Musaafer means traveler, and the restaurant began with one: owners Mithu and Shammi Malik of the Spice Route Company spent 100 days crossing India to research recipes and design before opening in the Galleria in May 2020. The 10,000-square-foot space is divided into seven rooms modeled on spice markets and royal palaces, with decor handmade in India, and the private Sheesh Mahal room glitters with about 200,000 hand-cut mirrors. The food is just as considered. Start with achappam, a crisp rosette of a snack, then scallop ceviche in green apple and cilantro water, a short rib taco that nods to Houston, and a Malabari fish curry with flaky paratha. Save room for the desserts, which get the same careful attention as everything else.
What to expect
- Dress is smart casual with no caps; the restaurant can refuse entry.
- On Fridays and Saturdays only guests over age 10 are seated.
- A 20% service charge is added to every bill.
- Friday nights run louder, with clubby music and dim lighting.
- Valet is offered as well as the Galleria's public garages.
What to order
- Achappam
- Scallop ceviche with green apple cilantro water
- Short rib taco
- Malabari fish curry with paratha
- May 2020Opened
- Mithu and Shammi MalikOwners
- 10,000 sq ft, seven roomsSize
- Smart casualDress