Latest news with #SouthernIndian
Eater
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
Sanjh's New Executive Chef Comes From the Restaurant That Invented Butter Chicken
The only fine dining Indian restaurant in the Metroplex, Sanjh, has a new chef: Sarabjit Singh Assi. Assi cut his teeth working at the award-winning Daryaganj Restaurant in India, whose original location purported to be the place that created butter chicken. Sanjh, known for its waterfront dining room in Las Colinas and classic Indian menu of curries and freshly-made breads all served in upscale style, has made the Eater Dallas 38, and found chef fans in local legends like Stephan Pyles, who called his Sanjh dining experience one of his most remarkable of 2024. With Assi at the helm, the kitchen remains focused on tradition, storytelling, and offering a taste of the Punjabi spirit. Eater: How did you end up at Sanjh? Sarabjit Singh Assi: The story starts in 2018, when one of the owners visited the ITC Hotel [in India], where I was working as the chef in charge. He promised me that when he opened an Indian restaurant in Dallas, I would be his first choice as chef. In 2023, I got that opportunity. We created a menu that isn't too modern and instead focused on the authenticity of the food. Before opening, I did research and development for the menu with the 14 chefs who work at Sanjh — I am blessed to have 14 chefs from India. Our pastry chef Rajat Sachdeva is crucial for us. Chef Sarabjit Singh Assi at work in the kitchen. Sanjh Restaurant and Bar Before opening the restaurant, we visited the 20 best restaurants in the United States, to see what was going on. I came to the conclusion that we need to stick to what we were doing in India. So we stick to the basics. People love curries here, that I know [laughs]. That's why we serve butter chicken, although it's different — it's coarse and not sweet, like we used to make at Daryaganj in Delhi, which is called the place where butter chicken was invented. What makes the cuisine at Sanjh fine dining? Being an Indian fine dining restaurant doesn't mean putting the dishes on a fancy plate, or anything like that. We need to create an experience. The dishes coming to your table need to have a story behind them and be a reflection of the chef who created them. The perception of Indian food is that it is spicy. Spicy does not mean hot; it means flavorful. It means that the experience for the guest includes telling them what we are serving, what state the dishes are coming from, how they are made, and who made them. You serve a kori gassi with dosa, a Southern Indian dish that isn't typically served at Indian restaurants in North Texas. Tell me about why that is on your menu. Primarily, we are a North Indian restaurant, but in Dallas, 30 to 40 percent of our diners are from South India. They do have the option of butter chicken, but we need to offer more to them. I am from Southern India and don't want to divide the country into parts on a menu. Dosa, a savory crepe, in ordinary restaurants is made from rice flour, but we make it with buckwheat. It's very light, not heavy like naan. In the kori gassi, we sear the chicken thigh and make a blend of spices. We use stone flour and black peppers of different varieties. Before opening the restaurant, we tried making this dish with spices from local vendors but came to the conclusion that it didn't taste exactly how we wanted. So we got a full container of spices from South India, and that is what we still use. After we put the spice blend on the chicken, we finish with coconut milk to bind it together. The chicken we're using in the restaurant, and in the kori gassi, is free-range. I am careful about selecting the ingredients. Our fish is wild caught. The ingredients are what tell the story of the dishes. Indian bread making techniques have taken over a whole room in Sanjh. Sanjh Restaurant and Bar What is the best feedback you've received from diners? When they say it reminds them of their mom or a home cooking thing, I feel proud. Any chef has a story of being close to their parents and learning to cook. For me, it was my mother, who taught me to cook and always critiqued me, telling me I wasn't good. That's what makes me a good chef. Being part of a Punjabi family — Punajbis start at breakfast when they talk about lunch, and at lunch they talk about dinner. Then at dinner they talk about what they want for breakfast. Punjabis are very particular about their food. Now, my mom is a little proud of me and thinks I'm cooking the right way. When people come in now, either for the first time or returning, what is the one thing at Sanjh they have to try? We make our own paneer, and I tell people they won't find a paneer like this. I am confident that what we are making is a work of art. Nothing can match it. We have bharwan paneer tikka that is in a different class. Our lamb chops, too, need to be tried. People tell us they're just like they had in India. We also offer a full chaat menu, which is particular for Delhi people. Chaat means 'to lick,' and it gives you a start and a craving to have more. I try to keep five per menu, and innovate. I am working on adding a kulle ki chaat, which is fruit-based and a very different thing.
