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Dubai is home to thousands of Indians willing to share their culture. Plus, many of them choose to do so via some delicious traditional recipes. As a result, visitors have easy access to some famous dishes just as they’ve seen them on TV. When it comes to Indian food, Dubai offers a handful of reputable names. However, not all of them focus on providing the same types of services. For example, some specialize in creating a relaxing homestead-like ambiance, while others offer steaming takeaways only. Either way, you’ll find the most popular Indian dishes at all of these locations.
So, if you’re looking for a spicy meal to fill up your energy level, hedging to an Indian restaurant will get the job done. Once there, you can go for the classic choice: an Indian thali. To easily find your bearings, here’s how to find the best thalis in Dubai.
The 10 Best Thalis in Dubai
If you are looking for some top-notch restaurants to enjoy premium thalis, here are the ten best thalis restaurants in Dubai you should visit:
1. Dhaba Lane – Best Restaurant for Indian North Food
- Location: Opposite Spinneys (Burjuman), Behind Park Regis Hotel – 2 B St – Dubai, UAE
- Reservations: Required
- Price Range: AED 115 for two people
Dhaba Lane is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a mid-range Indian restaurant that serves sumptuous food. They offer authentic Indian food, including Gulab Jamun, Desi Chicken Boti, Punjabi Curry Pakora, and more.
However, one dish you’ll see most customers talking about is their thalis. Plus, Dhaba Lane offers both vegan and non-vegan variants of this meal. Also, each order comes with a unique and attention-gripping decoration.
Pros
- Traditional Indian recipes
- Comfortable seating
- Suitable dishes for vegetarians and non-vegetarians
- Excellent service
- Beautiful interior decors
Cons
- Limited veg-food options
- Some dishes may be too spicy for some people
What Customers Are Saying
You’ll find many customers online bragging about the meal they just had at Dhaba Lane. Plus, given how stylish the interior looks, expect to find a photo or two as well. Aside from that, most of the reviews are short and to-the-point, like: “the best thali in town!”
2. Rasoi Ghar – Best Thali Restaurant for Vegetarian Food Lovers
- Location: Opposite BurJuman, CenterPoint – Zainal Mohebi Plaza – Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St – Bur Dubai – Dubai, UAE
- Reservations: Not required
- Price Range: AED 100 for two people
As a rule, the chefs at the Rasoi Ghar focus on creating rich and premium thalis. Plus, the business spice things up even further by offering a wide variety of unlimited dishes. As a result, people usually take their time upon visiting this locale.
Such offers start with a starter course, followed by a grand thali with 20 items as the main course. Furthermore, you get an exquisite dessert to put a literal cherry on the top.
On the other hand, it’s worth noting that Rasoi Ghar’s menu is never set in stone. Hence, they often revise and expand to start the next trend. In that manner, the Rasoi Ghar restaurant successfully spreads the word about Indian cuisine in general.
Pros
- Amazing value for money
- Good ambiance
- Expanding menu
- Wide variety of vegetarian dishes
- Unlimited meals
- Spacious parking space
Cons
- Food may be too spicy for some people
- A bit too crowded and noisy
What Customers Are Saying
Visitors describe the Rasoi Ghar as a perfect combination of quality food and fair prices. Plus, many customers found the staff to be experienced and insightful. Plus, the whole representation on offer is a great focal point of online reviews. For example, fans love how each visit starts with the traditional washing of hands.
3. Maharaja Bhog Restaurant – Best Restaurant for Premium Rajasthani and Gujrati Unlimited Thali
- Location: Ground Level, A Block, Hamsah Mall Next to Ansar Gallery – Al Karama – Dubai, UAE
- Reservations: Required
- Price Range: AED 90 for two people
If you want to have some thali time with your family, then Maharaja Bhog is one of the best restaurants to visit. This restaurant has been operational for over a decade and is very popular for its wide variety of tasty Indian dishes.
Maharaja Bhog offers an unlimited thali with various dishes at an affordable rate. Also, they further sweeten the deal with various flavor enhancers. Hence, you can opt to add Rajasthani and Gujarati curries, rice, daal, puri, thepla, raita, sweet chutney, etc.
However, the taste of a home-cooked thali is never lost at the Mahraj Bhog. Hence, this place offers an easy entry into the world of thalis to all newcomers.
Pros
- A plethora of vegan-friendly choices
- Great amenities for kids
- Fast service
- Welcoming staff
- Nice interior
Cons
- The restaurant is usually overcrowded
- No outside seating is available
What Customers Are Saying
The Maharaja Bhog continues to collect five-star reviews from satisfied customers. Also, the glowing reviews often touch upon the interior décor, welcoming greetings, serving style, etc. In other words, fans describe it as a great all-around experience. Adding to that, much of the commends applaud the pricing model, concurring that it is a fair value for money.
