Shabestan ★ 4.3

Ariana's Persian Kitchen ★ 4.4

Ariana's Persian Kitchen at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai is chef Ariana Bundy's Persian dining room, built on family recipes passed down through generations.

OrderThe fesenjoon chicken stew with pomegranate and walnut.

Al Ustad Special Kabab ★ 4.5

Al Ustad Special Kabab has grilled Persian skewers in Bur Dubai, Dubai, since 1978, a family run kebab house a short walk from Al Fahidi metro station.

SignatureChicken boti, Shish tawook, Chicken saffron

TipLook down as well as up: glass topped tables hold foreign banknotes and the walls carry photos of famous patrons with the late founder.

Ravi Restaurant ★ 4.4

Ravi Restaurant has served Pakistani karahi and kebabs in Al Satwa, Dubai, since 1978, a plain, busy room open from 05:00 until the small hours.

SignatureSeekh kebab, Mutton karahi, Chicken biryani

TipExpect a queue at dinner. Communal seating and a fast turnover are part of the Ravi routine.

City Karachi Darbar ★ 3.9

Karachi Darbar in Al Karama, Dubai, serves affordable Pakistani, Indian and Chinese cooking from 05:00 until the small hours, a busy neighbourhood canteen.

SignatureMutton kabab kadai, Karachi tikka kadai, Kebab biryani

Karachi Grill ★ 4.0

Karachi Grill on Jumeirah Beach Road in Dubai plates Pakistani kebabs, karahi and biryani in a Jumeirah 2 villa, with a buffet of Pakistani dishes at lunch.

SignatureSeekh kebab, Chicken biryani, Mutton karahi

TipA lunch buffet of Pakistani dishes runs alongside the a la carte menu, the easy way to try several karahis at once.

Al Mallah ★ 4.1

Al Mallah has served shawarma and Lebanese street food from a corner of Al Dhiyafa Road, Al Satwa, Dubai, since 1979, and its counter now runs 24 hours.

SignatureShawarma, Manakish, Falafel

TipGrab a pavement table and order at the counter. It is a stand-and-eat street corner, not a sit-down room.