Needhi Gattani
A whiff of spice, the flicker of candlelight, and the soft strains of Middle Eastern melodies in the air—Tansen turned one, and instead of a conventional celebration, the restaurant chose to whisk its diners away on a culinary voyage through Arabia. Curated as The Tales of Arabia Food Festival, the experience was not just about food, but a blend of storytelling, heritage, and bold flavours. Spearheaded by Chef Pin and crafted by Chef Nikhath Khan, the menu paid tribute to the rich culinary traditions of the region, combining authenticity with personal flair.
As a vegetarian, my exploration through the menu was somewhat limited—but certainly delightful. I began the evening with the Butternut Squash Soup, topped with goat cheese and harissa oil. Creamy in texture, it offered a surprising kick from the harissa and the comforting richness of the cheese—a promising start.
Moving to the appetisers, the Falafel Bowls paired with pita bread brought a sense of familiarity. Though the falafel leaned a bit dry, the creamy hummus and warm pita balanced it out nicely. I had also anticipated tasting the Baba Ghanouj with fried eggplant and nuts, a dish on the menu—but unfortunately, it wasn’t served during my visit.
The kebab section proved slightly underwhelming for vegetarians, as there were no meatless options. In the mains, the lone vegetarian option, Tajine Vegetables in Orange Sauce, turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Paired with pita bread, the curry’s flavour was oddly reminiscent of pav bhaji—gentler on spices, with a subtle sweetness that grew on me with every bite. It may not have screamed ‘Arabian’ at first taste, but its comfort was undeniable.
While the rice section didn’t offer a vegetarian Arabian dish—the only listed option being Lamb Kabsa—I was served a vegetable biryani from outside the festival menu. Fragrant, flavourful, and perfectly cooked, it stood out as a personal highlight.
And finally, the showstopper: Aish e Saraya, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert crafted with toasted Arabic bread soaked in a luxurious cream and cheese sauce. Silky, rich, and perfectly balanced—not overly sweet, with a contrast of textures—it was easily the star of the evening and an absolute must-try.
What elevated the evening further was the immersive dining setup. With regal Mughal-inspired interiors, thematic décor, and live performances enhancing the mood, the experience felt both intimate and majestic. While the food had its highs and limitations—especially for vegetarians—the overall affair was thoughtfully curated, offering a glimpse into Arabian culinary traditions with an Indian twist. The Tales of Arabia pop-up is available at Tansen until July 26, making it a limited-time experience for those curious to explore this cultural crossover on a plate.
