When you step inside Punjab Grill at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, it’s immediately clear this isn’t your average lunch destination.
The intimate dining room effortlessly blends contemporary elegance with traditional Indian influences, creating a space that feels refined yet immediately welcoming.
From the stylish interiors to the elegant bar that’s perfect for a drink before or after your meal, every detail is carefully considered for its hotel guests and those visiting the restaurant.
As lunchtime gathers pace, the relaxed atmosphere adds to the restaurant’s understated charm, creating an inviting setting for everything from business lunches to leisurely afternoons with friends and family.
Refreshing Beginnings
Before the food arrives, refreshing mocktails set the tone for the meal, with the introduction of the mango passionfruit and lemon & mint.
Combinations are light, vibrant and perfectly balanced, cleansing the palate while complementing the layers of flavour and spice still to come.
The opening trio of starters immediately showcase the kitchen’s creativity, with the watermelon chaat delivering refreshing bursts of flavour with sprouts and feta, while the palak patta chaat introduces bold Northern Indian flavours that awaken the taste buds.
Their avocado dahi puri adds delicate textures and creaminess, with all three dishes working beautifully together as a sharing option.
Fired to Perfection
Punjab Grill’s tandoor selection continues the impressive start, serving spinach and corn seekh, finished with crispy potato sev, offering a satisfying vegetarian option packed with flavour.
The Parmesan basil chicken tikka cleverly introduces Italian influences without losing its Indian identity, with the Parmesan proving a welcome addition.
Enhancing the tandoor option even further is the recheado salmon tikka, where silky fish is paired effortlessly with a vibrant watermelon and kokum relish, creating a memorable combination.
Comforting Classics with Contemporary Flair
The mains maintain the same high standard throughout, with the lamb seekh kebab bowl, accompanied by fragrant biryani rice and smoked chilli yoghurt, delivering comforting, balanced flavours that feel both familiar and refined.
Raw mango fish moilee is a showstopper, with beautifully cooked fish served in a rich coastal-style curry that seafood lovers shouldn’t overlook.
Completing the selection, the charred broccoli and lauki kofta korma prove just how satisfying vegetarian cooking can be, especially when paired with saffron lemon rice and a selection of freshly baked tandoori breads.
Ending on a Sweet Note
Dessert provides the perfect finale. The flourless chocolate cake, served with berry ice cream, is rich enough to satisfy chocolate lovers while remaining surprisingly light.
Meanwhile, the mango saffron rasmalai, finished with pistachio crumble, offers a traditional ending that refreshes the palate and rounds off the meal beautifully.
Need to Know
Punjab Grill’s Summer Indulgence Menu showcases contemporary Indian cuisine with refined presentation across four carefully curated courses, all for AED 125 per person.
Available Monday to Friday from 12.30 PM until 5.00 PM, the menu is an excellent choice and will be running until the end of August.
The Result
Combining elegant surroundings, polished service and thoughtfully crafted dishes, this venue offers an experience that feels every bit as refined as its setting.
Each course strikes an impressive balance between traditional Indian flavours and present-day touches, making it a destination that’s well worth returning to whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, entertaining, or simply looking to elevate your weekday lunch plans.
For further information and reservations for the Summer Indulgence Menu, visit Punjab Grill | The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi.
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