There is definitely no shortfall of Indian restaurants in Dubai. But when the cravings kick in, which one do you choose? From fine dining choices to meals that won’t break the bank, we’ve found the best of them all. Here’s some of our favourites…
25 Degrees North. Traditional and authentic cuisine inspired by the roadside eateries of northern India. Using traditional spices and herbs to create dishes which are flavourful, aromatic, authentically spiced and served with a modern twist. Damac Executive Heights Tower, Tecom. Call 04-4527779.
Amala. This grand, exquisitely decorated restaurant offers fantastic Northern Indian cuisine, along with especially good value. Expect a warm, authentically Indian welcome. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, The Palm. Call 04-4530444.
Ananta. Enjoy a gastronomic journey through the twenty-eight states and 4,700 miles of Indian coastline. Thanks to the show kitchen you can watch the master chefs hand craft the Indian delicacies. The Oberoi, Business Bay. Call 04-4441444.
Antique Bazaar. The excellent Indian fare at the popular Antique Bazaar is made all the more authentic by the décor and live entertainment. Whether you are vegetarian or non-vegetarian this place will take you back to the royal past of the Indian continent with a feast fit for a king. Four Points By Sheraton, Bur Dubai. Call 04-3977444.
Armani/Amal. Time honoured cooking methods, signature ingredients and the most authentic recipes create a true taste of India. Enjoy a road trip from north to south India with spectacular view of The Dubai Fountain and Downtown. Armani Hotel, Downtown Dubai.
Call 04-8883444.
Asha’s. Asha’s ‘Live Like a Maharaja’ is back until 15th May. The menu brings to the table food enjoyed by Indian royalty across dynasties and showcases 14 dishes that take inspiration from the royal kitchens of India, creating a spread fit for a king. Promising the best Indian cuisine Asha’s combines traditional North Western cuisine, Indian home-style cooking and new-age fusion selections that give authentic Indian dishes an innovative twist. Wafi, Oud Metha, call 04-3244100. Mall of the Emirates 04-3951231.
Ashiana. If you want the comfort of traditional Indian food it has to be Ashiana, Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel. Ashiana, which means home, was one of the first Indian restaurants in Dubai and serves the most authentic Indian food from different parts of India, for an exceptional dining experience. Call 04-2071410.
Biryani Pot. Try tasty biryanis served in clay pots, choose from lamb, prawn, chicken, or a quinoa version for veggies. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3. Call 04-3382277.
Bombay Brasserie. Taj Dubai’s signature restaurant, Bombay Brasserie is a tryst between classic and contemporary. Promising drama, authenticity and innovation with a live open kitchen, vibrant oversized art and a botanical bar concept. Call 04-4383100.
Brick Lane. Specialising in British style Indian curries and tandoori dishes. You’ll find all the usual classic favourites on the menu such as the UK’s unofficial national dish, the Chicken Tikka Masala. City House, Al Barsha. Call 04-3996786.
Carnival by Tresind. Dining at Carnival is like a gastronomic fiesta of Indian food. This fine dining restaurant serves up a nostalgic culinary experience bringing back culinary techniques that have always been intrinsic to India. Located in DIFC. Call 04-4218665.
Chor Bazaar. Three traditional tandoor ovens burn hot at the entrance, allowing the special spices in each dish to swelter and merge with other ingredients. Chor Bazaar gives a contemporary glimpse to Tandoori cuisine. Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel. Call 04-4440000.
Chutneys. Experience the incredible Nawabi flavours of the northern and frontier regions of India, where aromas from two tandoor ovens permeate the surroundings. Thick curries, biryanis and kebabs are all on the menu, along with desserts such as pistachio and saffron dumplings smothered in honey syrup. Mövenpick Hotel Bur Dubai. Call 04-3104340.
Claypot. Enjoy a traditional journey through the rich, diverse and fascinating states of Northern India. Don’t miss the Tawa Murg, Rogan-e-Claypot, Dal Makhani and Hara Bhara Kabab. CityMax Hotel, Al Mankhool, Bur Dubai. Call 04-4078000.
D’Fusion. As the name suggests this restaurant serves up fusion cuisine, with innovative creations combining north and south Indian favourites from around the globe. Grandeur Hotel, Al Barsha. Call 04-3418777.
Gazebo. This popular chain brings to the table traditional recipes from the royal kitchens of Lucknow, Awadh and the north-western frontier. Gazebo has perfected the Dum Pukht style of cooking, where food is cooked on low flame, trapping the natural flavours inside. Executive Tower 6, Bay Avenue, Business Bay. Call 04-3444088.
Gharana. Gharana, simply means a family or house hold living under one roof. In culinary terms, the knowledge of cooking food, blending of flavours of various spices and herbs is passed down from one generation to another. Serving cuisine from Jaipur, Punjab, Lucknow and Hyderabad. Holiday Inn, Al Barsha. Call 04-3234333.
Govinda’s. Serving a tasty, healthy range of vegetarian and vegan food, with fresh, seasonal and naturally sourced ingredients at a reasonable price. Near Regent Palace Hotel, Karama, call 04-3960088. Umm Suqiem 2, Jumeirah, call 04-3211884.
