There are few dining experiences that manage to feel both intimate and transportive, but Bab Al Shams’ newest culinary chapter, RAIT, achieves exactly that. A modern Indian pop-up led by the acclaimed Chef Sneha Singhi Upadhaya, RAIT opened its doors this November as a six-month residency at the iconic desert resort.
Set against the golden dunes of Bab Al Shams, RAIT, meaning sand in Hindi, captures the spirit of India through food that feels familiar yet reimagined. It’s a reflection of Chef Sneha’s journey from Calcutta, where she learned to cook alongside her mother and grandmother, to becoming one of India’s youngest and most respected culinary voices. The pop-up marks her Dubai debut, introducing diners to her unique style, rooted in Indian tradition, elevated by contemporary flair.
Private Members UAE had the opportunity to experience the dinner first-hand, a night that unfolded like a love letter to India’s culinary storytelling. The setting alone was worth a pause: a blend of indoor comfort and outdoor elegance, surrounded by the soft glow of lanterns and the hum of live Indian music. Under a full moon, the air carried the scent of spice, smoke, and sand – a perfect prelude to a menu designed to evoke memory and discovery in equal measure.
Chef Sneha’s passion is unmistakable, evident in every plate that leaves her kitchen.
“I want to consult for more restaurants in the UAE and create more pop-ups like this,” she told Private Members UAE with an infectious enthusiasm that mirrored her food. Her approach is fearless yet deeply respectful – an invitation to reimagine the comfort dishes of home through a modern lens.
The menu reflects that balance beautifully. Each dish tells a story, from the playful Mini Pav Bhaji and Bhutte Ka Khees to charcoal-grilled Angaara Murgh Tikka, Lucknawi Gosht Seekh, and Goan Cafreal Jhinga, where smoky textures meet subtle spicing. But it’s the curries that anchor the experience – hearty, soulful, and layered with sentiment. The 24-Hour Kali Dal Makhni stands out as the heart of the meal: creamy, comforting, and given a luxurious twist with truffle and melted burrata. It’s unexpected yet perfectly harmonious. It’s also a reflection of Sneha herself, a chef unafraid to explore new boundaries while staying grounded in authenticity.
The flavours are bold, yet nothing feels heavy-handed. The Butter Chicken and Nizami Seekh Masala carry a quiet confidence – precise, balanced, and deeply nostalgic. Even the Blue Cheese Naan, which sounds like a culinary dare, works surprisingly well. It’s that ability to surprise without alienating tradition that makes RAIT’s dining philosophy stand apart.
According to Bab Al Shams’ Food and Beverage Director, the decision to host a modern Indian pop-up was a natural one. “Guests had been asking for Indian cuisine,” she shared.
As the night drew on, the music deepened into soft ragas, and the desert air cooled. RAIT’s charm lies not just in its food, but in how it harmonises with its setting: the sands of Rajasthan imagined through the dunes of Dubai. It’s poetic, sincere, and ephemeral – much like the pop-up itself, which will remain open for six months only.
“RAIT is my interpretation of a homecoming,” Sneha says. “Each dish draws from the flavours and memories that shaped my childhood. It’s a joy to share them with guests from all over the world in such an inspiring desert landmark.” That sense of joy radiates through her cooking, every bite feels like an embrace.
For Bab Al Shams, RAIT is not just a dining concept; it’s an evolution of its culinary identity. As General Manager Jacques Le Roux describes, “Indian cuisine has always been a cherished part of Bab Al Shams’ story. With RAIT, we wanted to revive that legacy in a way that feels refined and authentic – a celebration of flavour, nostalgia, and creativity.”
RAIT’s design, much like its food, is storytelling in layers. Earthy textures echo the sands around it, while handcrafted décor and contemporary accents bring India’s warmth to the desert.
As diners continue to discover the pop-up, RAIT promises to be one of this season’s most soulful culinary experiences, a meeting point of cultures, memories, and flavours that feel personal yet universal. Whether it’s for the comforting familiarity of dal or the intrigue of truffle burrata, this is a table worth sitting at, and a story worth tasting.
RAIT is now open daily for dinner from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, inviting guests to gather under the stars and experience a celebration of India’s soul in the heart of Dubai’s desert.
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