Best Afghan restaurants in Dubai
Visit Dubai and you’ll see why the city is regarded as one of the food capitals in the world. Every popular neighbourhood boasts restaurants with cuisines from across the world. From Thai, Chinese, Indian and Lebanese, it’s possible to sample delicacies from around the globe. Today, MyBayut shines a spotlight on another cuisine that’s popular with Dubai restaurants: Afghan cuisine. Discover the best Afghan restaurants in Dubai, which offer staples from the cuisine like Kabuli pulao, chapli kababs and stews, along with traditional cooking methods and great customer service.
BEST AFGHAN RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI
STHAN
Kicking off our list of the best Afghan restaurants in Dubai is Sthan, located in the heart of Karama. Sthan doesn’t just offer Afghan cuisine, instead it brings together delicacies from India, Pakistan and Afghanistan! This cosy restaurant boasts simple decor and delicious, homely flavours. Whether you’re craving rich chapli kababs, melt-in-your-mouth Pashtuni taftans or hearty kormas, this is one of the best Afghan restaurants in Karama Dubai to visit.
- Location: Al Wasl Building, Opposite Civil Defense Station, Zabeel Road, Al Karama
- Average price: AED 155 for two
- Timings: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am (Saturday – Wednesday), 12:00 pm – 01:00 am (Thursday & Friday)
- Contact: 04-399-7775
AFGHAN KHORASAN KABAB
Tucked away in Al Quoz, opposite the Dubai Bowling Centre, Afghan Khorasan Kabab is truly a hidden gem. This small and no-frills restaurant serves up delicious kababs, that have remained consistent in taste and quality. From tikka kababs to special Shinwari kababs, this Afghan restaurant in Dubai has it all. Another favourite with frequent customers is the traditional Afghani pulao, with its flavourful rice and succulent meat. With plenty of parking near the restaurant, make sure to pencil this place into your must-try list.
- Location: Opp. Dubai Bowling Centre, First Al Khail Street, Al Quoz
- Average price: AED 110 for two
- Timings: 12:00 pm – 02:00 am
- Contact: 04-338-9838
WAKHA
A favourite haunt of residents living in the Al Barsha neighbourhood, Wakha is a must-visit for fans of Afghan cuisine. Wakha Restaurant specialises in Shinwari cuisine, whose specialities include meat cooked in its own fat with minimal spices and dumpukht dishes. It’s also a great spot to sample Afghanistan’s signature Kabuli pulao or tuck into tasty curries with delicious bread. Wakha prides itself on serving authentic Afghani cuisine that uses natural spices and is a place where customers can choose their own cut of meat. Regarded as one of the most popular Afghani restaurants in Dubai, Wakha has three branches across the city.
- Location: Opposite Lulu Hypermarket, Al Barsha
- Average price: AED 170 for two
- Timings: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am (Sunday – Saturday)
- Contact: 04-347-0788
AFGHAN KABAB HOUSE
While there are a number of Afghan restaurants in Deira Dubai, this particular spot is one not to miss out on. Known especially for their juicy kababs and prompt service, Afghan Kabab House boasts a limited but delicious menu. Choose from rich stews, tender kababs and generous portions of pulao. Best of all, it’s light on the pocket, making it one of the best Afghan restaurants in Dubai for when you’re looking for an affordable and simple meal.
- Location: Behind Al Ghurair Mosque, Al Naif
- Average price: AED 60 for two
- Timings: 11:30 am – 01:00 am (Sunday – Saturday)
- Contact: 04-222-3292
KISHMISH
Dubai’s first gourmet Afghan restaurant, Kishmish, is the perfect place to start if you’re new to the cuisine. Located in Dar Al Wasl Mall, Kishmish combines a trendy and sleek setting with rich and authentic food. Their menu features classic staples from Afghan cuisine, like the Mantou, dumplings stuffed with lamb, Aash, a hearty stew and mouth-watering chapli kababs.
- Location: Al Wasl Road, Al Safa
- Average price: AED 260 for two
- Timings: 08:00 am – 11:00 pm (Saturday – Wednesday), 08:00 am-midnight (Thursday & Friday)
- Contact: 04-349-6665
KABANA
Next on our list of good Afghan restaurants in Dubai to try is Kabana. Located in the trendy neighbourhood of Jumeirah, Kabana serves a mixture of Mediterranean and Afghan cuisine in Dubai. The restaurant has a bright and welcoming decor, with outdoor seating that’s perfect during cooler months. While the Kabuli Pulao is the star of the menu, customers also love the chicken tikka kababs and juicy lamb chops.
- Location: Villa 517, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3
- Average price: AED 210 for two
- Timings: 24 Hours (Sunday – Saturday)
- Contact: 04-388-1111
AL KABAB AL AFGHANI
Located in the affordable community of Al Qusais, Al Kabab Al Afghani is frequented by many of the area’s residents. With three branches in Dubai, this restaurant is the perfect spot for authentic Afghan cuisine. Tuck into a refreshing Afghan salad, treat yourself to traditional mantou and indulge in popular dishes such as charcoal chicken or boti chicken at this Afghan restaurant in Al Qusais.
- Location: Al Huraiz Building, Damascus Street, Qusais
- Average Price: AED 80 for two
- Timings: 12:00 pm – 01:00 am (Sunday – Saturday)
- Contact: 600-522-554
KABUL DARBAR
Head over to Kabul Darbar when you’re craving delicious Afghani Pulao, a rice dish mixed with carrots, lamb and raisins, which is served here with your choice of kababs. Their extensive menu also features curries and BBQ items, while their soft and fresh naans are a favourite of diners. Customers also have the choice to dine at the traditional majlis-style seating or regular table seating. However, this is one of the Afghani restaurants in Deira Dubai where parking is difficult to find!
- Location: Near Al Ghurair Mosque, Al Naif, Deira
- Average Price: AED 75 for two
- Timings: 12:00 pm – 12:30 am (Sunday – Saturday)
- Contact: 04-239-4445
QASAR AL AFGHAN AL KABAB
Our last mention for top Afghan restaurants in Dubai is Qasar Al Afghan Al Kabab. Another one of the popular, small joints in the Deira neighbourhood, Qasar Al Afghan Al Kabab offers a variety of choice when it comes to Afghani pulao, kababs and curries. Don’t miss out on the special Afghan soup and surprisingly, the shawarma, which customers have raved about!
- Location: Al Musallah Street, Naif, Deira
- Average Price: AED 95 for two
- Timings: 11:00 am – 02:00 am (Sunday – Saturday)
- Contact: 04-224-3300
And that brings an end to MyBayut’s guide to the best Afghan restaurants in Dubai! Let us know which of these Dubai Afghan restaurants is your favourite? You’ll also like our list of the best Pakistani restaurants in Dubai, for traditional flavours and classic dishes like Chicken Handi and more. Looking for more restaurants serving food from the subcontinent? Take a look at the best Indian restaurants in the city, whether it’s North Indian or South Indian dishes you’re craving. And stay tuned to MyBayut for more articles on the best restaurants for foodies in Dubai.