4. Peshwa Restaurant – The Best Maharashtrian Restaurant in Dubai
- Location: Shop 6 B, Kazim Mohammed Khafajy Building – 17th St – Dubai, UAE
- Reservations: Not required
- Price Range: AED 115 for two people
If you are a lover of hot and spicy foods, then this is one restaurant you don’t want to miss. The team in charge of the Peshwa restaurant aims to deliver an authentic taste of India. To that end, they’ve curated a menu that rounds up the best Maharashtrian dishes in Dubai. Plus, they ensure you get fast service and proper guidance from each staff member. Some of their fan-favorite dishes include non-veg thali, matki usal, pithla bhakri, and thalipeeth.
Pros
- Modern décor
- Affordable prices
- Polite and friendly staff
- Variety of seafood options
- Generous servings
- Outstanding customer services
- Short waiting time
- Comfortable seating
Cons
- Weekends are crowded
- Limited vegan options
What Customers Are Saying
You’ll find a lot of customers praising this restaurant’s dishes and outstanding services. Similarly, many reviews focus on the traditional ambiance inside, making each visit to Peshwa memorable. Also, the large interior capacity makes it a great choice for family gatherings.
Customers also reported that the staff was super-friendly, energetic, and attentive. As a result, even new visitors were able to learn much about these spices and recipes. Lastly, several reviews cite the servings as delicious and also large enough to fill your stomach.
5. Rajdhani Restaurant – Best Pocket-Friendly Thalis Restaurant
- Location: Al Khafajy Building – Ground Floor – Zaa’beel St – Dubai, UAE
- Reservations: Not required
- Price Range: AED 95 for two people
Rajdhani restaurant is another excellent spot for anyone looking for fresh and spicy Rajasthani and Gujarati food. This restaurant is a popular choice in India, where you can find more than 20 branches of this franchise. At the same time, their Dubai extension also rose to fame. However, good word of mouth was not enough to earn them a spot on this list. Instead, the quality of the service as a whole is their biggest selling point.
Additionally, this restaurant changes its menu constantly, often luring customers in with an exciting new recipe. Plus, it is one of the most affordable thali restaurants in Dubai.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to find
- Excellent customer service
- Reputable brand
- Modern ambiance
- Friendly and cooperative staff
- Very spacious
Cons
- Not enough parking space
- Usually crowded during the weekends
What Customers Are Saying
Though a household name in India, the Dubaian branch of this franchise also started on the right foot. So, customers explain how they were drawn to the familiar logo, but also how they didn’t get disappointed upon receiving their meals. In their words, visitors described the service as outstanding and the ambiance as vibrant. This restaurant also received a lot of praise for its tasty dishes. Many of the customers who had never tried Indian food before left glowing reviews and heralded at least one more visit within the same week.
6. Bhavna Restaurant – Best Vegetarian Gujarati Cuisine
- Location: Meena bazaar – 29 25 C St – Bur Dubai – Al Fahidi – Dubai, UAE
- Reservations: Not required
- Price Range: AED 45 for two people
If you’re a true Gujarati, then add this restaurant to your list. Bhavna restaurant is one of the best places in Dubai to get the pure ethnic taste of Gujarati thali. Plus, they are an experienced business that stood the test of time and remained on top.
This is also one of Dubai’s oldest thali restaurants, serving food at low prices without compromising quality. Even today, Bhavna restaurant is popular for its cheap unlimited Gujarati Thali, tasty bouquet tali, masala tea, fafda, and buffet.
Aside from meals, they also provide a great selection of snacks and savories. Furthermore, they have a separate counter for chaat and sweets. Lastly, services are quick, the staff is friendly, and they offer many vegetarian dishes.
7. Saravanaa Bhavan – Best Restaurant for South Indian Thali
- Location: Ground Floor, Abdul Aziz Mirza Building, Beside Karama Park, Dubai, UAE
- Reservations: Not required
- Price Range: AED 105 for two people
If you want to enjoy some tasty south Indian thali, take a look at the menu at the Saravanaa Bhavan restaurant. These meals are rich in taste, and the locale itself is well-organized and stylish. Plus, it is a spacious place, meaning you can take your whole family and still enjoy your meal in peace.
Here, you can add a variety of south Indian delicacies to your thali, including sambar, pickle, rice, chapati, and others. In that way, they allow you to curate or upsize your order.
Their must-try dishes include fried mushrooms, Paneer, vegetable butter masala, dosas, and chutneys. Later, don’t forget to try their famous Indian hot coffee as a coda for the end of your visit.
8. Ponnusamy Restaurant – Dubai’s Biggest Thali
- Location: Sangeetha Building، Bin Dhaahi Bldg, Damascus Street, Al Qusais, Al Qusais 3, Dubai, UAE
- Reservations: Not required
- Price Range: AED 90 for two people
Ponnusamy restaurant is another popular spot to get tasty thalis in Dubai. This restaurant is known to offer one of the biggest thalis in Dubai. However, you might need the help of four to five of your friends to finish their signature “Bahubali Thali”. Granted, many find this to be an invitation for a great time.
