Saturday 27 / April / 2024
We returned to Maya, the colourful, modern Indian restaurant at The Cave Complex for our editors’ lunch this week. There, we discovered new favourites along with menu classics, which were as entertaining to look at as they were delicious to eat. Our lunch reminded us of why this distinctive restaurant remains one of our go-to spots for a lively night-out. Below find a few menu items that you won’t want to miss.— [email protected]
1. Wellness Editor’s Pick: Raw Mango and Basil Salad.
Raw mango salad is a delicious meal accompaniment. The tart, fresh flavours not only balance the richness of the other dishes, they also cleanse the palate between courses. Loaded with tangy, pickled raw mango, crisp lettuce, and sweet pomegranate seeds, this is a wonderfully refreshing accompaniment to the meal. OMR 2
2. Dining Editor’s Pick: Crispy Hung Curd Kebabs
For starters we enjoyed a plethora of options, but the crispy hung curd kebabs stole my heart. Crispy on the outside, the centre was soft, melt-in-the-mouth hung curd mixed with light spices and finely chopped coriander — a fabulous, modern take on paneer, a traditional Indian classic. OMR 2
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3. Nightlife Editor’s Pick: Smoked Hay Tamarind Potato
Here’s a riddle for you: What is the most delicious thing in Oman served in a smoking cocktail glass? I’ll tell you, it’s the Smoked Hay Tamarind Potato, a martini glass served with burning hay puffing away from the centre of a pile of delicious tandoori-style baby potatoes smothered in tamarind sauce and chilli. Wowsa. OMR 2
4. Fashion Editor’s Pick: Firanghi Dal Makhani
Being a dal fan, savouring Maya’s Firanghi Dal Makhani was an absolute joy, as it is, without a doubt, the best version of the dish I’ve had in town. The creamy, buttery lentil-based curry is cooked overnight on a tandoor, then finished off with a dash of Maya’s secret spices. I enjoyed my makhani without any protein on the side; just me, my dal, and some guilt-inducing, but oh-so-worth-it crispy, butter-spread naan—yum. OMR 3
5. Executive Editor’s Pick: Butter Chicken Dilli Wala
This creamy dish always reminds me of the classic western comfort food, tomato soup. Maybe that’s because I’m usually far more interested in the richly-spiced gravy than the chicken blanketed underneath. Maya’s self-described, Old Delhi style chicken cooked in makhni gravy, has a particularly luscious sauce, which I was just as happy to sop-up with butter naan as I was eating it atop the smoky tandoori chicken that came bathed in it. OMR 4
6. Entertainment Editor’s Pick: The Amazing Beverages
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The Lantern
The name of this new-age Indian restaurant infuses whispers of mysticism and wonder, and its serving style only goes to heighten the effect. Cradled inside the bracket of a lantern, which in and of itself evokes memories of a bygone era, is a drink that lightens the mood of the drinker almost immediately. A refreshingly zesty combination of cherry-infused orange juice and tangy marmalade dances on the palate, drawing away the day’s fatigue, bearing promises of many more scrumptious experiences to come. OMR 3
Maya Manga
The restaurant may be new-age Indian, but in the Maya Manga, the mixologists have opened a tantalising door into the subcontinent’s culinary past. Initially introduced by the Portuguese upon arrival on India’s western shores, this delicious blend of raw mango, sweet lime, roasted cumin, and salt perfectly bridges India’s cultural heritage and culinary legacy. Maya’s version is a beverage that goes a long way in stoking the appetite for an evening of indulgence—a a perfect aperitif. OMR 3
7 Family Editor’s Pick: Chemmeen Semiya
The playfully crunchy prawn rolls called Chemmeen Semiya, come skewered and ready to dunk in a spicy-sweet-sour chili sauce. The golden vermicelli coating adds extra crispiness to the flavourful prawn mince, which has been fried to utter perfection. OMR 5
8 Dining Editor’s Pick: Sweet Finishes
Avocado Kulfi, Paan Kulfi, and Passion Fruit Phirni
We were presented with a trio of sumptuous desserts to end our feast: Creamy avocado kulfi, flavour-packed paan kulfi, and a delicate, rich passion fruit infused phirni, the combination of which ensured we ended our delicious culinary journey on a very happy note. OMR 2.5 each
Book your culinary magic show
Maya Restaurant
The Cave Complex, Darsait
+968 9469 5055
mayarestobar.com
Instagram: @MayaLoungeOman
Hours: Thursday-Friday, 12pm-4pm, 7pm-2am
Saturday-Wednesday, 12-4pm, 7pm-midnight