Hans India
06-07-2025
- Hans India
Odisha: Puri witnesses huge influx of devotees on ‘Suna Besha'
Lakhs of devotees thronged the sacred coastal town of Puri on Sunday to witness the holy siblings - Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra - adorned with gold ornaments, weighing around 208 kilograms. The huge inflow of pilgrims got a glimpse of the holy triad dazzling with gold ornaments of hundreds of kilograms, which resulted in heavy traffic snarls in and around Puri. Earlier in the day, the Odisha Police had alerted devotees coming to Puri that the designated parking spots in the city had reached the maximum capacity. The vehicles carrying pilgrims to Puri are being advised to wait for some hours at Batgaon and Maltipatpur. 'Extremely heavy vehicle inflow from Bhubaneswar towards Puri at present. The present waiting time at Batgaon is around two hours. All devotees are requested to plan their visit accordingly,' informed the Odisha Police. The Police requested all to follow traffic advisories and cooperate with on-duty police personnel. The deities will be decorated with gold-made hands, feet, garlands with gold beads of different shapes and styles, golden crown, gold Chakra or discus, silver conch, gold ploughshare and pestle during the special ritual known as in the local Odia language as 'Suna Besha' or 'Rajarajeswar Besha', or 'Bada Tadhau Besha'. Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) had earlier announced that devotees can get the Darsan of the deities from 6.30 pm to 11 pm on Sunday. 'Suna Besha' ritual of the holy siblings seated on the chariots started during the reign of Gajapati King Kapilendra Deva, following the request of a prominent servitor of the shrine, 'Tadhau Karana' in 1460 CE. The king who had returned victorious from a war with some Southern Indian rulers donated cartloads of gold, diamonds and other precious ornaments brought with him to the temple.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Throwback: When SS Rajamouli, Ranbir Kapoor & Nagarjuna bonded over a traditional South Indian banana leaf feast
Ayan Mukerji's film "Brahmastra," which debuted on September 9, 2022, featured SS Rajamouli as one of its presenters. Ranbir Kapoor was accompanied by Rajamouli and the movie's cameo star Nagarjuna during the Southern Indian premiere. The trio enjoyed a delicious South Indian meal that was traditionally served to them on a banana leaf while they were in Chennai for the film's promotion. Apparently, Ranbir especially enjoyed the food. "I am so happy to share our vision of 'Brahmastra' with you," Ranbir said at a press conference organized by the 'Brahmastra' team. "All of you are from a state that is so rich in culture, in music, and in performing arts. It is my privilege to be here." "Brahmastra started for Ayan and me in 2013," Ranbir continued. "We were doing a film called 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani,' and during one of the schedules in Manali, he came and told me that he had this idea of two friends (this was before 'RRR'), one of whom had the power of fire and the other the power of water. Of course, the film didn't turn out the way he thought at that time, and it has turned out the way you guys are seeing it right now. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo " "I have seen this boy, Ayan Mukherji, from the age of 29. He has become a young man now. He has spent 10 years of his life on this film. Every day, he has been working and dreaming of this vision. Just to be a little soldier in his battle to achieve his vision has been such an honor and such a privilege for all of us involved with Brahmastra." "I had the honor of working with legends such as Amitabh Bachchan sir and Nagarjuna sir in this film," Ranbir said in reference to his fellow actors. "Never in my wildest dreams have I thought that I would have a poster with S.S. Rajamouli 's name and my face on it," the actor continued, thanking Rajamouli, who was presenting the movie. "That is such a big privilege. Thank you so much for this." Speaking of his wife and co-star in the movie, Alia Bhatt , Ranbir said he had the good fortune to marry her at last and that she is among the best actors he has ever worked with.
