Dubai is one of the popular destinations in UAE which is well known for its famous landmark, world class heritage, iconic views as well as incredible food. Apart from Indian food, Pakistani cuisine has an important place in the dining culture of Dubai. From smoky kababs to sizzling chicken karahi, fragrant biryani to rich nihari as well as freshly baked naan, you will get everything in Dubai. In fact, Pakistani Restaurants in Dubai offers a wide range of flavor for the visitors and residents.
No matter, you are looking for affordable meal, family dinner, authentic barbecue or even traditional Pakistani breakfast; you will find plenty of choices in Dubai. For Pakistani Restaurants and traditional foods, you can visit areas like Bur Dubai, Meena Bazaar, Deira, Karam and Al Satwa.
You can get Pakistani food in Dubai at different price ranges according to your budget. You can enjoy a simple biryani plate to chicken karahi at casual restaurants or even choose more comfortable or luxury restaurants for family meal.
In this guide, we have discussed about the best Pakistani Restaurants in Dubai, popular dishes which you can try, affordable options and tips for choosing the right restaurants.
Why Pakistani Cuisine is Popular in Dubai?
You should know that Pakistani cuisines are known for the bold flavors, aromatic spices as well as different cooking style. It is mainly influenced by Pakistan and other parts of the country.
The main reason behind popularity of Pakistani food in Dubai is its combination of strong flavors, generous portions and affordable prices. In these restaurants, you can find everything from traditional curries to tandoori dishes, kebabs, biryanis and other rice specialities. In fact, you can find different food items in a single restaurant which includes:
• Chicken and mutton karahi
• Biryani
• Nihari
• Haleem
• Chicken tikka
• Seekh kebabs
• Chapli kebabs
• Paya
• Daal
• Handi
• Tandoori naan
• Paratha
• Lassi
• Traditional desserts
This makes Pakistani restaurants suitable for every type of dinner, lunch with colleagues, or enjoying with family or friends.
What are the Popular Pakistani Restaurants in Dubai?
In Dubai, you will find lots of Pakistani restaurants ranging from long running to smaller neighbourhood eateries. We are providing the names of some worth considering for authentic Pakistani food. The important ones are mentioned below:
- Ravi Restaurant
Ravi Restaurant is recognized as one of the most popular restaurants for Pakistani food in Dubai. This restaurant is serving food from decades and known for its affordable casual dining food. The atmosphere is simple and casual. It can be a good choice for traditional food. Here, visitors can enjoy the authentic taste of:
- Chicken Karahi
- Mutton Karahi
- Nihari
- Biryani
- Dall
- Chicken Tikka
- Fresh naan
- Karachi Darbar
Karachi Darbar is one of the familiar names for Pakistani food in Dubai. In fact, it has multiple branches in Dubai which offers a broad menu that includes Pakistani favorites, biryani grills as well as South Asian dishes. It is best for family dinner and friends outings. If you want a wide selection of food then it is one of the convenient options for the visitors. The popular dishes include:
- Biryani
- Chicken items
- Mutton dishes
- Para
- Grilled items
- Breakfast dishes of Pakistan
- Pak Liyari Restaurant
If you are looking for Karachi style Pakistani food then Pak Liyari is the worth adding in your list. This restaurant describe its food as Karachi style home cooking food which serves various dishes including nihari, chicken karahi, biryani and charcoal barbeque. Even more, you can also get the traditional breakfast of Pakistan such as Paratha, Halwa puri etc.
It is suitable for the people who are interested in exploring different parts of Pakistani cuisine rather than limiting themselves to biryani or kebabs
- Student Biryani
Student Biryani is one of the popular names in Dubai. For many people, Pakistani cuisine means Biryani. Here, you will get Pakistani Style Biryani in Dubai. In fact, it serves various varieties of of authentic biryani along with other dishes including Karahi, andi, Haleem, Qeema, Nihari and Chargha. It is best suitable for biryani lovers. If you are visiting with your group then you can order different variety of dishes for everyone.
- Des Pardes
If you are looking for Pakistani breakfast and home style dishes then you can visit Des Pardes. This restaurant offers various dishes which includes Nihar, Lahori Chana and Kifta, Dal as well as Mutton dishes.
