With the huge variety of iftars in Dubai, even if we crave a different style each day, we’d still not repeat even once in the 30 days of Ramadan. If you’re a South Indian expat in the UAE, chances are your Iftar dreams are filled with the aroma of flavourful biryanis, sizzling dosas, delish haleems and crispy porottas that could make even the strongest resolve crumble. Lucky for you, Dubai is serving up some serious South Indian Iftar magic all through the city. Whether you’re craving Tamil Nadu’s spice-packed feasts, Kerala’s soulful flavours, or Hyderabad’s legendary biryani, here’s where to break your fast with a taste of home.
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Buhari Restaurant’s Tamil Iftar
Let’s kickstart this list with an iftar from a Tamil Nadu classic that stands the test of time. When a restaurant has been around since 1951, you know they’re doing something right. Chennai’s iconic Buhari has recently landed in Karama, bringing the taste of Tamil Nadu to your Iftar table. Their iftar is nothing short of a power-packed spread: chicken or mutton biryani, flaky porottas, samosas, cutlets, a refreshing laban, juice, and of course, dates to start things right. Oh, and their famous Chicken 65 is a must-try – simple, satisfying, and straight outta Chennai!
Lallumma’s Kerala Iftar
Craving Iftar with a Malayali twist? Lallumma’s is here to wrap you in the flavors of Kerala. Their AED 49 Unlimited Iftar platter includes paal kappa (tapioca cooked in coconut milk), Calicut chicken biryani, Naadan Chicken Fry and the chef’s special chicken and beef curries that’ll transport you straight to the backwaters. With traditional Ramadan specialties like tharikanji (semolina milk drink) , masala kanji (rice gruel loaded with veggies and spices), and Aleesa/Harees (a one pot porridge made with chicken) this is as close as it gets to home-cooked comfort. Don’t forget to stop by their live counter and grab some crispy, hot appams. Also, they have a whole range of Malabar snacks waiting to be devoured.
Junior Kuppanna’s Kongu Iftar
A legacy that dates back to 1960, Junior Kuppanna is the place to be if you love bold Chettinad flavors. Their AED 49 Iftar Thali is a South Indian dream, featuring rawther biryani, chettinad chicken curry, mutton kheema, juicy kebabs, and more. Kids under 10 eat for AED 25, so bring the little ones along! Don’t miss their chicken curry dosa and their sumptuous bun parotta (they have 16 types of parottas – I know, sixteen). The subtle ambiance makes it a cozy spot for a heartwarming Iftar.
Also read: Final Week of Karama’s Ramadan Street Food Festival: 10 Items That You Must Sample
Paradise Biryani’s Nizami Iftar
If your Iftar cravings include the slow-cooked, spice-infused goodness of Hyderabadi biryani, Paradise Biryani is your holy grail. For AED 39, their spread is an absolute feast: Hyderabadi dum biryani, velvety haleem, kebabs, mirchi ka salan, mutton gravy, dal tadka, dahi baray, gulab jamun, rose sharbat, and more. With multiple locations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it’s easy to get your fix of Nizami flavors this Ramadan.
Ghazal Al Madeena’s Thattukada Iftar
For a true thattukada (street food) experience, Ghazal Al Madeena in Al Awir is a hidden gem. Their AED AED 49 Iftar brings you a whopping 54 items! Think dosa, nei pathiri, porotta, puri, fish biryani, ghee rice, spicy beef fry, and even ayala mulakittathu (spicy fish curry). It’s the kind of place that feels like a roadside eatery back home – vibrant, bustling, and full of irresistible flavors.
Deccan Biryani’s Hyderabadi Iftar
Great food doesn’t have to break the bank! Deccan Biryani’s budget-friendly Iftar specials are a lifesaver. Their Iftar kit, featuring biryani with shami kebab, starts at just AED 18. You can also upgrade to Chicken 65 Biryani with shami kebab for just AED 25. Authentic flavors, generous portions, and prices that make your wallet and palate happy – what’s not to love here?
Sharief Bhai’s Bengaluru Style Iftar
Bringing Bangalore’s Iftar magic to Dubai, Sharief Bhai is now in BurJuman Mall with an their Royal Iftar Meal – an unlimited chicken biryani and sharbat combo for AED 49. You can also treat your tastebuds to their kheema samosas, lal mirch ka anda (spicy red chili eggs), and the heavenly kesari phirni to end on a sweet note. In addition to this, they also have two special Iftar combos: a chicken haleem combo for AED 29 and a mutton haleem combo for AED 36. With its rich flavors and hearty portions, Sharief Bhai brings a unique Bangalore-style Iftar experience to Dubai.
Spice Up Your Ramadan, South Indian Style!
If there’s one thing South Indian cuisine doesn’t do, it’s hold back on flavor. Whether you’re team Hyderabadi biryani, Kerala comfort food, or Tamil Nadu’s fiery Chettinad dishes, these restaurants bring you the best of home right here in the UAE.
So, gather your gang, grab a plate, and let the feasting begin – after all, what’s Ramadan without a little extra spice and a whole lot of soul?
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