Going to old cafes in Dubai makes one take a trip back in time. These old restaurants are not just restaurants to have a meal but rather living records of the city, both in terms of culture and in terms of cuisine. These cafes have seen the turnaround of Dubai from a trading port to a global metropolis due to the decades of hard work, family traditions, and the faithful customers.
Most of the residents reminisce about visiting these vintage cafes as children with parents and grandparents in Dubai when they used to have simple meals, which had strong emotional implications. This list of old cafes in Dubai is where you should start in case you want to taste traditional flavours, age-old hospitality, and tales that were engraved on each wall.
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5 Classic Old Cafes in Dubai That Have Served Generations
1. Kwality Restaurant (1976)
Kwality Restaurant is one of the iconic names of the old cafes in Dubai, especially in Bur Dubai. It has been a home to both the Indian expatriates and locals over the decades. The restaurant was established by a businessman, Vijay Bahl, and it became popular due to such dishes as malai fish, seekh kebabs, saagwala koftas, and fat North Indian curries. Although it has reached other regions such as Al Barsha, more of its roots are deeply rooted in its original base in Bur Dubai.
2. Karachi Darbar (1973)
Karachi Darbar began as a modest cafe in Deira, and over the years, it has expanded to become a famous chain with over 28 branches. Although it has grown, it continues to be one of the most respected old cafes in Dubai, particularly among the working population of the city. Offering large portions of their food, low prices, and the traditional Pakistani taste, Karachi Darbar has been a favourite among taxi drivers, office employees, and families that are looking to have something to eat at a reasonable price.
3. Jamarik (1968)
Jamarik is among the oldest running eateries in the city and a genuine pioneer of old cafes in Dubai. It was founded in 1968 and initially used to serve meals to the customs staff inside the Dubai Customs building before the unification of the UAE. The cafe is currently in Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai, where it has served traditional Kerala cuisine and fast food for over 40 years. Jamarik is owned by Kerala native Rashid and still generates generations of customers who value its unpretentious cuisine and its historical heritage.
4. Special Ostadi (1978)
This Mankhool-based restaurant is also called Special Ostadi and is one of the most iconic old cafes in Dubai. The restaurant, which is known for its yoghurt-marinated chicken and mutton kebabs, was established more than 40 years ago by Mohammed Ali Ansari. Past decades are narrated on the walls, where photographs of loyal customers and celebrities are displayed. The food is always tasty, and it has a family ambience that makes it a must-visit stop in their tour of historic restaurants in the city.
5. Ravi Restaurant (1978)
Ravi Restaurant is also one of the most internationally known old cafes in Dubai. It was founded in Satwa in 1978 and has grown to be a cultural destination that offers affordable and authentic Pakistani food. Ravi has served thousands of patrons with its traditional curries, naan, and grills, as well as international celebrities such as Snoop Dogg and Bollywood celebrities. It is also a tourist visit destination and thus the most frequented old cafe in Dubai at present.
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Are These Old Cafes in Dubai Still Worth Visiting
These old cafes in Dubai are not mere food joints but the soul of the city. They demonstrate how institutions can be built on such simple beginnings, consistency, and trust in the community. These cafes are a reminder of the modest origins of Dubai’s culinary scene in a city of luxury and innovation. These are old cafes in Dubai that you should check out in case you want to enjoy traditional cuisine, warm welcomes, and generations of stories. They are historical foods, and one plate is served at a time.