Washington, USA
From Michelin Guide
This fine dining concept seems fit for a queen, and good thing too, since Rania translates to queen in Hindi and Sanskrit. They deliver something entirely enticing here with an inventive menu. There are plenty of contemporary touches along with a few surprises (think braised pork belly vindalooo). Dishes like shiso leaf chaat balance a playful spirit with elegant overtones, while ghee-roasted lamb folded inside a delicate lentil cheela has a spicy kick that is tempered with a buttermilk mousse. Finally, a slightly sweet, strained yogurt mousse with a hint of pistachio and cardamom is the perfect finale. Cocktails are designed to complement the rich, bold flavors.
From Visitor Experiences
1. Sensory Soirée Experience
Rania offers a unique "Sensory Soirée," where guests can indulge in handcrafted cocktails and exquisite bites in a vibrant and stylish setting, designed to create a lively and alluring dining experience that engages multiple senses beyond just taste.
2. Fusion of Traditional Indian Flavors with Contemporary Creativity
The restaurant is celebrated for its modern Indian cuisine that pays homage to time-honored traditions and rich spices of India, while incorporating contemporary touches and surprising dishes such as chana masala panisse with green garlic chutney and hay-aged pork, showcasing an evolutionary approach to Indian cooking.
3. Immersive Indian Ambiance with Authentic Decor
Rania’s interior features hand-carved walls and decor elements that are almost entirely made in India, providing an immersive cultural atmosphere that complements the culinary experience, making the setting as authentic and thoughtfully crafted as the food and drinks.
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Rania in Washington include:
Beef Tongue: Used in the Beef Tongue Kulcha, this ingredient is slow-cooked to tender perfection and layered with creamy goat cheese and tangy pickled onion, showcasing a bold twist on traditional Indian flavors.
Shiso Leaf: Featured in the shiso leaf chaat, it adds a playful yet elegant herbal note that balances the dish's flavors.
Ghee-Roasted Lamb: Incorporated inside a delicate lentil cheela, this lamb has a spicy kick that is softened by accompanying buttermilk mousse, highlighting the use of ghee and spices in a refined way.
Paneer: Used in popular dishes like Paneer Lajawab, paneer is a staple Indian cheese that provides a rich, creamy texture and mild flavor.
Wild Mushrooms with Truffle: Featured in the wild mushroom naan, this ingredient combination adds an earthy and luxurious dimension to the traditional Indian bread.
These ingredients are significant as they reflect Rania's approach of blending traditional Indian elements with contemporary techniques and global influences, creating dishes that are both innovative and rooted in Indian culinary heritage.
Aug 5, 2022 ... FoodRecipesNewsHow ToDiningNewsletterInstagram. Rania delights with ... dining room at Rania in D.C. (Scott Suchman for The Washington Post).
washingtonpost.com
May 20, 2024 ... Washington DC/; reviews/; Rania. DCReview. photo: Nina Palazzolo. spread of upscale indian dishes. Rania. Website ...
theinfatuation.com