Marhaba was invited to try the delectable Indian dishes of ‘Maharaja Thali’ at Bombay Balti restaurant of Radisson Blu Hotel Doha
Bombay Balti restaurant is located at the East wing of Radisson Blu Hotel Doha, right beside Ruby Wu’s. Their section looks very much like an Asian section, with Chinese red lamps and Indian flag colours, each corner exuding warmth reminiscent of old grandmothers preparing dinner at dusk.
According to the English Wiktionary (en.wiktionary.org), the Hindi word Thali could both mean plate (or round platter) and meal, served on a round platter with a selection of at least six dishes in small bowls. The idea behind a Thali is to create a perfect balance of these six flavours – sweet, salt, bitter, sour, astringent and spice – in one plate.
Bombay Balti’s Maharaja Thali offers a vegetarian and non-vegetarian option. The meal itself is served in a round platter with a generous serving of rice in the centre and several pieces of buttered nan on the side, surrounded by six small bowls of what appeared to be staple Indian dishes.
The dishes looked simple enough, until we tried the dishes one by one, pairing each spoonful with either rice or nan. The lamb and prawn curry made quite an impression that we had to ask for second servings. The six flavours that was the main point of the Thali melded tastefully with each other, complementing one dish with another dish, in more ways than one.
Fit for a King (or Queen)
The dessert, Ras Malai, also comes with the Thali, a silent ‘star’ among the other meat and vegetable dishes. This dessert is said to have originated from Bengal, and is described as a ‘rich cheesecake without a crust’. Made from paneer or cottage cheese, its sweetness is not overpowering and the cream, with its almost watery consistency, hinted of rose water. It was just the right finishing for a most satisfying meal. We almost felt regal. Afterall, we’ve just had a Maharaja Thali.
The Thali Menu at Bombay Balti is available only until 15 October, 6 pm to 11 pm. Vegetarian (QAR100) and Non-Vegetarian (QAR120) menu available. Each set comes with one special beverage. For reservations and enquiries, call 4428 1555 or send an email to [email protected].
Author: Lalaine Turqueza
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