pieces of bone-on meat. We both love the Boondi Raita and the Rumali Rotis.

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Prices at Tandoori Trumpets are exorbitant for what you get. AED52 for each of the mains is far too much. Thankfully they have half portions…for some but not all their mains, i.e. half for the butter chicken but not the Patiala Shahi Gosht – weird. I think I nagged so much about this that they eventually gave us a 10% discount. The only positive thing about this restaurant was the service. Both the timid Filipina and her all-rounder Indian supervisor were friendly and attentive. The rest of the experience was an exercise in mediocrity. This is a very average restaurant. Do not be fooled by the 4.5 Zomato ratings. There are plenty of better restaurants in Karama, which for much less will reward you with much more.  

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Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.