However, we all heard mixed reviews and some eyebrows were raised at its contemporary approach, as most guests craved an ethnic Indian flavor. Talk around town is the best policy among us Jeddawis, as talk can make or break an identity. So, Bharat listened. Along with their exquisite Indian chef Gurudath Panapil, they altered the fragment and are ready to cater to give you a glimpse of India and its rich culture.

With its haute and contemporary style, sophistication is key to Bharat’s interiors. Bharat is scattered into subtle sects of contemporary décor and Indian setting, just like its new menu. Hence, you know what you are in for. The restaurant is a pure incarnation of glamor for Jeddah socialites and food aficionados. As it is a Leylaty child, emphasis is naturally paid to magnificence, yet it is definitely pleasing in its selective mix of Indian culinary, refreshing drinks and heart winning desserts.

In addition to their regular entrées, Bharat has added Kashmiri lamb Roganjosh, a delicacy of Indian cuisine, to their menu. Bhuni Sea Bass, pan seared sea bass fillet with garlic and chili is a tangy salad — again, a contemporary Bharat version of Indian cuisine.

Panapil told Arab News that Bharat has a special weekly menu to pique your culinary curiosity. This week’s special were Tawa Kebab, pan grilled lamb minced meat patties served with salad and coriander mint chutney along with Murgh Jardaloo, a Parsi style of cooking chicken with caramelized dry apricot masala (herbs and spices).

Their Punjabi Chole is famously Punjabi and is best teamed with the cool bucolic beverage, lassi. Chole is chickpeas, which are cooked with potatoes, amchoor and fenugreek leaves in a tangy sauce. Try their shrimps and avocado papdi chaat, which is street food turned into extravaganza — what Bharat does best. It consists of sweet and sour prawns and avocado salad on a crispy wheat wafer, topped with tangy green herb sauce, tamarind and date chutney. Drenched in sweetened yoghurt, the chaat is sprinkled with chickpea crispy vermicelli.

Their samosas were scrutinized and people wondered why cheese was introduced in a typical samosa. Now, however, they are relevant and ethnic in taste. Bharat’s new samosas are stuffed with green peas, potato, chicken and sweet corn blend spices, wrapped in homemade pastry.

Bharat’s specialties lie with Britons favorite Chicken Tikka, and perhaps what every Saudi household knows as well. The dish consists of classic barbecued chicken, marinated with chili and ginger chops and cooked in a tandoor, clay oven. It is then served with green herb chutney, nuts and saffron.

Their contemporary Punjabi salad is made up of garden fresh vegetables roasted in a cumin and lemon dressing and is then garnished with roasted peanuts. Their Chicken Kebabs are marinated in distinctive flavors such as chili, ginger, fenugreek with coriander, cheese and cardamom or mint and garlic.

For seafood, try their Ajwaini Jhinga, tiger prawns marinated with carom seeds (Ajwain), turmeric, yoghurt and spices cooked in a Tandoor and served with coriander mint chutney. Or, try their Grilled Tiger Prawns, which are marinated with fresh green herbs and grilled and served with crispy seafood chaat.

Indian food is a subsistent meal; as a result, main courses and chutney are enjoyed with Indian bread (roti or naan) and flavorful rice. Try their assorted breadbasket straight from the tandoor, such as saffron naan, basil naan, garlic naan or plain naan. Their Soffiani Murgh Biryani is served with chicken and kashmiri long grain basmati rice, which is layered and scented with fresh saffron (no artificial colors) and served with mix raita (yogurt).

Undoubtedly, desserts are an imperative step in the Indian cuisine journey, without which your senses cannot reach their ultimate destination. Bharat serves chilled Rasmalai, a delicious velvety fragment of milk that is rolled into a creamy semi-solid mixture and topped with pistachio nuts and creamy sauce. Also, try their Kulfi (Indian creamy ice cream), which is distinctive in flavors such as rose, pistachio, cardamom or simply plain. Their Gulab Jamun is made up of hot bread dumplings with a delectable sugary syrup unlike any other. Their Carrot Halwa is a classic style of carrot pudding topped with cashew nuts and pistachio and garnished with pineapple compote. However, don’t leave without their Moja pudding, which is a heavenly mixture of wholesome and sweet whole wheat, and the perfect Indian dessert decision.

In an ambiance that turns up flames on its screens and lights warmth and a feisty exuberance among its premises at night, Bharat is ready and waiting like a sizzling occasion.
 
Expect to pay: SR 100 to SR 250 per person

Location: Stars Avenue Mall, Sari Street

Telephone Number: (02) 275-3944

Opening hours: Lunch from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., dinner from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.