Good food, good company, and good times – the perfect recipe for bringing people together. You know how much we love Indian food at NYSF, so after our last visit in Dubai – we decided to write a short guide about finding the best Indian food in this lovely place. And what a place to be in! Dubai is a bustling city in the United Arab Emirates known for its rich food culture.
When you crave the flavours of India in Dubai, you’re in for a treat. Indian cuisine has made a mark in this city. This guide explores top Indian restaurants, must-try dishes, street food gems, and tips for ordering Indian food.
Pack Some Food While Travelling to Dubai
When travelling to Dubai, remember that you can only bring a limited amount of food for personal use, just like in any international destination. So don’t forget your snacks, but if you’re addicted to Indian food and are thinking of bringing Samosas, Pakoras or Vada – think again.
Please note that passengers travelling to Dubai should avoid carrying cooked or homemade food, seeds, raw plants, fruits, vegetables, and any unpacked edibles. All food items must be properly packaged and stored.
The good news? Dubai’s food scene is so fantastic that you won’t miss your own munchies.
And by the way – if you’re one of our many followers from India – Keep in mind that Indian visitors need a Dubai tourist visa to explore all that this city has to offer. So friends from India, don’t forget your Dubai tourist visa for Indians.
Top Indian Food Restaurants in Dubai
Dubai boasts an impressive variety of Indian restaurants that cater to all tastes and budgets. Some restaurants to explore are discussed below.
Budget Friendly Restaurants in Dubai:
- O’Pao: provides a diverse menu catering to both vegetarians and meat lovers, showcasing a creative twist on traditional Indian street food.
- Sind Punjab: is a well-known Indian restaurant in Dubai that offers a diverse range of mIndian dishes. This is the ultimate destination for those seeking affordable yet delectable dishes like butter chicken, dal makhani, pani puri, and kebabs.
- Calicut Paragon: is famous for its genuine Kerala cuisine, featuring specialities like their Chatti (pot) curry.
Mid-Range Restaurants in Dubai:
- SpiceKlub: is recognised as one of the top Indian vegetarian restaurants in Dubai. SpiceKlub offers an extensive menu with various dishes, ranging from pav bhaji fondue and naanza (naans with cheese toppings) to pani puri.
- Saravana Bhavan: It specialises in serving delicious South Indian vegetarian cuisine. The restaurant is celebrated for its authentic flavours and a diverse menu that includes dosas, idlis, vadas, and various other South Indian dishes.
- Rasoi Ghar: This vegetarian restaurant excels in thali dishes, with a changing daily menu. For newcomers, the all-you-can-eat thali offers a broad selection of dishes from Gujarat, Kathiawar, and Rajasthan.
Fine Dining Restaurants in Dubai:
- Indego by Vineet: An upscale restaurant in a high-end hotel offering modern Indian cuisine, this Michelin-starred restaurant is a culinary gem.
- Little Miss India: This vibrant restaurant takes you on a journey through the streets of India, offering delicious regional specialities.
- Gazebo Restaurant: Gazebo is known for its delicious Indian cuisine and a strong commitment to providing excellent service. It has gained recognition for offering a diverse and delightful range of Indian dishes, appealing to various tastes.
Watch this video for some more tips:
Finding Indian Street Food in Dubai
When experiencing the vibrant and diverse Indian food scene in Dubai, one cannot overlook the charm of Indian street food. Let’s discuss where you can find it:
- Meena Bazaar in Dubai stands out as a top destination for savouring delectable Indian street food. The offerings here are true to their authentic flavours and easy on the wallet.
- Sheikh Zayed Road stands out from other locations due to its unique feature – the absence of traditional stores. Instead, the road is lined with food trucks that serve delectable dishes for your enjoyment. A visit to this area offers a glimpse of diverse cultures.
- Ripe Market: The Ripe Market is a well-liked outdoor market in Dubai, known for its mix of shopping, entertainment, and culinary delights. It offers various Indian street food options, from piping-hot dosas to crispy bhajiyas.
- Food Festivals: Keep an eye out for food festivals and events in Dubai, where you will likely find food stalls offering Indian street eats.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
Must-Try Indian Dishes in Dubai
Dubai’s vibrant Indian food scene is a delectable journey through the flavours of India. Here, we present a condensed guide to the top Indian dishes you must try when visiting Dubai:
- Biryani: Dubai boasts some of the most flavorful biryanis you’ll ever taste. This fragrant rice dish is often prepared with aromatic spices and your choice of chicken, lamb, or vegetables. It’s a true Indian classic.
- Butter Chicken: Creamy and tomato-based, butter chicken is known for its indulgent taste. It’s a beloved dish with tender pieces of chicken cooked to perfection.
- Paneer Tikka: You’ll love paneer tikka if you’re vegetarian. This dish features grilled, marinated cottage cheese cubes and a smoky flavour.
- Masala Dosa: From South India, masala dosa is a thin, crispy pancake filled with spiced potato. It’s a popular breakfast option, but you can enjoy it at any time of the day.
- Chaat: Dubai’s street food scene without trying various chaat dishes is incomplete. Pani Puri, Bhel Puri, and Dahi Puri are some of the favourite choices, offering a delightful combination of spicy, tangy, and savoury flavours.
- Palak Paneer: This vegetarian delight features paneer (cottage cheese) in a luscious spinach puree spiced with ginger, garlic, and more. It’s often served with various types of Indian bread.
Tips for Ordering Indian Food in Dubai
Food on the Go in Dubai! When ordering Indian food in Dubai, keep these 3 tips in mind:
- Spice Level: Specify your preferred spice level when ordering, as Indian food can range from mild to extremely spicy.
- Bread Choices: Dubai offers a variety of Indian bread, such as Naan, Roti, and Paratha. Choose what complements your main dish.
- Delivery Apps: Use popular food delivery apps like Careem (Uber Eats) or Deliveroo for convenience. Get Indian food delivered to your door.
- Check Reviews: When ordering food in Dubai, consider checking online reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, Zomato, and Google Reviews or seek recommendations from locals. This will provide you with insights into the quality of the food.
- Explore Street Food: Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Dubai’s vibrant street food scene. Explore exciting fusion dishes or dive into the bustling markets to savour local delights.
Wake Up Your Taste Buds
Dubai’s thriving Indian food scene is a testament to the city’s multicultural charm. Whether you’re in the mood for aromatic biryani, spicy curries, or crispy dosas, Dubai has you covered.
From the bustling streets of Meena Bazaar to the fine-dining restaurants with breathtaking views, there’s something to satisfy every craving for Indian food in this vibrant city.
So, the next time you find yourself in Dubai, don’t miss the opportunity to embark on a culinary journey through the flavours of India. Your taste buds will thank you.
