Fine dine at Olive

Façade of The Olive Kitchen & Bar on the promenade
that faces Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya
 

When Olive restaurant opened at the promenade of Little Red Cube, Puteri Harbour in Nusajaya last April, fans of good Indian food were delighted to discover that it is a fine dine restaurant with a bar. 

Since their first outlet was opened in Kuala Lumpur in 2004, the group has established itself with a reputation for authentic North Indian cuisine and after opening six outlets, this is its first opened in Johor.  Designed with a restaurant and bar, diners at Olive can enjoy drinks before dinner or linger over drinks after dinner in the outdoor section that overlooks the marina at Puteri HarbouraH. 

The team of chefs at Olice Kitchen & Bar with restaurant manager [Centre] presenting a range of a la carte items
that are popular with regular diners
 

An elegant serving of mango lassi
made from fresh mangoes
 

Now a year on, more customers are discovering the charming ambience at Olive and their menu of traditional recipes that are whipped up by a team of chefs who are hand-picked from various cities in India.  Being part of a group of restaurants gives Olive an added edge because the chefs and crew are regularly rotated among its restaurants to give them a change as well as a further challenge to work in different environments.  Their experience and exposure at every outlet goes a long way to keep their work interesting and food ideas refreshed. 

The menu is filled with an array of mouth-watering dishes that are suitable for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.  While ala carte items are listed by their traditional names like Gosht Rogan Josh (lamb) and Murg Mahkani (chicken), brief descriptions are provided n English to help diners with their selections.  Ala carte dishes are freshly cooked so diners should be ready for a patient wait as it would take time for a few dishes to be prepared and served together.

 

Platter of Afghani Mixed Tandoor with sizzling hot
prawns, fish, chicken and Afghani sheesh kebab
 

At Olive, ancient recipes are brought to life for diners to enjoy an authentic North Indian cuisine experience without any compromise on food quality.  They also take pride in the claim that no artificial flavouring or ghee is used in their dishes.  So discerning palates will notice how their chefs apply age old traditions to create food flavours from fresh ingredients that not only ensure dining satisfaction but also a comfortable after taste!

Whet your appetite with a Mango Lassi drink and nibble on Multani Tikkey vegetarian appetizers made with minced potatoes, cottage cheese and salted masala, while waiting for your meal to be served.  A platter of Afghani Mixed Tandoor with sizzling hot prawns, fish, chicken and Afghani sheesh kebab drizzled with a blend of chilli and tomato sauce, is perfect for sharing while gravies like Prawn Chettinad and Murg (chicken) Tikka Butter Masala go well with a choice of freshly baked breads like naan, roti and chapatti.  Vegetarians will be delighted with the list of lentil items that include Daal Mahkani – black lentils slow-cooked in the tandoor and simmered with fragrant Indian spices.

Chicken Chettinad Pizza is a popular choice!
 

If you must have rice, then go for Olive’s Combo Briyani, a serving of basmati rice complete with tender pieces of chicken, lamb and prawn, served with a side of Raitha.  Then satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional Indian desserts like Gulab Jamun and Ras Malai and wash it down with sips of hot Masala Tea. 

 

Late night diners will enjoy the bar menu which lists delectable snacks like Gobi 65 and plump samosas in a choice of vegetable, chicken or mutton fillings and a range of pizza with a selection of toppings in uniquely Indian flavours!

Traditional Indian desserts Gulab Jamun
[Front] and Ras Malai

With 10 years experience in the food catering industry, Olive also caters for weddings as well as corporate and private events.  And as a member of the Malaysian Tourism Board and the Malaysian Inbound Tourist Association, their spacious restaurant is often the venue for lunch or dinner buffet spreads catered for tour groups.  The Olive Kitchen & Bar plans to have a special celebration on their first anniversary with regulars who have since become their friends.

The Olive Kitchen & Bar is at Lot 11 & 12, Lower Ground Floor on the promenade level of Little Red Cube, Puteri Harbour in Nusajaya.  Open daily from 11.30am to 11pm.  No pork products are used in the kitchen as all ingredients are from halal sources.  For catering enquiries and reservations, Tel: 607 – 5096 617, 012 – 753 6654 and 010 – 297 7855.  Website: www.theolivetree.com.my

A version of this article was published in The New Straits Times, Streets Johor on 28 April 2014