Lanterns Lounge & Restaurant, located in the heart of Adliya, is proving to be one of the most popular hot spots on the island with food lovers and socialites settling down during both the day and night for sizzling fare in a cool atmosphere.
Since opening its doors in Block 338’s food hub, Lanterns, which can seat around 280 people, has been bustling with customers craving the ethnic Indian cuisine and accompanying sounds. Its Courtyard Garden Lounge is particularly popular, especially over the weekend, with laughter among family and friends enjoying a spicy masala or a crispy papadum while bopping their heads to the best of the Eighties and other classics.
The chilled water air conditioning also cleverly provides diners with comfort all year round. Meanwhile inside, in the main Maharaja dining area, guests are serenaded by an Indian duo as they feast.
On the weekends there is a bountiful buffet, otherwise diners can go a la carte. There is even a private dining room called Matka House which is perfect for families and corporates looking for some peace and serenity.
The Truck Bar offers a different vibe all together attracting a younger crowd with its giant screens displaying the best of sporting action. There truly is something for everyone at this cosy corner food-utopia which is why it has been a firm Friday family favourite for the Al Khatib and Camille families for many years, starting off with the original Budaiya branch and testing the new additional locations too.
I have always loved its village-style décor; from it’s an antique swing and clay-pots to its paan stalls Indian kiosks filled with bright colourful bangles and magazines and, of course, the hanging lanterns.
Our family lunches usually ended up with my father spilling a spoonful of curry on his shirt or my mum turning bright red from accidentally chomping on a chilli. It was always a fun family affair.
Instead of my regular Friday aharaa visit, my husband Sam and I opted to run away from our offices to check out the afternoon fare in the garden midweek. It was such a sunny day that we couldn’t let it go to waste.
We were greeted by South African restaurant general manager Jean Marc Ducasse who shared with us news about what to look forward to as well as his favourite dishes to sample. He said: “Lanterns is predominately Indian but we do have an international menu too, fusion dishes. There are a lot of Arabic people for example that don’t necessarily like the heat traditional meals offer, which is why we have a choice of Arab / Indian fusion dishes - with chilli added on the side for an extra bite if desired.
“What essentially drives our business is a combination of fine food and great atmosphere. “We have 14 chefs from different parts of India that can cook up authentic dishes. We also have a courtyard menu with international dishes including fish and chips, tenderloin burgers and even Thai curries, so if you come here and try something different.”
The venue’s rooftop Goa Lounge is currently being renovated and changed into a Gastro-concept with a new menu and should be ready by January. We rocked to songs from Ace of Base and Whitney Houston while a friendly waitress started bringing over the appetisers chosen by Mr Ducasse. e first tucked into papadum accompanied by an assortment of dips including tomato, cilantro and onions.
We love papads and the deep dish was cleaned in minutes. Next up was the Indian stir-fried prawn sikkimiese with garlic, ginger, chili and spring onion that scored major points with the hubby.
The grilled tandoori chicken was my favourite, topped off with a sweet fruit and nut naan. The main course included a delectable chicken tikka masala and a buttery daal (lentil) makhani with steamed jasmine rice. The scrumptious savoury selection was followed up with desserts he kulfi falooda ice cream and the sweet gulab jamun were taste sensations.
The meal was complimented by cups of coffee providing a perfect end to a perfect afternoon. Can’t wait to see what the rooftop will offer next!
