Good news certainly travels fast in Abu Dhabi, especially when it comes to food. So when we heard about the new creations at Ushna at the Souk Qarayat Al Beri, we couldn’t wait to sample them.
There’s an almost regal feeling about this place, with gold, ruby reds and wood finishing decking out this large and active restaurant. After being seated, my guest and I checked out the menu.
Salivating at the array of starters, we ordered some dishes to share. Our choice was the usmaa scallops while our friend selected the chemeen polichattu. The scallops were gentle and tender on our palate, flavoured with a delicious cafreal spice. The polichattu, banana leaf-wrapped tiger prawns added a gentle kick with its malabar spice, fresh tomatoes and caramelised onions. Simply exquisite. One of the new creations from the kitchen was the kalimirch boti kebab; lamb chunks marinated in kottayam peppercorn and charred to perfection. The quality of all these different tastes blew us away.
With the mains arriving, our guest began to tuck in to his gosht khad masala. Lamb cooked with garam masala, cherry tomatoes, button onions, garlic and ginger; it was almost disintegrating it was so tender. This dish was spectacular. Our murgh khurchan, boneless tandoori chicken flavoured with kadhai masala oozed brilliance. And accompanied with biriyani rice and garlic naan, the food was shared, adored and devoured.
Now came the dessert, chosen for us, which made things rather exciting. gajar ka halwa is fresh shredded carrot, simmered in milk and finished with nuts and cardamom. And for those with a sweet tooth – the mango, pistachio and vanilla. A blend of crunchy, cool and soft textures teased the tongue one final time.
The team at Ushna is not only knowledgeable about the food, but also passionate about it, and the experience leaves a lasting memory.
Details
What: Ushna
Where: Souk at Qaryat Al Beri
Prices: Starters from AED 45, main courses from AED 50, desserts from AED 36
We say: You must try the kalimirch boti kebab!
Contact: 02 558 1769
Jack Dignum
