5 best Pakistani kababs in the UAE

Pakistanis restaurateurs can lay claim to being some of first to spread the awesome kabab culture we enjoy here in the UAE. Pakistani cuisine is a central part of the storied cooking tradition of the subcontinent, and the cuisine in Pakistan is mainly informed by the Mughalai culinary culture. Meat consumption is extremely high, and throughout the country, kabab is king. There are region-based variations of the dish; the use of spices in the eastern Punjab and Sindh provinces have more in common with Mughalai cuisine of India, while dishes in the northwest of Pakistan are similar in flavour to those in Central Asia and Iran. In Dubai, these are some of my favourite places when I am in the mood for Pakistani kababs.

MUTTON SHEEKH KABAB, RAVI, SATWA, DUBAI: This no nonsense, gritty establishment in Satwa is a superhero among legacy restaurants in Dubai. Tops all sorts of charts, and with good reason. While there are many reasons to head to Ravi, the best I’ve found is their mutton sheekh kabab. Simply put, it is succulent and delicious, with just the right amount of spicing. The sheekh kabab in Ravi is exactly what you expect a typical sheekh kabab to be! And, oh, it’s easy on the wallet, too.

FISH TIKKA, BARBEQUE NATION, AL BARSHA, DUBAI: Now for something a little more upmarket. Barbeque nation has an open kitchen concept and the kababs keep coming as part of the buffet. Their grills are to die for, none more so than the lightly spiced, juicy fish tikka. The hara-bhara kabab is also delicious.

CHICKEN AND BEED KABABS, BARBEQUE DELIGHTS, JBR, DUBAI: The ambiance is inviting, and their buffet is very good value for money. The restaurant offers a wide variety of kababs; their chicken ones are especially good. A must-try item is the soft, melt-in-the-mouth reshmi (silky) kabab. Barbeque Delights also does a killer chappli kabab.

CHAPPLI KABAB, AL ASHIYAH CAFETERIA, SHARJAH: This nondescript (almost decrepit) joint deep inside Sharjah does perhaps the best chappli kababs in the entire country. The owners are Pashtuns and bring a decidedly northwest frontier taste to signature dish. Embarrassingly cheap, and unbelievably tasty! You can have it with bread - or just wash it down with soda!

CHICKEN TIKKA, KARACHI DARBAR, KARAMA, DUBAI: If you are reading this article, chances are high that you’ve been to Karachi Darbar at least once. If you have, chances are high that you’ve sampled one of their simplest and best dished – the chicken tikka kabab. Served with a curry and naan (unleavened bread), this dish is quick, and easy on the wallet.