Pincode — Restaurant in Dubai

I had the pleasure of dining at Pincode Indian Kitchen by Kunal Kapoor, and it was an absolute delight! From start to finish, our dining experience was exceptional.

To kick things off, we tried their unique and refreshing drinks – the Kairi Panna and Mango Chilli Mojito. The Kairi Panna was a perfect blend of Indian raw mango, mint, salt, and cumin, creating a tangy and invigorating flavor. The Mango Chilli Mojito, on the other hand, was a delightful surprise with its tingling mango goodness muddled with a hint of green chili and a fizzy twist.

Moving on to the appetizers, the Potato Spiral Chaat was a crispy and flavorful treat. The fried potato spiral, accompanied by chutneys and spiced white peas ragda, was a burst of textures and tastes that left us wanting more. The KFC (Kerala Fried Chicken) was a coastal spiced delight, with perfectly fried chicken strips sprinkled with a flavorful gunpowder mix and served alongside cucumber and onion slaw. The Tandoori Prawns were a hit too – marinated in tandoori masala and served with sriracha chutney and prawn crackers, they were a burst of smoky, spicy flavors.

For our main course, we couldn't resist trying the Lamb Rogan Josh – a Kashmiri preparation of mutton slow-cooked to perfection with a medley of spices, onions, and Kashmiri chilies. This dish was a symphony of rich flavors that left our taste buds singing. We paired it with Chilli Cheese Garlic Naan and Lachha Paratha, which were the perfect accompaniments. Another main course we savored was the Lamb Biryani, a fragrant and flavorful dish that transported us to culinary heaven.

To end our meal on a sweet note, we indulged in Old Delhi style Milk n Bread Pudding, a luscious bread and butter pudding baked with saffron milk and topped with strawberry cream. It was a heartwarming dessert that tasted just like a hug in a bowl. And for those watching their sugar intake, the Chocolate Lava Cake (Sugar-Free) was a revelation. The warm lava cake paired with sugar-free vanilla ice cream was a guilt-free yet decadent treat.

A special shoutout goes to the restaurant Manager, Mr. Chinmay, whose attention to detail and hospitality made our dining experience truly memorable. Additionally, our server host, Karanvir, provided exceptional service with a warm and friendly demeanor.

Pincode Indian Kitchen by Kunal Kapoor is a culinary gem that offers a delightful journey through Indian flavors and innovation. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an extraordinary dining experience filled with delectable dishes and impeccable service. Many thanks to the entire team for making our visit unforgettable. We'll certainly be returning for more...

We went as a group of nine for lunch and had a mixed experience, excellent food in parts but shockingly poor service that overshadowed the meal.

Starters: Veg Kothay Momos – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfectly done, full marks. Kerala Fried Chicken with Chilli Dip – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding; crisp, flavourful, and spot on. Chicken Kothay Momos – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Just as good as the vegetarian version.

Main Course: Dal Fry – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Classic, homely, and flawless. Madras Tiffin (Chicken Chettinad) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ The chicken itself was excellent, and the idea of serving it in stainless steel tiffin boxes was innovative and earned full marks for presentation. But the Kerala parotta was stiff and dry—something you’d expect a roadside Malabari cafeteria to do better. Butter Chicken – ⭐⭐⭐ Very disappointing. More tomato purée with cream than the rich, balanced flavour one expects from a place of this stature. Fish Alleppey – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lovely presentation with the curry poured over the dry-cooked fish at the table; a delightful dish. Lamb Sheekh Tawa Masala – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Packed with flavour but very fiery. Not for everyone.

Drinks: Mango Chilli Mojito – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Refreshing, unique, and a clear winner.

Desserts: Granny’s Milk Toast – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fancy and well-presented with the milk and mascarpone added at the table. A memorable touch.

Kulfi – ⭐⭐⭐ The biggest fiasco of the meal. Despite confirming it would be served in bowls, it arrived on sticks with nine spoons. When we asked them to cut and serve, we were told it was risky because of bamboo splinters. I ended up de-sticking it myself with butter knives.

Service:

This is where things went downhill. Service was pathetic:

Staff had to be constantly flagged down. A gentleman in a black suit walked up and down avoiding eye contact.

Plates were laid only for 5 out of 9 people. We had to ask multiple times for extras.

Only 4 glasses were provided for the mango chilli mojito pitcher.

Staff seemed more focused on resetting empty tables than attending to the ones actually occupied. The restaurant wasn’t even busy (barely 4–5 tables filled).

The birthday we’d mentioned while booking went completely unnoticed—no acknowledgment, no gesture, nothing.

Overall:

The food has its highs—especially the momos, fish, lamb, and drinks. But the service was shockingly bad for a restaurant that positions itself as premium. With Pin Code’s pricing, you expect attentive, guest-focused service. Instead, it felt like we were inconveniencing the staff by being there.

Final Verdict: A place that shows promise in the kitchen but fails at the basics of hospitality. Unless service improves dramatically, it’s hard to recommend despite...

Here's an improved and polished version of your review that keeps your original tone and observations but tightens the phrasing and improves the flow:

Three Weeks in Dubai – Visited Twice Already

I’ve only been in Dubai for three weeks and have already visited this restaurant twice — once for lunch and once for an early dinner.

The vibe is reminiscent of a slightly more upscale Bombay café (think Dishoom in London), but the pricing aligns more with Mayfair’s celebrity chef-led Indian restaurants. That said, I do like the ambiance — it's relaxed and not as hectic as Dishoom.

Given the big-name chef and premium pricing, I was expecting a higher level of culinary finesse, similar to what you'd find in West London’s top-tier Indian spots. About 60% of the dishes showcased some "cheffy" touches — particularly in the tandoori grills, which had interesting marinades and well-executed flavors. However, the mains were underwhelming: heavy on tomato-based gravies, light on actual meat.

The dal makhani came close to perfection — and that’s rare. While it’s a common dish, very few places manage to get it quite right, and this one almost nailed it.

As for service, we experienced both ends — a packed lunch service and a very quiet early dinner. While the staff were clearly working hard, most of them didn’t seem to have professional restaurant training. They missed subtle cues from guests and didn’t make timely eye contact — especially frustrating during busy hours when it became difficult to get attention without waving or walking up to them. At these price points, I’d expect more polished service.

That said, I’d still return for the tandoori grills — they’re genuinely enjoyable. But I’d avoid peak times and skip the mains altogether (unless you’re a fan of rich, tomato-laden gravies).

And no, I didn’t bother trying the biryani — my cousin warned me it "wasn’t even a pulao." I’m sure Dubai offers far better biryani options from both India and Pakistan elsewhere. A long review but only because I want to return. There is...