Besides being in the center of things, Dubai offers a lot of ways for tourists to try something new and tasty upon every visit. For example, myriad vendors are selling local specialties alongside spacious international restaurants. You’ll find brands focusing on combining the old and the new within those choices. In general, you’ll notice such places by the fragrance first. Hence, you can find delicious thali prepared in a modern way, fine examples of today’s Asian cuisine.
Nowadays, Dubai is home to a great number of talented chefs from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. As a result, following the good smell, you might end up in some of the Punjabi, Gujarati, and Rajasthani restaurants. Once there, take a good look at the menu. Most of them offer delicious and healthy meals at affordable prices too. So, here’s where to find the best non-veg thali in Dubai.
1. Amritsr – Best Authentic Punjabi Thali
- Location: Al Attar Center – 318-836 – Al Karama – Dubai, UAE
- Reservations: Not required
- What to Get: Chicken tandoori Tawa masala
- Price Range: AED 100 for two people
If you’re searching for some authentic non-veg Punjabi thalis in Dubai, Amritsr is the perfect spot. This experience locale offers a great selection of Punjab and Amritsari cuisine. Today, the restaurant has more than 20 years of experience in providing delicious thalis to the residents of Dubai.
Over the years, they’ve expanded the list of offerings to cater to all tastes. Hence, you can find classic items like chicken banjara and fish tikka. Other popular items include Keema Kulcha with gravy, Chicken tandoori Tawa masala, mutton seekh kabab masala, and prawns maska Tawa pulao. Aside from that, consider their various kulchas. Plus, several of those recipes come in both vegan and non-vegan options.
Pros
- Great variety of food
- Authentic Amritsar taste
- Huge variety of thalis
- Relaxing ambiance
- Quick service
- Attentive and hospitable staff
Cons
- Single toilet for men and women
- Some dishes are a bit spicy
What Customers Are Saying
According to customers, Amritsr is the best place if you’re craving traditional non-veg thalis. Aside from the food, customers admire the ambiance and friendly customer service.
2. Dhaba Lane – Best North Indian Thali
- Location: Opposite Spinneys (Burjuman), Behind Park Regis Hotel – 2 B St – Dubai, UAE
- Reservations: Required
- What to Get: Amritsari fish fry
- Price Range: AED 115 for two people
Dhaba Lane is a cozy and welcoming locale amid Karama. Plus, they offer a great selection of starters, allowing you to build some appetite before the main course. Then, there are their mouth-watering North Indian thalis. So, consider trying out their Punjabi and shahi non-veg thalis upon your next visit to Dubai. Moreover, the list of bestsellers includes Makkai meethi kebab, malai kofta, Amritsari fish fry, mutton gilafi, tandoori murgh, and classic chicken tikka masala combo.
Currently, visitors can utilize the Ramadan deal with a non-veg box. Hence, you can get a starter, Lahori chicken tikka, haryali fish tikka, chicken korma, lagan keema in a single order. On a different note, it’s also easy to find this popular venue. To do so, head to the Park Regis Hotel Karama and look just around it.
Pros
- Unique regional flavors
- Fairly priced items
- Comfortable seating
- Warm and friendly staff
- Good ambiance and soothing music
Cons
- It can get crowded and noisy
What Customers Are Saying
Most online reviews describe Dala Lane as a reputable dine-in Asian restaurant. Similarly, customers often deem it as one of the premium locations for non-veg thali. Lastly, fans love the special holiday offers and their affordable prices.
3. Peshwa Restaurant – Best Maharashtrian Cuisine
- Location: Shop 6 B, Kazim Mohammed Khafajy Building – 17th St – Dubai, UAE
- Reservations: Not required
- What to Get: Marathi chicken
- Price Range: AED 115 for two people
Peshwa restaurant is located in Al-Karama and offers a complete dining experience to all the non-veg thali lovers in Dubai. Aside from that, it’s a cozy place where one can spend some quality time with friends and family. Once there, customers can pick between a wide selection of traditionally prepared meals that look and taste excellent.
For example, gourmets will find much to like in offers like the Malvani Thali (mutton thali). Plus, other authentic thalis like fish thali and chicken thali (malvani) are no less popular. Also, consider trying their Marathi chicken, modak, Puran Poli, and prawn tikka. Besides meals, the business might treat you with some free sweets on the house, most notably during special occasions.
Pros
- Authentic Maharashtrian food
- Stylish interior
- Large menu
- Creative recipes with large portions
- Complimentary sweets
- Great dessert options
Cons
- Not a spacious restaurant
What Customers Are Saying
Customers, especially Marashtrian food lovers, are very fond of this restaurant. In general, they appreciate the friendly service and delicious Asian food. Plus, most comments refer to how well the different menu items taste in combination.