The Bahubali thali is a mix of 25 mouthwatering dishes, including meals from south India and north India. Furthermore, the order comes with side dishes, main dishes, soup, and sweets. Some of the south and north Indian dishes include rasam, pickles, sambhar, roti, chips, and others.
Aside from that, Ponnusamy restaurant also offers a wide variety of chicken, seafood, and vegetarian meals. Overall, their services are fast, the restaurant is neat, and the staff is always ready to attend to your needs.
9. Kathiyawadi Thali Restaurant – Best Thali Restaurant for Solo Couples
- Location: 4th A street Al Kifaf building B block( juma al majid Opp- Burjuman mall, 450M from Burjuman exit 2, Dubai, UAE
- Reservations: Not required
- Price Range: 70 for two people
Another excellent spot to get Indian thali meals is the Kathiyawadi restaurant. We recommend going to this place with an empty stomach to savor all the delicacies. Kathhiyawadi provides delicious thali alongside a perfect combination of sweets, vegetables, and other dishes.
Furthermore, the interior décor is beautiful, the services are outstanding, the food is always yummy, and the staff is always welcoming. Plus, the ambiance allows you to get comfy and relax alone or with your partner.
10. Shri Krishna Bhavan – Best Restaurant for Andhra Meal
- Location: Shamma Building – 318 8 C St – Al Karama – Dubai, UAE
- Reservations: Required
- Price Range: AED 90 for two people
The last restaurant on our list of tasty thalis in Dubai is Shri Krishna Bhavan. This business offers a wide range of Andhra and Karnataka cuisines. It is also a neat locale, offering sufficient seating, and is well-staffed throughout the year. As such, it preserves a classic and inviting restaurant layout.
Some of their must-try dishes include Donne Biryani, Rava Idli, Masala Dosa, and Andhra Meal. Furthermore, you are sure to find a lot of vegetarian and South Indian dishes at this restaurant. Hence, there’s something here to atone for every dietary preference.
Conclusion
There are dozens of Indian restaurants in Dubai. However, not all of them can provide you with authentic Indian cuisine. If you want to get the best thalis in Dubai, this article covers the best restaurants to visit. To form this list, we did a hefty online and offline research, ending with a strict elimination process. So, each of these entries complied with our strict criteria to earn a spot here.
Restaurants like Dhaba Lane and Rasoi Ghar provide top-notch services, premium thalis, and a slew of satisfying full meals. In that way, they offer visitors a nice chunk of Indian cuisine. Therefore, consider our opinion the next time you are in Dubai.











Just tried the thali at Dhaba Lane last weekend, thanks to Omer Nadeem’s rec. It was honestly a game changer. The flavors were so authentic, felt like I was back in Delhi. Anyone else thinks they have the best naan in town?
I appreciate Omer Nadeem’s effort in curating this list. However, I believe Rasoi Ghar deserves a higher ranking for their exceptional service and diversity in vegetarian options. Their ambiance adds to the overall dining experience. Anyone else agrees?
Planning a trip to Dubai soon and this list is gold! I’m all about trying local cuisines. Has anyone tried the Thali at Ponnusamy Restaurant? Curious about what makes it Dubai’s biggest thali.
Always on the lookout for family-friendly places that cater to vegetarians. Bhavna Restaurant sounds like a good fit. Has anyone been? How’s the seating arrangement for a larger group? Thanks 🙂
So happy to see vegetarian restaurants getting the spotlight they deserve. Thank you, Omer, for putting Rasoi Ghar and Bhavna Restaurant on this list. More power to green eating!
Rajdhani’s pocket-friendly thalis are a savior on a tight budget. Quality and quantity, both on point.
Whilst the list meticulously compiles some of the best thali offerings in Dubai, there seems to be an underrepresentation of Southern Indian thalis that offer a distinct and rich culinary heritage compared to their northern counterparts. It would be refreshing to see a broader spectrum of Indian cuisine showcased.
Super thrilled to try making some of these thalis at home. Maharaja Bhog’s unlimited thali sounds like a challenge, but I’m up for it. Anyone tried recreating these dishes?
Analyzing the list, it’s intriguing to see the diversity in thali components, varying by regional cuisine. Each restaurant brings its unique take, which is a testament to the rich culinary landscape of India. It’d be interesting to compare the nutritional value and flavor profile of these thalis.
Dude, Kathiyawadi Thali Restaurant was a blast. Super cozy for a dinner date. The thali was more than enough for two. Great recommendation!
Right on! Their thali was like a trip around India on a plate. Great ambiance too.
Sounds amazing! How’s the price range there? Manageable for a budget-friendly outing?