Karachi Darbar is a popular restaurant chain in the UAE, known for serving flavorful and authentic Pakistani and Indian food at pocket-friendly prices. It’s a favorite spot for people craving classic dishes like biryani, chicken karahi, daal, and freshly baked naan. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, Karachi Darbar offers generous portions that won’t stretch your budget.
With many branches across the UAE, including Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, it’s easy to find a Karachi Darbar near you. The restaurants are usually busy and full of energy, reflecting their strong fan base among both locals and expats.
In this guide, we’ll give you a complete overview of Karachi Darbar. You’ll learn about their wide menu, affordable price range, vibrant dining atmosphere, and what to expect when you visit. We’ll also share a personal experience to show why this place remains a top choice for casual and flavorful dining in the UAE.
A Short History of Karachi Darbar
Karachi Darbar began its journey with the goal of bringing the authentic taste of Karachi street food and traditional home cooking to the UAE. It started as a single eatery and quickly gained fame for its flavorful dishes and generous portions. Over the years, it grew into a large and successful chain, opening numerous branches across different Emirates to serve its growing customer base. The focus always remained on providing delicious, quality food that everyone could afford.
Ambiance and Dining Experience at Karachi Darbar
Karachi Darbar offers a relaxed, no-frills dining experience. The interior at most branches is simple and practical, designed for comfort and efficiency rather than luxury. You’ll find clean seating, straightforward decor, and a busy atmosphere, especially during lunch and dinner hours. The buzz of conversations, the sound of plates, and the steady flow of customers give the space an energetic and down-to-earth vibe.
The service is fast and direct. Staff are quick to take orders and serve food, which suits the fast-paced nature of the restaurant. They’re used to handling many guests, especially during peak times, and aim to deliver your food promptly without unnecessary delays.
Overall, dining at Karachi Darbar is casual and convenient. It’s a popular choice for families, workers, and solo diners who want authentic Pakistani and Indian food at affordable prices. The focus is on tasty meals, quick service, and good value—making it feel like your go-to neighborhood restaurant.
Karachi Darbar UAE Menu
Karachi Darbar’s menu focuses on traditional Pakistani and Indian food made with time-tested recipes. You’ll find a wide variety of dishes like spicy curries, flavorful grilled meats, biryani, and fresh naan straight from the tandoor. The food is rich in taste and made using classic cooking methods that bring out the real flavor of South Asian cuisine.
The restaurant aims to serve authentic, satisfying meals in generous portions—making it a great choice for both everyday dining and casual gatherings.
BBQ & Grilled Dishes
| Dish | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| Chicken Tikka | 16 |
| Mumtaz Chicken Kebab | 21 |
| Mutton Seekh Kebab | 24 |
| Chicken Tikka (Boneless) | 20 |
| Beef Tikka | 16 |
| Bihari Boti | 19 |
| KDR Special Mix Grill (2 pax) | 52 |
| Royal Mix Grill (4 pax) | 102 |
| Full Chicken (2 leg + 2 chest) | 52 |
| Fish Tikka Grill | 39 |
| Lollypop Grill | 31 |
| Wings Grill | 26 |
| Green Tikka | 31 |
| Malai Tikka | 34 |
