The next generation of progressive Indian dining is upon us Dubaiians with the opening of Mitra Indian Fusion Bistro. Promising an elevated dining experience at a modest pricing, Mitra Bistro is now all set to serve delicacies from India and beyond – including Middle East inspired plates and of-the-moment Arabic cuisine.
Mitra Fusion Bistro strongly believes in preserving traditional integrity of the cuisine while exploring progressive ideas and concepts in Indian gastronomy. Reinterpreting nostalgic Indian dishes like Dal Makhani, Mumbai Bhel, Mutton Arayez etc, and carefully tailoring it to suit GenNow’s palates, Mitra maintains its openness towards contemporary culinary techniques and influences while firmly sticking to the roots.
The Concept
In a world of 7000 estimated languages there’s only one single universal language that binds all together – Food. Mitra Bistro has been created to be a platform that celebrates friendship in style and brings people together over great food.
The founders have placed great emphasis on the restaurant’s ambiance. The classy layout with distinct quirky elements – including a huge chandelier tree with birds hanging from the ceiling gives the place an upscale-yet-cozy feel. This milieu truly invokes fond and warm memories of the yesteryear, where friends met. Each and every area of the restaurant has been designed to offer a distinctive experience to the diners.
My Visit
I was happy to be part of the launch event that took place on Tuesday and had the privilege of meeting celebrity Chef Akshay Nayyar and sampling some of the best in fusion cuisine from Mitra’s kitchen.
Here are snippets of my chat with Chef Akshay Nayyar consulting chef behind the innovative culinary concepts at Mitra Indian Fusion Bistro.
Face of Middle East’s biggest reality food show “FOODSHALA” over the past 6 years, Chef Akshay has endorsed over 20 brands and has been awarded as the most celebrated Chef in U.A.E in 2016 by Ministry of Chambers of Commerce, Government of India.
The Food
I found Mitra’s offerings quite exciting. Some so good that a single bite hit my pallet in a way that kindled memories of familiar tastes from childhood. The multi-layered flavors of Gunpowder 69 packed a punch, while the Mutton Kebab was delightfully tender and the Pan and berry mojitos quite refreshing.
MITRA’s menu also includes dishes such as the ‘Chicken Kulfi’ which is an inspiration from the traditional Indian frozen dessert. When it comes to innovation ’Dal’ (Lentils) is the last thing one thinks about. MITRA presents for the first time ‘Dal Bombshell Makhani’ which is dal in a shell bound to surprise one’s taste bud and eyes.
The Patrons
According to Shivam Goyal and Shipra Khurana, MITRA co-founders, MITRA endeavors to bring friends together to not only enjoy an unsurpassable and stimulating culinary experience but to also enjoy and celebrate each other’s company. The duo maintains that MITRA’s cleverly designed menu will offer discerning diners who demand authentic servings of food that is freshly prepared using the finest ingredients with little or no artificial coloring and minimal oil, making each meal a pleasurable and healthy experience.
“MITRA promises to offer an array of intricately prepared Indian dishes using a perfect mix of spices that will transform every diner’s experience into an unforgettable one. MITRA is a unique dining concept that elucidates the rich palate of Pan-Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, providing a unique diverse and international experience.” said Shivam.
Here is more from my chat with Mr. Shivan Goyal
Shipra Khurana : On her part, Shipra added, “With the strong belief that a shared meal binds and connects people together, MITRA it is bound to ignite some childhood memories, while taking our diners through an interactive and unconventional gastronomic journey. MITRA salutes and embraces different food, culture, taste and cooking styles and we are proud to collaborate with celebrity Chef Akshay Nayyar who believes that cooking is an emotional collusion of ideas and culture, which is a clever blend resulting in a gustatory explosive taste!”
About Mitra
MITRA, Dubai’s first ‘floating’ licensed Indian restaurant, is set to offer a unique experience where friends can hangout and share hearty laughs over sumptuous fusions of exotic Indian and Middle Eastern treats as they celebrate true friendship.
MITRA, which means ‘friend’ in Sanskrit, is the brainchild of an Indian couple who moved to Dubai, fell in love with its magic, and made it their home. After a stint in the corporate world, they decided to chase their dream of creating a special place that celebrates friendship in style.
Located at the prime Al Seef, waterfront Heritage zone, and overlooking the beautiful waters of the Dubai creek, MITRA is now the largest Indian ‘Floating’ Restaurant covering 6,000 Sq. ft. over 2 levels offering a nostalgic indoor and outdoor casual dining with an experience.
Verdict
MITRA’s entry into Dubai’s vibrant dining scene is set to take the F&B industry by storm as it promises to take diners on an unimaginable gastronomic voyage of carefully crafted tastes of authentic Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Location and pricing are the two factors that make it a top contender in the progressive Indian cuisine scene.
If You're Going
Need to know
Cuisine: Indian, Arabian
Where: Al Seef Street, Al Seef Mall, Umm Hurair, Dubai
Hours: 10.00 AM to 12.00 Midnight
Atmosphere: Relaxed, Quirky decor, Large Chandeliers
Parking: Valet Parking Available
Prices: AED 150 for two people (approx.) with alcohol
Credit cards: Cash, Cards accepted
Sound level: Moderate
Wheelchair access: Accessible
Service: Good
Recommended: Gunpowder 69, Mutton Kebab
Additional Info: Serves Alcohol, Creekside, Kid-friendly, Shisha
Reservations: 04 4498518
Facebook: Mitra Bistro