The Copper Chandni is a popular Indian restaurant in Alkhobar. It is on Prince Faisal Street or, as it is known locally, Pepsi Cola Road. In a converted showroom, the exterior is distinctly Mughal in style. Small minaret domes and antique doors are certainly inviting to the curious. On the Sunday evening when we visited, the restaurant was busy with a multinational clientele, especially western expatriates and Arabs. I believe it is also popular with vegetarians from the Indian subcontinent.
The interior décor was pleasant with brightly colored rugs and Indian furnishings which created a unique environment. A painting of the Taj Mahal and an indoor fountain were particularly pleasing. Indian rosewood screens decorated with red and gold silk brocade can be used to segregate tables. A service call bell is at each table if required. Dim overhead lighting and candles on tables made intimate ambience.
Greeted by a waiter clad in traditional north Indian Shalwar and Kurta, we were presented with a menu of more than fifty items. The waiter was both knowledgeable and courteous and helped us select starters and main courses. His recommendations of how much food two people needed reflected his experience.
We started with vegetable samosas (SR12), bite-sized triangular shaped pastries with a spicy mixed vegetable filling. Delicious and with five to a plate, just enough to whet the appetite.
We chose Mutton Tawa (SR35) — tender, boneless mutton pieces marinated in ginger paste, fragrant spices and vinegar and grilled on a ‘tawa,’ an Indian-style flat hot iron plate. This dish is a house specialty and a firm favorite of regular customers. It was freshly prepared with a slightly sweet taste, mildly spiced with a trace of almonds. We had bread to accompany it. There were six different breads from the ‘mixed bread basket’ (SR12 ), all of them delectable, especially the kulcha naan with cashew nuts.
The Mutton Biryani was a colorful rice dish, which hinted strongly of tomato and would perhaps appeal more to non-Asian diners. The Banjar Tikka (SR25), boneless chicken pieces marinated in lemon, yogurt and fresh herbs and cooked in a tandoor (clay oven) was excellent. This specialty is ideal for patrons who enjoy eating on the “light side”: Both the calories and the “mirch” or red chili are few. All meals are accompanied by poppadum, mixed pickles and yogurt with mint.
The beverage menu does not cater for those who cannot have sugar, except for the ubiquitous Diet Coke. I ordered the Zaffrani Sherbet (SR12), a rich calorific milk drink laced with aromatic saffron, cardamom and crushed almonds. Delicious but filling and in my case “a couple of sips, a lifetime on the hips!” A less sweet option is mint with lime, tangy but not sour.
The dessert menu features Indian sweets such as Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai, Jallebi, Caramel and Fruit Salad but I confess that we were unable to sample them.
Credit cards and cash are accepted and there appears to be no service charge included. Hot towels and candy are offered at the end of the meal and a refreshing splash of rose water perfume on departure. This is a good place to go for a ‘pukka’ night out and prices are reasonable enough for regular visits.
Copper Chandni
Prince Faisal Street Alkhobar
Telephone: 03-8877868
Opening Hours: 12 p.m. — 5 p.m. & 7 p.m. — 12 a.m.