Rangoli is an award-winning fine dining Indian Restaurant located in Yas Island Rotana. It offers authentic Indian dishes with a modern twist of flavors that tickles your palate with a different level of satisfaction.
During our stay in Yas Island Rotana hotel a week ago, we were invited to try one of their hotel’s signature restaurants – Rangoli. I must admit that Indian cuisine is my least favorite cuisine. I have been to several Indian restaurants in Saudi Arabia and none of them impressed me. My low tolerance to spicy food made me less appreciative of any Indian dishes. In other words I haven’t found the best Indian restaurant yet. Is Rangoli the one? Is it worth the try? Let’s find out!
Upon arrival, the restaurant receptionist Sanjeeta was already expecting us. She was very accommodating and brought us to our reserved table immediately. The warm welcome from the staff made us feel comfortable and at the same time excited of what’s about to unfold.
Ambiance
As we walked in, I felt right away the elegant and romantic ambiance. I actually asked my husband ‘are we really gonna dine here?’ I was really amazed because I wasn’t expecting such kind of setting. We got settled in one of the cozy candle-lit lounge table with huge fluffy pillows. I loved it! With just the feel of it and the atmosphere, I know it would be a perfect dinner experience. Very romantic I should say!
The restaurant has several divisions to accommodate big family gatherings or group/business meetings. It also has an open layout dining area for guests who simply want to enjoy some food and drinks.
The contemporary design mixed with tasteful selections of traditional decors and color scheme provides an aesthetically pleasing Indian vibe.
Food
As soon as we got settled, Sanjeeta handed us the menu. She took orders for our preferred drinks. She also asked us if we would like to talk to the Chef. Having little knowledge of Indian cuisine, we thought it was a good idea to let the Chef explain everything. I actually have several food allergies and also concerned about the level of spice in the dishes.
For drinks, I ordered fresh watermelon juice and my husband had a glass of Dusky Sounds Sauvignon Blanc. The wine was recommended by Sanjeeta because of its smooth and subtle taste. It paired perfectly with the grilled jumbo prawns that my husband had as appetizer. Which by the way he enjoyed so much.
Complimentary crispy Indian bread with 2 kinds of dips, the tangy pepper spiced and sweet and sour dip.
Chef Laxmi came a few minutes later and happily welcomed us in the restaurant. Concerned that we cannot tolerate overly spiced food, my husband asked him right away ‘how spicy are your dishes?’ ‘Not so spicy, but just enough for the non-Indians to tolerate’, Chef Laxmi answered. Satisfied with his response, we then asked for his recommendations.
Hare nimbu ka Jhinga – Grilled Jumbo Prawns
For starters he recommended Grilled Jumbo Prawns which my husband was delighted to try. The dish is actually tiger gulf prawns marinated in coriander, kaffir lime and basil leaves. Seafood is my husband’s weakness. He seldom would trade anything for it. So having this beautifully cooked and delicious jumbo prawns made his day. Just the right dish to start off an amazing meal.
Tandoori Batak – Tandoori Grilled Duck Breast
Since I am allergic to crustaceans, I ordered the tandoori grilled duck breast (Sous vide tandoori marinated duck breast, orange honey dressing, duck pickle and orange jelly). This appetizer was so fresh and flavorful. All the elements on the plates perfectly complimented each other. The marinated duck and the duck pickle were very tender and delicious.
Meen Moilley – Seabass and Coconut Curry
For my main dish, I ordered the Pan-seared sea bass, onion, tomatoes, turmeric and coconut curry. I chose this dish because I haven’t tried fish curry yet. The fish is perfectly cooked and well-seasoned. It has a smooth, silky and full of flavors curry sauce that is not overpowering. A perfect pair with roti or naan bread. I loved it so much that I could lick the plate clean.
Mamsam Meriyal Masala – Pepper Spiced Lamb Curry
My husband decided to order the Andhra cooked Indian lamb with black pepper, coconut, red chili and tamarind. This dish blew me away. This is a MUST-TRY! Believe me. Lamb is something we don’t usually eat and if I have other options I will never order it. Not for any other reason, but because my palate is not just used to it. Most of the lamb dishes I tried also had an unpleasant after taste. But this particular dish changed my perception of lamb meat as well as Indian cuisine. I never thought lamb could taste as good as this. Imagine this is the first time I ate a lamb dish that I enjoyed so much and even finished the entire serving. Amazingly it has no after taste. It’s just delicious! I don’t need to elaborate.
