Charlie Khan's — Restaurant in Dubai

This has to be the closest place to a UK style takeaway. There is parking available outside, but it is a busy area, so you may not get any. Marina Mall is down the street, so you could park there, but it is a bit of a trek if you're with family. The shop itself has that takeaway feel except the tall counter that takeaways in the UK have. The seating is good, the booths have worn away seats which you would also see in a local takeaway and there is seating outside. They have sink which is convenientfor washing hands. We ordered the special, the munchbox, donner & chips, pizza, and some chicken tikka. The food was bang on and reminded us of back home. IF I was going to compare this food with other takeaways in the UK, then it would be average. After living in the Middle East for over a decade, this has to be the closest tasting takeaway food to the UK. The donner tastes good but is cut too thinly, again another typical uk average takeaway trait. This makes the donner curl over and go hard. I had the feeling that the donner had been reheated in a microwave or in a pan or left in the bin marie's too long. The slicer has been set to cut too thinly. I would have prefered a few less slices but thicker. The special donner stayed juicier as it was cooked in a spicy sauce, which was nice. The tomato / spicy sauce gave it a nice touch. The salad was nothing like what you get in the UK except that you do get over dried cabbage a part of the salad in some takeaways. We got cabbage and cucumbers only. Typical takeaways would also give lettuce, tomato, properly sliced onions (washed and sometimes covered with mint), and pickled peppers. This wasn't a major as we don't really eat salad. The special was served with garlic sauce, which is more of a Mediterranean / Middle Eastern thing. They should have mint sauce and hot sauce available, although one of the sauces they did have was really nice. The chicken tikka was nice, and the pizza was tasty. The naan breads were not authentic tasting, I assume local ingredients are used for these as the flour isn't the same here, but it tasted good. The naan got a little rubbery as it got colder. The service was great, and the food came out quick. The food is almost double what you would pay in the UK for this type of food, but I assume the cost is for the novelty. I wouldn't be a regular customer with them prices but would come again when I was missing home. Overall, it was a typical UK takeaway experience. I would defo recommend for anyone missing the UK or for what donner should taste like. The German Donner and Gyros brands here in the UAE do not have UK...

Nestled in the heart of Dubai's vibrant Marina, Charlie Khan's is a culinary gem that effortlessly transports you to the bustling streets of London or the vibrant nightlife of Manchester. I recently had the pleasure of dining at this charming spot, and the experience left me pleasantly surprised.

The highlight of Charlie Khan's has to be their Lamb Doner, sourced all the way from the UK. In a city where finding authentic British flavors can be a challenge, this dish stands out as a rare and delightful treat. The succulent, perfectly seasoned lamb, paired with the traditional accompaniments, made me feel like I was enjoying a late-night snack after a night out in the UK. The authenticity and quality of the Lamb Doner set Charlie Khan's apart from other dining establishments in the UAE.

The restaurant's location, just a stone's throw away from the Marina Pier, adds to its appeal. The ambiance is lively and inviting, making it an ideal spot to unwind with friends or family. As for the parking situation, be prepared for paid options, but the convenience of street parking nearby mitigates any inconvenience.

Beyond the Lamb Doner, Charlie Khan's menu offers a diverse selection of classic diner fare. The burgers are a must-try, with juicy patties and a variety of toppings that cater to different tastes. The fried pakoras are a delightful twist, showcasing the kitchen's ability to infuse traditional dishes with a modern flair.

Service at Charlie Khan's is attentive and friendly, adding to the overall positive dining experience. The staff's willingness to accommodate special requests and provide recommendations further enhances the customer-centric atmosphere.

In conclusion, Charlie Khan's in Dubai Marina is a fantastic spot for those seeking a taste of London in the heart of the UAE. The Lamb Doner alone is worth the visit, and the overall menu diversity ensures there's something for everyone. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this restaurant promises a memorable dining experience that combines the best of British flavors with the vibrant atmosphere of...

Charlie's Khans left a lot to be desired during our recent visit. The restaurant's ambiance was severely lacking; the harsh lighting not only made the place unappealing but also caused discomfort, leading to headaches for me and my companions.

Service was another major disappointment. Despite ordering four different dishes, which should have been manageable, we were kept waiting for an unreasonably long time. Initially took 40 minutes, we checked that only three out of the four dishes were even given, necessitating an additional 30 to 40 minutes of waiting. This glaring delay highlights severe understaffing issues and a lack of coordination in the kitchen.

Ultimately, these issues reflect poorly on the management. Proper staffing and better oversight are crucial for improving service efficiency and customer satisfaction. Without addressing these fundamental problems, Charlie's Khans will continue to struggle to meet even basic customer...