| Champ Tikka Biryani (2 pcs) | 39 |
| Teen Talwaar Grill | 46 |
| Mutton Chops (Half) | 52 |
| Mutton Chops (Full) | 71 |
Biryani & Rice
| Dish | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| Chicken Tikka Biryani | 24 |
| Chicken Tikka Biryani (Boneless) | 26 |
| Mutton Biryani | 22 |
| Mutton Biryani Kabab | 29 |
| Chicken Biryani Kabab | 25 |
| Fried Chicken Biryani | 24 |
| Prawn Biryani | 40 |
| Fish Biryani | 27 |
| Egg Biryani | 15 |
| Vegetable Biryani | 15 |
| Kashmiri Pulao | 15 |
| Plain Rice | 8 |
| Biryani Rice | 11 |
Curries & Karahi
| Dish | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| Chicken Karahi | 17 |
| Chicken Karahi with Egg | 19 |
| Mutton Karahi | 21 |
| Mutton Karahi with Egg | 22 |
| Mutton Kabab Karahi | 30 |
| Boneless Karachi Tikka Karahi | 30 |
| Chicken Kebab Karahi | 26 |
| Peshawari Chicken Karahi | 30 |
| Peshawari Mutton Karahi | 34 |
| Peshawari Mutton Karahi (1/2 kg) | 63 |
| Peshawari Mutton Karahi (1 kg) | 123 |
| Peshawari Chicken Karahi (1/2 kg) | 55 |
| Peshawari Chicken Karahi (1 kg) | 110 |
| Karachi Tikka Handi | 36 |
| Karachi Green Handi | 39 |
| Karachi Malai Handi | 43 |
| Fish Tikka Karahi | 34 |
| Shahi Haleem | 19 |
| Nihari | 21 |
| Mutton Paya | 17 |
| Namkeen Roast | 26 |
| Bhindi Keema | 17 |
| Daal Gosht | 21 |
| Aaloo Gobi | 12 |
| Chana Keema | 17 |
| Palak Keema | 17 |
| Mutter Keema | 17 |
| Daal Keema | 17 |
| Aaloo Matter Keema | 17 |
| Bhindi Gosht | 21 |
| Palak Gosht | 21 |
| Karela Keema | 17 |
| Karela Gosht | 21 |
| Karela Karahi | 12 |
| Anda Curry | 12 |
| Karri Pakora | 15 |
| Chana Daal | 15 |
| Maash Daal | 15 |
| Chana Palak | 15 |
Breads
| Dish | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| Tandoori Roti | 2 |
| Rumali Roti | 2 |
| Butter Roti | 5 |
| Butter Naan | 6 |
| KDR Naan | 6 |
| Garlic Naan | 7 |
| Kalonji Naan | 7 |
| Aaloo Naan | 8 |
| Keema Naan | 10 |
| Paratha (Plain) | 2 |
| Paratha (Ghee) | 3 |
| Paratha Roll | 7 |
| Keema Paratha Roll | 8 |
Salads & Raita
| Dish | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| Salad | 2 |
| Salad (Big) | 8 |
| KDR Raita | 2 |
| Plain Yogurt | 6 |
Desserts
| Dish | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| Gulab Jamun (1 pc) | 2 |
| Shahi Tukra (1 pc) | 5 |
| Shahi Tukra with Milk | 10 |
| Rasmalai (2 pcs) | 12 |
| IcyGul | 15 |
| Special Ice Cream | 15 |
Refreshments & Juices
| Drink | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| Pepsi / 7 Up / Mountain Dew | 6 |
| Mirinda | 6 |
| Sweet Lassi | 11 |
| Salted Lassi | 11 |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | 11 |
| Fresh Orange Juice | 17 |
| Fresh Lime with 7 Up | 15 |
| Tea / Sulaimani | 2 |
| Coffee (Black / With Milk) | 5 / 6 |
| Green Tea / Lipton Tea | 4 / 5 |
Combos & Specials
| Combo / Special | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| Karachi Tikka Biryani Combo KDR | 29 |
| Chicken Tikka Biryani Combo KDR | 26 |
| Chicken Fried Rice Combo KDR | 27 |
| Chicken Kebab Biryani Combo KDR | 27 |
| Chicken Noodles Combo KDR | 27 |
| Chicken Lollipop Combo KDR | 27 |
| Chicken Spring Rolls Combo KDR | 27 |
| Chicken Tikka Special Combo KDR | 27 |
| Vegetable Biryani Combo KDR | 27 |
| Mutton Curry Combo KDR | 26 |
| Chicken Mughlai | 31 |
Karachi Darbar is popular for its daily specials, which often include traditional Pakistani breakfasts like Nihari (slow-cooked beef stew) and Halwa Poori on select days. They also serve daily curry specials that give customers something new to try each time they visit.
