When this mainstay of the iconic Marriott Mena House hotel took time out, it felt as though a dear friend had left town. Welcome back. We missed you, with your unbeatable atmosphere and authentic Indian cuisine. The view of the garden from your spot in the Pavilion, right next to 139 Restaurant, is pure magic!
Signatures Dishes & Dishes Sampled
Signature dishes include the Shahi Tandoori Platter, Butter Chicken, Rogan Josh, Lamb Vindaloo, Kulfi.
We found a lot of our perennial favorites on the menu, and felt quite at home, but were still content to be guided by Karim, our waiter, and Chef Praveen, with their recommendations. A good decision, as the selection that they presented us with was a well-balanced array of flavors, spicing, textures and colors. Everything, in fact, that makes this cuisine so special. We whet our palates with a long, cool mango lassi. The fresh mango and yoghurt went down very smoothly, we can heartily recommend it. Just minutes later we found ourselves with two slate platters bearing a variety of starters. The pakora, samosa, bhaji and murgh tikka all offered a complex mélange of spices, not too hot, but with layers of flavors.
The bread platter arrived just as quickly, hot from the tandoor, with ‘eat-me-now’ portions of garlic naan, butter naan, roti and lacca paratha. With perfect timing, our table filled up with small copper tureens offering a profusion of aromas and visual excitement. Where to start?
The Shahi Tandoori with tender, subtly spiced lamb chops, shrimp, chicken, seekh kebab and grilled red peppers came sizzling hot, and disappeared in a flash. From that point it was a pleasurable journey from Vegetable Biryani, Dal Tarka and Palak Mushroom, (all great vegetarian options we noted), on to Butter Chicken, Rogan Josh and a creamy Shrimp Curry. Every dish had its own distinctive texture and flavors, the Rogan Josh with a rich sauce of onion and Kashmiri spices, the melt-in-the-mouth Butter Chicken vying for attention with a more subtle buttery tomato and cream sauce. The Shrimp Curry was mild, allowing the shrimp to be the star, which it certainly was.
Experience had told us that we would always overindulge when presented with such expertly prepared dishes, but we also knew it would be foolish to pass on the traditional Indian desserts of Gulab Jamun, those syrup-laden milk solid delights, and cardamom and pistachio Pista Kulfi. Too sated to even think of moving, we sank into a relaxed reverie, content to gaze at the twinkling lights, regal palms and splashing water of the garden, with the Pyramids of Giza providing an unbeatable backdrop.
Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverages Available
If we were looking for a more fiery challenge we would head straight for the Lamb Vindaloo. The soups are also tempting, and we would love to try our old favorite, Chicken Korma.
Beverage options include a full bar, along with a wide range of soft option. We recommend starting with lassi, it works so well with the traditional flavors of the various dishes.
Décor & Ambience
Set overlooking the spacious terrace and mesmerizing gardens sprawling at the foot of the historic Palace, the Moghul Room offers unforgettable views. Full length windows allow diners to feel a part of the magic. The restaurant itself is an elegant blend of traditional features set against contemporary marble columns and natural wood floors. The service is professional and attentive, with knowledgeable waiters who can explain each dish in detail. The wafts of incense and gentle sound of sitar music playing in the background set the mood.
Clientele mix: We were happy to note that both locals and hotel guests are heading to the Moghul Room, a sign of its popularity and loyal following. The atmosphere is conducive to relaxed, intimate dining; we sighted many couples.
Price range: Ranging towards high end, but if you order carefully it needn’t break the bank.
Contact information
Opening hours: 6 pm to 11 pm daily.
Address: Marriott Mena House
Tel: 02 3377 3222 ext 6401
Facebook: MarriottMenaHouseCairo
Instagram: @marriottmenahousecairo
