Top Pakistani restaurants in Abu Dhabi

*Operating hours and dining services listed in this blog can differ because of the ongoing restrictions for curbing COVID-19. Please contact the restaurant before visiting.

• Student Biryani
• Pakwaan Foods
• Mann O Salwa
• Lahore Garden Grill
• Al Ibrahimi Restaurant
• Lal Qila
• Nemat Qadah
• Karachi City
• Tikka Tonight
• Boti Street

Home to a large population of expats from the subcontinent, the UAE’s capital offers a variety of great South Asian cuisines. Hence, it should come as no surprise that every Pakistani restaurant in Abu Dhabi has a huge fan following. Whether you are craving a signature biryani or a mouthwatering plate of Paye cooked in the authentic Punjabi style, the wide availability of Pakistani restaurants in Abu Dhabi will definitely satisfy your cravings for nostalgic flavours.

Best Pakistani restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Pakistani food has elements inspired by its Middle Eastern and Central Asian neighbours, but, features a unique flavour combination that brings out the richness of the ingredients used. If you’re looking for rich and spicy Pakistani cuisine in the capital city, there are quite a few options to choose from. To make things simpler, here’s a list of the best Pakistani restaurants in Abu Dhabi. So the next time you want to have some delectable and delicious food, you know where to go.

Student Biryani

Student Biryani originated from the streets of Saddar, a bustling district in Karachi. Originally, the restaurant operated from a cart placed in front of a college, hence the name ‘Student Biryani’ caught on. Since then, it has truly become a global brand, serving South Asia’s most famous export all over the world. You can find four types of biryani, nihari, handi, karahi and haleem on the menu. For parties and events, combo meals and platters can also be pre-ordered.

Many consider it to be one of the best biryani restaurants in Abu Dhabi.

• Average Price for Two: AED 90
• Timings: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
• Location: Beside Crowne Plaza, Al Markaziya
• Contact: +971-54-990-8494
• Reservation: No table booking

Pakwaan Foods

Mutton Biryani, Chicken Biryani, Parathay, Kheer and Shahi Tukray are some popular dishes on the Pakwaan Foods menu. The best part is that you will get the authentic flavour of every dish here. The portion sizes are large, which is another point in favour of the restaurant. Regardless of the dish you order, you get great value for money. In fact, Pakwaan Foods is one of the cheapest Pakistani restaurants in Abu Dhabi.

• Average Price for Two: AED 60
• Timings: 07:30 am to 12:00 am
• Location: TCS Courier Building, Near Lulu Centre, Salaam Street, Al Markaziya
• Contact: +971-54-504-0552
• Reservation: No table booking required

Mann O Salwa

At Mann o Salwa you can get all the regional snacks while living away from home. Whether you are craving samosa chaat or some spicy aloo cholay, this is the place to be. Moreover, for those with a sweet tooth, Mann O Salwa is the best place to find traditional Pakistani desserts including ras malai and jalaibees at a reasonable price. Mann O Salwa has three outlets in Abu Dhabi. The casual dining restaurant is based in Muroor while the sweet shops are located in Mussafah.

This eatery is also popular with Pakistani expats looking for traditional restaurants for breakfast in Abu Dhabi.

• Average Price for Two: AED 75
• Timings: 06:00 am to 12:00 am
• Location: Muroor Road, Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-50-712-3405
• Reservation: No table booking

Lahore Garden Grill

As the name suggests, you can get some of the most famous dishes originating from Punjab delivered to your doorstep. This includes aloo paratha, murgh karahi, fish tikka, mutton tikka, chicken korma, chapli kabab and more. The food at Lahore Garden Grill generally is fiery hot and rich. Hence, if you are planning to visit the place for dinner, it might be best to have a light lunch. They are also one of the few places that are open until 03:00 am. So whenever you feel like having a late-night snack, this could be a good option. On Fridays, the restaurant offers a hearty traditional breakfast so you can order ‘Halwa Puri,’ ‘Nihari’ and Paya with roghni naan.

• Average Price for Two: AED 70
• Timings: 05:00 am to 03:00 am
• Location: Shabiya ME 10, Mussafah Shabiya, Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-50-267-8691
• Reservation: No table booking required

Al Ibrahimi Restaurant

Operating since the last three decades, Al Ibrahimi Restaurant is one of the oldest Pakistani restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Serving a wide range of Pakistani, Arabic and Chinese dishes, it is an ideal spot to enjoy a lunch/dinner buffet with friends and family. Besides the traditional  Haleem, Biryani, Korma and Paya, Al Ibrahimi is also known for its barbeque specialities like Chicken Tikka, Lamb Chops and Kebab.

