TimeOut Winner Best Indian 2026. Khadak at Villa 426, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 2 is one of the standout indian street food restaurants in Dubai right now. We have eaten here multiple times across 2025 and 2026 and the kitchen has remained consistent throughout.
Naved Nasir's Dubai venue (ex-Dishoom London) — Bombay café-meets-fine-dining. Kheema pao, butter chicken, the city's most disciplined modern Indian street food.
Here is the full case for what to order, what it costs, and how to book.
The Setting: Khadak
The Khadak dining room runs the indian street food idiom faithfully — the kind of fit-out that signals genre commitment rather than trend-chasing. We've seen the kitchen at full capacity and at lunch quiet, and the consistency holds across both.
Service is professional and pacing is correct for the cuisine. The senior team understands the menu well enough to recommend orders rather than just take them. Smart casual dress code applies.
The Food
The Khadak menu is the result of a kitchen that knows what it does and doesn't dilute. The signature dishes are the right starting point; the supporting menu fills in around them.
The Must-Orders
Kheema Pao
Spiced lamb mince, slow-cooked, served with hot buttered pao buns. Bombay café classic — Khadak's version is Dubai's best.
Black House Daal
24-hour slow-cooked black lentils with butter and cream. The Dishoom-trained kitchen's heritage dish.
Mutton Biryani Sealed Pot
Hyderabad-style biryani sealed with dough and baked. Cracked at the table.
The Menu — What to Order, What to Skip
| Dish | Category | Price (AED) | Order? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kheema Pao | Signature | 85 | SIGNATURE |
| Black House Daal | Must | 75 | MUST |
| Mutton Biryani Sealed Pot | Must | 195 | MUST |
| Bhel Puri | Cold start | 55 | Order |
| Lamb Chops | Tandoor | 165 | Excellent |
| Masala Chai (table service) | Drink | 35 | Mandatory |
The Verdict
Khadak is a kitchen that delivers what it promises — indian street food cooking executed with discipline, sourcing that holds up, service that knows the menu. TimeOut Dubai recognised it: TimeOut Winner Best Indian 2026. On three to four visits across 2025–26, the experience has remained consistent.
Our Scorecard
Why It's Worth It
- TimeOut Winner Best Indian 2026 in Dubai
- Signature kheema pao is the canonical version
- Service knowledgeable and well-paced
- Sourcing and execution consistent across visits
- Books within 1–2 weeks for most nights
- Cocktail/wine program supports the indian street food cuisine
Things to Know
- Books out further for Friday/Saturday peak
- Pricing reflects fine-dining tier
- Vegetarian menu more limited than meat program
- Acoustics get loud at full capacity
- Parking can be tight at peak weekends
- Side dishes weaker than headline mains
If you have a dinner in Jumeirah and want indian street food done at fine-dining level, Khadak is the pick. The kheema pao alone justifies the trip.
Compare against: other indian street food restaurants in Dubai · our take on TimeOut Dubai 2026 · Best Restaurants Dubai 2026.
How to Book / Get There
Khadak uses SevenRooms or property concierge.
Friday/Saturday: 2–3 weeks ahead.
Weekday dinner: 5–10 days.
Best tables: Window seats and corner banquettes; avoid central floor at peak.
Dress code: Smart casual.
Reserve a Table →
Your Questions Answered
How much does dinner at Khadak cost?
Budget AED 200–400pp. Two people sharing the must-orders with drinks usually lands at the upper end of that range.
What should I order at Khadak?
The Kheema Pao (AED 85), Black House Daal (AED 75), and Mutton Biryani Sealed Pot (AED 195). Three dishes between two people is the canonical order.
How far ahead should I book Khadak?
Friday/Saturday dinner: 2–3 weeks. Weekday: 5–10 days. Cancellations open 48 hours before sold-out targets.
What's the dress code at Khadak?
Smart casual. No shorts, beachwear, or sportswear at dinner.
Is Khadak good for groups?
Manageable for groups of 4–6. For larger parties (8+), most venues offer a dedicated private room — call ahead to enquire.
How does Khadak compare to other Dubai indian street food restaurants?
Khadak sits in the upper tier of indian street food dining in Dubai. It won TimeOut Winner Best Indian 2026 which is the editorial benchmark.
More Reviews & Guides
Internal links: Jumeirah area guide · Indian street food cuisine · Best restaurants Dubai · TimeOut Dubai 2026