Bold Flavors In The UAE: In Conversation With Mr. Muralikumar, Founder Of Zordaar Restaurant

While there are more Indian restaurants in the UAE than stars in the sky, very few of them are able nail the complex Indian flavors and varied cuisines. Zordaar Restaurant steps in to fill this gap, to offer customers a pan-Indian flavor profile that has the best-of-the-best dishes from every state, from Kashmir to Kerala. As the tagline 'Bold Indian Flavors' suggest, every dish served in Zordaar has a zing to it, chefs here don't shy away from strong authentic vibrant flavors that burst in your mouth and are not interested in watering down the cuisines. But how do they do this?

We sat down in conversation with Mr. Muralikumar, founder of Zordaar Restaurant to uncover some gems about the F&B industry in the region, as well as about Zordaar itself.

What was the spark of inspiration behind the creation of Zordaar in Dubai?

The creation of the Zordaar restaurant chain in the UAE and beyond is driven by a profound passion for sharing India's rich and diverse culinary heritage with the world. At Zordaar, our mission is fueled by a deep love for Indian cuisine and its cultural significance. We aim to offer a dining experience that transcends borders, bringing the authentic flavors of India to new audiences.

Our inspiration is rooted in celebrating the incredible variety of Indian cuisine—from the vibrant street food of Mumbai to the regal dishes of regional and sub-regional kitchens across India. This vision extends beyond merely serving food; it is about telling a compelling story that captures the essence of India's culinary traditions. We strive to present these traditions in a contemporary and innovative way, creating an experience that delights the palate while educating and inspiring guests about the depth and richness of Indian food culture.

At the opening of the branch, it was revealed that Zordaar features interesting fusions of existing Indian dishes. What is a dish on the menu that you're quite excited about?

Our menu at Zordaar is designed to offer a vibrant and diverse culinary experience. Here are some highlights:

Small Plates: Playful Classics – This section reimagines beloved classics from Indian small eateries with playful twists and modern flair. These dishes are crafted to excite your palate and celebrate India's diverse culinary heritage.

Soups and Tikka Salata: Healthy Meets Flavorful – We balance health and indulgence with our soups and Tikka Salata. From a hearty shorba to a zesty salad with tandoori-spiced kebabs, this section ensures that healthy eating remains flavorful and exciting.

The Gully Pav Split: Mumbai's Heartbeat – Our Gully Pav Split pays homage to Mumbai's iconic street food, offering creative and flavor-packed fillings that capture the essence of the city's vibrant food culture.

Kizhi Parotha: A Tanjore Delight – Inspired by the legendary Tanjore Mess, our Kizhi Parotha wraps juicy meats and vibrant veggies in flaky paratha, delivering a taste of Chennai's rich culinary traditions.

Zordaar Biryani: A Royal Feast – Our biryanis are crafted to be a royal feast, ranging from coastal prawn pulao to the regal flavors of Lucknow and Hyderabad. Each biryani is a masterpiece celebrating India's rich heritage and complex spice blends.

I Want My Curry: Traditional Richness – This section features beloved curry classics, from the fiery Hyderabadi Gosht Salan to the creamy Paneer Kaali Mirch, each dish crafted to deliver soul-satisfying richness.

Desserts: Sweet Nostalgia – End your meal with our playful desserts, inspired by classic halwai delights and homestyle family recipes. Whether it's the fusion of Tiramisu Rossogulla or the nostalgia of Bun Maska Pudding, our desserts offer a sweet and memorable conclusion to your dining experience.

Dubai is the land of flavors and cuisines, and there are a number of Indian restaurants in the landscape. What is your hope for Zordaar? What novelty does Zordaar bring to the table?

Zordaar is deeply committed to using only the highest-quality ingredients and supporting local producers, underscoring its dedication to sustainability and authenticity. Every dish is crafted from scratch, maintaining the highest standards in flavor and presentation. With a focus on excellence, Zordaar prepares 17 unique spices in-house, ensuring exceptional taste and adherence to traditional recipes.

The restaurant proudly offers a diverse menu featuring 75 dishes from 16 distinct Indian districts, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Agra, Mumbai, Banaras-Allahabad, Kutch-Gujarat, Goa, Kolkata, Tamil Nadu, Kunda Pur, the Konkan Belt of Maharashtra, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Mangalore, Mahabaleshwar Hill Station, Ajmer, and Katra Jammu. This meticulous approach guarantees a superior dining experience and aligns with Zordaar's mission to deliver dishes that exceed guests' expectations.

How has the Indian food scene evolved in recent years? As a venture, how does Zordaar play into that evolution?

The Indian food scene has seen a significant shift in recent years, moving beyond just traditional dishes to embrace innovation, presentation, and global influences. Chefs are now experimenting with regional ingredients and blending them with modern techniques to create something new, yet rooted in tradition. Zordaar is very much a part of this evolution. We've taken regional Indian dishes that are often underrepresented on global menus and reimagined them with a contemporary twist, creating a dining experience that honors heritage while appealing to modern tastes. We aim to push boundaries while staying true to the flavors that define Indian cuisine.

What advice would you give to someone who is an aspiring entrepreneur in the region looking to get into the food scene?

My advice would be to embrace authenticity and innovation equally. The food scene in Dubai is competitive, and to stand out, you need to offer something that not only resonates with people's taste buds but also provides a unique experience. It's important to understand the market and the diverse culinary preferences of people in the region. Be passionate about what you're serving and focus on quality. At the same time, don't be afraid to take risks and experiment with new ideas. Finally, persistence is key – the food business can be challenging, but staying true to your vision and adapting to changing trends will help you succeed.