For those looking for variety and value, their combo meals and thalis (platter-style meals) are a great choice. These include a mix of dishes like curries, rice, bread, and sides, all in one plate. Whether you eat meat or prefer vegetarian food, Karachi Darbar has options for everyone, including flavorful lentil dishes and vegetable curries.
How Much Does Karachi Darbar Cost?
One of the main reasons people love Karachi Darbar is how affordable it is. Compared to many other restaurants in the UAE, their prices are very budget-friendly and offer great value for money. Starters usually cost between AED 5 and AED 15. Popular main dishes like chicken curry, mutton Karahi, or Biryani typically range from AED 15 to AED 30, and the portions are quite generous. Freshly baked naan or roti costs just a few dirhams.
You can enjoy a full meal—main dish, rice or bread, and a drink—for as little as AED 20 to AED 40. That makes Karachi Darbar one of the best places in the UAE for authentic Pakistani and Indian food at low prices.
My Experience
I recently visited the Karachi Darbar branch in Al Nahda, Dubai, to enjoy some of their renowned dishes. The atmosphere was exactly as expected – bustling with life, filled with the tantalizing aroma of spices, sizzling meats, and freshly baked naan.
I ordered their Chicken Biryani, a Mutton Karahi, and a couple of hot Butter Naans, paired with a chilled Sweet Lassi – all popular classics that represent the heart of their menu.
The Chicken Biryani was incredibly fragrant, with long-grain basmati rice perfectly layered over succulent, spiced chicken. It was rich with flavor and served in a portion large enough to share. The Mutton Karahi was a standout – spicy, bold, and deeply savory, with tender meat that easily pulled off the bone. The Butter Naans were hot and pillowy, ideal for scooping up every bit of that thick karahi gravy. The Lassi was smooth, cool, and sweet – a perfect balance to the heat of the meal.
Service was quick and efficient. Our dishes arrived fresh and steaming hot within 10 minutes. What amazed me most was how Karachi Darbar continues to serve such authentic, flavorful food at extremely affordable prices. Our entire meal cost just around AED 45, which felt like a bargain for the quality and quantity.
My Top 4 Must-Try Picks:
Based on my visit and what Karachi Darbar is known for, here are my personal recommendations:
- Chicken or Mutton Biryani – Fragrant, flavorful, and filling. A staple dish you can’t miss.
- Mutton or Chicken Karahi – Rich and spicy with tender meat, best enjoyed with naan.
- Butter Naan – Soft and warm, perfect for soaking up all the delicious curry sauces.
- Karak Chai – End your meal with a strong, sweet cup of this local favorite. Or try their Seekh Kebabs for a smoky, savory side dish.
Karachi Darbar branches across the UAE
| Branch Name | Location | Phone Number | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Nahda, Dubai | Amman St., Near NMC Hospital, Dubai | +971 4 258 0443 | Daily: 5:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Qusais 2, Dubai | Shop #10, Block B, Al Wasel Building, Near Dubai Int’l Airport Free Zone Metro Station, Al Qusais 1 | +971 4 263 2266 | Daily: 4:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Karama 1, Dubai | Karama Shopping Complex, Near Emirates Bank | +971 4 334 7272 | Daily: 5:00 AM – 2:30 AM |
| Karama 2, Dubai | Near Manama Supermarket | +971 4 337 3740 | Daily: 5:00 AM – 2:30 AM |
| Oud Metha, Dubai | Near Lamcy Plaza, Oud Metha Road | +971 4 357 9000 | Daily: 5:00 AM – 2:30 AM |
| Al Muteena, Dubai | Jamal Al Majid Building, Muteena | +971 4 271 0555 | Open 24 Hours |
| Muhaisnah, Dubai | Shop 1, Opposite Lulu Village, Amman St | +971 4 224 6694 | Open 24 Hours |
| Airport Road, Dubai | Near Cargo Village, Airport Road | +971 4 282 7444 | Open 24 Hours |
