When it comes to wallet-friendly Pakistani restaurants, Abu Dhabi residents are spoilt for choice. From WTC to Musaffah, the city is full of delicious Pakistani food that you’ll definitely want to sink your teeth into.
If you’re craving chicken tikka, seekh kabab, samosas or sajji, here are all the best budget restaurants for delicious Pakistani dishes.
Boti Street
Located on Khalifa Street in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s downtown area, Boti Street is the kind of place where you become a regular fast. This Desi truck-themed restaurant is known for its karahis, handis, and delicious barbecue. With indoor seating for the winter and a sweet little outdoor patio on the sidewalk, it’s the perfect place to have a conversation over yummy plates of food. Try the lamb chops served with sautéed vegetables (Dhs40); the Lahori fish (Dhs24) served with coleslaw and fries; or the paneer burji (Dhs19). We wouldn’t miss out on the Pakistani-style naan or Desi fries either.
Khalifa Street, WTC www.botistreet.ae/ (02 621 3363).
Khyber Shinwari BBQ
If Pakistani barbecue is what you’re after, look no further than Khyber Shinwari BBQ in Mussafah. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, plus vibrant decorations and a fun atmosphere; perfect for a night of barbecue with family or friends. The Shinwari mixed grill is Dhs45 for half a KG and Dhs85 for a full KG. In addition to barbecue, they also serve curries, dal, biryani and desserts. Delicious budget Pakistani food.
Mussafah Sanaiya (050 757 4941).
Lal Qila Abu Dhabi
Lal Qila, located in Marina Village, serves yummy Pakistani, Indian and Chinese dishes that don’t hurt the wallet. The menu is populated by deals and combos so you get the most bang for your buck. For example, you can get a chicken tikka boti with fresh green salad, mint sauce, and a soft drink for Dhs35. If you’re looking for a meal you can share with friends or family, the full mixed grill comes with 64 pieces of chicken tikka and mutton or chicken kebab, fish tikka, and salad, all for Dhs130. Time to tuck in.
Villa B-13, Marina Village (02 632 9229).
Sahar Restaurant
Sahar Restaurant, located in Madinat Zayed serves authentic Pakistani food for brilliant prices. The daily menu includes maghaz niahari for Dhs23; nihari for Dhs17 and mixed vegetable curry for just Dhs8. It also has a weekly special menu with different dishes for every day of the week. Grab a wrap or kebab on the go for while you’re walking around Madinat Zayed, or sit down for a proper meal of barbecue, desi Chinese dishes, and special curries.
Madinat Zayed (02 634 3110).
Taste of Lahore
Another wallet-friendly Pakistani restaurant located in the heart of Mussafah, Taste of Lahore is well worth the drive out of the city. It features a nice little patio, plus plenty of indoor seating featuring art abstract art and even a bicycle hanging on the wall for decoration. Well-known by locals, Taste of Lahore serves dishes categorised under different monumental gates from Lahore. Bhati Gate houses the appetisers, such as the Anarkali chaat platter for Dhs15, while tawa specials, such as the mutton tawa qeema (Dhs25) can be found under Taxali Gate.
Shabiya Mussafah. (02 550 4696).
Tikka Tonight
With two locations in Mussafah and Madinat Zayed, there’s no excuse not to make the trip to Tikka Tonight. This budget-friendly offers Pakistani, Indian, and Afghan food at budget prices. It has lots of vegetarian options such as paneer butter masala, Dhs18; Lahori Chana, Dhs8; and Tikka Tonight special dal, Dhs10. They also serve handis, karahis, biryanis, and pulao. Stay for a special tea and dessert to make a whole night of it. A tasty budget Pakistani restaurant in Madinat Zayed.
Mussafah Saniya and Madinat Zayed (02 552 5599).
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