Musaafer means traveler, and the menu began with one: executive chef Mayank Istwal spent 100 days traveling through India's 29 states, gathering recipes from home cooks and chefs, before owners Mithu and Shammi Malik of the Spice Route Company opened the restaurant 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 custom-made in India, and the private Sheesh Mahal room glitters with about 200,000 hand-cut mirrors. The food is just as considered. Start with flounder ceviche in fermented coconut and rice water, then nihari birria tacos of pulled lamb, and a Malwani fish curry of Chilean sea bass with kokum and coconut. 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.
- Valet is offered as well as the Galleria's public garages.
What to order
- Flounder ceviche
- Nihari birria tacos
- Malwani fish curry
- The Butter Chicken Experience
- May 2020Opened
- Mithu and Shammi MalikOwners
- 10,000 sq ft, seven roomsSize
- Smart casualDress