Located on the 25th floor of the Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Musheireb, is where we are heading for an evening out. This spot is an oasis for Indian cuisine enthusiasts. There’s more to discover as we go along!
To start with, Qalamkarri is such a unique and beautiful name for a restaurant, so I had to do some research on it. It is a type of hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile produced in southern India. Centuries ago, this form of painting was used as a form of storytelling by folk singers and painters travelling between villages.
As an interesting fact, the Friday dinner had a theme that revolved around NH44, representing the National Highway 44 found in India. This highway is a significant north-to-south route in India and holds the record as the longest national highway in the country. Wow!
Our night at Qalamkarri started with appreciating the beauty of the place and how well it was put together to bring out the best cuisines all over India. A skilled musician enchants the dinner with the soulful melodies of a bansuri, adding a captivating and melodic touch to the ambience.
If some of these dishes are unfamiliar to you, there’s no need to worry. The chefs and servers are available to assist and guide you through each dish. Each section has a live station, ensuring that you’re served freshly prepared food.
Initially, we tried their Paaya, a traditional South Asian dish crafted from trotters (typically goat or lamb feet) slow-cooked with spices, creating a hearty and flavoursome broth ideal for chilly weather.
Of course, we cannot pass on the chicken biryani, which became a favourite. The chicken biryani captivates the palate with its aromatic basmati rice, tender chicken, and harmonious blend of spices, delivering a deliciously satisfying and richly flavoursome dining delight.
Moving on, being a samoosa fan, we definitely must try their Keema Samosa, a well-known Indian snack featuring a filling of spiced minced meat, or ‘keema,’ which pleased us with its balanced texture, neither dry nor oily. Their Paniyaram is a must-try as well.
We also get to try out their Aloo Paratha which originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is a popular and traditional dish in Indian cuisine, particularly in North India, where wheat is a staple grain. It has become a popular dish in Indian cuisine, known for its spiced mashed potato filling and crispy wheat bread that will make you come back for more.
Continuing with our evening, we tried their Amristari Fish, a popular North Indian dish originating from Amritsar, known for its spicy and flavoursome deep-fried fish, which left a lasting impression.
Dal Makhani defines both comfort and indulgence, offering a perfect balance of spices and a satisfying taste. This delightful encounter raises the standard of comfort food, while the Pani Puri provides a burst of freshness in each bite-sized portion, inviting guests to savour the essence of these culinary delights.
To end the night, the guests can enjoy the desserts that are placed near the entrance. Gulab Jamun, a classic Indian dessert, is a sweet confectionary dessert. soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. They also have Khubani Ka Meetha which is made with dry apricot, fresh cream, and nuts, and Sabudana Payasam, which is made with tapioca pearls, milk, cardamom, cashews, and raisins.
Exploring the extensive variety of Indian cuisines is a delightful experience, and it’s truly wonderful that we have the opportunity to savour diverse dishes all in a single location, at Qalamkarri.
The NH44 at the Qalamkarri Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Musheireb is priced at QAR175 per person, and each guest gets to enjoy a three-course menu every Friday from 7 pm to 11 pm.
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For more information and reservations, call +974 4410 3310 or WhatsApp +974 3992 0808.
Author: Patrisha Paula Manzon- Barnole
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