With sister sites in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Ushna is an established, much-loved brand of Indian restaurants in the UAE. First launched in 2005, the concept has grown from a small, family-run restaurant into a mini chain. This particular branch finds its home in one of Sharjah’s most popular spots – the pretty Al Majaz Waterfront district with its wide-open avenues and lively water features.
The whole ethos here is of warmth (the word Ushna means warmth in Hindi no less) so you can expect friendly hospitality from the in-house team from the moment you walk through the door, as well as a menu stuffed with wonderful twists on classic Indian dishes.
Tried and tested favourites like chicken tikka have been given an international spin with the addition of local basil, cumin, and nuts, while elsewhere the corn, cheese and tomato filled crispy rolls with garlic sauce prove perennially popular. There’s one section that we’d urge you not to miss and it’s the puri selection. Pick between chickpea or potato and enjoy the burst of flavour these traditional street food snacks bring. The crisp, hollow pastry shells are topped up with all kinds of ingredients that include sweet yogurt, tamarind, and fresh herbs.
Further into your meal, there's a range of grills and kebabs to satisfy all tastes. If you can’t decide on your favourite from the selection, why not plump for the chef recommended platters? These include a range of cuts and style to ensure you get a taste of all the best bits.
Come mains, the curries are split into vegetarian and non-vegetarian to make for easy dining in mixed groups. Favourites from the latter include prawn moilee in a coconut gravy while vegetarian hero dishes might throw up paneer, mushroom or lentil curries that are richly spiced and perfectly balanced.
Desserts aren’t an afterthought here, with a tempting selection of frozen treats and traditional sweets on offer.