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Middle East magic Arabian cuisine is familiar to and popular with Malayalis

Did we not wonder why this popular menu had not found an eatery in the city? Well, it’s here and now. Sandunes transports you to a fairy-tale setting, cuisine and music of Arabia.

On the north end of TD Road, Sandunes is on the top floor of a building where work is in progress. A rough granite stairway brings you to the fabled land. Everything about Sandunes is rich and ornate.

The decor is very Persian, done in a gold and black colour scheme. Satiny drapes with flounces and tassels give a rich, dressy feel. Low diwan-style circular seating with jacquard cushions and round pillows make you the sheikh relaxing amidst his lavish audience.

The floor is shiny black granite with floor lights snaking through them around the sittings. The glow from tall lamps suffuses the place in a golden hue. Softly, flitting smoke from shell lamps impart a psychedelic feel and through sheer golden curtains you are in a kingly setting. There is more by way of theme. The hookahs placed on the tables are typically middle-eastern. It’s a fun thing and you enjoy the different flavours. Nirvana, a mix of strawberry and mint will thrill your senses. The hookah flavours are in the menu, Sheesha. Indulge in it till the food arrives.

For entrees try the popular mezze and the hummus (vegetarian). You can also dig into the Greek and Turkish salads. Cucumber dressed in hung curd, olive oil, garlic cream with a hint of mint, Taziki is light and will ready you for the heavy main course.

Live charcoal cooking is typical of Arabian cuisine. Besides the common but popular shawarma there’s felafil, which is chickpea, leeks and celery, an Egyptian preparation. Amalfi prawns done Mediterranean style and Seer fish can be had as Samak Harra Mishwe (Rs.190, serves two). Pitta bread is an accompaniment with the food.

Arabian desserts are rich making generous use of dry fruits and rose flavour. All along one can have a variety of mocktails . Pharaoh’s dream, a lychee-based drink, Oasis, Angostura aperitif, which is lime juice with bitters are refreshing drinks that go with the theme. Sandune Punch is the in house concoction and worth a try.

But why have a simple drink? Why not a fruity concoction as shake or smoothie? There’s variety to try from. Blueberry shake and crumbled cookie shake are the popular ones.

The rooftop setting carries the Arabian theme with Egyptian frescoes on the walls. The terrace has Egyptian boards and seating is under small canopies that remind one of tents pitched in the desert. The open grill glows up there as meat is cooked and served. A party room, for a group of ten, is for private get-togethers. Sandunes will take the Malayali back to Middle East, to familiar colours and cuisine. The restaurant is open from 3 p.m. till midnight.

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