Top 5 Authentic World Restaurants in Dubai

Over 85% of the UAE's population is expatriate, and as Paris says in the episode, with that they bring a little piece of their culture here. The day starts at Nicky's own Neighbourhood Food Hall, then heads out to five restaurants named in the video description. We checked each name and status on 3 Nov 2026; details change, so confirm before you go.

1. Modern Emirati: Karak Inc.

Status: reported permanently closed (Box Park, Al Wasl Road; closure reported December 2024, and its trade licence is listed as cancelled). In the episode it is modern Emirati street food: paratha with cheese and Oman chips, samosas and karak. For Emirati food that is open now, see Emirati food in Dubai.

2. Iranian: Khoory Special Kebab

Shirazi food near Al Mamzar, Deira, with bread baked on hot stones. Paris tries dizi, a stew that is mashed up at the table: I don't think I've ever experienced anything like this ever before. Finish with strong Iranian tea and saffron sugar (nabat). Listed as open (checked 3 Nov 2026), behind Union Co-op on Al Khaleej Street.

3. South Indian: Safari Mall food court

A Kerala lunch in a train-themed dining room, served in banana leaves, with fish curry, two kinds of rice, omelette, cabbage and pickle, eaten by hand. Paris: That fish curry is potent, man. Safari Mall is in Muweilah, Sharjah. The video does not name the restaurant inside the food court, so ask for the Kerala lunch-pack meal.

4. Korean: Sonamu

At the Asiana Hotel in Deira, with Korean YouTuber Heebab and chef James. Paris tries bibimbap and sundae, a Korean sausage filled with noodles and beef: I think I'm going to be coming back definitely here ... for more Korean food. Listed as open (checked 3 Nov 2026).

5. Filipino: Kooya

Chef JP's modern Filipino food: chicken marinated in coconut vinegar and lemongrass, beef with smoked tendon in tamarind gravy. JP: Our love language is through food. Note: Kooya has moved since filming. It closed its Dubai Marina branch in August 2025 and now operates at Radisson Blu Hotel, Deira Creek (checked 3 Nov 2026).

Paris's verdict

If you go looking, you'll end up finding some incredible hidden gems of culture around the city ... But I tell you what, I certainly won't be eating that much food again for a very long time. Watch the full food tour episode, or see more in Eat.

FAQ

Who picked these restaurants?

They are the five stops in the Guy in Dubai food episode, chosen with food expert Nicky Ramchandani and listed in the video description.

Are all five still open?

Not all. Karak Inc. is reported permanently closed, and Kooya has moved from Dubai Marina to Radisson Blu Deira Creek. Checked 3 Nov 2026.

Sources

Facts checked October 2026. Opening times, age limits and seasons change, so confirm with the operator before you go.