With a majority of the population hailing from the Indian subcontinent, the aromatic flavors of the country have seamlessly mingled in the cosmopolitan culture of Dubai. Be it the Chettinad flavors of the southern state of Tamil Nadu or the fragrance of Lukhnawi Biryani, the taste of Indian can be felt everywhere in the foods of Dubai. Having a rich variety of foods varying from the mouth watering appetizers to the filling main course, the Indian foods are a feast to cherish and a moment to celebrate. There are a number of Indian restaurants in Dubai with the traditional Indian flavors carrying the richness and legacy of a heritage passed on from the eras with a contemporary sophisticated tinge to it. The list of the Indian restaurants in Dubai seems to be unending but lets have a pick of few which are a must visit for Indian cuisine lovers.
Gazebo
If looking for some great North Indian and Nawabi style food in a cosy and comfortable ambience, then there is no better place to land in than Gazebo. Primarily located in the heart of Mankhool area of Bur Dubai, the first step in the restaurant invites you with the aromatic fragrance of the delicious rice dishes especially Dum Biryani and the famous Yakhni Pulao. The wide range of starters from the tandoori chicken tikka to the galoti kebabs, all the dishes have distinct flavors making them unique in their own way. The food is served in good portions giving a value to the money spent. If you have a sweet tooth then the menu card won’t be disappointing for you either with desert like the falooda or gulab jamun. If planning to go on a weekend, then you might have to wait during the peak hours. But you should give it a try if looking for some good Indian food.
Location: Kuwait Rd., near Sharaf DG, Mankhool Dubai
Contact No. +971 4 359 8555; +971 4 3599 712
Options
Options, as the name says, is a journey of culinary extravaganza exquisitely designed to tickle your taste buds. With the name of Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, nothing less can we expect but perfect. This plush restaurant serves a variety of dishes taking the dining experience a moment to enjoy. At Options, the list of the menu itself seems to be a visual treat with the cuisines giving a glimpse of a mini India. Located in the World Trade Centre, the restaurant classy interior perfectly compliments the foods served at place. The DJ playing some light notes seems quite soothing away from the noises of the city. The best pick to go for would be a Murg Makhni serving tender chunks of chicken in a creamy base. If looking for some classy experience, then this is the place you would like to go for.
Location: Trade Centre Area, Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai
Contact No.: +971 4 329 3293
Latitude
Housed in the lavishness of the posh Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the Latitude is a multi cuisine restaurant offering a variety of tastes to the foodoholics. With a wide number of Indian Diaspora residing and visiting Dubai in large numbers, the restaurant offers exclusive Indian Theme Nights on Mondays dedicated especially to the Indian food lovers. The Indian tastes have a special place not only in the Indian hearts but have won acclaims across the globe with its rich textures and variety of flavors. The Theme labeled as the Taste of India, this plush restaurant has a comfortable and cosy sitting area with a menu surely to leave you stun. Ideal place to plan out a celebration or any special event, you might need to shred some extra bucks if you want a combo deal of food in an awe striking ambiance.
Location: Ground Level, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai.
Contact: +971 4 406 8 999
India Palace Restaurant
Offering authentic Indian Cuisine in a traditional and culturally laden Indian ambiance, the India Palace restaurant takes you to the bygone eras of Rajas and Maharajas of the ancient India. The paintings placed on the walls with a wide number of artifacts housed in the restaurants, the restaurant gives a glimpse of the history in its own little way. With a number of chains in the city, the success of the restaurant can easily be understood. The food is nicely relished with the musicians playing tabla and harmonium in the background. The staff is very warm and welcoming and not to forget the rich tastes served on the plates be it the juicy tikkas or mouth watering desserts. For more information, you can check the website www.indiapalace.ae
Amal
Giving exotic views of the Downtown Boulevards and the spectacular fountain views, the ambiance of the restaurant is a show stealer itself. Nothing less than a grand extravaganza can be expected when the word Armani comes associated with a fine dining place. Amal Armani is the new face of rich traditional yet contemporary Indian food in Dubai. The place serves a wide variety of beverages with some special teas making you land in the tea gardens. The five star luxury is visible everywhere in the restaurant be it the ambiance or the service or the beautifully garnished food. So if you are in a mood to make the occasion grand, then there can be nothing more aristocratic then eating out at Amal and pampering your taste buds a bit.
Location: Armani Hotel Dubai, Level3, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Contact: +971 4 888 3 888
Asha's
Sitting on the terrace watching the spectacular Wafi Light and Sound Show and the beautiful fountains in the backdrop, dining at Asha’s is a visual treat. With the tagline of ‘Adding a Little Spice to Life’, the food served at Asha’s is Indian in its core but with a contemporary touch. The delicacies at the restaurant may be a bit expensive affair, but the dining experience is really worth it with the classy ambiance and the tasteful food served in the plates. The lovely and charismatic music perfectly compliments the food and the décor making every moment a memorable one.
Location: Wafi Mall, Oud Metha Rd., Dubai.
Contact: +971 4 324 4 100
Patiala
Hearing the word Patiala, the first word striking is the lively Indian city of Patiala famous for its spicy flavors and rich tastes. Located in Souq Al Bahar in Down Town Dubai, Patiala Dubai is a luxury dining restaurant offering North Indian cuisines in a perfect setting with classy décor and finely decorated foods. The rich North Indian flavors are finely exhibited in the spices and flavors of the dishes. If you want to experience the spicy North Indian Cuisine, then heading to Patiala doesn’t seem a bad idea though you might ought to shred a bit more bucks from your pockets.
Location: Level 3, Souq Al Bahar, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai.
Contact: +971 4 451 9 151
Caesar's
Having multiple locations across the seven emirates, the word Caesar’s has become synonymous to one of the best confectionaries in the UAE. Be it a celebrative occasion or spending some precious quality moments with the family, nothing seems better than enjoying a sumptuous meal with the family. Relish your taste buds and make your palates enjoy the delicious food served at Caesar’s. The ambiance is no less appealing with the option of private chambers if want to spend some moments in privacy. The tangdi kebab is a must try and also the swirling spicy chicken noodles giving the taste a twist to the tongue. And yes, do not forget to taste the yummy desert, tiramisu making your dining experience a moment to relish on.
For more details, check the website www.caesars-uae.com
Kamat
This place has created a special niche in the heart of Dubai foodies with a wide offering of Indian delicacies to the people passionate of food. Kamat has a history of serving high quality and uncompromising hygienic food making it one of the favorite food spots among the vegetarian food lovers. Besides the traditional Indian cuisine, Kamat also offers mouth watering continental dishes with a tinge of Indian flavors to it. The traditional Thali with a number of food choices is served only during the lunch hours which are also usually busy. The tender and juicy paneer delicacies leave a lasting memoir on the palates making you wish to try the food again and again.
For contact details you can check www.kamat.ae
Maharaj Bhog
Serving the food in the age old traditional Thali style, Maharaja Bhog has lived upto its name. Typically a food flavored with the folk touches of Rajasthan, the restaurant claims to serve 30 different dishes every day of the month and have a huge array of choices with around 900 dishes served in an entire month. The Thali is a big round plate with small silver or brass bowls having different veggies and dals with rich aromatic fragrance. If you are a veggie, then this could be your choice as the place is a pure vegetarian restaurant. The ambiance is cool and soothing and the taste of the foods reminds of the richness and simplicity of the homely food.
Location: Hamsah Mall A, Next to Ansar Gallery, Karama, Dubai.
Contact No.: +971 4 396 4744
Find more South Indian and North Indian restaurants here.
