Raemona Reviews // Avatara MICHELIN Vegetarian Indian Cuisine

Much more than Palak Paneer at fancy prices, the team behind Avatara set out to flip every expectation we had of Indian cuisine, and we were blown away at every turn.

It is not often that a culinary team successfully reimagines a cuisine that is commonly known in its humbler form. Big sharing plates of Pulao, Chicken Tikka, and Chana Masala are all wonderful and globally loved, but what happens when the vision is to bring Vegetarian Indian food to Michelin Fine Dining standards. To say we were intrigued is an understatement, so reservations were made and I even threw on some heels - something I reserve for only the most special of occasions at this point in my life.

Avatara is located in an unassuming strip mall in the Dubai Hills neighborhood, but as soon as we entered and turned the corner into the dining room, we were transported. There is an intentional serenity to the space, the calm sea foam tinted walls, the architectural waves throughout, or the quiet confidence of the chefs behind the open concept kitchen. This was the canvas and each course was art disguised as food.

The 17 scintillating courses were thoughtful. This wasn’t just dinner but a well choreographed event. The first 4 courses came out at once, each confident in its own identity. A liquid centered Yoghurt Bonbon with popping “candy”, followed by a Palak Mustard Green & Wasabi Leaves dish. 4 bites in and my dining partner and I quickly agreed, this was unlike any Indian restaurant we had ever been to. We enthusiastically left ourselves in the capable hands of the team, excited to see what’s next. Leafing through the beautifully illustrated, hand drawn menu, trying to comprehend the balance of flavors in

each bite.

We started to take note of the unique and personal style of service. Chef Omkar Walv and his team were exceptional, finding the right balance between fine dining precision and warm, inviting service. But it makes sense, in our conversation with Chef Omkar, as F&B industry people ourselves, we were impressed with his comments about each and every team member’s importance to the operation. His genuine appreciation of his team, both front of the house and back was apparent, and could be felt throughout the entire experience.Course 5 was the “Aloe Vera”, a Tom Kha Gelato course that I will think of often and is enough to lure me back to Avatara. Kokum Granita, Basil & Cucumber, Grilled Watermelon and Coconut all perfectly balanced, bright and refreshing. I exclaimed that this was my favourite dish of the night, a sentiment that we repeated after almost every course, with each dish impressing us more than the previous.

Onto the Bread & Butter course, which was my partner’s favorite dish of the night. Corn and shishito peppers were magically transformed into a butter that was creamy, salty, a little spicy and a lot perfect, served with a piping hot Bhatura bread.“If only every Bread & Butter service could live up to this!” high

praise from a man who insisted on bringing 15kg of butter back from Paris in his suitcase.

I could continue to fawn over each course in even greater detail, but where's the magic in that? There are 11 more dishes, each beautifully crafted, visually striking and exciting to eat and discover on your own. Expect familiar flavors, unexpected combinations, and inspired technique.

With the bar set so high, Sumit Sharma, the restaurant manager, rises to the occasion. Leading with a joyful, personable and inviting charm. Notably, this was an evening of subtle stories. Each course served by a team member with a personal connection to the dish, the spice dusted on the eggplant being from their hometown of Maharshi or the dessert being a childhood favorite.

The sense of pride for what they accomplished at Avatara was palpable, and rightfully so. And on a final note, Ninad Jani, the expert Sommelier whose great conversation, impeccable pairings and knowledgeable humility was a consistent point of pleasure throughout the evening. We look forward to

seeing more from him. With dishes that begged to have their pictures taken and the service of an expert team , Avatara is a triumph. As is the Passion Fruit Pani Puri that I will dream about for years to come.

We walked in as strangers and left as regulars, and isn't that what great service is all about?