Meet the Indian eatery taking a unique approach to the classics
Partner Content: The Crossing celebrates the staggering wealth of flavours that coexist in the subcontinent.
With the crossing of countless cultures, immigrants and travellers in the Indian subcontinent comes culinary diversity that makes India a gastronomical paradise. Enter: The Crossing, a recently launched eatery rooted in shared plates and classic comfort food that generations of Indians have grown up with. Located at The H Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, The Crossing fills the gap for elevated Indian cuisine in this vicinity dotted with hotels, office towers and residential complexes.
Aesthetically, The Crossing adopts a ‘modern Indian’ approach – think: minimalist décor, clean walls, potted greenery, and discreet accents. The interiors are inspired by the waiting lounges of Indian railways – head chef Ankur Chakraborty’s family was employed with the Indian Railways, exposing him to different regional cuisines throughout his life. In contrast, the cuisine does not take a drastically modern or fusion approach, reviving regional classics and borrowed recipes that have come down through generations instead. All this is done with fastidious attention to ingredients and refined plating.
As for examples of what you will discover on The Crossing’s menu? From the hilly northeast region of India, Thupka is an 18-hour slow-cooked beef broth with noodles, mushrooms and black garlic, while the Gunpowder Prawns are a flavour blast, named after the famous South Indian spice mix that is a daily staple. Similarly, the classic Butter Chicken finds pride of place on the menu, presented in its unbiased and original avatar. The robust flavours of coastal India also find a worthy mention on the menu via items like the Mangalorean bun. A daily staple in Kerala, Scallop Bean Thoran is a simple blend of edamame beans, coconut and chilli. A quintessential Indian homemade meal, Mutton Pulav also makes an appearance.
The restaurant, complete with a patio, offers a relaxed atmosphere – whether you’re heading out for lunch with colleagues, hosting a business meeting, or entertaining guests. Guests can enjoy a two-course weekday lunch (from 12pm until 4pm) for AED 95 per person, and a three-course menu (dessert included) for AED 125. Both menus include dal/salad and rice or a choice of bread. Diners can also select a glass of grape for an additional AED 29. In addition, The Crossing also boasts a unique menu curated by an experienced sommelier that is expertly paired with a select list of grape drinks to complement the perfect Indian meal. It starts at AED 299 for three courses, going up to AED 499 for six courses.
Managing Partner Jarret Dabreo says, “The food philosophy at The Crossing is not about elaborate presentation, nor is it about fancy fusion. I want to showcase Indian favourites from across the country, while reviving forgotten or lesser known cuisines. The menu is heavily based on research. We uphold mainstream Indian cuisine, but we are just looking at a different side of it.”
Debuting earlier this year, The Crossing has emerged as one of the most sought-after restaurants for its elevated Indian cuisine and was chosen for a restaurant take over at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island for the International Indian Film Academy Awards. Incidentally, its three founders come from different parts of India. Chef Ankur Chakraborty hails from Kolkata, Jarret D’Abreo is from Mumbai, while Abhishek Joshi calls Chandigarh home, with each bringing their own culinary and cultural wealth to create the dining experience at The Crossing.
GO: Visit www.crossingtherestaurant.com or call 04 491 9695 for reservations and more information.
