Latest news with #Daftar
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Indian restaurant Daftar is perfect for that mid-week work break
If you need to close your eyes to savour the feeling of that very first bite, you know it's good. At Daftar, the newly opened Indian restaurant at DIFC, we found most dishes elicited this response. Or a sigh of happiness. Or both. The thing about Indian food is that while it's packed with flavour, it's also often got reserves of heat. Daftar, we are happy to confirm, did not. The result was meal of succulent meats, street food, and unusual regional fusion fare, without the huffing caused by generous amounts of chili. The restaurant has a canteen vibe reminiscent of spots near offices, or daftars, in India. Done up in a cheerful palette of cream, brown, and green, it's a nice spot for a business lunch, a catch-up with a pal, or an after-work session of commiseration after a long day. On display are several knick-knacks that call for greater observation – there's an old 11-inch television, a typewriter, a phone, and other draws for the curious eye. We began with a tastebud-tingling avocado and mango pani puri set that fell neatly into the shelf of unusual but familiar flavour. (Generally, these light balls of dough are stuffed with crumbled potatoes, black chickpeas, and a spice blend unique to the place making it. It is then laced with a spicy-yet-sweet dose of mint drink.) The avocado was a good replacement for the potato, adding not only nutrition but also a creamy texture to the bite. The mango brought a peppering of seasonal flavour. For the starters, we were treated to the Pondicherry Gunpowder Prawns – a swoonworthy smoked prawn dish with earthy flavours – and tawa sarson fish garnished with a ring of radish. The sarson fish (or mustard fish) is a Bengali favourite; and we found ourselves wrapped in the nostalgia of eating tender morsels of fish with the sharp aftertaste of mustard. The Cajun chicken tikka was a melt-in-your-mouth treat. Among other bites of note were the Himalayan jhol momos – well seasoned chicken wrapped in delicate pockets of flour, steamed and added to a delicious gravy and topped with burnt garlic, and the burhani raita – a crunchy yet cool bite. For the mains, I insisted on trying a favourite – dal makhani. And while it may sound like a simple dish, it is, I have found, easy to mess up. They did it right though; I ended up eating the entire bowl. It was served with laccha paratha, a soft, flaky flatbread that's fried. The ending was sweet – with three different types of kulfi, served like scoops of ice cream. These desserts are made with season ingredients and the ones that melted in our mouths included date and apricot. If you truly want to know if the food in a restaurant is good, ask diners about a week after they've eaten there – we may not remember exact flavours but we will recall the overall experience. In the case of Daftar, whether I waited one week or two, the verdict was the same: delicious fare in a cute spot that must be revisited. Go midweek for some relief on hump day – on alternate Wednesday evenings, you'll be rewarded with a comedy night that will make you giggle. For that familiar yet unusual taste experiment, going to Daftar is a must. Al Fattan Currency House, Mezzanine Floor, Tower 1, DIFC, Dubai. 050 666 4158.
FACT
03-04-2025
- Business
- FACT
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 for more information.
What's On
17-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- What's On
8 lovely things to do in Dubai this week: March 17 to 20
So much to do… Looking for some things to do in Dubai this week? As we're a little over halfway through Ramadan, make sure you tick off some of the very many things you can only do over the Holy Month, and other cultural activities. If you want to change things up a bit? Don't worry, we have some lovely options for that, too… Here are 8 fun things to do in Dubai this week Monday, March 17 A taste of nostalgia Indian restaurant, Daftar has opened its doors in Al Fattan Currency House in DIFC. Daftar, meaning office' in Hindi/Urdu and 'notebook' in Arabic, celebrates homegrown flavours, shared meals, and the simple joys of eating together – the simplier times, and it's all wrapped in a warm yet sophisticated setting. On the menu, expect dishes that pays homage to regional Indian cuisine, reimagined with a contemporary twist, such as vada pav, cajun chicken, tawa prawn, rogan josh and Awadhi biryani. Pair your meal with signature beverages with an Indian twist. Enjoy a business lunch here for just Dhs99 for a two-course meal. Daftar, Al Fattan Currency House, Mezzanine Floor, Tower 1, DIFC, Dubai, daily, 12pm to 12am, Tel: (0)50 666 4158. @daftardubai The Art of Well Being For those seeking a moment of serenity during the holy month, Serenity – The Art of Well Being