Modern Classic

DIFC’s Mint Leaf Of London offers contemporary luxury fare influenced by well-known Indian classics.

Mint Leaf of London recently joined the ranks of posh London restaurants to set
up a new eatery in Dubai, but few have made the transition as stylishly as this place.

Perched on the fifteenth floor of Emirates Financial towers in DIFC, the luxury Indian restaurant offers stunning views of Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa,
but they’re juxtaposed against a warm and welcoming interior that’s contemporary but still succeeds in nodding towards classical Indian influences.

There are dark slate and henna-inspired carved wood interiors, and large comfort- able chairs that seat visitors at cozy, intimate table places.

On the design front, then, Mint Leaf does exceptionally well. And those design chops are carried through from the main restaurant to a bar area, which also has a discreet and comfortable smoking room tacked onto the side. the private dining rooms pull off the same trick, but naturally they’re more intimate. in the main dining area, there’s an open kitchen which showcases the dynamic culinary talent of the chefs on staff.

And what a talent they have. Mint Leaf of London is more than a simple Indian eatery—its culinary style, like the interior, is modern and contemporary, with ideas and influences simply borrowed from the traditional Indian fare. For example, the Lasooni Jheenga—roasted tiger prawns, garlic puree, and green chutney—offers a sizzling introduction to other items on the menu. Light but with an incredibly complex kick, the dish perfectly illustrates the relationship that Mint Leaf develops between past and present.

There are classics on the menu—such as the Murgh tikka Lazeez, which is a classic chicken tikka curry—but to opt for them would be a wasted opportunity. There are far more interesting things on offer, such as the fisherman’s Prawns—black tiger prawn with lemongrass, kaffir lime and garlic. or else the Bhoona Hiran, a seared loin of veni- son with red onion and coriander naan.

Another thing that shouldn’t be over- looked at Mint Leaf is the dessert menu. The restaurant’s signature dish in that department is the Mint Pot.

Finally, be sure to give the drinks menu a look-in. Mint Leaf employs a skilled sommelier and mixologist who has concocted a series of spellbinding cocktails.