Al Ustad Special Kabab
8.5Friend Score / 10#2 of 19 Restaurants in Dubai
Known forKabab KoubidehCholo KababKhorak BahrainiSultani
A family-run Iranian kabab house near Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai, going since 1978 — walls plastered with photos of four decades of regulars, and a marinated chicken kabab people cross the city for. Open 12-4pm and 6:30pm-1am; dinner for two runs about AED 50-80. Caveat: expect queues at peak dinner and zero frills.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 12:00–16:00 Daily 18:30–01:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Al Fahidi Metro Station (Green Line), ~2-5 min walk |
| Time needed | 45-60 minutes (plus possible queue at dinner) |
| Best time to go | Early dinner right at 6:30pm reopening, or lunch, to dodge the evening queue |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.5/10- Value8.5
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level5.5
- Authenticity9.5
- Accessibility9.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is Al Ustad close to the metro?
- Extremely — it's a couple of minutes' walk from Al Fahidi station on the Green Line, which makes it the easiest legendary meal in Dubai to reach without a car.
- Is the food spicy at Al Ustad?
- No — Iranian kababs are about marinade, char and saffron rather than heat. If you want a kick, there's chilli sauce on the tables, but taste the kabab as-is first.
- Why are the walls covered in photos?
- Four-plus decades of regulars, celebrities and royals — the owners have photographed their customers since the late 70s and papered every surface with them. Ask nicely and you might end up on the wall yourself.
- How much does Al Ustad cost?
- A proper feast for two runs roughly AED 50-80 — it's one of the best value famous meals in Dubai. Portions are generous; don't over-order.
- Is Al Ustad halal? Does it serve alcohol?
- Halal, and no alcohol — this is an old-school Iranian grill house. The fresh lemonade with mint is the house drink and it's exactly what the kababs need.
- Do I need a reservation at Al Ustad?
- No reservations — it's first come, first served, and there's often a queue at peak dinner (8-10pm). Arrive right when they reopen at 6:30pm or come for lunch and you'll usually walk straight in.
- What are Al Ustad's opening hours?
- Two shifts daily: noon to 4pm for lunch, then 6:30pm to 1am. Turn up between 4 and 6:30 and you'll be staring at a closed grill, so plan around the split.
- What should I order at Al Ustad Special Kabab?
- The special chicken kabab — yoghurt-and-saffron marinated, charred and somehow still juicy — is the dish the whole legend rests on. Get it with the buttered rice or hot bread, the grilled tomato, and a mint lemonade.
Nearby in Ask Dubai
- Bur DubaiNeighborhood0.35 km · 4 min walk
- Al Fahidi Historical NeighbourhoodNeighborhood0.78 km · 10 min walk
- Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi)Café0.82 km · 10 min walk
- Coffee MuseumMuseum0.89 km · 11 min walk
- Coins MuseumMuseum0.92 km · 12 min walk
Where to stay near Al Ustad Special Kabab
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