How to Read the Daanav Menu: Best Combos and Value Picks


What to expect from Daanav

Daanav focuses on bold spices, fresh herbs, and a balance of textures (crisp, creamy, tangy). Many dishes are inspired by Indian, Pakistani, and regional South-Asian street foods but with contemporary twists—think elevated chaat, creative kebabs, and reinvented biryanis. The menu typically separates small plates/snacks, mains, rice and biryanis, breads, sides, desserts, and beverages. A notable trend at Daanav is clear labeling for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-sensitive options.


How the menu is organized

  • Small Plates & Starters — shareable bites and snackable street-food styles.
  • Mains — curries, grills, and composed plates.
  • Rice & Biryani — fragrant rice dishes and layered biryanis.
  • Breads & Sides — from tandoori breads to chutneys and raitas.
  • Desserts — traditional sweets reimagined.
  • Beverages — milk-based lassis, masala chai, and specialty mocktails.

Small Plates & Starters

These items are ideal for sharing or as a starter. Prices: approximately \(6–\)12 per dish.

  • Samosa Trio — three mini samosas with different fillings (potato-mint, lamb-spiced, and pea-masala) served with tamarind and cilantro chutneys. $7
  • Pani Puri Flight — crispy hollow puris filled tableside with flavored pani (mint, tamarind, and jaljeera) and spiced potato mix. $8
  • Tandoori Paneer Skewers (VG option available) — marinated paneer grilled with bell peppers and a lemon-mint drizzle. $10
  • Chicken 65 Bites — spicy, crisp-fried chicken pieces tossed with curry leaves and chilies. $11
  • Daanav Chaat Platter — mixed chaat with chickpeas, potatoes, yogurt, pomegranate, sev, and chutneys. $9
  • Lamb Seekh Kebabs — smoky minced lamb skewers, served with onion salad and green chutney. $12

Mains

Mains center on curries, grills, and signature composed plates. Portion sizes are typically generous. Prices: approximately \(13–\)24.

  • Butter Chicken — classic tandoori chicken simmered in a creamy tomato base, finished with fenugreek. $18
  • Palak Paneer (VG option available) — spinach-based curry with house-made paneer and subtle spices. $15
  • Rogan Josh — Kashmiri-style lamb curry braised until tender with warm aromatic spices. $20
  • Coastal Fish Curry — tamarind and coconut-based curry with firm white fish and coastal spices. $19
  • Daanav Mixed Grill — platter of tandoori chicken, lamb seekh, and grilled prawns with dipping sauces. $24
  • Chole Bhature (vegetarian) — spicy chickpea curry with deep-fried leavened bread. $14
  • Methi Malai Chicken — chicken cooked with fenugreek and a light cream sauce, mildly spiced. $17

Rice & Biryani

Fragrant rice dishes, often paired with raita or salan. Prices: approximately \(6–\)18.

  • Steamed Basmati Rice — simple, fragrant rice. $6 (side)
  • Vegetable Pulao — basmati rice with seasonal vegetables and whole spices. $12
  • Chicken Biryani — layered basmati rice with marinated chicken, saffron, and caramelized onions; served with cooling raita. $16
  • Lamb Biryani — richer, longer-cooked version with tender lamb. $18
  • Hyderabadi Egg Biryani — aromatic biryani with boiled eggs and hyderabadi spices. $15

Breads & Sides

Freshly baked tandoori breads and classic Indian sides. Prices: approximately \(3–\)8.

  • Garlic Naan — soft tandoori bread topped with garlic and butter. $4
  • Butter Naan — brushed with ghee. $3
  • Laccha Paratha — flaky layered flatbread. $5
  • Papadums & Chutney Trio — crispy papads with mint, tamarind, and mango chutneys. $6
  • Raita (cucumber or boondi) — cooling yogurt side. $3
  • Dal Tadka — yellow lentils tempered with spices. $6

Desserts

Daanav reimagines regional sweets with light presentation. Prices: approximately \(5–\)9.

  • Gulab Jamun Cheesecake — fusion dessert combining classic gulab jamun syrup with creamy cheesecake. $8
  • Kheer — cardamom-scented rice pudding with pistachios. $6
  • Mango Kulfi (seasonal) — dense frozen mango cream. $7
  • Masala Chai Creme Brulee — Indian-spiced twist on a French classic. $9

Beverages

Non-alcoholic and alcoholic selections vary by location. Approximate prices: \(3–\)12.

  • Mango Lassi — sweet mango yogurt drink. $5
  • Salted Lassi (savory) — yogurt-based, lightly spiced. $5
  • Masala Chai — brewed spiced tea. $3
  • House Mocktail — tamarind-sprite or mint-cucumber cooler. $6
  • Indian Craft Beer / Wine by the glass — selection rotates. \(8–\)12

Dietary notes & substitutions

  • Many dishes are clearly labeled vegetarian or vegan, and the kitchen can often swap ghee/butter for oil on request.
  • Gluten-sensitive diners should avoid dishes with naan, breads, or batter-fried items; ask about soy and wheat in sauces.
  • Spice levels are customizable — ask for mild, medium, or hot.

How to order for groups

  • For a party of 4, a balanced spread: 4–6 starters, 3 mains (mix veg/meat), 2 large rice/biryani, 6 breads, and 2 desserts. Expect a per-person cost of roughly \(25–\)45 depending on mains and drinks.
  • For sharing-focused dining, prioritize chaat, mixed grill, biryani, and sides like dal and breads.

Signature pairings (examples)

  • Butter Chicken + Garlic Naan + Mango Lassi
  • Lamb Biryani + Raita + Papadums
  • Tandoori Paneer + Vegetable Pulao + Kheer

Final tips

  • Arrive early on weekends or reserve, as popular locations can have wait times.
  • Ask staff for current specials or seasonal items—Daanav often rotates limited-time dishes.
  • If you want bold spice, try the Chicken 65 or Pani Puri Flight; for comfort, the Butter Chicken and Kheer are reliable.

If you’d like a printable menu layout or a version tailored to vegetarians or gluten-free guests, tell me which and I’ll format it.

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