Namak by Kunal Kapur

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi has joined forces with the renowned and award-winning TV celebrity chef Kunal Kapur to launch the eagerly awaited restaurant, ‘Namak by Kunal Kapur’.

Having served the world with his delicious delicacies, Chef Kunal Kapur is revered by every Indian food connoisseur. An all-in-one Indian celebrity chef, restaurateur and media personality, he has been recognized amongst the Best Chefs in India. The new restaurant is poised to carve a unique niche for itself in the dynamic and ever-evolving culinary scene of Abu Dhabi.

Large carved wooden doors, bold textiles and vibrant colours bring of splash of Indian to Abu Dhabi. The restaurant is split into three areas, a large private dining area, the main restaurant and a second dining area which looks onto the kitchen. The glass fronted kitchen allows guests to enjoy the theatre of the kitchen as chef and his team meticulously prepare each dish.

To begin we opt for the ‘Oops I Dropped My Chaat’ and the Chaat Hummus. ‘Oops I Dropped My Chaat’ is presented on a bed of dry ice and consists of crispy potatoes, chutney gel, almond soil, yogurt splatter, all centred around a giant kachori. This dish is exceptional, the flavours, the textures, and the presentation are breathtaking. The Chaat Hummus is a great twist on a local favourite, offering a blast of flavour the humble hummus is paired with papri.

Next, the ‘Fall Off The Bone’ slow braised tandoori lamb chops. Guests have two options small or large, we order a small which offers three juicy lamb chops. True to its name, the lamb really does fall off the bone.  

The team at Namak seem in good spirits and are eager to recommend dishes. Half way through our meal chef also visits our table and that of other guests, asking for feedback and suggestions, it’s great to see a team so willing to interact with guests.

For our mains we order the ‘Because I Love It’ aka butter chicken, the Dal Makhni, steamed rice and tandoori naan with garlic. The Dal Makhni is perfectly done, smooth and creamy, the texture of the lentils are evident, enough to give the dish depth. Unlike most restaurants’ chef hasn’t made the Dal Makhni creamy instead he has allowed his ingredients to do the work. The butter chicken is another superb dish, a creamy texture yet not heavy to taste instead the flavours of the tomato play with our palate.

Concluding our dining experience, we opt for the Rasmalai, cheese dumplings stewed in sugar and saffron milk and the Chenna Tiramisu, mini rasmalai, espresso, peanut chikki and mascarapone. Another fabulous dish that leaves us wanting to return before we’ve even left.

Namak celebrates the flavours of Indian cuisine paired with bold plating, tasteful gourmet combinations and diverse cooking techniques from around the world. Guests are invited to enjoy bespoke Indian food with global footprints at an inspired kitchen by the celebrity Chef Kunal Kapur. Portions are more than generous, and the price is reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food being served. We predict that Namak will soon be winning awards for the best Indian restaurant in town.

Chaat Hummus AED 35.00

Oops I Dropped My Chaat AED 55.00

Lamb Chops 3 pcs AED 75.00

Dal Makhni AED 55.00

Butter Chicken AED 80.00

Steamed Rice AED 25.00

Tandoori Naan AED 15.00

Rasmalai AED 35.00

Chenna Tiramisu AED 60.00

Namak, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, +971 2 698 8137