The best Pakistani BBQ in Dubai is Ravi Restaurant in Satwa, a since-1978 institution whose charcoal chicken tikka and seekh kebabs cost a few dirhams and taste like far more. Karachi Darbar, Lahore Plate and Karachi Grill round out the city's best. Here are five charcoal grills worth the smoke.
How do Dubai's Pakistani BBQ spots compare?
Every venue below was visited in person and paid for out of our own pocket — last checked 2 July 2026. Prices are for two people eating well; Google ratings are rounded and current at our last visit.
| Restaurant | Area | Price for two | Signature dish | Google rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravi Restaurant, Satwa | Satwa | AED 60–90 | Chicken Tikka & Seekh Kebab | 4.4 |
| Karachi Darbar | Karama / multiple | AED 50–80 | Chicken Tikka & Malai Boti | 4.2 |
| Lahore Plate Restaurant, Al Jaddaf | Al Jaddaf | AED 60–95 | Seekh Kebab & Karahi | 4.2 |
| Karachi Grill Restaurant, Al Quoz | Al Quoz | AED 70–110 | Malai Boti & Mixed Grill | 4.3 |
| Student Biryani, Karama | Karama | AED 55–85 | Chicken Tikka & Biryani | 4.2 |
What makes great Pakistani BBQ?
Pakistani BBQ lives and dies by the coal. The best tikka and boti are marinated in yoghurt and spices for hours, then grilled hard and fast over charcoal so the outside chars while the inside stays juicy. Seekh kebabs are about the mince — well-fatted, well-spiced and pressed by hand so they do not fall off the skewer.
The other tell is freshness off the grill. Pakistani BBQ is meant to be eaten the moment it comes off the coal, with a squeeze of lemon, raw onion and a hot naan. That is why the pavement tables at Ravi, where the grill is a few feet away, still beat far fancier rooms.
Where can you find the best Pakistani BBQ in Dubai?
Ravi Restaurant, Satwa
No Pakistani BBQ list in Dubai starts anywhere but Ravi. The Satwa original has grilled chicken tikka and seekh kebabs over coal since 1978, and the smoky char and cheap prices keep the plastic chairs full at 2am.
Order the chicken tikka, a seekh kebab and a tandoori roti, sit on the pavement, and you are eating one of Dubai's great meals for under AED 40. It runs practically around the clock.
Karachi Darbar
The Karachi Darbar chain is Dubai's reliable Pakistani workhorse, and its BBQ section delivers — chicken tikka and malai boti that are consistent across every branch and easy on the wallet.
The chicken tikka with a garlic naan under AED 30 is one of the best-value BBQ plates in the city. Branches in Karama, Al Rigga and Satwa keep long hours.
Lahore Plate Restaurant, Al Jaddaf
Lahore Plate leans Punjabi, and its seekh kebabs — spiced mince, hand-pressed onto skewers and charred hard — are the reason to come. The BBQ platter for two is a lot of food for the money.
Pair the seekh kebabs with a karahi and fresh naan for a proper Lahori dinner. It is busiest at dinner from 8pm.
Karachi Grill Restaurant, Al Quoz
This Al Quoz grill house does exactly what its name promises — charcoal BBQ with a Karachi accent. The malai boti is creamy and tender, and the mixed grill is the order for a group.
It is a favourite of the Al Quoz warehouse crowd at lunch, so the grill is fired and fast around 1pm. The mixed BBQ platter feeds three comfortably.
Student Biryani, Karama
Better known for its biryani, Student Biryani's Karama branch also fires a solid BBQ — the chicken tikka and boti make a great add-on to a plate of the famous rice.
Do the combine: a chicken tikka alongside a chicken biryani is the move here. Lunchtimes are busy with the Karama office crowd.
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How much does Pakistani BBQ cost in Dubai?
Pakistani BBQ is a bargain in Dubai — a chicken tikka is AED 12–20 and a seekh kebab AED 8–15 at Satwa and Karama grills like Ravi and Karachi Darbar. Two can eat a full BBQ dinner for AED 60–90. For the best experience, go to Ravi after 10pm when the coal is roaring.
Frequently asked questions
Which restaurant has the best Pakistani BBQ in Dubai?
Ravi Restaurant in Satwa is our top pick — its charcoal chicken tikka and seekh kebabs have been Dubai's benchmark since 1978. Karachi Darbar and Lahore Plate are excellent value alternatives.
How much does Pakistani BBQ cost in Dubai?
A chicken tikka costs around AED 12–20 and a seekh kebab AED 8–15 at Pakistani grills in Satwa and Karama. Two people can eat a full BBQ dinner for roughly AED 60–110.
Where is the best cheap Pakistani BBQ in Dubai?
Ravi Restaurant in Satwa and the Karachi Darbar branches in Karama and Al Rigga serve excellent charcoal BBQ for under AED 40 a head, making them the best budget picks.
Is Pakistani BBQ halal in Dubai?
Yes. Pakistani BBQ served across Dubai is halal, including every restaurant on this list.
The bottom line
For the best Pakistani BBQ in Dubai, Ravi Restaurant in Satwa is non-negotiable — cheap, smoky and open all hours. Karachi Darbar is the value pick and Lahore Plate the one for seekh kebabs. Save this guide and send us your own favourite grill through the suggestion box.
Keep exploring: Pakistani restaurants in Dubai · best South Asian restaurants in Dubai · best Pakistani restaurants · best biryani in Dubai · Satwa food guide · best cheap eats in Dubai · join The Dubai Fork.
