Almala in the Zabeel Saray is the only restaurant we could see as we walked down the beautiful corridor that leads to its marble doorway not to win either a Time Out or What’s On Award – which we feel is a little unfair. Almala is our favourite Indian restaurant on the Palm – no great claim to fame perhaps as we’re not sure it has much – if any – competition. However Almala in the Zabeel Saray is actually one of our favourite restaurants full stop – under specific conditions – and that is saying something.

The condition? Very simple, you have the tasting menu which allows you to choose from a range of dishes (and keep reordering if you have the space).

We have always allowed the staff to choose for us, aside some personal favourites (dahl (not on the menu but the chef will make it for you), scallops (Tawa Kangoora), and the wonderously flakey vegetable samosa), and they have always done a fantastic job). The menu is divided up into starters, (which includes a fantastic mixed chaat, Dahi puri…);  the Tandoor menu (Lamb chops, Tiger prawns, Angus beef…), and the curry menu (Rogan Josh, Butter Chicken… ) followed by desert.

The curries on the menu are very limited – but sufficient in variety if you’re not planning to come every week.

At 325 AED a head the tasting menu is pricey – but perhaps on par with other restaurants in the Zabeel Saray (and any other 5 * Palm restaurant). With drinks the night will cost you around 1,000 AED for two people – depending upon your beverage choice. For Indian cuisine this is toppy, and has ben subject to considerable inflation. Three years ago the same menu was 100 AED less.

On the plus side, this is great food, and if you’re hungry, you can really satiate that Indian curry itch, and do so in one of the most beautiful hotels on the Palm.

What they say

Time Out Dubai, 27 April 2015: “Amala is a regally beautiful restaurant in the luxurious Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. It feels authentic and has a varied menu, with choices of curries, biryanis and meats from the tandoor oven. There’s also plenty to keep vegetarians happy. The food is beautifully presented, but you won’t get big bowls full of curry here – this is more refined dining.

“Try the mixed chaat starter, a delightful combination of pastries, with potato, tomato, lentil and savoury vermicelli that all have a kick to them… for something traditional try the peppery chicken dish tandoor murgh kali mirch, or lamb biryani.

“The food here is cooked perfectly and spices and flavours are always well-balanced. Naans are also good, we recommend the peshwari for a fruity, sweeter option. As is fitting for the opulent surroundings, you get well looked after in Amala.

The National newspaper, May 2011: “The food we ate at Amala was very good, our waiters were attentive, cordial and well-informed, and at Dh225, the cost of the set menu adds to the allure. If the price were to rise, it wouldn’t be quite so appealing.”