Dubai is a city that celebrates global cuisine. As people from all over the world form the expat community here, you will easily find restaurants that serve food from different countries. From fine dining restaurants at Burj Khalifa to romantic restaurants, the food culture covers every theme and world class cuisines across the nation. But the Indian cuisine stands out among all, thanks to the large Indian expat community in the city. You will find Indian restaurants at every major food hub. Indian cuisine is vast and diverse just like the country, and you will get to taste the food of different Indian states and regions in Dubai. One of the Indian cuisines that you must try in Dubai is the South Indian cuisine. This comprises the food of five states located in the southern part of India, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Be it a simple vegetarian fare or a flavorful non-vegetarian dish, the South Indian cuisine will impress you with its beautiful amalgamation of flavours and textures. So, try to fit in some or all of these restaurants while exploring the city with the Dubai packages.
Best Vegetarian South Indian Restaurants of Dubai
South Indian food is most commonly known for its vegetarian fare, especially the ones at breakfast. A fluffy idli, a crispy dosa, and a crunchy yet soft vada is all you need to kickstart your exciting day in Dubai. Here are some of the restaurants where you can enjoy delicious vegetarian meals in Dubai.
Saravana Bhavan
Anyone who has ever been to South India, especially Tamil Nadu, would know of Saravana Bhavan. This restaurant chain celebrates South Indian cuisine, especially from land of Tamil Nadu and spreads it to different countries of the world. In fact, Dubai has around nine Saravana Bhavan branches across the city. It is an all-day restaurant and serves breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. This is also a great restaurant to enjoy brunches in Dubai. From idli and dosa served with steaming sambar and spicy coconut chutney to thalis that serve a variety of curries and sabzis with rice, pappadam, pickle, and paysam, there is much to taste here.
Must-Try Dishes: Idli-Vada Sambar, Ghee Paper Roast Dosa, Masala Dosa, South Indian Thali, and Filter Coffee
Location: Al Karama, Bur Dubai, Al Qusais, Deira, Oud Metha, Al Nahda, Oasis Mall, Al Barsha, and Central Mall
Price for Two: AED 105
Vasanta Bhavan
Another popular South Indian restaurant that serves dishes from the heartland of Tamil Nadu is Vasanta Bhavan. This chain is one of the best family restaurants in Dubai and has numerous branches in Dubai itself. While the idlis and dosas served with sambar and chutney are quite popular here, Vasanta Bhavan is also known for some not-so-popular but mouthwatering Tamil dishes. If you are here during lunch, the mini and full means served at the restaurant should not be missed. Apart from the most commonly served sambar, you will also get to taste some unique dishes like Ulli theeyal and potato kaara curry. While the filter coffee here is divine, do try the chukka kaapi or the dry ginger coffee which not only has a distinct taste but is also great for your health.
Must-Try Dishes: Pongal Vada, Mysore Masala Dosa, Filter Coffee, Chukka Kaapi, Mini Idli, Cocomilk Kozhukattai, Ragi Dosa, Kelvaragu Idiyappam, etc.
Location: Al Karama, Jebel Ali, Al Quasis, Al Nahda, Deira, Al Barsha, Silicon Oasis, Discovery Garden, Motor City, Dubai Investment Park, and Arjan Cloud Kitchen
Price for Two: AED 90
Mamis Illam Pure Veg Restaurant
Another all-day diner that serves finger-licking South Indian cuisine is Mamis Illam Pure Veg Restaurant. Illam means home, and this restaurant strives to serve food that is simple, homely, and flavorful. The highlight of the menu here is the long list of dosas, although the Mami Special Dosa is the most popular, making it a great place for South Indian breakfast in Dubai. You will also find a huge variety of rice dishes here. The Kerala Sadya (on a banana leaf) on special occasions like Onam and Vishu are also to die-for. On regular days, you can go for Illam Special Thali if you want to enjoy a full South Indian meal, complete, with appetizers, main course, and dessert. You will also find a wide variety of traditional sweets and snacks at this restaurant. The filtered coffee here is amazing, making it one of the best places to enjoy coffee in Dubai.
Must-Try Dishes: Mini Ghee Idli, Ghee Roast Masala Dosa, Idli-Vada Combo, Puttu with Kadala, Masala Poori, Kerala Sadhya, Mami’s Dosa, etc.
