When it comes to Indian restaurants in Dubai, you can find all kinds of setups, from chain restaurants to Michelin-star Indian restaurants. There are so many options that it will leave you spoilt for choices. We have made a list of the best Indian restaurants in Dubai that are a must-try; check out how many have you tried! And if not, consider these for your next Indian food cravings.

1. Antique Bazaar

This restaurant will have you travel to the times when Kings ruled India! The whole décor of this place will make you feel that you have entered a Mahal (an Indian Palace). The place has a rustic vibe, plus the menu of this place is inspired by the “Shahi Kitchen” that operated during the king’s era in India. Every dish will have an explosion of flavors in your mouth! By far, Antique Bazar is one of the classiest dine-out options in Bur Dubai.

Some of the dishes that you must not miss at Antique Bazaar are:

• Gosht Angar
• Kabuli Chaat
• Machli Amritsari
• Sheekh Subz Bahar

2. Indego by Vineet

Vineet Bhatia is a Michelin-starred Indian celebrity chef who has created an Indian restaurant named Indego in Dubai. Vineet is known for his fusion dishes that have a hint of traditional taste along with a modern presentation, and you can expect the same thing in the menu of Indego. The USP of this restaurant is that it uses only authentic Indian spices along with fresh ingredients. The Dishes that are served at Indego restaurant look exquisite and Instagram- post-worthy. You can spot this Michelin-recommended restaurant in Dubai Marina

some dishes that are a must-try here are:

• Kabab Platter
• Rogan Josh
• Butter Chicken
• Biryani

3. Rang Mahal

The name of the restaurant itself sounds so Indian & so opulent that you would want to visit this restaurant for the mere experience of grandeur. Rang Mahal is a perfect combination of colorful ambiance set up in a classy way. An International Michelin-starred celebrity chef owns this restaurant, and he has put in all his culinary experience to make this restaurant a fantastic spot to have Indian food. You will find deliciously made food from different corners of India at Rang Mahal, and each of the dishes will have your mouth explode with delicious flavors. You can count on Rang Mahal even for Iftar dinner in Dubai.

Some dishes that are not to be missed here are:

• Soft Shell Crab
• Fish Fry
• Kori Kempu
• Keema Toast

5. Gharana

The word “Gharana” literally translates to family, and that is what this place will make you feel like (a restaurant that has a homely feel to it!). If you want to experience not only authentic Indian food but also Indian culture, Indian (Bollywood) music, and Indian hospitality, then you should pay a visit to Gharana. As soon as you step inside this restaurant, you will feel you have entered the heart of India. This restaurant starts only for early dinner, dinner, and late-night dinner (you will find many other late-night restaurants in Dubai, for your late-night cravings!).

A ProTtip: Do not miss out on the delicious Litchi Rabri (a sweet dish) of this place; some other dishes that you must try at Gharana are:

• Chicken Biryani
• Nihari Al Subha
• Murgh Ghazala

6. Armani Amal

This is an Armani-owned restaurant where Armani himself does the restaurant’s interiors. Armani Amal is all glass-walled, which lets you see the stunning skyline of Dubai while you have your dinner (the place looks exquisite, especially at night!). Apart from having authentic Indian food, it will also be an experience of a lifetime for you. As soon as you step inside the restaurant, you will hear soothing Indian music; also, the service at this restaurant is quick, making your whole experience flawless!

Following are some dishes that you must not miss:

• Goan Fish Curry
• Basil Naan Bread
• Biryani

7. Bombay Chawpatty

Bombay Chawpatty is a chain restaurant that operates in Dubai and feels omnipresent in the whole of Dubai! (There are more than 18 outlets of Bombay Chawpatty in Dubai, and the number is increasing yearly). If you are looking for your comfort Indian food, you can head to the outlet of Bombay Chawpatty; they serve good Indian food, and the spread is quite huge. Right from starters to desserts, you will find everything on their menu and you can also have food delivered to your doorsteps from Bombay Chawpatty. Use the noon food app, where you get discount on online food delivery if you have legit coupons. You can also check out their Buffet menu.

