Daftar Review: A Dubai dining experience worth the deadline rush
This nostalgic new Indian restaurant in DIFC offers a welcome break from the workday grind.
Dubai is home to some of the world's best Indian restaurants, from homegrown concepts to MICHELIN-starred venues like Avatara to Trèsind Studio. Now, the city has welcomed the new Indian restaurant, Daftar, to Al Fattan Currency House in DIFC.
Daftar — which translates to office — finds a quiet home on the mezzanine floor, promising Indian cuisine that is simple yet elevated, making it the perfect lunch spot for finance bros or those looking to escape their desk for a solid meal steeped in nostalgia.
Desk goals
As you step inside, you're greeted at the front desk with a sleek marble tabletop adorned with antique decor, reminiscent of old South Asian homes. Think vintage telephone (yes, the kind where you dial an actual number), instantly setting a retro yet modern tone.
Venturing further, Daftar is thoughtfully divided into several dining areas. First up is the Sip-and-Nibble Section, an ideal spot for post-work drinks and small bites and to its left is the Executive Chamber, a private dining area that can accommodate up to 25 people for intimate gatherings. The People and Culture Hub is the main dining space with a balcony-style seating area, providing a semi-open-air feel.
Minimalist yet warm, the decor leans on a beige, brown and green palette. Plush booths and cosy seating make it an inviting space, while a dedicated entertainment area hints at upcoming live music and comedy nights. A wall paying homage to the true daftar-aesthetic features treasures like old cameras, barometers, typewriters, and newspaper clippings, adding to the restaurant's charm.
Mixing business with pleasure
Daftar's menu delivers on its promise of elevated Indian cuisine, with several serious flavour bombs. We kicked things off with the Himalayan Jhol Momos. These steamed dumplings arrived in a pink-yellow, creamy curry infused with roasted garlic. The vegetable filling was finely chopped to maximise flavour, while the nutty sauce and crispy garlic bits added the perfect crunch. One bite, and we were hooked.
Next up, the Makhmali Dahi Kabab were golden-crusted bites that oozed with soft, spiced yoghurt. Served in a ceramic egg tray alongside mint chutney and pineapple sauce, these were a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.
Then came the Tawa Lamb Chops. Marinated and coated in rich spices, the chops were grilled to perfection — tender, juicy, and soaked in a smoky flavour. The sauce clung beautifully to the meat, ensuring each bite was prepared to tingle the taste buds.
For mains, the Chingri Daab Curry was flavoursome. This Bengali-style prawn curry arrived inside a raw coconut, sealed with dough and baked to lock in all the flavours. The coconut-infused curry was rich, slightly sweet, and spicy in the best way possible, with juicy prawns soaking up all the fantastic flavours.
The Nalli Nihari was another dish we couldn't resist ordering. This slow-cooked lamb shank featured a rich gravy that was mildly spiced. While we usually enjoy nihari with a bolder spice profile, this version had a well-balanced, subtle richness that would appeal to those who prefer a milder take. The gravy leaned towards a thinner consistency compared to the traditional thick nihari, but it still carried the traditional flavours we expected.
For dessert, the Kesari Moong Dal Halwa hit all the right notes. Made in pure desi ghee, the halwa had a delicate sweetness, loaded with almonds, pistachios, and edible flowers for extra flair. The contrast of soft, warm halwa with crunchy nuts resulted in a match-made-in-heaven moment.
The Rabri Jalebi was yet another winner. Good rabri is rare to find in Dubai, but Daftar does it justice. Thick, creamy and mildly sweet, it paired beautifully with freshly fried jalebis that were crispy, syrupy and addictive. We ordered another round!
Clock in for this
All in all, Daftar is a solid addition to DIFC's dining scene. It's a superb spot for a meal without the usual chaos — quiet enough to offer a real break from work but lively enough to keep things interesting. Don't miss the Himalayan Jhol Momos, Makhmali Dahi Kabab, and Rabri Jalebi. You'll leave happy and prepared to plan your next visit.
GO: Visit https://daftar.ae for more information.
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