House of Curry. A pretty and casual Indian restaurant on The Beach in JBR with a spacious terrace. Encompassing a variety of flavours and food styles bringing together the best of all regions creating a perfect balance of Indian cuisine in Dubai. Call 800-6928779.
Indego By Vineet. Guided by multi Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia, this restaurant is loved for its exquisite contemporary combination of traditional spices and ingredients with fine-dining presentation. Grosvenor House Dubai. Call 04-3176000.
India Palace. For a few hundred dirhams you can feast like Indian royalty on a variety of Indian specialities. Garhoud, opposite Deira City Centre, call 04-2869600. Ibn Battuta Mall, call 04-3685569. JBR 04-4370279.
Indian Pavilion. Quick, simple curry and rice. Spinneys Building, Al Safa. Call 04-3941483.
iZ. Authentic Indian restaurant serving tandoor cuisine prepared and served at live cooking stations. There’s a selection of seafood, meat and vegetarian freshly baked naan and biryani, along with dal and curry dishes. Grand Hyatt. Call 04-3172222.
Junoon. Junoon, meaning “passion” in Hindi, has a diverse menu offering an innovative take on traditional Indian recipes. Shangri-La Hotel. Call 04-4052717.
Kamat. Often referred to as the best vegetarian restaurant in Dubai, Kamat serves mouth-watering delicacies from all corners of the Indian subcontinent. Bay Avenue, Business Bay, call 04-3448003. Dubai Internet City 04-3912570. Kuwait Street Bur Dubai, 04-3598444.
Khazana. Owned by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Khazana is a family-friendly restaurant with a huge menu offering a tempting array of Mughlai, Dum Pukth North Indian curries. Al Nasr Leisureland behind American Hospital, Oud Metha. Call 04.3360061.
Mahec. Mahec combines traditional recipes dating back centuries with modern palettes and styles. Tender meats and seafood cooked in the tandoor are accompanied by fresh naans and rotis, together with a mouth-watering vegetarian menu. Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre. Call 04-7022615.
Masala. This culinary institution brings the exotic flavours of India to the deserts of Arabia. The menu includes a selection of mouth-watering vegetarian options and authentic Indian cuisines. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa. Call 04-8096194.
Masala Craft. Tucked away in a corner of Garhoud’s Century Village, this well-priced restaurant serves different cuisine from around India and specialises in Live Takatak Tava Tandoor. Century Village, Dubai. Call 04-2829626.
Memsaab Curry & Tandoor. This small Indian restaurant, run by a husband and wife team, is said to be one of JLT’s best. Contemporary Indian Cuisine at a low cost. J2 Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Call 04-4429816.
Mint Leaf Of London. Authentic Indian fine dining with a modern twist and views of Downtown. Dishes are rich in traditional ingredients and flavours. Emirates Financial Towers. Call 04-7060900.
Mumtaz Mahal. Delicious northwest Indian and Mughlai delicacies, with vegetarian, non-vegetarian and tandoori specialties prepared with the finest ingredients. Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa, Bur Dubai. Call 04-3519111.
Nina. A creative menu of refined Indo-European flavours provides an excellent dining experience at the ever-popular five-star hotel on the beach. One&Only Royal Mirage. Call 04-3399999.
Qureshi’s Kebab & Kurry. Set in an exotic ambiance and crafted by the renowned Qureshi’s family of Grand Master Chefs, savour the authentic flavours of north Indian cuisine and live ghazal performances. Country Club Hotel, Bur Dubai. Call 04-3988840.
Patiala. Celebrity chef Kunal Kapoor will take your taste buds on a journey around India, with hints of innovative Indian and fusion food added along the way. Signature dishes include the Dorra Kebab, Dum ke Khumb and Garbar Falooda. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai. Call 04-4519151.
Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar. Indian-born, UK-based celeb chef Atul Kochhar’s restaurant is serving some seriously innovative dishes and an authentic taste of Indian fare in the heart of Dubai. JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai. Call 04-4143000.
Signature By Sanjeev Kapoor. Celebrity chef, Sanjeev Kapoor’s latest venue serves up strong, traditional influences. This stunning restaurant innovates with every dish offering authentic India specialties with a twist. Melia Dubai, Bur Dubai. Call 04-3868111.
SpiceKlub. This is Mumbai SpiceKlub’s first restaurant outside of India. The casual dining outlet serves vegetarian Indian dishes, using molecular cooking techniques - with many of the dishes presented in test tubes or beakers with dry ice and other unusual elements. Kuwait Road, Bur Dubai. Call 04-3931233.
The Bombay. This one is for spicy food fans, enjoy a wide variety of authentic Indian dishes. Marco Polo Hotel, Deira. Call 04-2720000.
Tresind. Tresind combines progressive fine dining approach with traditional Indian cuisine. Explore a new take on presentation, flavour and textures of old favourites as Executive Chef Himanshu Saini brings the unique concept in molecular gastronomy to Dubai. Nassima Royal Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road. Call 04-3080440.
Ushna. In a quiet spot at the Madinat Ushna serves up hearty, saucy dishes. The Ushna dining experience reflects passion, warmth and vigour blending classical Indian cuisine with contemporary style Souk Madinat, Jumeirah. Call 04-3686506.