If you’re looking for budget-friendly Indian restaurants that you can visit regularly, you’re in for a delightful culinary journey. Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse, reflecting the varied cultures across its 28 states. Each region boasts its own specialties, meaning that every dish—whether it’s a curry, fry, BBQ, or rice item—has numerous variations. For instance, the classic chicken curry can be found in at least 50 different forms throughout India. Starting from the southernmost tip in Kerala, you’ll find a coconut milk-based chicken stew, while in Mumbai, spicy Malvani chicken curry reigns supreme. As you travel north, dishes like butter chicken in Delhi showcase Mughlai influences.

Living in Dubai, which hosts one of the largest populations of Indian expatriates globally, provides you with access to a rich variety of Indian cuisines, all at wallet-friendly prices. Below is our curated list of the best Indian restaurants in Dubai that not only offer diverse cuisines but also provide exceptional value. So, roll up your sleeves, wash your hands, and get ready to savor some fantastic food!

Kerala Cuisine

Paragon, Karama

For fans of spicy and coconut-infused flavors, Kerala cuisine is a must-try. Paragon is a renowned Malayali restaurant that, although not the cheapest, offers reasonably priced dishes that are perfect for first-timers or casual dining with friends and family. While their biryani is highly acclaimed, don’t miss other delicious options such as Kerala meals, porottas, and fried seafood.

• Must-try: Appam with tangy mango curry (try it with kingfish) or chatty curry, paired with dancing tea or biryani chaya.
• Open: Daily, 7 am – midnight. Karama, paragonrestaurant.in (04 335 8700).

LIZ Restaurant, Karama

LIZ offers authentic Kerala food with a homey atmosphere. The dishes are prepared with less oil and ghee, making them a healthier choice. The restaurant owner often interacts with customers, creating a friendly vibe.

• Must-try: Fish curry with Kerala meals.
• Open: Daily, 5 am – 11 pm. Al Karama. (04 342 6955)

Tamil Cuisine

Erode Amman Mess, Deira

Famous for its spicy Chettinad flavors, Tamil Nadu cuisine includes a plethora of vegetarian and meat dishes. Erode Amman Mess is a popular spot for locals looking to indulge in authentic Tamil flavors.

• Must-try: Mutton biryani and refreshing nannari sarbath.
• Open: Daily, 11:30 am – 4 pm, 6:30 pm – 11:30 pm. Alliance Business Centers Network, Port Saeed. (04 343 3043)

Sri Balaji Bhavan Veg Restaurant

Renowned for its breakfast items, Sri Balaji Bhavan serves light and fluffy idlis paired with coriander-laced sambar, making for a delightful vegan and gluten-free meal. Don’t forget to enjoy it with traditional filter coffee, crafted from freshly roasted beans.

• Must-try: Idli or ghee roast dosa with vada and filter coffee.
• Open: Daily, 7 am – midnight. Karama Park. (054 294 9897)

Kannadiga Cuisine

Kudla, Oud Mehta

Famous for its chicken ghee roast, Kudla is a must-visit for those seeking Mangalorean flavors. The rich curry is best enjoyed with rice, parotta, or the traditional kori rotis.

• Must-try: Lunch meals with prawns ghee roast or kori roti with chicken ghee roast.
• Open: Daily, 7 am – 11 pm. Near Oud Metha Rd. (055 963 0963)

Bengaluru Naati Mene, Karama

Offering delicious local cuisine from Bangalore, this restaurant serves dishes that reflect the flavors of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

• Must-try: Paya soup, Gongura chicken donne biryani, or bheegara ootta (grand thali).
• Open: Daily, 11 am – 11:30 pm; Sat-Sun from 7 am. Karama. (04 266 1547)

Goan Cuisine

Erics, Karama

With its coastal influences and vibrant atmosphere, Erics offers an authentic Goan dining experience. The restaurant features traditional decor and serves dishes that taste as if they were made at home.

• Must-try: Mutton croquettes (starter), rechea grilled prawns, or crab xacuti with poie (mains).
• Open: Daily, 11 am – 3:30 pm, 6:30 pm – 11:45 pm. Karama. (04 396 4447)

Viva Goa, Oud Metha

This hidden gem offers exceptional food reminiscent of beachside shacks. Enjoy live music while savoring delicious Goan specialties.

• Must-try: Beef tongue roast, beef vindaloo with pao, or white rice.
• Open: Daily, 7 pm – 1 am. Oud Metha (04 337 1234)

Marathi Cuisine

Peshwa, Al Karama

Peshwa delights patrons with authentic Maharashtrian dishes like puran polis and misal pav, transporting you to the bustling streets of Mumbai.

• Must-try: Vada pav (starters), mutton Kolhapuri thali, and sol khadi.
• Open: Daily, 9 am – 11:30 pm. Al Khafajy Building, Al Karama. (04 379 5520)

North Indian Cuisine

Khandani Rajdhani, Al Karama

This restaurant offers an authentic Rajasthani dining experience with a vegetarian thali that includes over 27 different dishes, served with great hospitality.

• Must-try: Veg thali.
• Open: Daily, noon – 3:30 pm, 7 pm – 11 pm. Al Khafajy Building, Al Karama (04 334 7977)

Liberty Food Restaurant, Al Quoz

Famous for its tandoor dishes, Liberty Food Restaurant is the perfect spot for casual dining featuring butter chicken and dal makhani at affordable prices.

• Must-try: Liberty food omelette and ginger tea (starters), chicken reshmi kebab, chicken handi, and tandoor roti (mains).
• Open: 24/7. Al Quoz Commercial and Office Building, Al Quoz (058 543 3282)

Dhaba Lane, JLT

For an authentic Punjabi experience, Dhaba Lane serves rich, ghee-laden curries and freshly baked tandoori bread in a vibrant setting, making it a perfect spot for gatherings.

• Must-try: Aloo tikki (starter), butter roti, mutton rara, or hari mich bhuna gosht (mains).
• Open: Daily, 8 am – 3:30 pm, 6:30 pm – 11:30 pm. Indigo Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers. dhaba-lane.com (054 999 4251)

Delhi Highway Restaurant Dubai

This restaurant in Al Karama offers a Mughlai dining experience with Persian-inspired interiors and an elevated menu that combines traditional flavors with modern presentation.

• Must-try: Avocado kulcha mini bites, naram dil kebab (starters), malai kofta, or Punjabi rajma with jeera rice and multigrain kulcha (main course). Don’t miss the desi ghee jalebi with rabdi for dessert.
• Open: Daily, noon – 1 am. Al Karama. (04 220 8844)

Dubai is home to a plethora of restaurants that showcase a wide range of Indian cuisines, all at affordable price points. Whether you’re in the mood for a spicy curry with porottas or a hearty thali, you now have an extensive list of places to explore.

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