OLD AIRPORT ROAD: If you are not in the mood to travel to nearby Indiranagar for a nice dinner or lunch, Old Airport Road does not have a lot of options for you. While bigger pubs and five star hotels exist, the other options are limited.
Tucked away on a small corner of the road on the way to HAL is Zaitoon. Named after the Urdu word for an Olive, the restaurant offers a range of delectable Arab cuisine alongwith a few mouth-watering Chinese dishes as well.
At first glance, you might be mistaken for believing that the restaurant is just a take away outlet. The facade is simple with an orange logo announcing the name. Step in however, and you will be greeted by well trained staff and a comfortable seating area. The aromas of kebabs and barbeques will draw you in and keep you occupied till your food arrives.
Must-try items on the menu include the Afghani Barbecue which is served with flat bread. Also available are Falafels with Hummus, Mutton Raan and a Mexican version of the Shawarma that the city loves. Also on menu is Kozi rice served with Dajaj (Chicken), Laham (Mutton), Samak (Fish), Rubiyan (Prawns) or just plain Kozi rice.
If you are adventurous with your food, you must definitely try out the Veg/Chicken cheese Macaronies which are cooked in an oriental style by combining boiled Macaroni with a sweet and sour Chinese sauce and adding capsicum and cheese.
Other interesting combinations include the Lamb Oyster Crispy, Lamb Roast in Cantonese Style, the Dann Mein noodles which is another name for the popular Dandanmian noodles sold in the Sichuan province of China by street vendors.
Zaitoon also offers Indian food. From South Indian favourites like Chicken Chettinad to Mughlai dishes like Chicken Lahori as well as Jaipuri Bhindi, ‘Uttar Dakshin’, a mix of north and south Indian cuisines, there is a lot to explore in this eatery.
Priced reasonably, most dishes at Zaitoon will cost between Rs.150-200 with seafood being priced higher. A meal for two should cost between ` 700-800. If you are too lazy to step out but are looking for some great food, Zaitoon delivers in and around the Old Airport Road area.
To place an order, call them at 080 41676777 or order online at www.zaitoongroup.in