Some dishes that are a must-try here are:

• Chicken Curry
• Bhel Puri
• Masala Chai
• Dosa

8. Rangoli Restaurant

Till now in the article, we have seen opulent hotels with premium price points; however, you need not pay exorbitantly to have delicious Indian food in Dubai. There are restaurants like Rangoli that are known for their food and will not leave a hole in your pocket! If you are away from home for long and crave some home-cooked Indian dishes, Rangoli restaurant will come to your rescue. This place is specifically known for its authentic Gujarati food, but you can order other Indian dishes as well. It has a simple décor but extremely friendly staff. For regular Gujarati dinners, this can be your go-to Indian restaurant in Dubai (for other cuisine like Kerala food in Dubai, you can check out Tamarind Terrace).

The place is known for food options like:

• Gujarati Thali
• Chaat

9. Amritsr Restaurant

Whether you are a desperate foodie or looking for some authentic Indian dishes, Amritsr Restaurant has planned its extensive menu to satisfy your cravings. As the name itself truly depicts the Indian cultural vibes, you can expect rich Indian food in the deserted land of Dubai. The place offers a symphony of fine dining that showcases how beautifully Indian cuisine is presented in Indian style. The restaurant gives you the opportunity to relish the Indian taste away from home.

The specialties to try at Amritsr Restaurant are:

• Pav Bhaji
• Mango Kulfi
• Different types of Indian flatbread
• Chicken Banjara
• Rajma Masala

10. Purani Dilli

How mesmerizing and nostalgic the restaurant’s name sounds! It brings back the good old memories one can resonate with old Delhi, and with the traditional flavors being served on the plates, anyone can enjoy the deliciousness and aroma that revives the old traditional vibes. The restaurant aims to introduce the most revered recipes of Delhi in Dubai and serve them in royal etiquettes, which make it an authentic Indian restaurant that truly depicts the royalty of Old Delhi.

Some of the must-haves at Purani Dilli Restaurant are:

• Chicken Biryani
• Nihari
• Beetroot Halwa
• Paneer Tikka Masala

11. Bombay Brasserie

Get ready to experience the diverse gastronomy and rich culinary journey through Indian cuisine at Bombay Brasserie, where you can enjoy the pleasant aroma of vibrant and flavorful dishes. It’s a signature restaurant at Taj Dubai and truly depicts a seamless blend of contemporary and traditional art through its interior. The mural art, botanical bar, and live kitchen are some of the highlights that make dining at Bombay Brasserie an unforgettable experience.

Some dishes to try at Bombay Brasserie include:

• Seafood Ramen
• Murg Malai
• Lasooni Palak Paneer
• Khajoor Anjeer Halwa

12. The Crossing

The Crossing is a refined blend of modern Indian aesthetics and traditional flavors where you find well-curated recipes to make you nostalgic about the supreme heritage of the sub-continent. The restaurant celebrates the Indian influence over Dubai and how the residents of the golden land enjoy its flavors. The minimal décor is yet another eye-catching element of The Crossing, and when the traditional, aromatic food is served on the table, you will memorize nothing but just the flavors oozing out of the dishes.

When at The Crossing, don’t forget to try:

• Rogan Josh
• Tandoori Salmon
• Parsi Pulao
• Gulab Jamun Brulee

13. Sthan

Sthan means ‘place’; just like the name, the restaurant presents the evolution of rich Asian food that is an amalgam of high-quality, traditional cuisine and contemporary fine dining. The restaurant is a culinary masterpiece where you will explore rich Asian cuisines, especially from Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, in a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy homemade food away from home. Sthan is also among those few restaurants where you will find a rich blend of North-west Asian food with a modern touch of West.

Some of the popular dishes at Sthan are:

• Grilled and tandoori BBQ
• Raan Irani
• Murg Kali Mirch
• Dahi ke Kebab
• Mango Lassi

Bottom Line

The diverse traditional and cultural cuisines that are indigenous to the subcontinent are truly reflected in Indian cuisine. Every Indian city has a unique delicacy to offer due to the diversity of its ethnic, cultural, and social groupings. Living in Dubai brings opportunities to explore various cultures and cuisines, and if you want to delve into the richness of Asian cuisine, the above-mentioned restaurants are worth a try. Whether you are a tourist or living in Dubai, enjoying these scrumptious dishes from Indian cuisine will take you on a rollercoaster ride of memories and flavors that stay with you forever.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Name some of the popular street foods of India.

