Post by : Samjeet Ariff

The Allure of South Indian Cuisine in Dubai

South Indian cuisine has carved a special niche in Dubai’s diverse culinary landscape, and for good reason. With its delightful, aromatic, and nourishing dishes such as dosa, idli, and vada, it offers a perfect meal for any time of the day. From authentic regional establishments to modern twists, the city presents a plethora of options catering to both vegetarian enthusiasts and spice aficionados. Here’s your go-to guide to the top South Indian restaurants in Dubai, where you’ll find crispy dosa, fluffy idli, and robust filter coffee.

Explore a variety of venues that cater to families, solo diners, and anyone looking for a quick bite.

1. Aryaas – Your Go-To for South Indian Classics

Why It Shines: Aryaas is celebrated in Dubai for its authentic South Indian flavors and impeccable consistency.
Signature Dishes:
• Masala Dosa
• Rawa and Plain Idli
• Medu Vada
• South Indian Thali
• Filter Coffee
Ambiance: Relaxed and family-friendly with prompt service.
Ideal For: Affordable cravings for dosa and idli.

2. Calicut Paragon – A Taste of Kerala

Why It Shines: Notable for its Kerala delicacies and coastal flair, Calicut Paragon is a haven for dosa and idli lovers.
Signature Dishes:
• Paper Dosa
• Podi Dosa
• Idli Sambar
• Kerala Parotta (a must-try)
• Beef/Chicken Varieties (for non-vegetarians)
Ambiance: Full-service setting with generous portions.
Ideal For: Indulging in hearty South Kerala-style meals.

3. Saravanaa Bhavan – Authentic Vegetarian Offerings

Why It Shines: Renowned globally for its lineup of South Indian delights and pure vegetarian dishes.
Signature Dishes:
• Onion and Mysore Masala Dosa
• Soft Steamed Idli
• Ghee Roast
• Filter Coffee
• Thali Meals
Ambiance: Simple and focused on authentic flavors.
Ideal For: Committed vegetarians seeking reliable South Indian fare.

4. Govinda’s – A Spiritual Dining Experience

Why It Shines: Celebrated for its sattvic cuisine, offering clean and wholesome South Indian dishes.
Signature Dishes:
• Dosa Variety Platter
• Idli with Coconut Chutney
• Uttapam
• Herbal Filter Coffee
Ambiance: Tranquil and vegetarian-focused.
Ideal For: Healthy traditional meals.

5. Abu Dhabi Restaurant – Kerala's Flavors in Dubai

Why It Shines: A favored spot for authentic Kerala recipes with a focus on dosa and idli.
Signature Dishes:
• Masala and Paper Dosa
• Fluffy Idli
• Kerala-style Sambar
• Beef Fry (for non-veg enthusiasts)
Ambiance: Family-friendly environment with traditional décor.
Ideal For: Classic Kerala breakfast.

6. Dosa Plaza – Creative Dosa Innovations

Why It Shines: Celebrated for its inventive dosa variations, going beyond the traditional.
Signature Dishes:
• Paneer Tikka Dosa
• Schezwan Dosa
• Cheese Burst Dosa
• Classic Idli and Vada
Ambiance: Casual, fast service with a creative menu.
Ideal For: Unique dosa experiences.

7. Bikanervala – Indian Street Meets South Indian Flavors

Why It Shines: A hybrid spot for South Indian dishes plus Indian street food staples.
Signature Dishes:
• Masala and Onion Dosa
• Steamed Idli
• Aloo Bonda and Medu Vada
• South Indian Thali
Ambiance: Affordable and family-friendly setting.
Ideal For: A mix of South Indian and other Indian delicacies.

8. Kerala Kitchen – Homestyle Comforts

Why It Shines: Known for its cozy atmosphere and comforting South Indian fare.
Signature Dishes:
• Classic Dosa
• Soft Idli
• Appam & Stew (an excellent choice)
• Filter Coffee
Ambiance: Casual and relaxed dining experience.
Ideal For: Comfort food lovers.

9. Bombay Brasserie – A Fusion of South and Modern Indian

Why It Shines: Offers a sophisticated ambiance alongside traditional South Indian options.
Signature Dishes:
• Crispy Dosa Creations
• Idli Sambar Platter
• South Indian Starters
• Masala Chai / Filter Coffee
Ambiance: Stylish, great for group gatherings or brunch.
Ideal For: A refined taste of South Indian cuisine.

10. Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant – A Trusted Choice

Why It Shines: A dependable vegetarian spot featuring classic South Indian offerings like dosas and idlis.
Signature Dishes:
• Paper and Set Dosa
• Soft Idli
• Vada and Sambar
• Filter Coffee
Ambiance: Traditional with a no-frills approach.
Ideal For: Straightforward and authentic vegetarian breakfasts.

Comparative Highlights

Best Traditional Options:
• Saravanaa Bhavan
• Sangeetha
• Govinda’s

Best Kerala-Inspired Fare:
• Calicut Paragon
• Abu Dhabi Restaurant
• Kerala Kitchen

Best for Creative Twists:
• Dosa Plaza
• Bombay Brasserie (fusion selections)

Best Budget Choices:
• Aryaas
• Bikanervala

Best for Health-Conscious Diners:
• Govinda’s
• Saravanaa Bhavan
• Sangeetha

Tips for Enjoying Dosa & Idli in Dubai

Early Bird Gets the Best: Fresh idli/dosa is typically served during breakfast hours.
Smart Pairings: Coconut chutney, sambar, and filter coffee enhance your meal.
Consider Variety Platters: An excellent way to sample different dosa types.
Adjust Spice Levels: Customizable spice levels cater to your heat tolerance.
Explore Additional Dishes: Vada, uthappam, and curd rice are great complements.

Estimated Prices in 2026

Dosa / Masala Dosa: AED 15–45
Idli / Sambar Idli: AED 12–30
Filter Coffee: AED 8–20
South Indian Thali: AED 30–60

Prices may vary based on location, timing, and portion sizes.

The South Indian restaurant scene in Dubai is vibrant and diverse, showcasing everything from traditional dining experiences to innovative dosa shops and authentic Kerala flavors. Whether you’re seeking a quick breakfast or a leisurely meal with friends, there’s an array of options that offer a delightful taste of South Indian cuisine within Dubai’s rich culinary tapestry.

Disclaimer

For informational purposes only, this guide may not fully reflect current menu items, prices, and operating hours which may fluctuate. We recommend verifying these details prior to your visit.