Simple yet delicious.
You don’t have to spend big to enjoy a great meal in Dubai.
We have searched high and low to bring you casual dining with plenty of flavour, so all that money you save can go towards those Bottega Veneta shoes. Win, win.
Calicut Paragon
You know you are on to a good thing when you find yourself queueing up to get into a no-frills decor restaurant. Once in, you won’t be disappointed as this is all about delicious Kerala flavours. Try their crab thusar or chicken varatiya in finger licking spicy coconut sauces. Soft parathas or aapams will complete the meal.
Open daily 7am – 12.30am, Karama. Tel: (04) 3358700
Al Mallah
Dubai street-side dining at its best. Grab a table on the pavement and enjoy a platter of mixed grilled meats complete with fries, tomato flatbread and grilled onion. If short of time opt for their succulent shawarma.
Open Sat-Thu, 6am-4am, Friday noon-4am, Satwa and Bur Dubai. Tel: (04) 3984723
Ravi Restaurant
This charming Pakistani restaurant is an ultimate fan favourite. Very basic in decor it is all about the food. Whether you are feasting on the amazing dal fry, chicken jalfrezi, the yummilicious mutton, the soft naans will ensure you relish every last bit of sauce. Don’t fill up too much on the curry as the biryani is worth a try too.
Open 5am to 3am, Satwa. Tel: (04) 3315353
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Canara
This hidden Manglorean gem, tucked in a corner of Karma is bursting with flavours. Try their fish thali – rice, fish curry, fried fish, vegetable, kismoor, pickle – for a wholesome meal. Also, screaming out to be tried is the coconut based kube (shellfish) sukha and the spicy prawn pepper.
Open 11.30am to 3pm and 6.45pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3963966
Manvaar
Rajasthani food is as colourful as the clothes its staff. Turbaned waiters and folk music set the scene, while the traditional daal-bati churma or lal maans (red meat curry) eaten with the softest chapatis curb the hunger. Finish off with their unique sweets.
Open 11.30am to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel:(050) 3598469
Hanoi Naturally
This Vietnamese gem is as authentic as they come. Slurping up on their brothy bowl of pho (doesn’t matter if it is chicken, beef or vegetable) is what comfort is all about. And then there are the other classics such as bun noodle dishes and crunchy salads packed with papaya, carrots and punchy fish sauce.
Open daily noon to 10pm. Gold Crest Executive Building, cluster C, JLT. Tel: (04) 4313099
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Talk Hang
Missing home food? Well, we can’t promise to transport you there, but, this eatery certainly boasts of the best Fillipino food in town. Whether its the Tapsilog, the Sisigsilog or if you are in a group you can settle for the yummylicious boodle fight options of Pinoy Style and Grilled Meat and Seafood.
Open from 10am to 12am, Deira City Centre Area. Tel: (04) 2555130
Aryaas gourmet
If you are a vegetarian, you are spoilt for options here. Try the rava idli, various types of dosas (ghee masala dosa is a personal favourite), their paneers, the puris and the assorted variety of chutneys that come with it.
Opens 7am to 11.30pm, The Business Centre, Near BurJuman, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3577800
Bu Qtair
An institution in seafood. Bu Qtair is an absolutely fuss-free shack. Fresh catch of the day and prawns fried up in spices are served along with rice, roti and some salad. Its the tasty fish you are here for — and that is what you will get.
Open xx to 11.30pm, Fishing Harbour 2, Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (055) 7052130
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Raju Omlet
Love eggs? This is an absolute egg heaven. It serves eggs flavoured with all sorts of Indian spices and ingredients from garlic, ginger, masala and chilli to coconut. Even their curries like paneer tikka and Patiala chicken have egg in it. Can we share a secret? Its the omlette in the soft bun that we order, over and above, every time.
Open 8am to 11.30pm, Sheikh Zayed Road. Tel: (04) 3883355
Bento-Ya Kitchen
Having been around for more than two decades, it has built a faithful clientele. Tuck into delicious seaweed, sashimi, salmon teriyaki, meats and much more. It’s all heart.
Open daily 11.30am to 11.30pm, Sheikh Zayed Road. Tel: (04) 3430222
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Soy
Go on a delicious journey of bursting-in-the-mouth Chinese flavours. Whether you are there for sliced Peking duck, prawn triple schezwan, pad thai, wontons or dimsum, you are in for a palate-ravishing time. If you can take a bit of spice, ask for extra spicy schezwan sauce.
Open from 12noon to 11.30pm, Ibn Battuta Mall and Dubai Mall. Tel: (04) 4257722
Enjoy!
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