Aalo chana chaat, bhel puri, jhalmuri, poha, dahi vada, kanji vada, kachori, dosa, and pav bhaji are some of the popular street food items of India.

Is Indian cuisine spicy?

There are several Indian dishes which are popular for their spicy flavors but not all Indian dishes are too spicy. There are various Indian dishes which are mild and are still tasted flavorful. In these dishes, the spices are kept minimal and do not produce burning hot sensation to the taste buds.

Name the popular Indian desserts.

Gajar ka Halwa, Gulab Jamun, Kaju Katli, Rasgulla, Mishti Doi, Besan Laddu, and Kheer are some of the popular traditional Indian desserts.

Traditions, culture, norms, and lifestyle vary from region to region across our globe. An act considered as a norm in one nation may make you eligible for a year in jail in another. For people who take pleasure in traveling, knowing the basic norms of a state is essential to ensure a safe visit where neither you are affected nor the nationals around you. 

Aligning Norms: Tourists Blending in With Locals 

If you are amongst those willing to take a tour of the UAE, it is advisable to know their norms and culture as they are based on their ancestral history of Arabian, Islamic, Persian, East African, and Indian cultures. Here’s a list of cultural basics tourists should be aware of. 

Welcoming and Greeting the Locals in UAE

Since, the UAE is typically a Muslim majority country, the greeting they have is “Assalamu Alaikum” or in simple language, “May peace be upon you”. The Muslims typically respond with “Wa alaikum Assalam” but say “Wa alaikum” only if you belong to another religion. One should be familiar with this. They are advised to give a better response, a better greeting than the one given to them. (For fellow Muslims). Emiratis also like greeting their visitors warmly. This may involve hugs and handshakes. However, it is against Muslim tradition and culture for men to greet women in this manner.  Women remain reserved as per tradition and religion. In Ramadan especially where such an act breaks the fast. So, if you are here for a visit, do not greet women in this manner. When people enter the religious centers, i.e. the mosques they are expected to shake hands, using both hands is a religious practice. On special occasions such as Eid, Emiratis hug while turning their head against the shoulder of the person they greet three times. 

Communication Basics

As a tourist or a visitor, you must know that the national language of UAE is Arabic although English is also widely spoken across the country. Other than Arabic and English common languages include Persian, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, and Chinese. Hence, make sure you know at least Arabic or English to avoid difficulty in communication. 

Muslim Culture and Norms: Maintaining Boundaries

The dominant religion in UAE is Islam, particularly of Sunni Muslims. People from other religions also reside in safety here as Islam forbids evil treatment of those belonging to other religions. However, what must be kept in mind, is that UAE does not permit the propagation and spread of other religions other than Islam. Hence, sharing pamphlets or distributing the bible and other religious books cause get you deported out of the UAE. 

In Ramadan, people here, fast from slightly before dawn to dusk. This custom involves refraining from eating and drinking (water and any other liquids) between this time frame. It also includes avoiding any evil deeds such as lying, back-biting or stealing. Eating in malls and public places, in front of fasting Muslims, is unethical and illegal. Malls such as Dubai Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall prohibit such an act. 

If you happen to visit the UAE during this month, it is advisable and ethical to avoid eating or drinking in public. 

Public Holidays

Major yearly celebrations that locals have are commemoration day 30th November, National Day 2nd of December, Isra wal Miraj, 27th Rajab, Eid-Ul-Fitar 1st Shawal, Arafah Day, Eid-ul- Azha, Eid Milad-un-Nabi, and other basic Islamic annual days. 

The people here respect and adhere to the teachings of the final messenger of God may peace and blessings be upon him. Hence one should be careful while speaking about him ﷺ.

How to Dress Ethically

Men and women in Dubai are not permitted to wear clothing that doesn’t cover their shoulders or knees. Their basic core ethic is “modesty.”

If you are a visitor to the UAE, know that the nationals find it rude if Western males wear the national Emirati dress unless they are willing to visit a desert safari or another such area. Women should dress modestly and avoid and indecency within their dress code.  

 Although, there aren’t any restrictions on visitors, for the kind of dress they are expected to abide to, they should still avoid dressing that might distress the locals. Dresses that are too revealing or very short may become a cause of this distress. 

