Sunday 20 September 2020

AWADH – Authentic Lucknow Cuisine [MEDIA INVITE]

Zaffrani Malai Phirni or Rose Phirni

AWADH is the first and only Indian restaurant in Singapore and South East Asia that serve authentic Lucknow cuisine. Their Master chefs belong to the famous Qureshi family of Master-chefs from Lucknow, trained to create the culinary spread fit for the Nawabs (Emperors). 
AWADH
AWADH gastronomic creations use more than 120 spices, all of which worth their weight in gold. The chefs trained on the ancient secret recipes and “temper” the dishes with aromatic herbs, spices, flavoured ghee and saffron. Located centrally in Orchard Road, AWADH is easily accessible from all parts of Singapore. 

Spices use in AWADH
While waiting for our feast to start, we whet our appetite with homemade lassi and pappadam. 
Homemade Lassi
Pappadam
Murg-Multani Shorba ($14), AWADH signature chicken soup officially kicks start our tasting session. Tasted like robust chicken soup with a touch of curry. The peppery heat at the end warms up your throat and tummy in preparation for the upcoming feast. 
Murg-Multani Shorba

Murg-Multani Shorba
Tandori Macchi ($22) is a chargrilled boneless piece of fish gently marinated in tandoori spices and thickened yoghurt. The fish is well marinated, firm and hold its shape nicely. When you bit into it, the texture is moist. It is a bit salty, so you might want to dip it with the tomato bell pepper chutney to balance the saltiness. 
Tandori Macchi
Tandori Macchi - The Fish
Gosht Galawat Kebab ($27). A staple in Awadhi cuisine, melt-in-your-mouth mutton patties with a blend of over 25 rare spices complemented with Mughlai paratha & yoghurt mint chutney. The patty is moist, soft and packed with a lot of spices. However, the strong and bold flavours in the kebab might not be suitable for everyone. 
Gosht Galawat Kebab
Kurkuri Okra ($16). A delicious crispy ladyfinger. I must confess that Okra and Me do not get along, However, as the okra is deep-fried, I gave it a try. It is crispy, lightly seasoned with spices while removing the sliminess in the middle part. Yum Yum. 
Kurkuri Okra
Tandoori Lehsuni Jhinga (Special Order Only). Garlic marinated prawns chargrilled in the tandoor oven served with a mint sauce. Crunchy tiger prawn, nicely seasoned with a nice smoky aroma. The mint sauce on the side enhances the flavour of the prawn beautifully. 
Tandoori Lehsuni Jhinga
Reshmi Broccoli ($19). AWADH version of baked creamy broccoli. A combination of creamy and crunchy that is easy on the palate. 
Reshmi Broccoli
Bhatt Ka Murgh ($24). Pan-seared bone-in marinated chicken served on a hot plate. This dish is sizzling when it arrived on the table. The chicken is fork-tender and nicely marinated meat easily fall off the bone. One of the best dishes of the day. 
Bhatt Ka Murgh 
As we have completed the starters, we are ready to move on to the Main Course. Yup, the dishes above were only starters. Frankly, we were about 70% full and we were re-arranging the space in our tummy. The main course in Indian cuisine are the dishes that paired with rice, naan, paratha and roti. 
Our Staters - Flatlay

Bhuna Gosht ($27). Mutton cooked with fried onions and tomato paste and a blend of aromatic spices. A fork-tender mutton dish with thick and creamy gravy. The spices almost covered all the gaminess of the mutton, making it acceptable to most diners. 
Bhuna Gosht
Murgh Makhni Jehangiri ($23). Popularly known as butter chicken; succulent pieces of chicken in a mildly spiced creamy tomato gravy. Tender and succulent chicken pieces, cooked in a rich buttery and tangy gravy. 
Murgh Makhni Jehangiri 
Lehsuni Motiya Saag Paneer ($20). Seasonal green vegetables with a choice of corn or cubes of cottage cheese. LD and my favourite greens in an Indian restaurant. This time it was served with corn (cottage cheese version also available). The seasonal green vegetables are smooth and creamy, followed with a crunchy burst of sweetness from the corn kernels instead of the usual savoury cottage cheese. Our first time trying this, and it is just yummy. 
Lehsuni Motiya Saag Paneer
Sultani Dal ($19) A combination of yellow and red lentils tempered with cumin and green chillies, best complemented with crisped buttered tandoori roti. It is light and tasty, works well to balance the rich naan. 
Sultani Dal
Some of the Main Courses
AWADH Murgh Biryani ($25). Biryani fit for the Royals. Boneless pieces of chicken, marinated in a blend over 40 spices, layered with basmati rice and slow-cooked “dum” style for 6 hours. 
AWADH Murgh Biryani 
The result is amazingly fragrant basmati rice with fork-tender chicken pieces and explosions of flavour in each bite. I like the texture of each grain of the rice remain al-dente and not mushy. 

The main meal also served with Plain Naan ($6), Garlic Naan ($7), Ulte Tawe Ka Paratha ($8) and Rumali Roti ($8). While we are familiar with naan, Ulte Tawe Ka Paratha, the signature Lucknawi paratha is a something you should try here. It is tasty and it has that extra chewy texture. 
Naan, Paratha & Roti with the Mains

Main Course
Meanwhile, the Rumali Roti is light, paper-thin and fluffy at the same time. Perfect to soak up those delicious gravy. 

Finally, we reach the finish line with desserts. Apple Jalebi ($12). AWADH unique take on the common jalebi dessert, granny-smith green apple slices covered in a spiced batter and steeped in sweet syrup. A combination of crispy and crunchy texture. The sourness from the apple reduces the sweetness from the sweet syrup. 
Apple Jalebi
We also have a shot of Zaffrani Malai Phirni or Rose Phirni. Phirni is a rich and creamy Mughal milk pudding. Zaffrani is cardamom flavour, while Rose Phirni is flavoured with rose essence. LD enjoyed the Rose Phirni, however, my taste bud does not agree with cardamon flavoured phirni. 
Zaffrani Malai Phirni or Rose Phirni
AWADH at Centrepoint Singapore is decorated in a combination of Indian and Persian flair. The tables are covered with black table cloth with the chairs are red. The bar and live band area are the main attractions in the restaurant, but during this covid-19 period, there will be no live band. 
The Bar
Overall, we are delighted to have tried the food at AWADH. Although the dishes look familiar, you can taste the difference of the unique multi-layer flavour from extra spices used in each of the dishes. Definitely worth to try. Cheers!! 
Live Band Area
Thank you very much Kris for inviting us and AWADH Team for hosting us. 

Food & Drinks: 8.25/10 
Value: 7/10 
Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation) 
Ambiance: 7.75/10 
Budget per Person: $26 - $50; $51 - $80 

AWADH 
Royal Indian Dining and Lounge 
176 Orchard Road 
#01-33H, The Centrepoint 
Singapore 238843 

T: +65 9385 5337 / 6909 9971 
IG: @Awadhdining 
OH: Daily 11.00 – 23.30
Full Menu available online



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