Dubai loves its Kebabs and Meena Bazaar, the city’s buzzing area is home to one of the oldest hidden gems. Al Ustad Special Kebabs is one of UAE’s most iconic restaurants in Dubai- famous for its chicken and mutton kebabs. The success of Ustadi traces from 1978 to 2020. The restaurant was established by Mohammed Ali Ansari who had taken a loan of AED 1,00,000 before opening the restaurant. It was with this money that he had to take care of family expense, 7 children as well as run the restaurant. Ansari faced lots of difficulties in the start and the children are also witness to the family’s financial meltdown. However, years of hard work and dedication have finally reaped fruits, and today the restaurant has reached great heights.
Here’s what made Al Ustad a true gem in Dubai. Meanwhile, here are Indian Restaurants In Dubai That Serve The Best North Indian Cuisine.
Dubai’s Iconic & Oldest Al Ustad’s Success Story
Al Ustad Special was established in 1978 by Hajid Mohammed Ali Ansari. After years of hardships, the restaurant is now a favorite among several Bollywood celebrities, renowned personalities and of course Dubai-its. Abbas and his three brothers
run the show at Al Ustad Special Kebabs.
While the restaurant serves warm, sumptuous kebabs for the hungry, not many know of Abbas’ father Haji Mohammed Ali Ansari, the brain behind Al Ustad. Mr. Mohammad Al Ansari came to Dubai in 1941 and had his hands on different business like bakery, perfumes, and electronics. Sadly, nothing seemed to work. He then put his cooking skills into use and opened Ustadi in 1978 which was one of the first Irani Restaurants in Dubai. Also take a look at these Top 5 Chinese Restaurants In Dubai For 2020.
For the first 8-10 years he faced a lot of challenges, since he had taken a loan of AED 1,00,00. Besides, he also had to feed a family of 7 children. In addition, Ansari had to handle family expenses, business expenses, as well as pay salaries to his employees. “We did face a lot of challenges, I mean family of 7 children, 4 girls and 3 boys which my father had to
take care off, It was a big struggle for my late father”, said Abbas. On days when the food sale was not much, Ansari would fill up his truck with all the food and feed it to the needy.
However, time, hardwork and luck favored him and today, the restaurant has carved a niche for itself in Dubai’s cuisine industry. Al Ustad soon touched the hearts of millions of people with it’s quality of food, the homely feeling, and the warm service. The place is also flocked by popular Bollywood actors like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor,
John Abrahim, Arjun Rampal, Ahmed Hussain and other known personalities. In fact, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince Of Dubai also visited the restaurant.
The Restaurant Served 400- 600 Customers A Day
Al Ustad served over 400-600 customers before the pandemic broke out. However, with the pandemic in place the restaurant faced a lot of financial set backs. But, it is recovering with time. “It is a very good decision
to be an employer, but it takes a lot of hard work, specially a business that needs you to be physically present
My personal advice for those people who want to start a business- never invest 100% of your saving. This is personally what my father taught me. Start with 50% of your saving so you have a 50% back up for a year or two because things don’t work out so quickly. It needs time, effort, patience and gods blessing”, signs off Abbas.