You should know that Pakistani breakfast is quite different from a typical continental breakfast. The popular choices of people includes Parathas, Chana, Halwa Puri, Nihari and other hearty dishes.
- Chicken Tikka Inn
Chicken Tikka is another one of the causal restaurant which offers Pakistani food in Dubai. It is suitable for the people who are looking for Pakistani Barbeque and Grilled food items.
As the name suggests, Chicken Tikka is one of its key attraction. However, the restaurant offers several dishes, kebabs, Haleem, Barbeque platters etc.
- Bundoo Khan
If you are a lover of Pakistani BBQ then Bundoo Khan is worth considering for you. Here, you can find different food items which include Seekh kebabs, Chicken Tikka, Mixed grills options and many more.
You can order a mixed grill if you are going for dining with friends. It will allow you to taste different types of grilled items in just one meal.
- Sabri Nihari
As you know, Nihari is one of the most famous dish of Pakistan and Sabri Nihari is the name associated with this speciality in Dubai. Nihari is a traditional slow cooked dish which takes few hours in making. Once prepared, you will get a rich and deeply flavoured dish which is often served with naan. It is garnished with ginger, coriander, green chillies and lemon.
Which Pakistani Dishes you should try in Dubai?
If you are new to Pakistani cuisine then you can’t decide what to eat due to large menus. We are providing some popular dishes which should be on your list. The important dished are mentioned below:
Chicken or Mutton Karahi
Karahi is one of the signature dish of Pakistani Cuisine. While preparing, the meat is cooked in a traditional karahi with tomatoes, ginger, garlic, green chillies and spices. It is generally served with freshly basked naan.
Chicken Karahi is quite lighter but mutton karahi provides a richer and deeper flavor. It is loved by the people of Pakistan.
Pakistani Biryani
Pakistani Biryani is one of the popular dishes of Pakistan which is also the popular choice at Pakistani Restaurants in Dubai. It is made by combining fragrant long grain rice with meat, spices and herbs.
People also add chicken and mutton in the biryani which is commonly available. Biryani can be the best choice when you want a filling meal without ordering different curries or items. You can try it with raita and salad.
Nihari
Nihari is yet another choice of Pakistani people which is considered as a slow cooked food. You should know that it is a slow cooked meat stew with rich and spicy gravy. Generally, it is eaten for breakfast. However, it can also be enjoyed throughout the day.
This dish is especially popular among the people who want to enjoy deep and slow cooked flavors. You can try it with naan, ginger, green chilli, lemon for better taste.
Seekh Kebab
Seekh Kebabs are generally made from seasoned minced meat shaped around skewers and grilled. It is one of the famous dish which is used as a starter. Even more, it can be ordered as a part of larger BBQ platter. The sikh kebabs are smoky, juice and packed with aromatic spices.
Haleem
Haleem is yet another slow cooked dish which combines meat, lentils, wheat and spices.
After the cooking process, you will get a thick and rich texture. It is extremely popular during Rmadan. However, many Pakistani restaurants serves it throughout the year.
Which is the Best Pakistani Restaurants in Dubai for Families?
If you are looking for best Pakistani Restaurants in Dubai to dine with family, you can choose a slightly different from choosing a quick lunch spot. Generally, families look for comfortable seating, a large menu, generous portions, mild or spicy options, easy parking and reasonable prices. Some popular options are given below:
Karachi Darbar: It is a popular choice for families who loves biryani, karahi and other traditional dishes. It has multiple branches across the Dubai.
Nayaab Haandi: It is located in Al Wasl area which is commonly known as Pakistani Restaurant. It offers comfortable dining experience for families.
Little Lahore: It is located in JLT which is another option for families who want Pakistani food in a modern restaurant setting.
Ravi Restaurant: It is one of the most recognized Pakistani Restaurants in Dubai which is famous for its traditional dishes including Karahi and Naan.
What are Best Pakistani Restaurants in Dubai for BBQ?