| Al Satwa, Dubai | Al Mankool Road, Near Al Zyaffa Roundabout, Stawa Building | +971 4 349 0202 | Daily: 5:00 AM – 2:30 AM |
| Al Maktoum, Dubai | Near Al Madina Supermarket, Al Maktoum Hospital Road, Naif | +971 4 222 2244 | Daily: 6:00 AM – 11:45 PM |
| Musallah, Dubai | Deira Hayat Agency, Naif Road | +971 4 272 3755 | Daily: 5:00 AM – 2:30 AM |
| Hor Al Anz, Dubai | Near United Hyper Market | +971 4 262 5251 | Daily: 5:00 AM – 2:30 AM |
| Qusais 1, Dubai | Shaik Colony, Opposite Union Cooperative | +971 4 261 4131 | Daily: 5:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Qusais 4, Dubai | Damascus Street, Near EPPCO Petrol Pump | +971 4 258 9111 | Daily: 5:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Qusais 3, Dubai | Near Talal Supermarket | +971 4 263 3312 | Daily: 5:00 AM – 2:30 AM |
| Al Fahidi, Dubai | Near Carrefour, Behind Plaza Cinema, Meena Bazaar | +971 4 353 3177 | Daily: 6:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Ajman | Sheikh Khaleefa Street | +971 6 744 4500 | Daily: 5:00 AM – 2:30 AM |
| Al Wahda, Sharjah | Al Wahda Street, Near Al Khan Bridge, Industrial Area 01 | +971 6 533 8244 | Daily: 5:00 AM – 2:30 AM |
| Samnan, Sharjah | Near Sharjah Cricket Stadium | +971 6 566 1540 | Daily: 5:00 AM – 2:30 AM |
| Rolla, Sharjah | Opposite Sharjah Rotana, Al Shuwaihean | +971 6 569 4447 | Daily: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Qasmiya, Sharjah | Near Mega Mall, Al Yarmook, Abu Shagara | +971 6 574 7771 | Daily: 5:00 AM – 2:30 AM |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Karachi Darbar
Do I need a reservation at Karachi Darbar?
No, reservations are not required. Karachi Darbar follows a walk-in system. It’s a casual dining place, so you can simply show up and get seated.
Does Karachi Darbar offer options for dietary restrictions?
Yes, they have a variety of vegetarian options like dal (lentils) and vegetable curries. If you have food allergies, let the staff know. However, since the kitchen is busy and traditional, cross-contact might be possible.
Is parking available?
Parking depends on the location. Some branches have limited or no dedicated parking, and others rely on street parking. It can get tricky during busy hours.
What is the dress code at Karachi Darbar?
The dress code is very relaxed. It’s a casual spot, so you can dress comfortably.
Is Karachi Darbar kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s a great place for families. The informal setting, affordable menu, and simple dishes like plain rice or mild curries make it easy to dine with children.
What are the average menu prices at Karachi Darbar in the UAE?
Karachi Darbar is known for its budget-friendly prices. Starters are usually AED 5–15, and main dishes like curries, Karahis, or Biryanis range from AED 15–30. You can enjoy a full meal for one—including a main dish, bread or rice, and a drink—for around AED 40–50.
Final Thoughts
Karachi Darbar holds a special place in the UAE’s dining scene, offering authentic, flavorful Pakistani and Indian cuisine that is incredibly affordable. Their commitment to generous portions, classic recipes, and low prices makes them a top choice for many.
If you are looking for a satisfying, tasty, and genuinely budget-friendly meal in a casual setting, Karachi Darbar delivers every time. It’s a perfect spot for everyday dining, a quick lunch, or a hearty dinner.
I’m passionate about food and the rich culture of the UAE. I’ve spent years exploring authentic Emirati dishes and diverse cuisines from across the region. Through Habibi Menus, I want to make it easy for everyone to discover real restaurant menus, learn about traditional flavors, and enjoy the best food the UAE has to offer. I focus on sharing clear, simple, and helpful information so everyone can understand and enjoy the local food culture. When I’m not working on the site, I love visiting new restaurants and trying different dishes with my family and friends.