UAE Residents Eating Preferences

People in the Emirates don’t drink or eat pork, since their religion prohibits it to them. They eat “halal” food. Food that hasn’t been prohibited by their religion. So, while eating with a fellow Emirati remember not to offer them a drink or pork. It is also better to search the halal food list to get a better idea of what not to eat in public. Other than this, Emiratis prefer camel milk and dates over other food. 

Interacting with Women

Women and men are given their due rights in UAE. Women are given the right to education, to practice their chosen profession and the right to inherit property. They are provided with equal facilities as men. However, despite this, women in the Emirates do not like their photographs being taken. They also refrain from talking to men and are generally avoiding any form of physical contact. 

So, while traveling to the Emirates, remember to refrain from these acts.

Interest in Luxurious Lifestyle

UAE residents dwell in luxury due to the massive amounts of petroleum and natural gas reserves, which they use for obtaining a GDP of US$498 billion (AED 1.83 trillion) as of 2023. They often take luxury items for granted as they have made extravagance a part of their lives. From interior designing, including Wood flooring and well-furnished houses to popular cars and latest technology. Dubai has it all.  

As a tourist you must know, due to this combination of wealth, religion, and diversity of cultures you are bound to find all sorts of people, from women in jilbabs to those barely wearing any clothes at all. 

The Crux

Residents of the UAE are mostly Muslims. Hence, they follow most typical Muslim traditions. Their way of greeting, their ethics of socialization, traditions, norms, and lifestyle, resemble those of Muslims across the globe. 

If you are one, you won’t have most of the complications that other visitors might have while visiting the UAE. Even if you are not, know that the locals here are ever-welcoming and warmly loving people. Their gestures depict love and affection. However, you must remember to make sure you know either basic English or Arabic language, remain formal with women, dress ethically, eat halal when with fellow residents and enjoy your tour.

Dubai, a city jam packed with people, is a city famous for its hustle and bustle and its tourist resorts. This means the authorities need to impose certain rules to keep the public within their limits and to ensure a steady flow of traffic. These Dubai traffic rules include four passengers allowed in a car in Dubai. These rules revolve around some basic principles. They focus on using seat belts, keeping the right number of passengers within a private car, being aware of speed limits and avoiding carpooling with strangers. These rules turned from lenient to strict within no time with the onset of the Global Pandemic. Dubai authorities made alterations and the new set of rules during this period were introduced.

Dubai Traffic Rules: Covid 19’ pandemic

Many Dubai residents and tourists have questioned the number of people a vehicle can carry within Dubai streets. This depends on the internal space, the number of seats and sometimes even the number of seat belts within the vehicle.

To prevent the spread of the disease, UAE authorities tightened their rules. All transport services were also subject to this law, whether they be Uber, Careem, or private drivers.

Private Vehicles

Private vehicles are owned by the people and used for everyday household and business purposes. Families owning these are expected to follow certain rulings which the government has imposed to tackle the ongoing Global Pandemic. The rules for private transport are more relaxed than those for public vehicles, but they must be followed.

• According to the “Dubai Traffic Regulations,” the number of passengers per private car is 4. However, this can be raised to 7 after the implementation of new dubai traffic rules.
• For people of the same family the maximum number of adults that can travel in a car together is 3. Children under the age of 18 are not included.
• Masks must be worn within the vehicle if there is more than one person within the vehicle. However, for public transport, it is a compulsion to wear it.
• If you are travelling for business purposes in Dubai, the driving rules dubai require you to present your company ID, after which a UAE national escorts you to your destination. On the other hand, private passengers must always keep their passports or entry visas with them.
• Private passengers are required to maintain a healthy distance of 2 meters from the person next to them and from the public vehicles being driven beside them.
• Children under the age of 12 must be secured with a seat belt to ensure safety.

Public Transport

driving rules dubai for public transport vary as compared to private transport as there are more chances of social interaction which may ultimately be unhealthy for passengers and expose them to the dangers of contacting Covid ‘19. Hence the rules for public transport are stricter. People often ask about the passengers allowed in car dubai. We have mentioned here the guidelines for the quantity of passengers per public transport.