When Chef Laxmi recommended the Mamsam Meriyal Masala because it is his specialty, I was very vocal to say that I don’t like lamb. I told him that I’m afraid to order lamb because chances are I will never enjoy it. I saw disappointment in Chef Laxmi’s face. However, he still tried his best to convince us. He even said that he will not let us down. Finally my husband said ‘okay we will try your lamb curry.’ Chef Laxmi smiled. I did not argue anymore and I told him ‘okay Chef, surprise us!’
Murgh Makhani – Butter Chicken
Also upon Chef Laxmi’s recommendation, we tried the Chicken breast tikka cooked in creamy tomato gravy, cardamon and kasuri methi. We actually did not order this dish because we already tried it many times before. But when I said ‘surprise me!’ Chef Laxmi took it seriously and he served us each a bowl of butter chicken. Yes! It was the best butter chicken I have ever tasted. Every time I dipped my roti bread on the dish the taste just gets better and better that you want to dig for more.
Berries Sorbet
For desserts, we honestly don’t know what we will get. Bibin, the waiter assigned to us, came in carrying berries sorbet on a coconut shell. A well presented dessert that we could not wait to try. It has a fresh and smooth texture that your tongue would certainly enjoy.
Artisan Dessert Selection – Rangoli Jamun, Chocolate Delight and Kulfi
As soon as we finished the sorbet, my husband and I thought that the dinner service was finished. However, Bibin came back and cleaned the table. He told us that Chef Laxmi has another surprise. Then we realized that the sorbet was just for cleaning our palate and readying it for the real dessert. After which the real surprise came, a plate of artisan dessert selections. Everything on the plate looked amazing but the Kulfi and the Jamun really stood out. The Dark Chocolate Delight was equally delicious but since it was common, I chose to eat more of the unique flavors that I wouldn’t experience on a daily basis. These are perfectly concocted desserts.
Every dish that we had was faultlessly delicious. Whether you pair it with rice or bread, it was just perfect. I wish I could find something negative in the dishes we had, but there’s none. I even felt ashamed that I doubted Chef’s Laxmi’s ability when it comes to his specialty.
Service
What can I say, the service was truly impeccable. Our food server, Bibin, was very courteous and very knowledgeable with regards to the food that he was serving us. He also made sure that everything we needed was provided right away. I love it when you don’t have to ask for anything.
Chef Laxmi was also kind enough to serve the dishes in separate plates instead of serving the viands in one plate when he learned that I have allergies. With this, there was no way my food would be mixed with my husband’s given that he had prawns.
Finally after our excellent dinner, Chef Laxmi was gracious enough to join us for picture taking. All my respect goes to this amazing Chef who was able to deliver dishes that totally changed my perception of Indian cuisine. If all Indian restaurant is as good as Rangoli there’s no doubt I will have Indian food more often.
It was indeed a dinner to remember. If we will have another opportunity to visit Abu Dhabi, we will certainly choose to again dine at Rangoli restaurant in a heartbeat.
If by any chance you happen to be in Yas Island – Abu Dhabi, don’t hesitate to try Rangoli.
Rangoli Restaurant Details
- Opening Hours:
A la carte dinner 06.00 pm – 12.00 midnight (last order 11.30pm), Friday Brunch 12.30 noon – 04.00 pm - Contact Yas Island Rotana
Golf Plaza, P.O. Box 131755
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
T: +971 2 656 4000
F: +971 2 565 1414 - Website
This place looks absolutely divine! I can’t wait to go to the Middle East one day and to try this restaurant for myself! 🙂
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Hi Emily, thanks for dropping by. The restaurant is indeed lovely. Hope you’ll get a chance to dine there in one of your travels… 🙂
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This place looks fabulous! If I ever find myself on that side of the globe, I’ll have to check it out 🙂 Thanks for sharing. x
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Hi Megan… Thanks for dropping by… The place is indeed fabulous and the food is equally amazing too. Hope you do get to see it when you do decide to travel in the UAE. 🙂
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The decor here looks incredible, not to mention the food. Was that watermelon juice good? It sounds divine. Fingers crossed I’ll get to travel here one day to test it out myself.
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Hi Lindsay… Yes. The watermelon juice taste amazing. Same is true for the other dishes we had that night. Hope you do get to visit the UAE and try out the dishes here soon… 🙂
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This restaurant makes my mouth water! What lovely decor. Did you enjoy that watermelon drink? Sounds delish!
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Hi there… Just imagine if you’re there in the flesh with all of that food in front of you. For sure your mouth will water… 🙂 and yes the watermelon drink taste great… 🙂
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Ang romantic ng setup. Naiimagine kong may love song sa background tapos may bouquet of flowers sa tabi ko ganyan. Kebs na sa food, ang importante may desserts. Wahahahaha.