Eater
02-07-2025
- Business
- Eater
Paneer-Stuffed Ravioli and Tandoori Chilean Sea Bass Head to Randolph Restaurant Row
Vikram Singh dreamed of opening a restaurant in the West Loop, but he realized that he needed patience to compete in one of Chicago's most competitive dining neighborhoods. Singh opened Kama in 2009 in suburban La Grange where he slowly developed a formula for introducing South Asian flavors that many locals had never tasted. 'Indian-inspired Americana' is Singh's calling card. In 2023, Singh and his business partner, Agnes Singh, opened a second location in Chicago proper along Milwaukee Avenue. Vikram Singh calls Wicker Park a bridge toward what he wants to accomplish along Randolph Restaurant Row where the third location of Kama is pegged for an August opening at 812 W. Randolph Street in West Loop. Vikram Singh guesses 90 percent of Chicago hasn't dined at Kama. A restaurant in a high-profile location to grow the brand excites him. 'Sometimes you could fool yourself, because your core customers are so loyal and sometimes forgiving,' he adds. 'You do not know how good you are until you get into a new place where people have not heard of you much, and then you get to see the reactions.' Regional Indian cooking has received much attention recently, with restaurants like Nadu in Lincoln Park and, particularly, Southern Indian fare from the Indian state of Kerala (Thattu in Avondale, which opened in 2022, has seemingly ignited a trend). Kama has long served dishes like Keralan fish fry, and while Singh's excited to see restaurants serve up more variety, he doesn't seek the same attention for serving regional dishes. 'We've been doing regional Indian for the last 10 years,' Singh says, adding: 'It would have been so easy for me to just stick to my Punjabi stuff, right?' Kama's forte is contemporary Indian cuisine, fusion cooking that blends South Asian flavors and spices with European American fare. Ravioli stuffed with paneer comes in a thick tikka sauce. Sticky tamarind baby back ribs were popular in La Grange. Singh has kept traditional North Indian staples on his menus, items familiar to most Americans, including rogan josh, samosa, and naan. But the experience with two locations has him hungry to showcase more of his experimental dishes to a West Loop customer base that he feels will be receptive. Singh gushes about a scallop dish that he says crosses Indian and Italian cultures with bell peppers, romanesco, and makhani sauce. Singh is also proud of his restaurant's cocktail program, which often features elaborate garnishes or fun presentations. Agnes Singh handles the beverage with highlights like Purple Rain, made with Japanese Gin Butterfly, lemongrass, lavender, grapefruit tonic, and Campari foam. Singh sought to open in West Loop before Kama's Chicago debut in Wicker Park, but real estate priced him out. Now that they've secured a lease, they'll have a larger kitchen to test out new items with an upcoming weekend brunch menu featuring with shrimp and grits, plus fried chicken served with Indian-spiced hot honey. There aren't many South Asian restaurants in West Loop, with ROOP Chicago — also along Randolph Street — being one of the only options. Spicing up the ambience for the neighborhood is also important to Singh. Don't expect to hear tabla and sitars on the sound system. Singh prefers modern artists like Indian rapper Hanumankind. 'I love Indian hip-hop,' Singh says. 'And I know I'm a guy who's much too old to be listening to hip-hop, by the way.' Kama West Loop , 812 W. Randolph Street, planned for a mid-August opening See More:
Time Out Dubai
24-06-2025
- Time Out Dubai
15 underrated Dubai restaurants that aren't tourist traps
