Wednesday 18 / September / 2024
Muscat - This season, Intercontinental Muscat invites you on a vibrant culinary journey with the launch of Spice and Tales, a themed food night hosted every Monday at the newly renovated Musandam restaurant. Set amidst the grandeur of this iconic venue, the menu celebrates the rich diversity of flavors from across the Indian subcontinent, offering diners an unforgettable experience.
"We didn’t want to simply label it an 'Indian night,' as that wouldn’t capture the essence of what we're creating," shared Yousef Rahbi, Hotel Manager at Intercontinental Muscat. "With Spice and Tales, we’re celebrating the deep stories that emerge from every dish, evoking memories, traditions, and the shared experience of food. It’s about transporting our guests to the heart of these culinary journeys, set against the warm and inviting backdrop of the newly transformed Musandam. Each bite tells a tale, and we wanted the name to reflect that passion."
Led by Executive Chef Austen Reid, who brings over 20 years of experience from his culinary adventures across the Middle East, "Spice and Tales" promises to deliver an authentic and immersive Indian dining experience. Chef Reid explains his inspiration, “The Indian palate is universal. From Omani favorites like biryani to the vast regional dishes of India, we aim to satisfy the perennial desire for Indian cuisine.”
Musandam’s newly launched Indian night takes diners on a flavorful journey, offering a wide array of dishes from the southern coasts of Kerala to the spice-rich regions of the north.
Guests can enjoy a variety of mouthwatering dishes at the event, starting with a live street food station featuring chaats, crispy pakoras fried right before your eyes, and a tandoor station serving sizzling kababs and freshly baked breads. Classic favorites like biryani and Chicken Makhani are also on the menu, along with unique regional highlights such as flavorful curries from Kashmir, Bengal, Kerala, and Gujarat, as well as the comforting and traditional Curd Rice.
For dessert, indulge in treats like freshly made Jalebi, rich Gajar ka halwa, and bite-sized kulfis crafted fresh on an ice plate. To complement your meal, try refreshing drinks like masala chass or shikanji. With new dishes added each week, there's always something exciting to try! The menu is curated by the talented and knowledgeable Chef Suvashis.
Chef Reid invites guests to interact with the talented chefs at each station to learn about the unique ingredients, stories and techniques that go into crafting these dishes.
“We want to make dining an interactive experience. Guests can engage directly with our chefs, ask about the ingredients, and understand the stories behind each dish. It’s more than just dinner; it’s about creating memories through food. Think of the transcendent experience of eating biryani with your fingers – we want that feeling to accompany you for the whole evening,” Chef Austen Reid added.
The renovation of Musandam has infused the space with a modern elegance while preserving its beloved legacy. As one of Muscat’s most renowned dining destinations, Musandam’s revamp provides a refreshed yet familiar atmosphere where guests can enjoy the new thematic dining nights. In addition to Spice and Tales on Mondays, the restaurant will soon introduce a Levantine Night on Wednesdays and an Arabic Seafood Night on Thursdays, each showcasing a variety of regional cuisines. Musandam also offers an a la carte menu for guests.
Whether it’s the fragrant spices of India or the classic elegance of the restaurant’s ambiance, Spice and Tales offers a delightful dining experience for all. For reservations and further details.