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Hi Rhea… Korek ka dyan. Napaka romantic nung setup. Love song? Mas maganda kung husband ko ang kakanta… 🙂 tutal Generoso naman apelyido nya eh… 🙂 Seriously though the food tasted great. It totally changed my opinion of Indian cuisine.
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Ay wow may husband naman palang songer. Haha. Ang sweeeeeeeet.
Isa lang ang gusto kong food from India. Yung parang egg na parang pancake na sinasawsaw nila sa curry. Pero mas masarap siya pag condense milk. So technically hindi pa din siya considered as Indian Cuisine. Haha.
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Hi Rhea… Roti ang tawag dun sa tinapay na sinasawsaw nila sa curry. Paborito ko yun. 🙂
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Ayun tama! Roti. Masarap yun. 🙂
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The decor of this restaurant is just beautiful. I’ve never been to Dhabi but I’d have to try this place if I ever do.
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Hi Dia… It’s not just the decor but also the food offered by this restaurant is really good. Hope you get to see Abu Dhabi. I recommend that you stay somewhere in Yas Island. The place is just lovely.
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What a great and fun experience you had. Looks like Ab Dabhi has so much food to offer. If only I wherein UAE i would try this for sure
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You’re right Drake. My husband and I had loads of fun while dining in this restaurant. It’s not only their food and their decor that is amazing. The service is equally superb. Abu Dhabi is such a great city to explore. Hope you get to see it too… 🙂
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This place looks so gorgeous. Food looks delicious too, although I’d like to judge this place by having a plate of dal chawal. 😀
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The place is indeed gorgeous and it’s not only their food but also their service that is equally superb. Hope you do get try their dal chawal. If I’m not mistaken they do have a modern version of that. 🙂
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I’ve never been to Abu Dhabi before but if I ever visit, I wouldn’t mind giving this restaurant a try. The ambience is lovely and the food looks amazing!!!
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Hi Jocelyn. Thanks for dropping by. Abu Dhabi is such a lovely city. Hope you get to see it soon. And this restaurant is equally amazing too. Food, decor, service everything is superb. 🙂
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Wow this place looks like an absolutely wonderful and amazing place to visit . All of the food pictured looks super delicious!!
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Hi Shell… Thanks for dropping by… The place and the food are indeed amazing. Hope you get to try it soon… 🙂
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Indian cuisine is so colorful, savory, and filling. This looks like an awesome restaurant!
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Hi Lisa… you’re right, the colors of the food they served us here were quite interesting and appetizing at the same time. And yes, this is definitely an awesome restaurant. Hope you get to try it out in one of your travels. Thanks for dropping by… 🙂
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That place looks so pretty and inviting! Also, the food looks absolutely amazing! Great pictures.
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Thanks for the compliment… The place is even prettier when you see it up close and personal. And the food… need I say more… 🙂
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This place looks amazing! It’s awesome you actually got to speak with the Chef as most restaurants I go to you generally are looked down upon if you ask to speak to him or her. What a great experience!
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Thanks for commenting. You’re right. My husband and I were lucky to have the opportunity to meet the Head Chef who by the way is very humble and down to earth. 🙂
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Food looks super delicious! Portions are a little small for a big man like me though 🙂 Still wanna try though.
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Hi Alex… Thanks for dropping by… Actually, the portions are not small at all. I believe the portion is enough to satisfy an average man’s hunger. Hope you get to dine here. The food taste great… 🙂
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The restaurant looks so friendly and inviting and the berry sorbet looks absolutely delicious!! I am glad you had such a good time on your visit 🙂
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Hi Elizabeth… Thanks for dropping by… The restaurant’s staff were indeed very friendly. Even the Head Chef. Dessert was also great. 🙂
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Ohmygosh, stop it! Every single one of those dishes looks amazing! We don’t have any Indian restaurants on our little island and I’ve been craving it sooo badly lately! Im pinning this for the day we travel to Abu Dani. Thanks for the recommendation!
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Hi Mel… Glad to know that this article somehow convinced you to visit Abu Dhabi. This Indian restaurant is indeed one of a kind. Hope you get to experience dining in it soon. Thanks for dropping by… 🙂
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I am in love with the decor of this restaurant. It is great that you enjoyed the food at Rangoli. Since jamun is my weakness, I can’t take my eyes off your dessert plate.
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Hi Vasundhra… The rest of the dessert plate is equally superb. My husband particularly liked the sorbet. Hope you get to try it when you’re in Abu Dhabi. Thanks for dropping by… 🙂
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This sounds and looks like a 5-star restaurant. The ambiance and food look amazing and as you’ve stated – service is impeccable. This is enough to fly to Dubai for dinner ❤ Thanks! Blessings, Evelyn
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Hi Evelyn. This fine dining restaurant is first class in all aspects whether that be food, ambiance, decor or service. Hope you get to try it when you visit Abu Dhabi which is about an hour and a half drive from Dubai (2 hours by bus). Thanks for dropping by… 🙂
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It looks so good!😍😍😍
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Hi Yin… the food is delicious… thanks for the comment 🙂
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I loved the interiors – they have created a lovely ambience there. The food looks gorgeous too. Its good to see how Indian cuisines are globalised.
