There's a Mughlai restaurant in every corner of Mumbai but one that offers the cuisine with a gourmand touch in an extravagant atmosphere is a rarity. So when we stepped into Nawab Saheb, which is situated inside The Westin Mumbai at Powai Lake, it was as if we had entered a contemporary Indian palace. The lakeside location definitely helps it feel like another world that's far away from the chaos of Mumbai city and once you enter Nawab Saheb, the feeling of being Mughal royalty only seeps in further.
Nawab Saheb at The Westin in Powai, Mumbai
The Ambiance
Ambiance plays a big part when I'm dining out. Especially because I've made the effort to get off the couch and dress up for a meal, it needs to match up to my expectations. Nawab Saheb more than met them. Warm tones of beige and tan make up the decor with wooden panels, ceilings, pillars and intricate detailing over the walls. While the soft lighting of hanging lamps throughout is very welcoming, so are the pops of blue over a central cushioned table and a large mural on the wall behind, which lent a contemporary touch to the decor.
Cocktails at Nawab Saheb at The Westin in Powai, Mumbai
The Appetizers And Bar
And then began the food service, which didn't stop anytime soon. We opted for the set menu with seafood and meat options but there's also a dedicated vegetarian set menu if that's your preference. We had the pleasure of cocktails custom made to our preferences which were accompanied by a literal tower of papads along with a multitude of chutneys and pickles. Seeming like an almost magically bottomless tower with no end in sight to the crisps, it was a delightful start to keep us from feeling peckish while food was being prepared.
Appetiser tower at Nawab Saheb at The Westin in Powai, Mumbai
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The Mains
A looming gold toned platter arrived for each of us, which was loaded with individual kebabs of different meats. The king prawns of Jheenga Aaira-E-Khaas and pomfret of Tandoori Gulnarr captured the spices in their full flavour with essence of the sea peeking through without being overpowering so that even those who aren't seafood lovers would relish it. That was also the case with grilled fish of the Mahi Al Shahreen, which beamed with coriander and mint and made the seafood options absolutely exquisite.
Kebab platter at Nawab Saheb at The Westin in Powai, Mumbai
The lamb of the Galawat Ke Kebab was succulent enough to melt in the mouth, as was the Murgh Khaas Malai, which was creamy and rich enough to compete with the Old Delhi style of cooking it. Of course this being a fine dining restaurant, we didn't miss the gold leaf covered chicken kebab which lent its luxurious touch to the meal.
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A platter of curries with various types of breads arrived next; a mixture of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options for us to dig into. While Aminabadi Saag was spinach in a unique flavour profile with cumin and garlic, the Aloo Zakeidar was a delicious vegetarian treat for the tastebuds too. And no matter whether you're eating at home or dining at a five star restaurant, Dal is always a good idea. The Chef's special Dal E Yunnus was creamy and spiced to perfection, where you can really taste the slow cooking technique being used. From among the non-vegetarian options, the Gosht Nihari won my heart with its tender lamb that fell off the bone and meaty gravy that was a stand out star of the dinner. The Murgh Fawiya Biryani i.e. chicken biryani was a pleasant addition but didn't particularly pack a flavourful punch.
Desserts at Nawab Saheb at The Westin in Powai, Mumbai
The Desserts
By this point, we were stuffed but with a dessert platter as inviting at Nawab Saheb's, we couldn't refuse. There was an array of kaju barfi and malai sandwiches to peck at as well as traditional desserts like gulab jamuns and lentil halwas. The dessert sizes were ideal to get a taste of everything without feeling extremely satiated. A perfectly sweet finish to an indulgent meal like this one.
Desserts at Nawab Saheb at The Westin in Powai, Mumbai
The Verdict
Full points to Nawab Saheb for bringing a mix of Awadhi, Rajasthani and Mughlai cuisine to Mumbai in the most spectacular luxury format I've experienced. Master Chef Yunus Khan has curated an excellent menu that is rooted in traditional flavour but prepared with a modern touch for food that is generously served and a delight to the tastebuds. The ambiance is spectacular and service is warm and courteous; which the long waiting line outside the restaurant was proof in itself of the wonderful offering of the restaurant. Nawab Saheb would be a top choice for an indulgent dinner date in Mumbai.
Nawab Saheb's vegetarian and non-vegetarian set menu options start from Rs 2,100 and go up to Rs 3,900. It is located inside The Westin Mumbai at Powai Lake and operational hours are from 7pm to 11pm.
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