Dubai is mainstream, that's for sure. It's definitely not your average undiscovered city that no one's heard about. It's world-renowned, alright… for its Instagrammable skyscrapers, luxury shopping spots, and (most importantly) a highly impressive restaurant scene that draws millions of tourists each year. Here, you will have no shortage of celeb chefs and glitzy glam dining rooms. But what if you want to discover Dubai the way residents and locals do? Away from the famous restaurants that top the best list here, and the star lists there? The real deal stuff that locals flock to? Here are some wonderfully low-key, underrated gems across the city that are worth your time. Birch Bakery Super underrated and tucked away in the depths of Al Quoz, Birch Bakery is the kind of spot that once you've discovered, you're never going to forget. So get ready for a trip that ends with you sampling croissants, bread and the like. This very un-touristy spot has just under a handful of tables, but more often than not, you'll leave with armfuls of baked goods ready to scoff on the sofa (or in your car on the side of the road, we're not judging). Don't miss the Emirati honey and sea salt croissant, while top picks for bread include a nut and seed loaf or sea salt focaccia. Sweet tooth? The chocolate babka and apple tart have your name on them. One of the best bakeries in Dubai (for those in the know). Open daily from 7am-3pm. Al Quoz, (04 222 6665). Café Isan Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Café Isan Located on the first floor of a random JLT hotel, Café Isan is the most authentic, fun and friendly spot to enjoy top Thai food in Dubai. Featuring mismatched plastic furniture, a Thai market-style bar, pop tunes and affordable prices, this higgledy-piggledy spot serves up utterly delicious food for less. Coming from the Isan region of Thailand, expect punchy flavours (Thai spicy really means spicy, you've been warned) with curries, stir-fries, noodles and more. Take a seat out on the large terrace during the winter – but be sure to call and book ahead, the city's Thai food fans (who are in the know) love it as much as we do. Open Sun-Fri noon-midnight, Sat noon-2am. Armada Avenue Hotel JLT, Cluster P, JLT, (058 529 1003). Calicut Paragon Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Calicut Paragon If authentic Keralan cooking, packed full of flavour and spice, is what you're searching for, Calicut Paragon is for you. An excellent Indian restaurant deep in the busy Karama neighbourhood, Paragon specialises in Southern Indian cuisine. This has been one of the best budget restaurants in Dubai for many years, and one of the top Indian restaurants in town, too. With dishes that sing with spice, dig into chicken Malabari, fish tikka, moilee, masala mushrooms and more, all served with piping hot naan. Dubai-based Keralites really love this spot. Open daily 7am-midnight. Karama, @calicutparagon (04 335 8700). Harummanis Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Harummanis Well-loved Dubai chef Akmal Anuar opened a Singaporean-Malay restaurant in the heart of Jumeirah 1. Harummanis, which pays homage to the Harumanis mango, is a nod to Anuar's roots. This little spot offers up traditional dishes with a modern twist while remaining true to their origins. Diners can look forward to super unique dishes like beef cheeks rendang and a reimagined ketoprak, featuring Japanese sesame sauce instead of the traditional peanut dressing. We love a menu that's inspired by a chef's upbringing. Tue-Sun noon-11pm, Mon 6pm-11pm. Wasl 51, Jumeirah @harummanis.51 (056 536 1674). Kokoro Handroll Bar Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Kokoro Dubai Alserkal Avenue is one of those areas in Dubai that's just so undeniably cool. Very well-loved by residents, but not always frequently visited by tourists. If you walk around Alserkal, you'll find some cool, underrated eateries that you definitely don't want to miss. Kokoro Handroll Bar is one of them. Dubai's first dedicated hand roll bar offers sushi-lovers something amazing. Crispy squares of nori sheets, wrapped around rice and delicious high-quality filling. Every bite hits you with everything it's got. And in Dubai, there's nowhere that does it better than at Kokoro, with its laid-back, quirky charm and rows of costumed rubber ducks dotted all over the venue. An underrated spot that's known and well-loved among the foodie crowd in Dubai. Open Sun-Wed noon-11.30pm, Thu-Sat noon-midnight or until sushi is sold out. