Mint Leaf of London – A much known Indian restaurant, interestingly the roots are from London. Now it is serving in Dubai and no food lover can more excited about this. Every time I thought of visiting here, the plans changed, but this time I was sure that I will feast on simple ‘no molecular gastronomy’ real Indian food along with some thirst quenching concoctions.

The first impression of the ambiance is very welcoming. The oval shaped bar seating is very striking, in both the sides of the bar will make you more comfortable with dining tables and the highlight is Burj Khalifa view. Staff is very professional and gave the best service they could. Chef Vivek and bar tender Sam were more excited than us to serve best on our table.

We started with some newly introduced drinks long with some of their signature collections. I was stuck on newly introduced Japanese mix FUKASHIGI with Plymouth Gin, Godo ohshukubai Umeshu, Ginger, Lemon very smooth and refreshing. Signature drink TUNGSTEN LIGHT BULB with Tanqueray, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Sauvignon Blanc, Creole Bitters, Lemon Juice, Cane Sugar & Mint Leaves, impressed me in the first look itself as it is actually served in a bulb, a must have when here. Also I am so happy to see a signature mix called FLAVOURS OF INDIA in the menu with Garam Masala Titos Vodka, Grapefruit Juice, Lemon Juice, Vanilla Syrup. The spices is a surprise element here which gives you soothing hit in every sip. I tried new addition in the menu called SMOOTH GATEWAY a refreshing mix of Stoli Vanilla, Vanilla syrup, Fresh grapes, Lemon, love the addition of grape in the drink. GEORGIA PEACH JULEP is a perfect combination of Makers Mark, Peach Nectar, and Fresh Mint & Cane Syrup. And KAFFIR LIME GIMLET with Tanqueray, Homemade Kaffir Lime & Lemongrass Cordial & Fresh Lime Juice is perfect concoction.

We started with Amuse Bouche BEETROOT PUDINA TIKKI is perfect combination of beetroot, chickpea with the hint of mint. Also TANDOORI PRAWN MAKHNI its tandoori Wild African Prawns Marinated with Sweated Tomato and Garlic, flavorful dish to start with. Moving ahead CHOLE BHATURE PAPILLOTE Combination of Chickpeas stuffed in White Flour Pancakes, served with South Indian Tangy Tomato Chutney, I loved the south Indian touch to it. ADRAKI LAMB CHOPS Lamb Chops marinated with Fresh Ginger served on Bed of Minted Baby Potatoes, the perfectly cooked lamb chops tasted so good. For the fish lover like me they serve SAFFRON SALMON Scottish Salmon Lightly Marinated with Dill Leaves, Saffron and asparagus and roasted in oven, the flavors are very detailed. We also tried the ALOO CHAAT Crispy Baby Potatoes with Sweet Yoghurt and Tamarind Chutney served in a martini glass, the tangy, sweet flavors bring back memories from India, it is must have dish.

In mains we tried a unique dish called NOORI PANEER SUSHI dried Seaweed Wrapped with Rubbed Khoya and Paneer served with Creamy Onion Tomato Sauce, Melon Seed Paste and Cashew. PRAWN BALCHAO is my favorite in mains which is wild African Prawns, Goan Tangy Tomato Citric Sauce; Coconut & Curry Leaf Rice, a bliss on plate for prawn lovers. CAPERS MURGH BHARTA is Mashed Organic Chicken Morsels with Fresh Capers, served with Kuchumber stuffed Papad and Chicken Shawarma Kulcha, it is a flavor packed delicacy. LAMB POTLI BIRYANI is a perfect dish to accompany the mains which is Australian Leg of Lamb Cooked with Basmati Rice, Spices and Dum Pressured in Pastry Casing, prepared in a wheat bag and fried.

My favorite part is desserts and we ended our meal on the sweet note with GULAB JAMUN CHEESECAKE perfect balance of sweetness along with Sliced gulab jamun sandwiched between layers of cream cheese cake, served with gulab jaum halves and berries, you can’t miss this dessert no matter how much stuffed you are. Also KULFI TRIO TIFFIN a sweet combination of Pistachio, Mango & Saffron, Crushed Pepper & Caramel Kulfi in Mini Tiffin; Summer Fruit Coulis, love the cute presentation. Before leaving don’t miss to try PAAN PANACOTTA which cleans your pallet completely.

Final Verdict – Mint leaf of London is an exclusive spot in Dubai serving exquisite delicacies. Relish into some authentic Indian food, with remarkable service and lavish ambiance. Since it is located in DIFC this makes an awesome place to visit.