Jehangir's Royal Mughal Cuisine

Jehangir's Royal Mughal Cuisine is Al Ain's most ambitious Mughlai restaurant, tucked inside Al Jimi Mall with an elegant, theatrically decorated dining room styled on the courts of Emperor Jehangir. Dark walls offset by richly coloured floral fabrics, carefully layered lighting and private seating sections give the room a sense of occasion that sets it apart from the mall's usual dining, and it is the obvious choice in Al Ain for a celebratory Indian meal. The kitchen is ambitious and well-travelled, reaching across North Indian, Mughlai and a handful of Persian-influenced plates. Openers are a highlight: a papad box with tamarind, beetroot, mint and papaya chutneys, pani puri shots, aloo-channa tikki and a mixed kebab platter covering chicken tikka, salmon kebab and standout lamb chops. For mains, Kalimirch ka Ghosht (a peppered lamb masala with coriander and ginger), Murgh Kurchan, lobster malai and Daab Chingri (prawns in mustard-coconut gravy served in a coconut shell) are the signatures. Breads are strong across the board - butter naan, cheese naan and cheese-garlic naan all land well - and jeera rice is the smart pairing for the lamb curries. A specially curated fusion dessert platter, which needs to be requested off-menu, brings rasmalai, gajar ka halwa, rabdi, gulab jamun and a chocolate brownie to the table. Drinks lean creative: the Kiwi Mojito is refreshing, and Orange Chatka pairs orange with chaat masala for an unexpected twist. Biryanis, while serviceable, are the weakest corner of the menu and are outshone by the curries and tandoor. Service under the restaurant manager is warm, prompt and informed, with staff happy to guide ordering across a lengthy menu. Pricing sits at the upper end for Al Ain, reflecting the setting and kitchen; value is strongest when ordering the signature dishes and sharing across a table. For a properly dressed Indian fine-dining dinner without driving to the other emirates, Jehangir's is the city's standout.