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz @ Kooya Filipino Eatery Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Kooya Filipino Eatery Kooya Filipino Eatery is refreshingly fun, warm and welcoming, designed to reconnect Dubai's enormous Pinoy population with the motherland. Flavours like salt, vinegar, tamarind, coconut, ginger and soy lead the way, while portions are generous and ridiculously well-priced. Main courses include moreish chicken inasal, beef belly caldereta and crispy pancit canton, while the Kooya fried chicken wings in ginger and tamarind gravy are a fail-safe introduction for newcomers to the cuisine. Open Mon-Thu 4pm-midnight, Fri noon-midnight, Sat-Sun 11am-midnight. Jannah Place Hotel, Marina Promenade, Dubai Marina, (050 427 6891). Lila Wood-Fired Taqueria Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Lila Wood-Fired Taqueria This cute taqueria in Umm Suqueim on Jumeirah Beach Road is a low-key, unlicensed restaurant that makes for a very cool yet underrated spot for casual dining. Wedged between a car accessories shop and a little shawarma cafeteria, Lila serves an eclectic and sociable menu. This Mexican joint is a decent shout for a laid-back meal with friends. Kick off with guac and chips before diving into the taco list. Yellowfin tuna, sweet potato and more can be found, but the top choice is the skirt steak version, laden with tender meat, loads of spices and melted cheese. Open Tue-Fri 4pm-11pm, Sat 1pm-11pm, Sun 1pm-10pm. Umm Suqeim, (04 282 0005). Long Teng Seafood Restaurant Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Long Teng. Hidden deep in Business Bay, Long Teng is located at the base of the U Bora tower and is set over several floors (it's literally huge). This authentic spot is the go-to when it comes to traditional, fresh seafood-leaning Chinese dishes. If the weather permits, make your way right to the rooftop seating area and enjoy views of the city. There's a wide selection of dim sum – from crystal prawn to veg, as well as cute little chick-shaped custard buns. And delicious noodles and stir-fries. Literally, everything you could want in one very large, almost book-like menu. It's so good there's even a location in Time Out Market Dubai. But it's this out-of-the-way spot that's one of our favourite tourist-free destinations in Dubai. Open daily from noon-midnight. U-Bora Business Tower, Business Bay, @longtengseafood (04 241 1666). LOWE Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Lowe. This unreal spot in Al Barari is quite the drive if you live near or around Sheikh Zayed Road, but it's one of the most unique foodie experiences in the city. At the home-grown eatery, you can look forward to friendly service and tasty plates, plus plenty of coffee to pair with a delicious cake. An open kitchen preps interesting dishes with a combination of Middle Eastern and Japanese flavours, while the fully loaded burger is always a popular choice. It's licensed, too, so you can order a beverage to go with your meal. Wed-Thurs, 6pm-11pm, Fri-Sun, 8am-4pm, 6pm-11pm. KOA Canvas, Al Barari, (04 320 1890). Maisan15 Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Maisan15 This hip spot, located in a residential area in Al Barsha South, takes a little bit of effort to find, but once you do, you'll be so glad you did. It's part art gallery, part café and attracts a cool, laid-back crowd. With a cute terrace out the front (pictured above), an eclectic array of furnishings, it's a quirky spot for a chilled-out bite to eat. Breakfasts are popular here with a menu serving up everything from eggs to pancakes, avocado toast to açaí, while burgers, salads and pizzas populate the main course menu. There's a Middle Eastern touch throughout (think shawarma pizza et al) while the artwork inside rotates frequently, meaning there's always something interesting to catch your eye. Open daily 8am-11pm. Al Barsha, @maisan15 (04 244 7291). Mythos Kouzina & Grill Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Mythos Kouzina & Grill Located in JLT, this cute taverna-style spot has a friendly vibe, a petite terrace ideal for cooler months and a menu jam-packed with home-cooked favourites that you won't be able to get enough of. Hands