Bu Qtair isn’t fancy, but it’s famous in Dubai for one big reason: serving some of the freshest, most delicious seafood you can find, cooked perfectly with their secret spice mix. It’s a local favorite that draws both residents and visitors wanting a real taste of the coast.
Bu Qtair is an iconic name in the UAE, known especially for its humble start near Dubai’s fishing harbour. Here, the food quality shines brighter than any fancy decorations.
If you’ve heard about Bu Qtair, you’re probably curious about what makes it so special, what dishes they offer, and what the typical Bu Qtair menu prices in the UAE look like for this popular seafood experience.
This guide will cover it all: the story behind Bu Qtair, how their unique menu works, what the atmosphere feels like, my personal dining experience, where to find them, and answers to common questions. This will help you plan your visit to this must-try seafood spot.
Bu Qtair’s Story
Before we look at the amazing food, let’s see how Bu Qtair became so well-known. Bu Qtair began years ago as a very small, simple spot, likely catering mostly to fishermen and locals near the fishing harbour. It wasn’t a planned restaurant; it was just a place that cooked incredibly fresh fish caught that day, using simple, flavourful techniques. The secret spice mix and the freshness of the seafood made people tell their friends, and the word spread quickly by word of mouth. Over time, its reputation grew so much that people from all over Dubai and even tourists started seeking out this hidden gem. It evolved from a basic shack into the famous, busy spot it is today, proving that amazing food is what truly matters.
Bu Qtair full Menu
The menu at Bu Qtair is simple and focuses completely on fresh seafood. You won’t see many complicated dishes here. Instead, you pick your seafood, and their special cooking style brings out the best flavors.
Main Dishes
| Item | Price (AED) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sheri Fish | 75 | Fried Sheri, marinated in Buqtair Masala |
| Farash Fish | 75 | Fried Farash, marinated in Buqtair Masala |
| Kofar Fish | 75 | Fried Kofar, marinated in Buqtair Masala |
| Hamour Fish | 80 | Fried Hamour, marinated in Buqtair Masala |
| Pomfret Fish | 80 | Fried Pomfret, marinated in Buqtair Masala |
| Shrimps | 150 | Fried Shrimps, marinated in Buqtair Masala |
| Grilled Seabass | 120 | Grilled Seabass, marinated in Arabic spices |
| Grilled Sea Bream | 110 | Grilled Sea Bream, marinated in Arabic spices |
Side Dishes
| Item | Price (AED) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| White Rice | 6 | Buqtair Special White Rice |
| Arabic Rice (Seyadia) | 10 | Brown-colored flavored rice |
| Kerala Paratha (Porata) | 1.50 | Freshly baked Porata |
| Hummus | 6 | Freshly made Hummus (Vegetarian) |
| Arabic Bread | 2 | Made with white flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and water |
Appetizers
| Item | Price (AED) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Greek Salad | 17 | Mixed vegetables, olives, feta cheese |
| Rocca Salad | 12 | Rocca leaves, parsley, white onions, tomatoes, grenadine molasses, lemon |
Beverages
| Juice | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| Watermelon | 14 |
| Mango | 16 |
| Pomegranate | 16 |
| Orange | 14 |
| Pineapple | 14 |
| Banana | 10 |
| Limeade | 8 |
| Strawberry | 17 |
| Lemon Mint | 10 |
| Mixed Berry | 16 |
| Lemon Ginger | 10 |
| Lemon Pineapple | 12 |
| Grape | 15 |
| Lemon Mint Ginger | 10 |
| Banana Strawberry | 16 |
| Lassi Mango | 14 |
| Lassi Mango Banana | 15 |
| Lassi Banana | 13 |
| Lassi Mango Strawberry | 16 |
| Green Apple | 16 |
| Soft Drink | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| Cola | 3 |
| Thumbs Up | 3 |
| Sprite | 3 |
| Cola Diet | 3 |
| Cola Zero | 3 |
| Mountain Dew | 3 |
| Fanta Orange | 3 |
| Fanta Citrus | 3 |
| Arwa Water (500ml) | 1 |
| Arwa Water (1.5L) | 2 |
Ambiance and Dining Experience
More than just Bu Qtair menu prices and food, the experience itself draws people in.
A. Decor and Atmosphere: The place is very casual. At the original spot, you usually sit on plastic chairs and tables outside or under a simple cover near the water. There’s no fancy decoration. The atmosphere feels lively and often busy, filled with the sound of people talking and the strong smell of spices cooking. It’s authentic, rustic, and full of energy.