Dubai is one of the excellent destinations where you can enjoy Pakistani BBQ. There are various restaurants who serves smoky kebabs, chicken tikka, grilled meats as well as mixed BBQ platters. The popular choices are mentioned below:
Al Haaj Bundoo Khan Restaurant: It is a well-known Pakistani BBQ restaurant in Oud Metha. It is highlighted as Pakistani BBQ specialist in Dubai which serves seekh kebabs, chicken tikka, mixed grills etc
Karachi Grill Restaurant: It is another one of the popular Pakistani restaurant in Dubai which is located on Jumeirah Beach Road. It mainly focuses on grilled and BBQ dish.
Barbecue Delights: It is one of the convenient choices for the visitors who want Pakistani BBQ while visiting JBR and the Walk.
Where to Find Pakistani Restaurants in Dubai?
In Dubai, there are many visitors who are looking for the best Pakistani Restaurants in Dubai. To help them, we are providing a list of areas where you can find the restaurants. The important ones are mentioned below:
Bur Dubai and Meena Bazaar
Bur Dubai is one of the best areas where you can explore for Pakistani as well as South Asian food.
Meena Bazaar and the surrounding streets have various restaurants, food shops and businesses who are serving the South Asian communities.
It is suitable for visitors who can combine food with shopping as well as sightseeing in Old Dubai.
Deira
If you are looking for South Asian food in Dubai then Deira is one of the major destination in Dubai. Here, you can find different Pakistani Restaurants who serves Biryani, Karahi, BBQ, Breakfast and traditional curries. This area has various casual restaurants who serves food at affordable price.
Al Karama
Al Karama is yet another popular neighborhood for Pakistani and South Asian cuisine. In this area, you will find a wide selection of casual restaurants which serves several food options.
Al Satwa
Al Satawa is particularly associated with Ravi Restaurant and Dubai’s long established casual Pakistani food culture.
It is a best area to consider if you want to experience the traditional as well as no-frills side of Dubai’s Pakistani dining scene.
What are Pakistani Breakfast in Dubai?
Pakistani breakfast is an experience in itself.
Instead of simply having toast and coffee, you can enjoy dishes such as:
• Halwa puri
• Chana
• Aloo paratha
• Nihari
• Paya
• Keema
• Omelette
• Paratha with chai
Restaurants such as Pak Liyari and Des Pardes offer traditional breakfast choices.
If you are staying in Dubai for several days, trying a Pakistani breakfast is an excellent way to experience another side of the city’s food culture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pakistani Restaurants in Dubai:
Q: Which is the best Pakistani Restaurant in Dubai?
A: Well there are is no single answer as it depends on what you want to eat. Ravi Restaurant is widely recognized for casual Pakistani food while many specialize in Biryani, BBQ and Nihari.
Q: In which area you can find authentic Pakistani food in Dubai?
A: If you want to explore Pakistani cuisines in Dubai then you can visit Bur Dubai, Meena Bazaar, Deira, Karama, Al Satwa.
Q: Are Pakistani Restaurants in Dubai expensive?
A: It is not necessary. Dubai has lots of casual and affordable restaurants. However, the prices will vary according to the dishes and the restaurants.
Q: Which Pakistani food should I try in Dubai?
A: If you want to try Pakistani food then you can start with Chicken Tikka, Grilled items, seekh kebab and Chicken Karahi or Biryani for main course.
Q: Which is best restaurant for Pakistani Biryani?
A: If you want to eat Pakistan style biryani then you can visit Student Biryani. Additionally, Pak Liyari and Karachi Darbar are also the good choices.
Final Thoughts:
Pakistani restaurants in Dubai offer much more than biryani. From rich karahi and slow-cooked nihari to smoky BBQ, fresh naan, traditional breakfasts and hearty desserts, Pakistani cuisine provides an enormous variety of flavours.
Whether you are exploring Bur Dubai, Meena Bazaar, Deira, Karama or Al Satwa, you can find restaurants offering both traditional and modern interpretations of Pakistani food.
For first-time visitors, a meal of chicken karahi, fresh naan, seekh kebab and biryani is a great starting point. If you want something more traditional, try nihari, haleem, paya or a Pakistani breakfast of halwa puri and chana.
The best Pakistani restaurant in Dubai ultimately depends on your preference. Some diners may want an iconic casual restaurant, while others may prefer BBQ, biryani, breakfast or a comfortable family restaurant.
With so many choices available, Dubai is an excellent place to explore the diverse and flavourful world of Pakistani cuisine.