down one of our favourite Greek restaurants in Dubai, Mythos is a go-to if you want incredible Greek food, prepared expertly at a reasonable price. Super underrated and very well-priced. To get there, you have to walk through the parking garage of a four-star hotel (more like three if we're being honest). From creamy, garlicky tzatziki, to comforting, flavour-laden moussaka and gemista, a glorious baked feta and an unmissable mixed grill platter (those lamb chops are outstanding), this is one you'll be returning to time and again – we guarantee it. There is now a second, similarly excellent Mythos at C2 in City Walk, but it's the OG that holds our hearts. Open daily from 12.30pm-3.45pm and 6pm-11.30pm. Armada Avenue Hotel JLT, Cluster P, JLT, (04 399 8166). Smash and Sear at Maxzi The Good Food Shop Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Smash and Sear at Maxzi The Good Food Shop Hungry for a smashed burger? This is the place for you. Maxzi was originally an online grocery store, before setting up shop in the hip Al Quoz in 2018. And since then, its awesome burgers have drawn in a loyal following. Burgers are made with wagyu beef and smooshed into squidgy potato buns, smothered with onion, pickles and house sauce. Hungry? Go for the double cheeseburger. Extra-hungry? Go large with the triple patty. Pair it with tater tots and you're onto a good thing. Now officially the best burger in Dubai for 2025, this is one patty you'll be dreaming of for days. Open daily 8.30am-1.30am. Al Shafar Investment Building, Al Quoz, (04 395 3988). NETTE Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: NETTE Another one in the heart of Al Quoz, the absolutely beautiful green goddess coffee shop NETTE is almost like a little oasis in a sea of construction sites. Specialising in French-Japanese fusion food, there's plenty to love about this spot, which is tucked away inside the Matcha Club, making it ideal for a post-padel breakfast, catch-up coffee or a matcha latte. Dig into overnight oats, egg sando or a Japanese breakfast skillet in the morning and later in the day, turn your attention to a miso croque madam or yuzu ponzu crispy salmon. A hip place that's perfect for a chilled-out coffee and one of the best cafés in Dubai. Open daily, 8am-10pm. Match Club, Al Quoz, @nettedxb (04 548 8369). San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles Credit: San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles Hidden away in an unassuming corner of JLT's Cluster F, right next to Asian Street by Thai, San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles is really well-loved among local foodies. Service is friendly, and there's a concise menu of Northern Chinese classics that you don't want to miss. Serving affordable, authentic Shaanxi cuisine, the main order here is, as the name suggests, those deliciously moreish noodles, which you can watch the chefs pulling in the kitchen. The chicken wontons are a must-try too. In short, don't miss it – it's a mighty find in a low-key location. Open daily, noon-10.30pm. Unlicensed. Cluster F, JLT, @ (050 759 9584). Tacosita Credit: Tacosita We, at Time Out Dubai, love a hole in the wall, and Tacosita is the definition of that. Nestled in a little storefront in Barsha Heights, this new spot serves up amazing Mexican street food. Founded by chef Salam El Baba, who transitioned from a corporate career to the F&B industry, Tacosita's menu features standout dishes like slow-cooked birria tacos and shrimp tacos gobernador. The menu is packed with unique creations. The laid-back and easy atmosphere is super authentic and very stripped back. Prices are affordable, food is delicious, and the vibe is immaculate. What more could you need? Open daily from 11am-2am. Thuraya Telecom Tower, Barsha Heights, Want to make a reservation in the meantime? Over 100 of the best business lunch deals in Dubai, by area Upgrade your lunch with an incredible offer Dubai's best restaurants: 86 incredible places to dine in We know where you should book into this week The 40 best restaurants and bars on Palm Jumeirah Consider this your definitive, go-to guide to dining on the island
