Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXIII

colours, fit very much into the Tamba style of dining. Ultimately, the food at Tamba is for sharing – it’s been likened to an Indian style of tapas – and the variety of different plates and interesting shapes adds an element of informality and sociability to the meal. Around the restaurant, the beautifully designed, bespoke elements and artefacts tell the story of Tamba: that of an Indian heritage combined with a global appeal. The décor includes exquisitely intricate printed chain screens, crafted in Spain exclusively for Tamba, that are integral to creating both the quiet corners and open spaces that define the environment. A series of traditional temple bells, the largest of which is 6’ by 5.5’, was custom-made in India, to hold pride of place over the corner of the bar area. Their variegated shades of copper and verdigris underscore the origins of the restaurant’s name, and provide a focal point to bring all the visual features together in complete harmony. Even the tandoor ovens, while fully authentic, fit in with the design concept. They were purchased in India, but then were specially treated to achieve an oxidised verdigris copper colour, and are visible at the centre of the show kitchen as beautiful objects in themselves. The furniture that adorns the restaurant was largely made in the UAE, and was subject to the same intensive trial-and-error testing that went into planning not only the aesthetic details, but the practical ones as well. While beautiful and impeccably crafted, the furniture is also designed for maximum enjoyment for guests. There are no uncomfortable chairs, no table that’s slightly too high, or that has its legs positioned such that you’re knocking your knees against it when you’re dining. Again, it’s a case of the team having carefully orchestrated the little touches that you may not even be aware of at the time, but that add immeasurably to the complete experience. The Tamba menu: Breathing new life into old traditions As spectacular as any restaurant setting may be, at the end of the day, what really matters is the food. And at Tamba, the food is an absolute revelation. The cuisine is Indian at its core – but it’s not the typical Indian food you have come to expect. While the menu incorporates many traditional and authentic Indian ingredients and flavours, Tamba presents them in a whole new light. Ingredients and influences from all over the world – Asia, Europe, the Middle East – are referenced throughout the menu, the flavours orchestrated in innovative ways to achieve perfect harmony. What’s more, the cooking techniques are not typically or strictly Indian either. The gorgeous traditional tandoor ovens are a focal point, of course, and the traditional Indian technique of braising is used lavishly to great effect. But the approaches go further, reflecting the truly global outlook that characterises Tamba – including woks, teppanyaki and robata grills, sous vide, and even some molecular gastronomy. Expanding beyond the traditional Indian techniques brings out new dimensions to the cuisine, elevating it from beloved comfort food to something unique, original and innovative. 8 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I