• For taxis and buses, three people, including the driver can be seated in one car. Since they do not belong to the same family, a Dubai Taxi van is allowed to carry up to 4 passengers rather than 3. 
• For public transport, masks should be worn at all times. Also, a few seats will be blocked inside the vehicle to keep a suitable distance between the passengers. 
• Public transportation is allowed to run at 75% capacity. 
• Dubai residents are permitted to use a maximum of 4 taxis per trip while the minimum remains 2. 
• If a person sitting within the vehicle sneezes or coughs, he must remain seated until the driver tells him to exit the vehicle.

General Rules for Traveling

Following the driving rules, Dubai passengers are required to wear their masks and keep their hand sanitizers with them during their travels. Whether on the road or by air. Their face coverings should be clean and disposable. There should be no physical contact between passengers. A safe distance should be established. Children under the age of 12 should have seat belts on. Drivers should maintain the stated speed limits should not exceed them.

Consequences of Disobeying the Law

Disobeying the given vehicle and transport guidelines can result in penalties and fines. The vehicle drivers and passengers must make sure that they abide by these laws. Especially the drivers. If they are found carrying more than the permitted number of passengers, they will be issued a fine accompanied by a stern warning. If the driver continues to go against the law despite the warning, his driver’s license will be confiscated.

The New Normal

Life under the impact of Covid ‘19 had forced people to accept the “new normal”. New rules, maintaining boundaries, distances, wearing masks and using sanitizers, coping with losses. All this had become an everyday thing. As months passed, the situation got better day by day, forcing the authorities to bring back leniency within the traffic laws. This now raises the question, “how many passengers allowed in private car in dubai 2023”. Let’s look into hows life returns to normal after the global pandemic.

Things Return Back to Normal: Post Covid Driving Rules.

Things return to normal as the Global pandemic loses its grip on the world. UAE government adds slight leniency back to driving rules Dubai. However, although things get better, rules remain rules.

As per Rulings of 2023

How many passengers are allowed in private car in Dubai in 2023?

• The number of passengers allowed in a car in Dubai depends on the number of seat belts available within the vehicle. The UAE traffic law states that a seat belt should be available for every passenger within the vehicle. Hence, the number can be determined by noting the number of available seat belts.
• This law does not apply to public vehicles such as buses and vans. Therefore, it is advantageous for such vehicle owners to carry a greater number of passengers than otherwise permitted.

Penalty for Breaking Laws: The Black Point System

The black point system ensures that drivers follow and abide by the traffic rules. There are a total of 24 points given to every driver. A certain number of these points are given to the driver upon every law break.

Penalty for Carrying more Passengers than Permitted:

As for breaking the law of the number of passengers per vehicle, 6 black points are given to the driver alongside a fine of AED 3000. The passengers receive a fine of AED 400 each. This Black point system gives penalties to drivers for breaking the law. Once a driver receives complete 24 points his driving license is suspended.

The Solution

Since in private cars, not more than four passengers are allowed in car dubai you’ll need a solution if you want a greater number of people to be seated. If you want a greater number of people to be seated within the vehicle and wish to go on a tour or something similar, try booking a van or a bus. These vehicles are legally permitted to accommodate a greater number of people than the seat belts available within the vehicle. However, these automobiles also need to be registered and licensed and abide by certain rules and regulations for a healthier and safer traffic flow.

There is also another way you can carry more passengers in a private car than the available seat belts. This can be done by using an “Unrestricted Driver’s License.” This permit requires you to have an extra endorsement on your car’s license which can be obtained by giving an additional fee. For it you must provide the driver’s license for all members within the vehicle.

Diving License

It is essential for residents to have a driving license that you can obtain after passing a driving test. Visitors from outside UAE can drive with an international license for only a period of 6 months.

Child Seat for Children Under 4

Within a vehicle, a child seat is necessary for children under the age of 4.

General Speed Limit

The general speed limit in residential areas is 60-80 km/h, whereas drivers can exceed it for highways to 100-120 km/h. The car can be taken up to 140 km/h on major highways. You can get a license if you want to drive above 140km/h. This isn’t available to everyone. You can drive beyond 140 km/h if you have an “unrestricted driver’s license”. A permit to drive beyond permitted speed limits.