4. 800 Thali – Best Home-Style Food
- Location: Cluster B – Jumeirah Lake Towers – Dubai, UAE
- Reservations: Required
- What to Get: Hara bhara kabab
- Price Range: AED 120 for two people
800 Thali offers authentic Indian food and thalis. However, what sets them apart is their focus on homemade recipes. In that manner, they strive to preserve that feeling of a typical family dinner in India. So, the host Santosh takes good care of all guests and makes sure they get delicious and still steaming meals. As for the menu, the fan favorites include Mughlai Thali, Hara bhara kabab, and paneer malai tikka. Similar options are items like tandoori chicken, Murg Haryali Tikka, Butter chicken, mutton seekh kabab, etc.
Hence, this locale specializes in Mughlai food and north-Indian food. On the flip side, it is not a large place. Therefore, it’s wise to make a call before heading to this well-decorated restaurant. Also, the business offers seasonal discounts and vouchers. For example, if you’re online at the right moment, you can even get 50% off of your next order.
Pros
- Always fresh ingredients
- Home-style cuisine
- Aesthetic interior and decor
- Attractive discounts
- Delicious comfort food
Cons
- Many of the menu items are too simila
- Lacking delivery service
What Customers Are Saying
Upon visiting 800 Thalis, people describe the portions as fairly sized and served with fresh toppings. Also, they enjoy the appetizing smell of proper Indian thalis. Similarly, they find the prices to be fair given how filling these meals are. Lastly, comments also applaud the friendly staff and charismatic owner.
5. Behtareen Zaiqa – Best Unlimited Non-Veg Thali
- Location: 5 42 St – Hor Al Anz – Dubai, UAE
- Reservations: Not required
- What to Get: Bahar-e-del tandoor
- Price Range: AED 75 for two people
Behtareen Zaiqa is located in Hor Al Anz, and it offers delicious unlimited non-veg thali. So, whenever hungry enough, head to this location at noon. Plus, it’s an offer that’s surprisingly cheap for the amount of food it comprises. As a rule, it comes with a glass of lassi, one starter, three mains, rice, bread, dessert, etc. In other words, it’s a combo pack that offers you much more than a sneak-peek into Asian cuisine. Aside from thalis, fans often go there for the ‘Bahar-e-del tandoor’ platter, which consists of gosht kabab and murgh kebabs.
On another note, the staff plays a big role in rounding up the cozy ambiance. So, besides their hospitality, they can quickly get you up to speed on the various spices that go into these meals. Plus, this locale offers some excellent Ramdan deals as well. Finally, if you feel like trying something similar to thalis, opt for their famous Hyderabadi Biryani, which fans often cite as the best in Dubai.
Pros
- Excellent desi street thali
- Attentive staff
- Experienced chefs
- Small and cozy environment
- Myriad of popular dessert choices
Cons
- Fragile takeaway packages
What Customers Are Saying
Customers at Behtareen Zaiqa are impressed with the taste, quality, and pricing of most menu items. Most notably, when it comes to their unlimited offerings. Moreover, fans explain how each meal is satisfactory and succulent. Lastly, many of them refuse to leave the restaurant without having dessert.
Conclusion
In Dubai, most Asian restaurants aim to offer a modern take on some classic recipes. However, that doesn’t mean that the usual go-to choices are hard to find. For example, some to-the-point non-veg thali, freshly made and still hot. For those who enjoy treating their taste buds in that way, we’ve put together this list of the five best non-veg thali restaurants in Dubai.
Had a chance to visit Dhaba Lane after reading Omer Nadeem’s piece on it. The North Indian Thali was everything you said it would be – a burst of flavors! Great recommendation.
Anyone knows if Behtareen Zaiqa provides options for those with a mild palate? Really interested but cautious about the spice levels.
Yeah, they do! You can ask for less spicy options. Their staff is pretty accommodating.
Does anyone know if 800 Thali is good for kids? Hoping to find a spot that’s not too spicy for them!
Peshwa Restaurant’s Maharashtrian cuisine had authentic flavors but missed the mark on presentation. Expected a bit more finesse.
Yo, Behtareen Zaiqa’s unlimited Non-Veg Thali is a steal. Absolute value for money!
The details about Amritsar’s Punjabi Thali in Omer Nadeem’s article really inspired me. Can’t wait to try and infuse some of those flavors into my home cooking!
Dhaba Lane took me straight back to my trip to North India last year. The authenticity of the thali is unmatched. A must-try for anyone looking to reminisce or experience North Indian cuisine.
I commend Omer Nadeem for highlighting these culinary gems. Peshwa Restaurant’s Maharashtrian cuisine is a fine example of regional cooking excellence.
Just love how 800 Thali feels like a home-cooked meal. It’s comforting to find food that tastes like it’s made with love.
Tried Behtareen Zaiqa on a dare and now I’m hooked! Who knew I’d trade fries for thalis?!