Al USTAD KEBAB HOUSE: A NO-FRILLS, AUTHENTIC PERSIAN RESTAURANT FOR MEAT LOVERS IN DUBAI
The Cost - $13 per person
The Atmosphere – Al Ustad Kebab House is a place where locals and in-the-know tourists gather together to eat in a non-luxurious but welcoming setting. The no-frills restaurant is always busy, and they don’t take reservations, so make sure you anticipate a wait to get a table.
When most people think of Dubai they think of extravagance, modernity, and luxury. And from the architecture to the hotels to the food, that is generally what you see when you visit the UAE destination. However, for those that decide to venture to the Al Fahidi Historic District of Dubai, a different side of the emirate awaits. Within the busy, run-down district you will find Al Ustad, a Persian kebab house located a short walk from the Al Fahidi Metro Station.
The Order – Hammus, Shirazi Salad and MIX 2 for 4 people.
The Fantastic – MIX 2 is a kebab platter that contains mutton (older lamb) with yogurt, chicken with yogurt, joujeh kebab, and shish kebab. The joujeh kebabs, barbequed chicken cubes marinated in saffron, were excellent as were the mutton kebabs. The flavors of the meat combined with the yogurt or saffron were incredible and all of the meat in the platter was tender and very flavorful. French fries came with the platter but they were forgettable as this dish is truly a meat lover’s dream.
The Good – The Hammus (hummus) was a solid version of the traditional dish topped with a couple of cucumbers. The Shirazi Salad is a straightforward cucumber and tomato-based salad with some onions and fresh herbs that is dressed in lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Because of the base, it is similar to a typical Greek Salad (without the olives and croutons) or a typical Russian Salad (with a substitution of the herbs).
The Verdict – Al Ustad may not be one of the ritzy, high-end dining options that Dubai has to offer but it is a restaurant that meat lovers should not miss. The Persian restaurant is a hit with locals for a reason and this budget-friendly option is truly a crowd-pleaser that you don’t even have to get dressed up to visit. So if you’re in Dubai, take a trip down to the Al Fahidi District and order one of the meat platters that Al Ustad has to offer.