B. Service Style: The service is quick and practical, especially when it’s busy. You order at the counter, get a number, and your food is brought to your table when ready. It’s not formal service, but it’s fast and focused on getting fresh, hot food to you.
C. The Overall Feel: The dining experience is real and down-to-earth. It’s about enjoying tasty food in a simple, friendly setting. It can be loud and crowded, but that adds to the charm. People come here for the great food and unique vibe, not for a quiet or fancy meal.
Why People Love Bu Qtair
Many people keep coming back to Bu Qtair for several simple reasons:
They serve fresh fish and shrimp every day, making freshness their top priority. Their special spice mix gives the seafood a unique and tasty flavor you won’t find anywhere else. Bu Qtair offers a true local food experience, away from the usual commercial restaurants in the busy city. Considering the high quality and freshness, the Bu Qtair menu prices give great value for seafood in Dubai. They keep the taste consistent every time, so you always get delicious food. Picking your own fish at the counter adds to the fun and makes the whole dining experience clear and honest.
My Experience
I recently made the trip to Bu Qtair to finally try the famous seafood. When I arrived during a busy evening, a line had already formed at the counter where people were choosing their fish. It was exciting to see all the fresh options laid out.
I chose a piece of Kingfish and a portion of shrimp. The person at the counter quickly weighed them and told me the price – it felt fair for the amount I was getting. We then found a table and ordered extra paratha and, of course, the essential curry sauce and rice.
When the food arrived, it looked simple but incredibly appetizing – the fish and shrimp were coated in that vibrant orange spice mix. The taste was amazing! The Kingfish was flaky and moist inside with a perfectly spiced, slightly crispy exterior. The shrimp were succulent and packed with flavour. The paratha was soft and perfect for soaking up the rich, comforting curry sauce.
The casual, bustling atmosphere added to the experience. Eating outdoors at the simple tables, surrounded by other happy diners, felt real and memorable. The service was quick and efficient, even though they were clearly very busy.
What stood out most for me was the incredible flavour of the seafood and the authenticity of the whole experience. It felt like discovering a true local gem.
If you visit, here are my top 4 picks that you absolutely must try:
- The Fresh Fish Fry: Choose whatever looks good to you – the flavour is consistently excellent.
- The Shrimp: Equally delicious and a great addition.
- The Curry Sauce and Paratha Combo: Essential sides that complete the meal.
- Embracing the Vibe: Don’t expect fancy; enjoy the simple, lively, authentic atmosphere.
Bu Qtair Locations in UAE
| Location | Address | Phone Number | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bu Qtair Restaurant | Old 32B Street, Umm Suqeim Fishing Harbour, Jumeirah, Dubai | +971-55-705-2130 | Saturday–Thursday: 11:30 AM–11:30 PM Friday: 1:30 PM–11:30 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bu Qtair
Here are answers to common questions about dining at Bu Qtair:
Q: How much does eating at Bu Qtair cost?
A: Bu Qtair menu prices depend on the size or weight of the fish or shrimp you pick. A medium fish usually costs between 40 and 80 AED, while shrimp prices range from 50 to 70 AED. Side dishes like paratha or rice cost just 2 to 5 AED. A full meal with seafood and sides generally costs between 50 and 90 AED. This makes Bu Qtair a great value for fresh seafood in Dubai.
Q: How does the ordering process work?
A: You go to the counter and choose fresh fish or shrimp from the display. They weigh your selection and tell you the price before cooking it.
Q: Do I need to make a reservation?
A: No, you don’t usually need a reservation. Just show up and be ready to wait in line, especially during busy times.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Parking near the original location can be hard, especially when it’s busy. You might need to park a bit farther and walk.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Dress casually and comfortably. There’s no strict dress code.
Q: Is Bu Qtair kid-friendly?
A: Yes, it’s a casual, open-air place and welcomes families.
Q: Can I pay by card?
A: The original spot mostly takes cash only. It’s best to bring cash just in case. Some newer locations might accept cards, so check ahead if possible.
Conclusion
Bu Qtair is more than just a restaurant; it’s a Dubai institution that offers a taste of authentic, incredibly fresh seafood cooked with a simple, addictive flavour. While the Bu Qtair menu prices in UAE are very reasonable for the quality of fresh fish you get, the real value lies in the entire experience – the choosing, the smell, the taste, and the wonderfully unpretentious atmosphere.
If you love seafood and are looking for an authentic, delicious, no-frills dining adventure in Dubai, Bu Qtair is an absolute must-visit. Be prepared for simplicity and crowds, and you’ll be rewarded with some truly memorable flavours.
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.