Currently, the restaurant has three outlets in the city. The oldest outlet is located on Electra Street, making it an ideal dining spot for those living in apartments in Electra Street. Right behind the Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, you would find another Al Ibrahimi Restaurant on the ground floor of Al Jazeera Royal Hotel.

The third branch is located in Al Wahda Mall’s food court. Like other outlets, Al Ibrahimi in Wahda Mall also offers a wide range of dishes. So you can order the traditional Pakistani cuisine as well as continental dishes as per your liking. The spicy lamb chopstick served here is one of the best you’d find amongst all Pakistani restaurants in Abu Dhabi.

• Average Price for Two: AED 75 to AED 100
• Timings: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm (Al Wahda Mall) | 06:00 am to 12:30 am
• Location: Al Wahda Mall | Ground Floor, Al Jazeera Royal Hotel | Electra Street
• Contact: +971-2-443-6001 |+971-2-632-3344 | +971-2-634-4244
• Reservation: No table booking required

Lal Qila

Lal Qila is among the best Pakistani restaurants in Abu Dhabi and their Pakistani buffet has a number of regional delicacies. If you aren’t in the mood of a full buffet, their combo deals are also a good option. Lal Qila is one of the best Pakistani eateries in Abu Dhabi for those looking for a regal feast in a royal ambience.

• Average Price for Two: AED 120
• Timings: 10:00 am to 08:00 pm
• Location: Villa B-13, Behind Marina Mall, Marina Village, Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-55-105-5619
• Reservation: Table booking recommended

Nemat Qadah

Nemat is the Urdu word for delicacy. Whereas Qadah loosely translates to a tool for drinking or eating. Staying true its name this Pakistani restaurant offers a variety of dishes and beverages for patrons to try. Some of the popular dishes among regular visitors include nihari, karahi murgh, biryani, haleem, and butter chicken. Halwa puri is also served, so whenever you feel like having a breakfast feast, Nemat Qadah is a good option. It is also among the cheapest Pakistani restaurants in Abu Dhabi.

A private area for parties can also be booked at Nemat Qadah.

• Average Price for Two: AED 65
• Timings: 09:00 am to 11:30 pm
• Location: Behind Fish Market, Near General Post Office, Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-2-633-8140
• Reservation: Notable booking

Karachi City

How spicy do you like your food to be? If the answer is you like it to be a bit zesty, Karachi City would be right up your alley. The list of items is extensive, so your choices won’t be limited. Another positive thing about Karachi City is that their staff is knowledgeable. Hence, even if you don’t know much about Pakistani food, you could always seek their advice.

• Average Price for Two: AED 60
• Timings: 05:00 am to 01:00 am
• Location: Opposite Eldorado Cinema, Electra Street, Al Markaziya, Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-50-113-4871
• Reservation: Notable booking

Tikka Tonight

For barbeque lovers, Tikka Tonight is one of the best Pakistani eateries in Abu Dhabi. From lamb chops to Malai Boti, they have it all. The food tastes divine because their service is prompt. So, when you order a plate of boti, it is served piping hot – the exact way barbequed items should be served. You can also book Tikka Tonight if you’re planning to host a party. People are especially fond of the Lamb Chops, Lassi, Malai Boti, Chicken Tikka and Biryani served here.

• Average Price for Two: AED 80
• Timings: 10:00 am to 12:00 am
• Location: Mussafah Sanaiya, Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-50-633-7432
• Reservation: Table booking recommended

Boti Street

To enjoy some delicious Mughlai dishes, head to Boti Street. Their breakfast is especially popular and people from all parts of Abu Dhabi visit the place on weekends. The consistency of their food is remarkable. With one visit you will become a loyal customer.

• Average Price for Two: AED 85
• Timings: 08:00 am to 01:00 am
• Location: Near WTC Mall, Al Markaziya
• Contact: +971-52-232-2969
• Reservation: No table booking

This wraps up our list of the best Pakistani restaurants in Abu Dhabi. You will find all types of regional dishes in these restaurants. The good thing is that almost all these restaurants offer great value for money. In fact, most restaurants have reasonable prices given the fact that competition is extremely high.

Have we missed out on any of your favourite Pakistani restaurants in Abu Dhabi? Let us know in the comments section and we will definitely add your recommendation to our list!

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