Subcontinental food comprises more than just curries. Not that there's anything wrong with a good curry, but with Dubai being so near to the sub-continent it would be a shame not to try some of the other dishes that come from that vast repertoire of spices and flavourings.
Barbecued lamb cubes, fish kebabs, pulses and beans in a multitude of sauces, thin bread, butter-fried bread and soft chapati are just a few varieties. And the beauty of it in Dubai is you can go upmarket or downmarket and still come away smiling. There are many small eateries dotted around town where you can sit down and experience no-nonsense dining the way local residents do.
Less than Dh10 will get you a filling meal of curry, rice, bread and sweet of your choice. Ravi's in Satwa has a reputation approaching legend among expatriates.
Whether you're a vegetarian or not, a Thali meal is an experience to be enjoyed. It comprises six or more different 'dishes of the day' selected from a silver tray. The roving waiter will refill each bowl as it is emptied, until you tell him to stop.
Two popular mid-market Indian restaurants are Kwality and Tandoor, located virtually next to each other in Bur Dubai, while Sind Punjab in Karama is a magnet.
Try its butter chicken.
Indian food goes upmarket in the hotels, where you can also enjoy a cooling brew with your meal. Many hotels have beautifully-appointed restaurants featuring subcontinental cuisine, often specialising in one particular region, like north Indian at the Diwan-e-Moghul at the Inter-Continental. Shahjahan at the Metropolitan is another favourite, as are Frontiers at the Howard Johnson Hotel, Haveli at the Imperial Suites and Gulzar at the Maredias Hotel.
Iranian food is also a delight, full of interesting and tasty combinations of fruit, herbs and spices.
One of the finest Iranian restaurants is Al Borj, located next to the Holiday Inn. Again, several hotels have speciality Iranian outlets.
Source: Flight Daily News