Dubai’s Flying Elephant adds rebellious Indian flavours to its menu
New small plates feature lobster, jackfruit, and pepper-fried quail
DUBAI: In a city known for culinary extravagance, Flying Elephant Mystical Mixology at Novotel Dubai Al Barsha has launched an inventive set of small plates that reimagine India’s regional cuisines with daring twists.
The cocktail bar, which debuted in 2024, is already known for its enigmatic ambience and theatrical flair – but this new offering deepens its identity as a destination where bold flavour meets culinary storytelling.
With roots steeped in South Asian culinary heritage and a flair for modern presentation, the new dishes promise more than just flavour – they offer experiences that are textured, layered, and impossible to forget.
New additions
Guests are introduced to six new menu items, each designed to evoke emotion, nostalgia, and surprise. These include:
- Plant Project: A vibrant vegan composition that brings together crispy okra, sisho leaf, hash avocado, and coconut. Designed as an edible garden, it celebrates the freshness of South India’s vegetarian traditions.
- Moradabadi Dal: A tribute to the famed Mughal-era street carts of Uttar Pradesh, this comforting bowl of lentils is enriched with kala masala, sprouted lentils, house-made butter, and a spicy mint drizzle.
- Kathal Vada Pav: Jackfruit steps into the spotlight in this smoky, charcoal-infused version of the beloved Mumbai street snack. Served with spicy coconut chutney and jet-black pav, it offers gritty texture with a punch of heat.
Flavour with edge
From the streets of Mumbai to the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Flying Elephant’s latest dishes carry regional authenticity while embracing a fearless, contemporary approach. The Crab Kurkuri is a perfect example – soft, delicately spiced crab is layered into a crispy form and paired with Tangra chilli sauce, inspired by the bold street flavours of Calcutta’s Chinese quarters.
Seafood lovers can also indulge in the Lobster Podi Dosa. This luxurious spin on the South Indian staple combines crispy dosa with a rich lobster masala and tempered coconut, bringing together the comfort of the familiar with the decadence of the unexpected.
The final addition, Bater Bao, introduces a playful yet indulgent pairing: pepper-fried quail nestled inside a soft, steamed bao. It’s a blend of North and South, wild and warm – encouraging diners to step outside the usual.
Location & legacy
Flying Elephant Mystical Mixology is located inside Novotel Dubai Al Barsha, where it has quickly made a name for itself with its hidden-gem persona and vintage-inspired interiors. The venue blends moody, velvet-draped corners with a soundtrack of nostalgia, offering a space that’s equal parts intimate and theatrical.
Beyond food, the bar’s signature cocktails are also part of the allure. Crafted with inventive techniques and bold infusions, the drinks menu complements the rich diversity of the food, turning every visit into a multi-sensory experience.
For reservations or further information, guests can call +971 54 996 3324 or book online.