Kabul Darbar Restaurant — Restaurant in Dubai

AVOID AT ALL COSTS!

I entered this establishment but very quickly saw a "CASH ONLY" sign on the wall. Upon seeing this, I turned around and made my way towards the restaurant exit as I do not carry cash and did not have my bank card on me to withdraw cash (I only had Apple Pay on my phone). Just as I was doing so, one of the workers frantically came to me and asked me the reason for my change of mind. I told him that I did not have cash/bank card on me (to withdraw cash) so could only pay via card machine. The worker told me this was fine - I pointed to the cash only sign but the worker insisted I could still pay via card machine. So therefore we (group of 5) decided to give in to his request to return and asked for a table.

We were given a booth upstairs which was quite nice and cosy - this was the only positive aspect of our entire experience (continue reading for more details).

We ordered their 5 person platter which consisted of different kebabs, rice, chips and soups. Unfortunately the food was very bland and underwhelming. I say this as someone who has dined at many Afghan restaurants around the world. The fresh juices were heavily diluted with water and the worst fresh juice we had ever tasted (we ordered 2 different fresh juices).

Anyways, after eating, I then proceeded to pay at the till upstairs. The worker spoke poor English but as I was holding my phone asking to pay, he kept reiterating "cash". I tried to explain I was told I can pay via a card machine but to no avail. Frustrated, I went downstairs to the manager at the till asking why I was coerced into staying if it was cash only after all. The manager then gestured to the same worker and asked me to follow him. The worker left the restaurant, leaving me baffled, but asked me to follow him. I followed him unsure of why we left the restaurant and after a short 1 min walk he took me inside the lobby of a small hotel.

At this point I was confused and quite angry but as I mentioned the worker did not speak English to communicate to me what was going on. He spoke to the hotel lobby receptionist who then entered the total bill due on his card machine. I understood finally that the card machine payment option was to pay at a neighbouring business. I wasn't happy at being deceived and asked to walk 200m further to pay but decided to just accept it. Just before tapping my phone, I realised that the total was 20 AED higher than my bill. I pointed this out to the receptionist who said this was to account for the card fees they'd incur. At this point I left the lobby without paying and went back to the manager. I explained to him that I am not paying an additional fee for using a card machine. The manager apologised and gave the 20 AED cash to his worker to pay to the hotel so I did not have to pay it.

When we went back, I paid the hotel via Apple Pay but realised I had still paid the bill + the extra 20 AED as thats what the receptionist had entered on the card machine as the amount due. This meant I was still owed the 20 AED. The worker from the restaurant conveniently had slipped the 20 AED into his pocket seemingly hoping I would not notice the accounting error. I demanded the 20 AED back and then left the lobby.

In summary, this was an extremely poor experience - both from a culinary and customer service perspective.

Overall, this was our worst restaurant experience in our two months...

Title: An Underwhelming Experience at Kabul Darbar Deira Restaurant

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

I recently dined at Kabul Darbar Deira Restaurant, and unfortunately, my experience left much to be desired. While the restaurant boasts a grandiose interior and a spacious layout, the overall experience was marred by mediocre food and a less-than-pleasant environment.

Let's start with the food. Despite the promising menu filled with Afghan delicacies, the flavors failed to live up to expectations. The dishes lacked the authentic and robust taste that one would associate with Afghan cuisine. The kebabs were dry, the rice lacked that perfect pilaf texture, and the traditional Afghan bread was uninspiring, to say the least. It's worth noting that the portions were decent, but quantity could not compensate for the lack of quality.

The service, while not outright terrible, left room for improvement. The waitstaff seemed disinterested and inattentive, often making us feel like an afterthought. It took a considerable amount of time for our orders to arrive, and requests for refills and additional condiments were met with delayed responses.

One of the most disappointing aspects of Kabul Darbar Deira Restaurant was its environment. Despite its size, the restaurant was surprisingly noisy, making conversation difficult. The lighting was harsh and gave off a stark, cafeteria-like ambiance rather than an inviting dining experience. The decor, although aiming for opulence with its chandeliers and carpeting, felt outdated and lacked a sense of coherence.

The cleanliness of the restaurant was another concern. The tables and chairs appeared worn, and the overall hygiene left much to be desired. It was evident that the establishment could benefit from a thorough refurbishment and better maintenance.

In conclusion, Kabul Darbar Deira Restaurant may have the grandeur of a big restaurant, but it falls short in terms of both food quality and ambiance. While it's possible to enjoy a decent meal here, there are better Afghan dining options available in the area that offer a more authentic and pleasant experience. I would recommend exploring other restaurants in Deira for a more satisfying...

Kabul Darbar offers an authentic Afghan dining experience that is both flavorful and comforting. From the moment you step inside, the warm ambiance and traditional décor create a welcoming atmosphere. The service is attentive, with staff eager to guide diners through the menu and ensure a pleasant experience.

The highlight of Kabul Darbar is undoubtedly its food. The kebabs are a must-try, perfectly grilled and bursting with flavor. The Mantu, a steamed dumpling dish filled with spiced meat and topped with yogurt and lentils, is a delightful appetizer that captures the essence of Afghan cuisine. For mains, the Kabuli Pulao stands out as a signature dish, with tender pieces of lamb served over fragrant rice mixed with raisins and carrots. Vegetarians will also find delicious options like Borani Banjan, a dish of eggplant cooked in a rich tomato sauce.

Portion sizes are generous, making it ideal for sharing with family or friends. The naan bread, freshly baked and served warm, pairs beautifully with the various curries and sides. Desserts such as Firni, a creamy rice pudding with a hint of cardamom, offer a sweet end to the meal.

While the restaurant can get busy during peak hours, the quality of the food and overall experience make it well worth the wait. Kabul Darbar is a true gem for anyone looking to explore Afghan cuisine, offering both authenticity and excellent value for money. Highly recommended for food enthusiasts and first-time...