Don't you agree? Well, food is something which not just brims our stomach but also our soul. Being a hard-core Mumbaikar, I am a big foodie and love to explore the various cuisines that our city has to offer. according to me, Mumbai is a replica of multiple cuisines and culture and hence, we Mumbaikars have had dishes from Pav bhaji to Sarson ka saag to Biryani to Pasta. Do you get me?
But... recently I had the privilege to experience and eat one of the most finest dishes which I believe no one would ever wanna give a miss. Yes, you will agree! A few days back, I read about this unique-to-my-ears-and-eyes Arabian dish called Kabsa and when I received an invitation to review it from a newly launched Kabsa Restaurant, I was not less excited.
What is Kabsa?
Kabsa is an Arabian dish made with rice (usually long-grain, such as basmati), meat, vegetables, and a mixture of spices. It is commonly regarded as a national dish of the Arabs and often served in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait. The dish is also popularly known as makbūs in most Arab states of the Arabic Gulf, but is served in the same way. The spices used in Kabsa are largely responsible for its taste- black pepper, cloves, cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, black lime, bay leaves and nutmeg. The main ingredient that accompanies the spices is the meat. The meats used are usually chicken, goat, camel, fish and shrimp. In chicken machbūs, a whole chicken is used. The spices, rice and meat may be augmented with almonds, pine nuts, peanuts and onions.The dish can be garnished with cashew-nut, raisins, boiled egg and pieces of chicken or mutton.
Relishing, delicious, spicy? Absolutely!Kabsa Darbar is a fine dining restaurant located in Byculla and specializes in delivering best services in Kabsa. It also offers local delivery in nearby places. The Manager, Mr. Hasmat was kind enough to send in the Kabsa all the way from Byculla to my place ( North Mumbai) for a review. The delivery was received on time. The Kabsa was packed in large foil containers to preserve the taste and warmth.
When I unpacked the dish, the aroma and presentation mesmerized me. The delivery boy should be given kudos for not hampering the dish's look or design, as the entire packing was well intact. The first container had colored rice mixed with scrambled eggs, tandoor chicken cooked in green masala, burst of flavors and it was well-topped with freshly cut salad, pieces of boiled egg and cashew nuts. The other packet had the same content except the rice was not colored and the tandoor chicken was cooked in red masala.
How was the Kabsa?
Every morsel of the Kabsa was a burst of flavors and aroma. One can feel the sweet and strong taste and smell of fennel ( saunf) and the spices, and the presence of cashew nuts give it a rich taste. The chicken was well cooked and the rice was finely steamed. It had a great texture.
I must say, it isn't any regular version of a chicken dish, but an altogether different outlook and dish with its own unique taste and flavor. I usually refrain from biryani-like dishes, but this was definitely a great punch to my taste buds and I recommend it strongly to all my readers and friends. You must try Kabsa at Kabsa Darbar.
Do you like the review? How do you find the Kabsa? Isn't it immensely delicious and scrumptious? Have you tried it anytime before? Share your ideas, views and opinions in the comment section.
