Ravi Restaurant

Satwa's iconic Pakistani canteen, feeding Dubai since 1978 — mutton peshawari, chicken achari, dal and fresh naan at prices that barely register, served to labourers, chefs and celebrities at the same formica tables. Adidas put it on a trainer in 2022. Caveats: it's cash-only, no-frills, and often chaotic at peak hours.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is Ravi the place that got an Adidas shoe?

Yes — in 2022 Adidas released a Ravi Superstar honoring the restaurant, which tells you everything about its status here. The shoe sold out; the peshawari remains available.

Where do I sit — is there family seating?

There's the original canteen-style room, a family section, and pavement tables outside. It's fluorescent-lit and functional everywhere; nobody comes for the decor.

How do I get to Ravi?

Take a taxi to 'Ravi Restaurant, Satwa' — every driver knows it — or walk about 20 minutes from World Trade Centre Metro in cooler months. It sits near Satwa Roundabout among the neighbourhood's tailors and cafeterias.

How cheap is Ravi, really?

Genuinely cheap: most curries are in the low tens of dirhams and two people eat heartily for around AED 40-60. It's one of the best food-per-dirham ratios in the UAE.

What are Ravi's opening hours?

It runs long — from early morning until the small hours (sources cite closing as late as 2am or beyond). If you're making a special late-night trip, worth a quick call ahead; at normal meal times it's simply always on.

What should I order at Ravi?

Mutton peshawari is the dish of the house — slow-fried, fatty, spooned up with fresh naan. Chicken achari, dal fry and the biryani round out the greatest hits; order family-style and share everything.

Is Ravi hygienic and tourist-friendly?

It's a licensed, decades-old restaurant that feeds thousands daily — well-worn rather than dirty. Staff are used to first-timers; point at what other tables have if the menu overwhelms you.

Does Ravi take cards?

It's famously cash-only, so hit an ATM before you come. There's no alcohol either — wash it down with a chai or a mango juice.

Nearby in Ask Dubai

• Al SatwaNeighborhood0.14 km · 2 min walk
• Etihad MuseumMuseum0.3 km · 4 min walk
• Al MallahRestaurant0.62 km · 8 min walk
• Jumeirah MosqueAttraction0.98 km · 12 min walk
• JumeirahNeighborhood1.04 km · 13 min walk