Recreate the Arabian nights

This place is barely five-months-old but it has been creating ripples of joy in the hearts of food lovers in the city. Located in Koramangala, ‘Kaafila’ is proving to be the next best spot to enjoy Arabian cuisine. And it also breaks the notion that this cuisine is only about ‘shawarmas’. The picturesque menu that aptly describes each dish and the pocket-friendly prices will make you yearn for everything that’s there (and you will not regret in case you do!). 

The best part about the place is that one is welcomed with a smile by the owner Nadeem Sayed which will make you look forward to the experience. The ambience is kept simple and minimal with an open kitchen that allows one to see the cooking. 

Go ahead and order the ‘Classic hummus’ and ‘Hummus peri peri’ which is served with freshly baked pita bread. There are only two pita bread slices served with each type of hummus which may be not enough as you start enjoying it with every bite. But if you are planning to order something else along with it, then that might feel right. Ask for a plate of ‘Falafel’ (fried minced chickpea patty) or ‘Djaj saaj’ (similar to a pizza stuffed with chicken and cheese) which is soft yet crunchy and is great for a quick bite. The ‘Arabic chicken kebab’ can also be ordered for starters. Even if the starters look huge, don’t worry for they will not fill you up.

For the main course, you can ask for ‘Kabsa with chicken’ which is the Arabian style ‘biryani’. The pleasant aroma of the Yemeni spices will make your mouth water, but be careful as some people might not relish the chicken in the rice as the flavour of the spices is a bit strong.

People who don’t prefer Arabian cuisine can look forward to Indian dishes as the menu serves both cuisines. They have a wide array of dishes to choose from for both vegetarians and meat lovers. You can try the ‘Dal makhani’ or ‘Tamatari paneer’, and as for non-vegetarians, they can go for ‘Murg Hyderabadi’ (if you prefer something spicy) or ‘Murg Rampur style biryani’. The food is delectable but they can work on the quantity for by the time one starts enjoying a dish, it’s almost over.

Arabian desserts are well-known across the world. Though the most popular one has always been ‘baklava’, treat your tastebuds with something different here. There is ‘malai kulfi’ and ‘gulab jamun’ on the menu as well but it’s always a good idea to try something unusual. So pamper your sweet tooth by asking for a bowl of ‘UmmAli’ — a rich, baked milk and butter based dessert topped with exotic nuts which perfectly completes your meal.

 ‘Kaafila’ is located at 1st ‘A’ cross, Jyothi Nivas College Road, opposite Sri Krishna Temple, Koramangala 5th block. For details, call 41214400.