It’s hard to convey a smile when half your face is covered, and masks (although essential) have all but eradicated our ability to communicate via facial expressions. But the staff at Masti seems to have been trained in the art of the smize, and their warm, welcoming attitude was felt from the moment we arrived at the La Mer South restaurant. Tyra would be proud.
Upon arrival our temperatures were taken (par for the course these days) and we were swiftly led upstairs to our table, positioned at a safe distance from the others around us. During the meal, napkins were replaced after every course and when we had finished feasting, individually wrapped wipes ensured extra sanitation was available.
Safely ensconced at our table, we turned our attention to the menu and set about the difficult task of narrowing down our selections. Masti offers a taste of “new India” and old favourites (think butter chicken and biryani) have been reimagined to provide dinners with a fresh take on traditional flavours and cooking methods. The restaurant’s eclectic cocktail menu is almost as extensive as its food offering and the team of mixologists have clearly taken their lead from the kitchen by creating concoctions that seamlessly fuse the old with the new.
We started with a Sassy Lassy (inspired by the classic Pina Colada) and the Peared Vision, which features a refreshing mix of coconut water, pear, mint and cucumber. We then moved on to our appetizers: delicately spiced slow cooked lamb croquettes and the fiery prawns Koliwada. For mains we selected yellow pepper roasted salmon (the dish was originally a starter but has recently been moved to the mains thanks to its popularity) and tamarind BBQ beef ribs served with street style corn, pickled red chili, red cabbage and some extremely moreish smashed potatoes. The aforementioned along with a side of Gruyere stuffed naan and sweet potato and cassava crisps should have finished us off, but a quick glance over the dessert menu meant we couldn’t leave without trying the mango chocolate cheesecake and a chocolate and lotus set ganache slathered in salted toffee sauce.
From its food to its award-winning interiors, everything about Masti is bold, bright and bursting with personality, and we can’t wait to return to check out the outdoor terrace during the cooler months. In the meantime, there’s a Ladies’ Night every Tuesday along with weekend brunch on Fridays and Saturdays.
CALL NOW or BOOK HERE Find Masti at La Mer, Jumeirah 1, Dubai.
Yellow Pepper Roaster Salmon
Fiery Prawns Koliwada
Slower Cooked Lamb Croquettes
