Top 10 Pakistani restaurants to try

Whether you are a nihari lover, a biryani aficionado or just craving some halwa puri, we round-up some of the most popular Pakistani restaurants in Dubai that are sure to whet your appetite

From kebabs to korma, Pakistani cuisine is known for its luscious flavours. And with so many options to choose from, one can truly be spoilt for choice here. Be it the legendary Ravi Restaurant in Satwa or the Karachi import Student Biryani, there are plenty of restaurants in the city where you can fulfil your cravings for mouth-watering desi dishes and decadent traditional desserts.

Here are some of the top spots that you should visit to sample authentic Pakistani delights:

Bar.B.Q Tonight

Serving an array of lip-smacking kebabs, the restaurant has surely become a hot favourite among lovers of authentic Pakistani cuisine. Right from the chicken behari kebab that has tender pieces of spiced chicken to their tantalising mutton chapli kebab and aromatic chicken biryani, the restaurant is a must-visit.

Located at H.H. Hamdan Award Complex, In Front of Union Flag, Satwa

Lal Qila

Offering a traditional Mughlai setting with ornate interiors, the restaurant serves a traditional buffet that includes a variety of dishes such as roasted lamb leg, mutton paya and mughlai chicken curry. The highlight of the meal is definitely the dessert station that offers delights such as shahi tukda to jalebis and sheer khurma.

Located next to ENOC Petrol Station, Union Flag Area, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1

Al Ibrahimi

A great place to head with your whole family, its best to opt for the buffet that offers an elaborate assortment of delicacies. Right from the chicken tikka, shammi kabab and tandoori fish tikka to chicken achari karrahi and halwa suji, it serves up a wide spread that is sure to be a feast for your taste buds.

Located opposite BurJuman Centre, Al Karama

Student Biryani

One of Pakistan’s most famous restaurants, Student Biryani opened up in Dubai a couple of years back and has become a hot favourite among the biryani lovers of the city. Its chicken, mutton as well as veggie biryani are mouth-watering especially when paired with tasty raita. Its Kheer is also a must-have to cool off from all the spice.

Located opposite Day to Day Supermarket, Kuwait Street, Al Karama; Behind Mall of the Emirates, Near Citymax Hotel, Barsha 1; and Al Murjan Tower, Near 178 Amman Street, Al Nahda

Ravi Restaurant

A cult favourite with the people of Dubai, the restaurant is packed throughout the day with both residents as well as tourists who have heard of dining at the restaurant as one of the must-do things while visiting the city. It offers all classic dishes right from scrumptious tandoori chicken tikka to the delightful haleem and nihari. Light on the wallet and delicious on the palate, Ravi truly has created a niche for itself.

Located opposite Emirates Co-operative Society, Near Satwa Roundabout, Satwa; and Opposite Burjuman Metro Station, Al Karama

Daily Restaurant

The restaurant is famous for its daily specials and serves an array of piquant dishes such as the dal gosht, chicken korma and mutton paya. Further, both its chicken and mutton biryani are full of flavour and the restaurant usually has a huge queue on weekends where people are seen indulging these delicious dishes.

Located near Ramee Royal Hotel, Khalid bin Al Waleed Road; and Near Dubai Grand Hotel, Damascus Road, Qusais

Barbecue Delights

Dishing up some sizzling fare, this restaurant offers an appetising array of dishes. Its zesty khattay baingan and mutton chapli kebabs are some of the must-try dishes. The Downtown Dubai location is a perfect spot to celebrate an occasion with friends or family and offers some stunning views of Dubai’s skyline.

Located Adjacent to Sofitel Hotel, JBR; Near Lamcy, Oud Metha Road; and Clarens Building, Downtown Dubai

Wrap and Roll Haandi

Tucked away behind Mall of the Emirates, this restaurant’s halwa puri makes for a hearty breakfast while its chef special murgh chaana is a succulent dish that goes well with any of its breads such as the tasty butter naan and kheema paratha. Don’t forget to sample zarda, a delicious mix of rice, milk and sugar and is flavoured with raisins, almonds and saffron.

Located in Al Adiyat Building, Opposite Dubai American Academy, Barsha 1

Chicken Tikka Inn

One of the most popular haunts for desi food in the city, a meal here never disappoints. Right from its haleem that has a tantalising mix of pulses, spices and finely shredded chicken to its nihari that has appetising slow cooked lamb shank in spicy gravy, all the dishes here are packed with delectable flavours.

Located at Nasr Square, Deira; Nashwan Building, Mankhool Road; Jumeirah Beach Road; Riviera Residence, International City; Damascus Street, Qusais; Mirdif; Al Barsha; and Jumeirah Lake Towers

Hot n’ Spicy

Craving some lip-smacking kebabs? Then head to Hot n’ Spicy and choose from its wide variety that includes all-time classics such as chicken malai boti that has tender pieces of chicken marinated in cream, milk and light spices. Also try its mutton seekh kebab that has melt-in-your-mouth minced mutton marinated with delicious spices.

Located at Shop 2, Al Shaiba Towers A, Near Internet City Metro Station, TECOM

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