Saeed Saeed DUBAI : Indonesian cuisine has a worthy stage on which to shine at Andaliman. Found within the stylish surroundings of the One&Only One Za’abeel, the restaurant offers elevated versions of traditional and street food comforts without comprising on any of the signature bold and earthy flavours. With its two towers connected by a cantilever called The Link, One&Only One Za’abeel is certainly one of Dubai’s most eye-catching hotels.
Staff at the white-marbled main lobby escort our party of three to the fourth floor where the restaurant is accessed through a serene Indonesian-inspired garden pool. vibes come into full bloom once inside with feature walls infused with lush green shrubbery. There is teakwood furniture and walls with Balinese wooden carvings of plant and animal motifs.
A spacious open kitchen overlooks a dining hall where family tables are flanked by couple and small group seating, cementing the message of Andaliman being an experience best shared. More than the warm staff, Andaliman’s attentiveness extends to its bright and snappy menu. Split into five numerical stages – spanning appetisers, dishes slow or wok-cooked, grilled plates and desserts – it is winningly disarming and with enough description to raise curiosity and appetites.
Each party of diners gets its own sambal trolley parked tableside with dedicated “spice ambassadors” preparing an assortment of chilli paste based on desired heat levels. The variety of starters – presente.