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As I’ve mentioned in the article, this restaurant totally changed my perception of Indian cuisine. Thanks for dropping by… 🙂
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The food photos look awesome. I felt as if I was there alongside you sampling these amazing dishes. Now I’m left salivating in front of my laptop 🙂
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Hi Denny… Thanks for the compliment. The food was really good. You’ll be salivating more if you were there with us… 🙂
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Such a charming place, Joy! I love eating at such places which have a soul. Can’t wait to try the Indian cuisine there. 😉
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Hi Agness… If you love Indian cuisine, you’ll definitely enjoy dining in this restaurant. Everything was just perfect, from the food, to the service and the ambiance. Thanks for dropping by… 🙂
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This place looks so divine! If I had knew about this place before my last trip, I would definitely have visited you. Next time, its a sure thing
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The place is indeed divine. Too bad you missed it in your last visit to UAE’s capital city. Nevertheless, you now have a good reason to return to Abu Dhabi. Thanks for the comment… 🙂
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Divine Indian ambiance! Loved the colorful furnishings. The food spread too looks yumm.
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The food was really yum. As for the decors, equally superb. Thanks for dropping by Indrani… 🙂
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Rangoli restaurant at Yas Island Rotana hotel looks awesome. The dishes like Tiger prawns and Meen (Fish) Moilley are my all time favorite dishes. Thank you very much for such a descriptive article on Indian food. I Love that.
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You’re welcome George… Actually all the dishes we tried at Rangoli were awesome… Thanks for dropping by… 🙂
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This place looks incredible. Very upscale and polished. I’ve had Indian plenty of times but never like this. Wow.
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Hi Chris… The place is really upscale and polished. It is definitely a modern take on Indian cuisines. The dishes are traditional, the presentation, on the other hand, is modern. Thanks for the comment 🙂
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Foods looks delicious full of rich spices. And this restaurant looks an upscale one. I would love to dine here.
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Hi Blair… The food is indeed delicious. The spices are just right. Not too much. Hope you get a chance to dine here. Thanks for dropping by… 🙂
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Di ko alam kung bakit DI PA PALA KITA NAFOFOLLOW ATE!!!! OHEMGEE! At dahil sa post mo na’to, parang gusto ko na tuloy bumyahe pa-AUH at itry yung lamb na sinasabi mo. Haha
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Hi Jirah… Actually di ko alam na di ka pa nag fofollow sa akin. Check ko din kung na follow na rin kita… hehehe… Thanks sa comment 🙂
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Hahaha ang kulit ate. Di pa pala natin nafofollow ang isa’t isa. 🙂
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Oo nga bakit ganun? Nababasa ko na blog mo. Pero nakalimutan pindutin ang follow hahaha. 🙂
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Hahahaha 🙊🙈🙉🤣🤣
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[…] Read our experience at: RANGOLI Modern Indian Cuisine: A Must-Try Restaurant In Abu Dhabi, UAE […]
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Wow! That restaurant looks like a paradise. Evrytime I dine out, I always consider the ambience of the place or the theme plus na lang kapag masarap ang food lol. I’ll definitely ask my brother-in-law to try this, he’s in Abu 🙂
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Yes, I didn’t expect din na ganun pala kaganda at romantic ang ambiance and surprisingly ang sarap ng food. 🙂 It would be nice kung ikaw maka-visit sa UAE and try it also. Hehehe andun naman si Amielle eh.
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wala na kayo s UAE?
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Nagbakasyon lang kami doon ng 10 days. Husband and I are based in KSA. 🙂
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I see. Yung mom ng boyfriend ko nasa Bahrain naman. Ang galing naman, navisit nyo pa si Amielle 🙂
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Yes nagkita kami ni Amielle at Jirah. Ang saya nga eh. Unplanned yun. Ang bait at lambing nila, parang matagal na kaming friends. 🙂
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nakita ko mga sa videos 🙂
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[…] Food and travel always go hand in hand. So why not try new cuisines and discover new flavors. This restaurant introduced me to Indian flavors which I have never tried before. Our experience here was way beyond exceptional. I can’t wait to dine here again. So better check it out when you’re in Abu Dbahi. (Read: RANGOLI Modern Indian Cuisine: A Must-Try Restaurant In Abu Dhabi, UAE) […]
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