It’s always fun to work with people who love to dine with you :) That’s why when Shangri La Mumbai’s Aditi Chopra insisted that I extend my meeting to lunch at Ekayana, the new resto-lounge at the hotel that offers Lebanese and Indian fare, I just couldn’t resist. And it was the best food decision I had made in a pretty long time.

I am going to explain, ‘why.’ The problem I have with almost 99% Arabic restaurants in India is that they don’t get the basics right and already start experimenting. Dear chefs, first get your hummus right, then figure the rest. No seriously. Also, for food God’s sake, stop putting cilantro/ dhaniya to every damn thing just to Indian-ise every cuisine. Just stop.

Coming back to our lunch, I have to admit I was a little hesitant to order Lebanese. But when the food came, all my doubts disappeared. Thankfully, the chef at Ekayana keeps the recipes a.b.s.o.l.u.t.e.l.y authentic and simple. Nothing extra nothing meaningless. Pure brilliance. It’s been almost 3 years since I left Dubai, and finally my quest for good authentic Lebanese food has come to an end. The hummus was deliciously creamy, falafels were so crisp and lovely, tabouleh and fattoush were just so balanced and had only the proper ingredients. I couldn’t have asked for more! Except, freshly made Arabic bread, may be. Hopefully I don’t sound pompous like a masterchef judge while writing this.

Picky is finally happy :)