Mughlai food stands out with its rich history and opulent flavours, which are deeply rooted in the culture of South Asia. India is home to some famous eateries serving Mughlai fare. In the Emirates, where diverse cultures converge, Mughlai Indian cuisine in Dubai has become a beloved choice for locals and tourists.
Captain Zaiqey, located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Karama, has emerged as a favourite for Mughlai enthusiasts. The restaurant will take you back to rich flavours and aromas from India in an inviting and warm setting.
The evolution of Mughlai cuisine
Mughlai cuisine originated during the Mughal Empire that spanned the Indian subcontinent (16th-19th century). The emperors brought a legacy of lavish dining and intricate cooking techniques influenced by Persian, Central Asian, and Indian culinary traditions. This is something quite visible in the spices, cooking methods, and presentation of Mughlai dishes, which often feature fragrant rice, tender meats, and an array of spices.
The charm of mughlai cuisine
If you are a food lover, then you would know the aroma and rich flavour of Mughlai food. The cuisines often incorporate a mix of spices like cardamom, cloves, and saffron. Using cream, yoghurt, and nuts adds a luxurious texture to the dishes. Each meal is a harmonious balance of spices and ingredients, creating robust, comforting, exotic flavours.
Tandoori naan and parathas pair perfectly with curries and enhance the dining experience. Desserts like Gulab Jamun and Kheer, wrap up the wholesome meal on a sweet note.
Mughlai Restaurants in Dubai
According to research commissioned by Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) and involving 16,000+ respondents worldwide, Dubai ranked ahead of Singapore and Istanbul for the variety of restaurants that on offer. This comes as no surprise as the city hosts more than 200 nationalities.
Dubai’s culinary scene offers many Mughlai dining options, such as Gazebo, Nayab Handi and Captain Zaiqey. Many establishments pride themselves on offering authentic recipes passed down through generations. Some of these spots have traditional decor, evoking the grandeur of Mughal architecture and providing an immersive dining experience.
Captain Zaiqey opposite Burjuman Mall
Zaiqey focuses on authentic Indian flavours combined with a unique twist. The name itself translates to ‘flavours,’ encapsulates the restaurant’s mission of delivering delicious food. The colourful decor and comfortable seating make the restaurant well-suited for casual dining and special occasions.
A wide range of traditional Mughlai dishes makes it to the menu at Zaiqey. Signature dishes at the restaurant include Nalli Nihari, a rich and flavorful slow-cooked stew of tender meat and marrow; Biryani, a timeless symphony of tender meat and fragrant rice; and Mutton Paya, a traditional delicacy slow-cooked to perfection with rich flavours and a silky broth. In addition to classic non-veg dishes, Zaiqey offers vegetarian dishes such as Dal Makhani, Kadhai Paneer and Palak Paneer. The chefs at Zaiqey pride themselves on making every dish from scratch.
The restaurant offering Mughlai Indian cuisine in Dubai is conveniently located in Karama, opposite Burjuman Mall. There is ample paid public parking available at the restaurant’s backside and the Burjuman Metro Station is close by.