Location: Discovery Gardens
Price for Two: AED 65
Apart from these, the other restaurants in Dubai where you can enjoy delicious vegetarian South Indian meals are Iyer’s Premium Veg Restaurant, Sri Krishna Bhavan, Kamat Restaurant, and Aaryas Restaurant.
Best Non-Vegetarian South Indian Restaurants of Dubai
While Breakfast restaurants are quite popular in Dubai, the vegetarian breakfast items are some of the most common dishes of South Indian cuisine, the non-vegetarian dishes of the South of India have a separate fanbase. The best part is that Dubai has some of the most amazing South Indian restaurants that serve delectable and classic non-vegetarian South Indian delicacies.
Calicut Paragon
No list on the best restaurants in Dubai can be complete without mentioning Calicut Paragon. At this restaurant, you can taste the flavors of Northern Kerala, especially the Malabar coastal cuisine. While the restaurant does serve delicious vegetarian Kerala dishes, the star attraction of the place is definitely the non-vegetarian dishes. The showstopper of Calicut Paragon is the biriyani. Be it chicken, prawns, or mutton, the biriyani here will give you the chance to enjoy the authentic flavors and spices of Northern Kerala. Apart from this, the fish curries, the appams, the parathas, etc., would make you want to visit this restaurant more than once. The best part is that you can have a hearty meal at the Calicut Paragon without spending a lot of money.
Must-Try Dishes: Malabari Biriyani, Mango Fish Curry, Kerala Parotta, Appam, Vegetable Stew, Mango Prawn Curry, Crab Thushar, and Tender Coconut Paysam
Location: Al Karama
Price for Two: AED 120
Hyderabadi Biriyani House
One of the most renowned biriyanis in India is the Hyderabadi Biryani, and if you want to try this legendary dish in Dubai, the Hyderabadi Biriyani House is the place to visit. Located in Karama, this is a restaurant where you can get the chance to try the authentic Hyderabadi and Mughlai dishes. Apart from the biriyani, the place is also known for its unique kebabs, tikkis, and even desserts. With every bite of each dish of this restaurant, you will get to experience the flavors, textures, and smells that make Hyderabadi cuisine so popular in the world. To get the best experience, go for combo meals like Hyderabad in a Box, which allows you to try small portions of a variety of authentic Hyderabadi dishes.
Must-Try Dishes: Hyderabadi Biriyani, Mirchi Ka Salan, Chicken Dum Biriyani, Tandoori Chicken, Haleem and Biriyani Combo, Talahua Gosht Combo, Mutton Dhamaka Combo, and Gulab Jamun
Location: Al Karama
Price for Two: AED 80
Amma’s Restaurant
Another South Indian cuisine that you must try is the Chettinad Cuisine. It comes from Tamil Nadu district named Chettinad and brings together dishes made with a blend of special spices. And if you want to try the best Chettinad Cuisine in Dubai, you must head to Amma’s Restaurant. The chefs here are from the place where the cuisine is born, ensuring that you get to taste the authentic Chettinad flavors. This is an all-day restaurant, serving you breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Apart from the regular South Indian breakfast dishes, you will also get to taste some unique combinations like idli and dosa with fish curry, egg uthappam, special chicken dosai, mutton kari dosai, and more. The menu offers a great variety of vegetarian dishes as well. Apart from the traditional South Indian dishes, a section of the menu also offers a few Chinese and North Indian dishes. However, it is best to stick to the South Indian offerings for the authentic experience.
Must-Try Dishes: Idly, Dosa, Rasam, Sambar, Non-Veg Thali, Seafood Dishes, Kothu Parotta, Fish Fry, Chettinadu Biriyani, Fish Kuzhambu.
Location: Al Karama
Price for Two: AED 80
Some other restaurants in Dubai that serve delicious non-vegetarian South Indian cuisine are Ustad Hotel, Cochin Harbour, Tamarind Coastal Kitchen, and Canara Restaurant.
Conclusion
The South Indian restaurants in Dubai range from budget-friendly to fine dining. But whichever type of restaurant you choose, you will get to enjoy dishes that would not fail to tickle your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
