When someone suggests a mid-eastern, north African meal in Delhi one is instantly suspicious as restaurants tend to pass off dishes that are far from authentic.
Zerzura at the Qutab Hotel, Clarion Collection surprises the palate with a range of flavours that are original and exceptional. The space is large and accented with accessories from the region and you can host a party here without a glitch.
The outdoor seating also works well in the winter months.
While the restaurant has been operating for over a year now, they have a new menu that draws on favourites from the region and there is also an addition of set meals that have been designed, keeping your zodiac sign in mind.
If a la carte is more your style though, begin your meal with the Moroccan harira soup which has a base of lamb flavoured with garlic, cinnamon and preserved lemon.
The result is a delicious broth that is light but textured.
If you are vegetarian, we would recommend the bulgar and zafran broth which is both healthy and light.
Most restaurants don't do justice to salads, with the dressing being too sweet or the leaves being too wilted.
The grapes, haloumi and spinach salad with pine nuts is exceptional, with the right amount of crunch and freshness.
You can't go through a Lebanese menu without focusing on the mezze platter and at Zerzura, it comes with a fantastic cheese samosa, spinach fatyar, Ankara-style lamb au gratin and the requisite dips.
The platter is filling and each element complements the other.
You can also sample the kebab platter which has a range of moist, indulgent kebabs, served once again with hummus and other traditional dips, all of which are excellent.
For mains I am told the tagines get a big thumbs up as do the grilled mains such as the lamb kasba which is popular in Jordan and Saudi Arabia or gozleme, which is a Turkish dish made of hand-rolled dough stuffed with various toppings like spinach and feta or minced lamb.
There are several seafood options that are exciting as well, including the wood fire, oven roasted salmon, served with burnt tomatoes and cinnamon sauce.
End your meal with baklava served with pistachio ice cream or the date and fig gratin with rosemary and honey ice cream. The food is really delicious and the staff courteous and on the ball.
BT More recommends
Moroccan harira soup
Kebab platter
Meal for two
Rs. 2,400 with alcohol (one drink each)
Reservations
8130466335, 95600499517
