Review: The Royal Brunch at Jamavar

The Royal Brunch offers a weekend dining experience that strikes the right balance between refined and relaxed. Jamavar, born at The Leela Palace Bengaluru, expanded to London, where its Mayfair outpost earned a Michelin star, before opening in Doha. Now in Dubai, Jamavar brings celebrated Indian cuisine to the city – elegant, confident, and all about exceptional food without pretension.

Crystal chandeliers, warm wooden tones, and plush beige seating invite you to settle in and admire the stunning artwork while dining. For those who prefer dining al fresco, the terrace offers a serene retreat surrounded by greenery.

The highlights

The Royal Brunch isn’t about over-the-top claims; it delivers thoughtfully prepared authentic dishes, taking diners on a journey across India. A curated collection of signature mixes, featuring mango and saffron, complements the dishes beautifully, adding a touch that enhances the dining experience. The voyage commences in North India with appetisers such as the crisp Panipuri (deep-fried, crisp shell packed with potatoes, onions, chickpeas and spiced water) and tangy Bambaiya Bhelpuri – a refreshing take on a Mumbai street-food classic featuring a mixture of puffed rice, crisp papdi (small, flat, and round crackers) onions, and tomatoes, all tossed together with zesty tamarind chutney and a hint of lime.

The Karare Aloo Chaat, however, stole the show. Crisp aloo tikkis (potato patties) are complemented by spiced white peas and homemade chutneys, topped with a cooling yoghurt. The nuanced blend of textures and flavours in this dish was a masterful balance.

The South Indian sampler follows, highlighting a crisp Butter Sada Dosa, paired with an aromatic sambhar (a stew made with lentils, mixed vegetables, spices and herbs) and an assortment of vibrant sweet, spicy and tangy chutneys. Mini Podi Idlis (delicate steamed rice cakes) are artfully tossed in a fragrant mix of roasted lentils, red chillies, and spices, offering heat and depth. Accompanying them are homemade vadas: the crisp Dal Vada and soft and airy Medhu Vada, each embodying comfort and tradition. Diners can pick one main course, with the options featuring the Old Delhi Butter Chicken, with its creamy tomato and fenugreek sauce perfectly coating tender pieces of smoky, char-grilled pulled chicken.

The Sindhi Methi Gosht showcases tender kid goat slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful gravy made with spinach, cinnamon, and aromatic fenugreek leaves. The vegetarian option is a delightful Shahi Palak Paneer comprising homemade cottage cheese, spinach, tomato, fenugreek & fresh chilli. The dishes are served with grainy Jeera Pulao, Cucumber Raita & freshly baked Indian flatbreads (naan and rotis).

An Indian meal is incomplete without dessert. Offering a delectable finale is the Rhubarb Chuski Falooda with basil seeds, rhubarb & saffron rabri kulfi (frozen treat) or Gajrela, a sumptuous blend of carrots with cardamom, crushed nuts & vanilla ice cream.

Book now

Jamavar Dubai. Sunday from 12:30-4pm. Hard drinks package from AED395 and soft drinks package from AED295. Visit jamavarrestaurants.com.