offers exclusive Ramadan wellness experiences. Indulge in the Serenity offer, where guests can enjoy a two-for-one treatment on all spa treatments, available Monday to Friday for 60 minutes or longer. Additionally, elevate your spa experience with the Senses of Dubai package, available for Dhs1,000, which includes a luxurious treatment along with a premium retail product to take home. Serenity – The Art of Well Being, Fairmont The Palm, Mon to Fri for the duration of Ramadan, Dhs 1,000 per person, +971 4 4573545 or email @ Love a day by the pool? Head to Delano Dubai. Its fame grew thanks to its famed pools and private beach, and now the luxe new hotel is offering up a tempting new offer for guests: a new pool and beach day pass. Relax under the shade of billowing umbrellas framing the stunning blue pool, or recline on the delicately sunken furniture in the shallow end of the swimming pool, giving you a blissful combination of the sun and water. From Monday to Thursday, the day pass is Dhs400 with 50 per cent redeemable on food and beverages. The pool is open from 8am to 8pm, and you can even dip your toes in the sand at the beach. Delano Dubai, Bluewaters Islands, Dubai, pool open from 8am to 8pm, beach 8am to sunset, pool pass from Dhs400. Tel: (0)4 556 6255. Ramadan Wonders Global Village is transforming into a 'Home of Ramadan Wonders' complete with stunning Ramadan-themed decorations. And in keeping with The Year of Community, guests can expect activities that will bring friends and families together. Besides the endless shopping opportunities and live performance, make time to catch the Ramadan cannon besides the main stage. PS. Throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan, visitors will be able to access the attraction from 5pm to 1am on weekdays (Sunday to Wednesday) and from 5pm to 2am on weekends (Thursday to Saturday). The timing means visitors can enjoy the park's international selection of street bites for both iftar and suhour servings. Read more here. Global Village, Dubailand, Ramadan timings on weekdays (Sun to Wed) 5pm to 1am, and weekends (Thurs to Sat) 5pm to 2am daily through Ramadan. @globalvillageuae Wednesday, March 19 Spend time with mum This Mother's Day, head to Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah with mom and receive a 30 per cent discount. On the tiers, there's sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and exquisite patisserie creations like tiramisu eclairs, blueberry lemon cake, and strawberry cheesecake tarts. Mum will feel extra special with a complimentary glass of bubbly. Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, until March 31, 2pm to 6pm. Slurp on ramen SLRP Ramen by 3Fils has opened its doors in Dubai Mall. On the menu, you will find all their popular steaming bowls of freshly-made ramen, sizzling kushiyaki skewers, hand-made indomie dishes, and burgers. You can find SLRP Ramen in Dubai Mall's newest department, The District. SLRP Ramen, The District – Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, open daily 10am to 12am, @ Thursday, March 20 Break your fast at a gorgeous tent The iconic Asateer Tent at Atlantis, The Palm, is one of the top Ramadan tents in Dubai, and this year, it comes with a new garden terrace. Here guests can tuck into flavours of the Arabia alongside international cuisine. For iftar, there's Jordian lamb mansaf, lamb ouzi, a Westen carving station, and a dessert station plus an Arabic live sweet-making station. For suhoor, there's an a la carte menu with all the usuals from mezzeh, soup, grilled meats, and much more. Additionally, there's live entertainment during suhoor with enchanting oud strings and vocal performances. Iftar, which runs from sunset to 8.30pm, is priced at Dhs285 per person on weekdays and Dhs310 on weekends. For suhoor, prices start from Dhs180 per person, with food being served from 10pm to 2.30am. Group packages will be available for both iftar and suhoor, too. Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, iftar from sunset to 8.30pm and suhoor 10pm to 2.30am. Tel: (0)4 426 2626. @atlantisthepalm Last chance: An iconic masterpiece reimagined… ME by Meliá Dubai is pure art by itself, but walk through its doors to see another iconic masterpiece totally reimagined. The hotel is hosting renowned artist Mano Gonzalez and his artworks in an exhibition titled Live of Monalisa by Mano Gonzalez . Expect a bold reimagination of history's most iconic masterpiece, The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. Gonzalez has transformed the Mona Lisa into a symbol of the city's energy, ambition, and fusion of past and future. The exhibition is open daily from 11am to 10pm until March 19, at Studio 12. ME Dubai by Meliá, designed by Zaha Hadid, The Opus by Omniyat, Burj Khalifa Blvd, Business Bay. Tel: (0)4 525 2500. @meliahtlresorts Images: Supplied
