Dubai might be home to skyscrapers and fancy brunches, but nothing hits the soul quite like a crispy dosa or piping hot sambar. If your taste buds tingle at the thought of coconut chutney and spice-packed biryanis, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up 8 Best South Indian Restaurants in Dubai that’ll take your palate straight to Chennai, Kochi or Hyderabad minus the airfare.
Now grab that fork (or fingers, no judgment here) and let’s dig in.
8 Best South Indian Restaurants In Dubai
1. Nalan
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This place is basically South India’s greatest hits album. Classy interiors, squeaky clean service, and a menu that marries traditional South Indian dishes with Indo-Chinese and North Indian favourites. Think fluffy appams, crispy dosas, Gobi Manchurian, and the softest kesari bath. Great for vegetarians, and even better if you want to impress someone with “fancy filter coffee”.
Where: Ground Floor, Burjuman Centre, Mankhool
When: Daily, 8 am – 11 pm
Cost: AED 105 for two
2. Junior Kuppanna
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Carnivores, assemble. Junior Kuppanna brings the authentic flavours of Tamil Nadu to Dubai. It brings you the robust and unapologetically spicy dishes of Tamil Nadu with zero chill. Known for its flavourful biryanis and succulent mutton curries, this spot is a must-visit for anyone with a hearty appetite. Whether you go for the rich biryani or the aromatic curries, it’s impossible to go wrong here. Their slow-cooked meat dishes are seasoned to perfection, making this a carnivore’s dream.
Where: Wasl Amber 30, Street 21, Al Karama
When: Daily, 11 am – 11 pm
Cost: N/A
3. Pulusu Andhra Restaurant
You like it hot? Pulusu delivers. Specialising in both Hyderabadi and Andhra cuisines, Pulusu is where spice lovers thrive. Their biryanis are legendary, and they’ve earned a reputation for being a bit on the spicier side. Their signature Andhra-style curries and biryanis will set your taste buds ablaze, and if you’re up for a real challenge, their spice levels are something to write home about.
Where: Near Wasl Pearl, 28th Street, Al Karama
When: Sun & Sat: 7 am – 4 pm, 6:30 pm – 11 pm
Mon–Fri: 11:30 am – 11 pm
Cost: AED 50 for two
4. Udupi Vrindavan
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For the vegetarians out there, Udupi Vrindavan is a dream come true. Offering a pure vegetarian menu, this restaurant celebrates traditional South Indian food at its finest. The dosas are crispy, the idlis are pillow-soft, and the sambar is packed with all the right flavours. They also serve up a mean filter coffee that’s perfect for rounding off your meal. It’s a must-visit if you’re craving something light but full of flavour.
Where: Ground Floor, Wasl Opal, Street 26, Al Karama
When: Sun, Tue–Sat: 7 am – 10:30 pm Mon: Closed
Cost: AED 50 for two
5. Salkara Restaurant
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Kerala’s coastal cuisine hits hard here. Salkara is renowned for its seafood, especially its Malabar-style fish curry and appams, which are a must-try. The restaurant’s warm ambiance makes it perfect for a family meal or a cosy dinner with friends. Whether it’s the seafood delights or the traditional Kerala-style biryanis, Salkara brings the flavours of Kerala right to your plate.
Where: Ground Floor, Zee Tower, Dubai Media City
When: Daily, 7:30 am – 11 pm
Cost: AED 75 for two
6. TNagar Cafe
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If you love fusion food, TN agar Cafe is where the magic happens. It’s a combination of South Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine that caters to all kinds of cravings. The vibrant décor adds to the experience, making it a popular hangout spot for Dubai’s younger crowd. Their dosas are a crowd favourite, but the Indo-Chinese menu is where they really shine.
Where: Wasl Topaz, Behind Ramee Royal Hotel, Al Karama
When: Daily, 7 am – 11 pm
Cost: AED 80 for two
Also Read: 7 Best South Indian Restaurants In Abu Dhabi
7. Thamburu Restaurant & Bar
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For those late-night cravings, Thamburu has got your back. Serving a mix of South Indian and North Indian dishes, this spot is perfect if you’re after a late-night meal that hits all the right spots. The Kerala biryani, in particular, is a favourite, and you can also enjoy their wide selection of drinks at the bar while you’re at it. It’s an ideal place for anyone who wants food and fun in the same place.
Where: Ground Floor, Panorama Hotel, Mankhool
When: Daily, 12 pm – 3 am
Cost: AED 100 for two
8. Shri Krishna Express
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Quick, tasty, and straight to the point—that’s Shri Krishna Express in a nutshell. Located in the Burjuman Centre food court, this place serves up fresh dosas, thalis, and a range of South Indian delights perfect for those in need of a hearty meal on the go. It’s the ideal spot for a lunch break after a shopping spree.
Where: Food Court, Burjuman Centre, Mankhool
When: Daily, 9 am – 11 pm
Cost: AED 80 for two
Look, Dubai knows how to do food. But these 8 Best South Indian restaurants in Dubai? They don’t just serve meals—they serve memories. From grandma-style recipes to modern masala twists, they bring the soul of the south to this side of the desert.
So, if your soul’s hungry and your stomach’s growling, now you know where to go. Whether it’s a dosa date, a biryani binge, or a solo sambar sesh—Dubai’s got a table waiting.
Just one piece of advice? Go hungry.
Cover Image Courtesy: Kovalam – President Hotel, Mami’s Illam Pure Veg/Zomato
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE. First Published: April 09, 2025 8:57 PM