Al Ustad Special Kebab — Restaurant in Dubai

P.s they don’t even make their own falafel and buy them 🥹

nestled in the bustling streets of old Dubai, there existed a culinary legend - Al Ustad Special Kebab. A place so renowned, even the camels outside had reservations. But alas, like all great empires, the rise was majestic, and the fall...well, let's just say, hilariously disappointing.

Stepping into Al Ustad used to feel like being embraced by flavors from the ancient Silk Road, with spices so enchanting, you'd think they were sourced from Aladdin's cave. Now, it feels more like stumbling into a sitcom where the punchline is the food and the laugh track is provided by your own bewildered taste buds.

The service? Ah, the service! When the owner's around, it's like being at a royal banquet. Staff whirl around with the grace of ballet dancers, each kebab presented as if it were a crown jewel. But when the owner's not? Picture a scene where the kebabs play hide and seek, and the waiters, inspired by phantom of the opera, vanish when you need them most. It's a masterclass in the art of neglect, as if each waiter were a method actor preparing for a role in "Gone with the Wind".

And the food - oh, the food! It's a solid 5/10. That's not a rating; it's a plea for mediocrity. Each bite leaves you in a state of culinary limbo, where the flavors are as forgettable as the plot of a bad soap opera. You won't be disappointed, because frankly, expectations dive faster than a lead balloon in this establishment. But you won't remember anything about it either. It's the Inception of dining experiences - was it all a dream? Did I actually eat?

In a tragic twist of fate, Al Ustad's quest for social media virality has overshadowed its kababs. The focus shifted from crafting the perfect blend of spices to crafting the perfect Instagram post. In their pursuit of likes, they forgot the love. It's a Shakespearean tragedy where Juliet doesn't die from poison, but from blandness.

In conclusion, visiting Al Ustad is like watching a once-acclaimed actor in a straight-to-DVD movie. You want to remember them in their prime, not floundering in the sequel nobody asked for. It's a good thing gone bad, a culinary comedy of errors. A reminder that sometimes, in the world of kebabs, it's not about how viral you go, but how you make the taste buds dance. And sadly, the dance floor at Al Ustad has turned into a retirement home disco night - fun to watch, but nobody's really getting down.

So, if you find yourself at Al Ustad, pray for a sighting of the owner. It might just elevate your experience from tragic to mildly entertaining. And isn't that all we can ask for in this hilarious play called dining out?

God bless the soul of the old man he was truly a delightful soul, a giant in the Dubai culinary scene and...

Al Ustad Special Kebab, located in Bur Dubai, is a hidden gem that satisfies all your kebab cravings. This cozy restaurant has been serving delicious kebabs for over 40 years, and it's no wonder why it continues to be a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

The moment you step inside Al Ustad, you're greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The walls are adorned with vintage photos and memorabilia, giving the place a nostalgic charm. The staff is friendly and attentive, always ready to recommend their specialties and make you feel at home.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show - the kebabs. Al Ustad offers a wide variety of kebabs, each prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail. From succulent lamb kebabs to flavorful chicken tikka, every bite is a burst of flavor. The meat is tender and perfectly seasoned, and the smoky aroma adds an extra layer of deliciousness.

One of the standout dishes at Al Ustad is their signature Special Kebab. This mouthwatering combination of minced lamb, spices, and herbs is grilled to perfection, resulting in a kebab that is juicy and full of flavor. Served with a side of fluffy rice and fresh salad, it's a complete meal that will leave you satisfied.

In addition to their kebabs, Al Ustad also offers a range of traditional Middle Eastern dishes. From creamy hummus to crispy falafel, there's something for everyone. And don't forget to try their refreshing mint lemonade, the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

Overall, Al Ustad Special Kebab is a must-visit for kebab lovers in Dubai. With its delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and friendly service, it's an experience you won't want to miss. So gather your friends and head over to Al Ustad for a memorable dining experience that will leave you...

Disappointing Experience for Anyone Seeking Authentic Persian Flavors.

As a Persian, I chose this restaurant hoping for a comforting taste of home—but unfortunately, the experience was anything but.

We ordered the koobideh and joojeh kabab, two staples of Persian cuisine. Traditionally, koobideh is made with beef or lamb. Here, it was made with mutton—a first for me in any Persian restaurant—and it completely missed the mark. The flavoyr was off, and it simply didn’t taste like koobideh in any recognizable way.

The joojeh kabab was even more confusing. It was covered in a red sauce that made it look more like generic BBQ chicken. It lacked the signature saffron-yellow hue that defines a good joojeh, and unfortunately, it tasted as unfamiliar as it looked. Even more surprising—there was no grilled tomato or sabzi (only chopped cabbage & cucumber) included with either kababs. This may seem minor to some, but they are an essential and iconic part of a proper Persian kabab meal. Their absence said a lot.

We also ordered the tahdig, which they had misspelled as "tahdeek"—a red flag in itself for anyone who knows the direct translation. It was smothered in what I assume was meant to be gheymeh. Again, made with mutton, and again with completely incorrect spices. The aroma was overwhelming in all the wrong ways.

Even the Shirazi salad was disappointing. Instead of the fresh, tangy balance you expect, it was just chopped tomato, cucumber, and onion—missing the mint, the seasoning, and the finely diced care that actually makes it Shirazi.

I heard that the original owner who had established the restaurant passed away some years ago. Perhaps the kitchen has changed hands since the flavours don't feel true to...