BEST 5 PAKISTANI RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI YOU MUST TRY
Are you missing the tangy and smoky flavours of Lahore’s roadside BBQ or the warmth of your mother’s Karachi style biryani? In addition to its diverse population, Dubai is home to some delicious, heartwarming Pakistani cuisine. This list contains something for every foodie, whether you’re a desi looking for comfort or an expat looking for memories on a plate.
If you have just arrived in Dubai and are already craving buttery naan, succulent biryani, and mouthwatering barbecue, don’t worry, we bring you the top 5 Pakistani Restaurants you can’t miss if you are a food lover like us!
From iconic street-style setups to royal Mughal-inspired feasts, Dubai serves Pakistani cuisine like nowhere else outside of Pakistan. Whether you are a nostalgic expat or a curious foodie, here are 5 Pakistani restaurants in Dubai that deserve a spot on your must-try list.
1. Ravi Restaurant – The OG Desi Icon
Where tradition meets taste; Ravi isn’t just a restaurant, it’s an institution.
The sound of tikkas sizzling on the grill, plates clattering all about, and the scent of desi spices filling the air greet you as soon as you enter this simple Satwa eatery. There is always a crowd seated around plastic tables, consuming substantial portions of delicious desi food, regardless of the time of day.
Ravi is a well-liked option for both locals and visitors, and even famous people have had it when visiting the area. You can never go wrong with Ravi’s food. Ravi not only serves lunch and dinner, but they also serve to satisfy your late-night cravings. They have a long list of Pakistani cuisine, which will definitely bring you drooling over every item. Ravi offers more than simply food; it gives memories encased in the scent of custom.
You wanna know a fun fact about the restaurant? Here’s the surprise!
Because Ravi is so well-known, the restaurant and Adidas collaborated to produce the Ravi Superstar footwear in 2022.
Things you can not miss!
Don’t Miss: Chicken Handi, Nihari, Tender Mutton Karahi, Fresh Naan
Where to Find: Satwa
Vibe (we live on that): Budget-friendly & full of soul!
2. Bar. B.Q Tonight – Grill Goals on Fire
Craving authentic smoky BBQ that falls off the bone? Head to the Bar. B.Q. Tonight, the location that transports Dubai’s renowned grill culture from Karachi.
It’s the ideal location for family dinners or get-togethers because of its elegant layout and mouthwatering platters. Bar. B.Q., a buffet dish that fulfils all desi appetites with a contemporary twist, is served tonight, along with succulent Seekh Kebabs and grilled chops. Their Haleem? It is just a chef’s kiss.
It is perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions because of its sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. Everything has just the right amount of heat, tenderness, and smoky flavour to leave you wanting more.
Things you cannot miss!
Don’t Miss: Buttery-Smooth Chicken Malai Boti, Beef Seekh Kebab, Perfect Mutton Ribs, Zesty Haleem
Where To Find: Jumeirah & Other Branches
Vibe: Fancy, Family-Friendly & Flame-Filled
3. Lal Qila – A Royal Mughal Feast
Have a Mughal fantasy?
The solution to your ideal dining place is Lal Qila, where the atmosphere is just as rich as the cuisine. It’s the perfect spot for families and celebratory gatherings because of its palace-like décor and endless buffet, which offers everything from BBQ to curries to sweets.
Breakfast combo packages start at just AED15, and buffets for lunch and supper cost just AED65 and AED95, respectively (VAT excluded).
Things you cannot miss!
Don’t Miss: Mughlai Chicken, Tandoori Items, Buffet Dinner
Where To Find: Jumeirah 1
Vibe: Majestic, Buffet-Style, Insta-Worthy
4. Student Biryani – Karachi’s Favourite, Now in Dubai
From its humble Karachi beginnings to becoming a global sensation, Student Biryani has kept the desi spirit alive. It is the most homely food, a spicy plate of Karachi-style biryani, with every spoonful of their biryani bursting with flavour, spice, and that nostalgic “hostel meal” vibe. Student Biryani is casual, quick, and always has the same taste – affordable, fast, and always satisfying food that tastes like something from home. Also, don’t skip their crispy broast or crispy zinger burger for a desi fast food twist!
Things you cannot miss!
Don’t Miss: Chicken Biryani, Chicken Roll, Zarda, And Zinger Burger
Where To Find: Al Barsha & More
Vibe: Budget Eats, With Nostalgia-Packed With Love
5. Little Lahore – Chic, Cosy & Full of Lahori Chaska
Looking for an aesthetic spot with amazing food options? Little Lahore boasts contemporary interiors and vibrant serving dish presentations, catering to those who appreciate their food and mood with a touch of aesthetic flair. When you are looking for a bougie influencer lunch spot while still getting your roti-salan fix, think here.
While their menu is modern and creative, it is still comfort food, combining time honored traditional recipes with more contemporary style. They will suit your food or photo whims. Nestled in JLT, this cosy spot serves authentic Lahori flavours in a modern setting with paratha rolls, weekend Breakfast, and even paya that’s slow-cooked to perfection.
Things you cannot miss!
Don’t Miss: Desi Breakfast, Warm Paya, Steamy Lahori Chargha
Where To Find: Jumeirah Lake Towers (Jlt)
Vibe: Modern, Aesthetic, Comfort-Packed
Bonus Tip: For Halwa Puri Lovers
Dubai got you covered with morning feasts, too. If you’re ever craving warm halwa puri breakfast, hit Des Pardes, Pak Darbar, or Al Ibrahimi for halwa puri, channay, and a glass of lassi to top it all off (buffet options).
Final Bite!
Dubai might be miles away from home, but these desi gems bring the warmth of mother’s food, so your taste buds don’t have to feel the distance.
From street-style dhabas to Mughal-inspired banquets, this city is a desi cuisine lover’s paradise, whether you’re looking for the best biryani or the best chapli kabab from Peshawar. These eateries are bringing Pakistani cuisine to life, one delectably spiced plate at a time, whether you’re enjoying a leisurely Sunday brunch or are yearning for late-night nihari.
So, unbuckle your belt and start chipping away on these venues on your foodie bucket list!
FAQs
- Which is the best Pakistani restaurant in Dubai to go to with family, celebrations, etc.?
Lal Qila serves family groups well, along with birthdays and celebrations, thanks to the large Mughal-themed atmosphere and buffet style, which lets everyone have what they want.
Bar. B.Q. Tonight is also an excellent choice for bigger family dinners because it is more of an upscale restaurant with a larger BBQ selection and an advanced dine-in experience.
- Where can I find inexpensive, genuine Pakistani cuisine in Dubai?
For affordable, genuine desi cuisine, you can’t miss out on Ravi Restaurant and Student Biryani. Ravi presents food with authentic tastes without requiring an expensive or nice interior, while Student Biryani is a budget-conscious way to have clean, filling meals that are great for students, workers, and just everyday people who want desi food.
- Do these restaurants offer delivery or takeaway in Dubai?
Yes! All five restaurants – Little Lahore, Bar. B.Q. Tonight, Student Biryani, Ravi, and Lal Qila are offering a takeaway service. Most of these restaurants also utilise service platforms like Talabat, Deliveroo, Careem NOW, and Zomato, so you can enjoy popular desi tastes in the comfort of your home.
