Dubai is home to a vibrant and diverse Indian food scene, offering a rich array of regional Indian cuisines that cater to every palate. Whether you’re craving North Indian, South Indian, Gujarati, Maharashtrian, or Punjabi fare, you’ll find many renowned restaurants serving authentic and contemporary interpretations of Indian dishes. Here’s a list of some famous Indian restaurants in Dubai that are well-loved by both locals and tourists:
1. Zuma
- Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese-Indian Fusion
- Location: Gate Village, DIFC
- Why it’s famous: While Zuma specializes in contemporary Japanese izakaya-style dining, the restaurant incorporates elements of Indian flavors in its dishes, especially in the use of spices and grilled meats. It’s an upscale, sophisticated dining experience known for its stylish ambiance and beautifully crafted dishes.
- Signature Dish: Miso-marinated black cod and tandoori spiced chicken.
2. Indego by Vineet
- Cuisine: Modern Indian, Fine Dining
- Location: Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina
- Why it’s famous: Created by Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia, Indego by Vineet blends traditional Indian spices and cooking methods with contemporary techniques and presentation. The restaurant offers a fine-dining experience with dishes that push the boundaries of Indian cuisine.
- Signature Dish: Tandoori lobster, Lamb chop with ginger and spices.
3. Bukhara
- Cuisine: North Indian, Mughlai
- Location: The Crescent, Dubai Marina
- Why it’s famous: Bukhara is a legend in the world of Indian fine dining, with a focus on Mughlai and North Indian specialties. Known for its tandoor-cooked dishes and rustic flavors, this restaurant offers a traditional and refined dining experience.
- Signature Dish: Dal Bukhara (slow-cooked black lentils), Tandoori chicken, Murg Malai Tikka.
4. Rang Mahal
- Cuisine: Indian, Contemporary Fine Dining
- Location: JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay
- Why it’s famous: Rang Mahal brings together the best of Indian flavors with a contemporary flair. The restaurant is helmed by Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar, and it offers a unique fusion of traditional Indian dishes and modern presentation.
- Signature Dish: Lamb Shank Rogan Josh, Biryani, and Butter Chicken.
5. Masti
- Cuisine: Indian Fusion
- Location: La Mer, Jumeirah
- Why it’s famous: Masti is an innovative Indian fusion restaurant that offers a playful take on traditional Indian flavors. The menu includes Indian-inspired tapas, innovative cocktails, and dishes that incorporate modern twists on classics, making it a favorite for a fun, vibrant dining experience.
- Signature Dish: Bombay bhaji tacos, Truffle paratha, Tandoori lobster.
6. Atul Kochhar’s “Benares”
- Cuisine: Modern Indian
- Location: The Address Dubai Marina
- Why it’s famous: Chef Atul Kochhar, a Michelin-starred chef, brings the essence of Benares, a famous restaurant in London, to Dubai. His interpretation of Indian cuisine is sophisticated and contemporary, with each dish reflecting his creativity and skill.
- Signature Dish: Masala spiced crab, Tandoori meats, and Goan seafood curry.
7. Amritsr
- Cuisine: Punjabi, North Indian
- Location: Dubai Festival City Mall
- Why it’s famous: Amritsr specializes in authentic Punjabi food and offers a cozy ambiance with traditional Indian décor. The restaurant is known for its tandoori dishes, parathas, and makhani curries, making it a great choice for fans of hearty, home-style Punjabi food.
- Signature Dish: Butter chicken, Lassi, Amritsari fish, Tandoori kebabs.
8. Patiala
- Cuisine: North Indian, Mughlai
- Location: Jumeirah Beach Road
- Why it’s famous: Patiala is known for its rich and indulgent North Indian dishes, particularly its Mughlai cuisine. It has an elegant, royal-style ambiance that makes it a great place for both casual and special occasions. The menu showcases rich curries, grilled meats, and biryanis.
- Signature Dish: Patiala Dal, Butter chicken, Mutton Rogan Josh, and Lassi.
9. Sthan
- Cuisine: Modern Indian
- Location: Jumeirah Beach Road
- Why it’s famous: Sthan is an innovative Indian restaurant that offers a contemporary take on traditional Indian flavors. The stylish décor, cutting-edge culinary techniques, and bold flavors make it a top destination for those looking for a modern, upscale dining experience.
- Signature Dish: Tandoori mushroom, Biryani, and Kadai lamb.
10. Sultan’s Lounge (Shangri-La Hotel)
- Cuisine: Indian, Royal Mughlai
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road
- Why it’s famous: Located in the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, the Sultan’s Lounge offers an opulent setting for guests to enjoy royal Mughlai-inspired dishes. The restaurant focuses on the rich flavors and spices of Indian royal cuisine.
- Signature Dish: Lamb Seekh Kebab, Dal Makhani, and Mughlai Chicken Biryani.
11. Biryani Street
- Cuisine: Indian (Specializes in Biryani)
- Location: Jumeirah Beach Road
- Why it’s famous: As the name suggests, Biryani Street specializes in authentic biryanis from various regions of India, including Hyderabadi biryani and Lucknowi biryani. It offers a casual dining experience but with exceptional flavors and rich spices.
- Signature Dish: Hyderabadi Biryani, Lucknowi Biryani, Chicken Tikka, and Paneer Lababdar.
12. Maharaja Bhog
- Cuisine: Rajasthani, Gujarati, and North Indian
- Location: Al Karama
- Why it’s famous: Maharaja Bhog offers an all-you-can-eat traditional Rajasthani thali that is both delicious and filling. The thali includes a variety of vegetarian dishes served with rice, dal, chapati, and dessert, providing a complete and satisfying meal.
- Signature Dish: Thali (Rajasthani and Gujarati), Dal Baati Churma, Gujaratis Dhokla, and Gajar Halwa.
13. Moti Mahal
- Cuisine: Indian, Mughlai
- Location: Jumeirah Beach Road
- Why it’s famous: Moti Mahal is a well-known name in Indian cuisine, particularly for its tandoori and Mughlai specialties. With a focus on royal Indian cooking and hearty dishes, the restaurant brings a fine-dining touch to traditional recipes.
- Signature Dish: Butter chicken, Mughlai Biryani, Tandoori chicken, and Kebab platter.
14. Sukhothai
- Cuisine: Indian-Thai Fusion
- Location: The Address Dubai Mall
- Why it’s famous: While Sukhothai specializes in Thai cuisine, it also features a range of Indian fusion dishes, bringing together the rich spices of India with the fresh ingredients of Thai cuisine. It’s a great spot for trying out something different with an Indian twist.
- Signature Dish: Massaman curry with Indian spices, Tom Yum with Indian masala, and Tandoori Prawns.
15. Gharana
- Cuisine: North Indian, Rajasthani
- Location: Dubai Creek
- Why it’s famous: Gharana offers a mix of Indian regional cuisine with a focus on Rajasthani and Punjabi food. The royal dining experience is enhanced with traditional music and a luxurious setting.
- Signature Dish: Dal Baati Churma, Tandoori meat, and Gharana thali.
Conclusion:
Dubai’s Indian dining scene offers a beautiful blend of traditional flavors and innovative culinary techniques, giving food lovers a chance to explore