FACT Review: Masti Cocktails & Cuisine

The FACT Award winner makes a triumphant return to the Dubai dining scene.

There’s definitely no shortage of contemporary Indian restaurants in Dubai, however, few offer a laid back, casual setting with far-reaching views of the Dubai skyline. Masti Cocktails & Cuisine has traded the beach for the Burj while relocating from La Mer to The Dubai EDITION.

The Dubai EDITION has quickly become the talk of the town – and beyond. There’s a chic aesthetic and plenty of remarkable restaurants, including Italian restaurant Duomo, nightlife-driven Ergo, Peruvian rooftop INTI and the sultry Sumosan Dubai. In welcoming Masti Cocktails & Cuisine into the fold, the luxury lifestyle hotel has cemented its reputation as one of Downtown Dubai’s hottest dining enclaves.

Indian-inspired Masti (translating to ‘fun and mischief’) offers a vibrant space on the hotel’s first floor that incorporates a restaurant, terrace and show kitchen with flame-hued tiling. The interiors contain the unmistakable Masti DNA while elevating the concept with a darker colour palette to suit the new location. Expect a fusion of rainbow hues and a tropical feel as colourful cushions, verdant house plants, Indian-esque ornaments (look for the stained glass elephant head behind the bar) and vibrant lighting, are all accompanied by floor-to-ceiling windows – think jungle hideaway meets Indian summerhouse. The décor is on point and we sink into a comfy seat, ready to begin our culinary escapade. 

As the venue’s full name indicates Masti – Cocktails and Cuisine prides itself on being passionately different and deliciously naughty, which is evident in the bubbly staff and the eclectic food. From the mind of chef Prashant Chipkar, the menu offers a reinterpretation of Indian cuisine, designed with sharing in mind.

Dynamic and daring, this menu is a gastronomic celebration made up of playful and eccentric surprises. Old favourites like Burrata Butter Chicken (AED 160) and Messy Chicken Tikka (AED 95) remain. However, we’d recommend ordering new dishes, which comprise about 60 percent of the menu, to match Masti’s new location. 

We begin with the Watermelon Bhakari (AED 80), a delightful dish of competing textures that plates cool watermelon pieces atop sorghum bread with black garlic chutney and goat cheese. Next is a modern spin on an Indian classic. The Chicken Tikka Masala Waffle (AED 95) uses a light and fluffy dosa mix to prepare crisp waffles slathered with a moreish pulled chicken tikka masala.

The Spiced Nalli (AED 85) is definitely our dish of the day, presenting beef marrow served in the bone with ghee roast sauce and fried uthappam. Topped with breadcrumbs and sugar before being caramelised at the table with a blowtorch, the dish is rich, robust, and a Masti must-try.

Fiery flavours prove prominent in the Octopus Recheado (AED 105), a dish of spiced grilled octopus tentacle with smoked cauliflower puree and toddy vinegar crackers that packs a punch to the palate. The Angus Beef Cheek Vindaloo (AED 280) is far more restrained, showcasing a tender piece of beef that has been slow-cooked for over 24 hours and finished over burning embers with a fiery red sauce. Don’t miss the side of crisp okra (you can thank us later).

For a decadent finale, feast on sweet treats such as the Rasmalai Coconut Cake (AED 55) with hazelnut-chocolate truffle or work your way through the tempting Ayurveda inspired cocktails that are bursting with botanicals.

Masti encourages you to embrace a more mischievous way of life. It’s refreshing to see a restaurant unafraid to be different, to take risks, and to be fun whilst delivering a stellar dining experience that fuses modernity, tradition, colour and flavour.

This FACT Award-winner has done the unthinkable in making a triumphant return to the Dubai dining scene with an elevated and improved offering. We’ll be back.

GO: Visit www.mastidubai.com or call 800-MASTI for reservations and more information.