Legal Blood Alcohol Limit:

The dubai traffic rules state that for drivers, alcohol consumption should be 0. The blood content should not hold any traces of alcohol at all. This kind of practice is strictly prohibited in the UAE. As driving with alcohol consumption can cause accidents and loss of precious lives. So, to avoid any such circumstances alcohol consumption is prohibited.

Mobile Phone Usage:

Mobile Phones usage while driving is illegal and fine is imposed on the driver if caught using mobile while driving.

Original Documents:

The driver must always have his original documents available with him. This includes his registration card, driving license, and insurance documents. This is done to ensure no illegal drivers are on the streets.

Ambulances and Other Emergency Vehicles:

In case an emergency vehicle passes by the driver, the driver must pull over and give way to the vehicle to avoid any loss of precious lives.

Traffic Signals:

Signals must be followed properly, and a fine will be given in case of disobeying the law.

Overtaking from Height:

Overtaking from the right-hand side is prohibited in UAE. The use of indicators is compulsory when shifting between lanes. A fine is imposed on those breaking the law.

Conclusion

The dubai driving rules had changed upon the onset of Covid ‘19, making them stricter and more complex. The number of passengers per vehicle had decreased to 3 in private cars, while in public transport, every next seat to left empty to ensure social distancing. Masks had become a norm and sanitizers a necessary. However, as things came back to normal, vehicles could now carry more passengers depending on the number of available seat belts within the vehicle. As for public transport, a greater number of passengers are permitted to be seated.

If deemed necessary, a driver may apply for or get an unrestricted driver’s license, which will permit him to drive at greater speed limits and allow him to seat more passengers than usually allowed within the vehicle. People breaking the Dubai driving rules will be given black points and fine. Upon reaching 24 black points, the driver’s license will be suspended.

Hence, driving is a serious activity, and the authorities ensure it is not taken as fun and play. Therefore, UAE government ensures that things are kept in order and a strong watch is kept on drivers and the public to make the traffic flow healthy and to avoid any chances of accidents or further loss of lives.

FAQ’S

How many passengers are allowed to sit in a private car in Dubai?

During covid ‘19 pandemic, not more than 3 adults were permitted to sit within a car at a time, however now the number of passengers allowed to sit in a private car is dependent on the number of available seat belts within the vehicle. Children under the age of 18 are not considered as adults. If you want a greater number of people to be seated, go for public vehicles such as vans or buses.

What is the fine for violating the passenger limit in a vehicle?

For the driver, the fine is 3000 AED, as for passengers seated within the vehicle the fine is 300 AED. The driver will additionally be given six black points. Upon reaching 24, his driver’s license will be suspended.

Which vehicles allow an excellent permitted passenger limit in Dubai?

Vehicles used for public transport and not privately used usually give a better-permitted passenger limit. They too, however, are subject to certain dubai traffic rules. These vehicles need to be licensed and are also expected to follow the travel rulings given by the authorities. Such vehicles include buses and vans.

Is racing banned in UAE?

Car racing isn’t banned in the UAE. Rather, it isn’t permitted to be done on public roads and crowded areas. If people are found racing in such areas, they can be caught by the traffic police and be fined for such acts. Racing should only be limited to open spaces or racetracks.

How much do Dubai police fines for breaking the traffic laws?

Passengers will be fined 400 AED for allowing children below ten years of age to sit in the front passenger seat, 500 AED for not pulling over for an emergency vehicle, 500 AED for failing to follow traffic signals, and the same amount for blocking the pedestrians from crossing when they should.

What is the legal age for applying for a driver’s license in Dubai?

The minimum age for applying for a driver’s license is 17 for motorcyclists and for people with special needs. 18 years for everyday use of light vehicles and 20 years for heavy vehicles such as tractors.

What is the legal speed limit for driving in the city?

Within the city limits, in residential areas, the average speed limit should not exceed 80 km/h. On highways, however this can go up to 120 km/h. Driving above 140 km/h is strictly prohibited unless you have an unrestricted driver’s license.

What is the fine for overspeeding?

UAE Dubai driving rules not only fines drivers for speeding but also for “under speeding.” If your car’s speed is slower than required, that may also make you eligible for a fine.

The amount of fine you receive depends on the vehicle you are in. If you’re driving a car exceeding 70 km/h, you will be fined $860 or Dh 2000. In the same condition, you’ll also be fined 3 demerit points in a taxi.