Latest news with #Eric's
Time Out Dubai
12-08-2025
- Time Out Dubai
10 delicious restaurants in Karama you need to visit
Nestled in the heart of Old Dubai, Karama stands as one of the city's oldest and most vibrant neighbourhoods. This culinary hotspot offers up a rich mix of authentic, diverse dining options that reflect Dubai's multicultural spirit. Whether you're in the mood for the comforting flavours of Indonesian satay and nasi goreng at Dapoer Kita, or craving the spice-packed dishes of Southern India at Calicut Paragon, there's something for everyone. This full-of-life neighbourhood also feature excellent options like fresh seafood at Sallet Al Sayad, hearty Maharashtrian thalis at Peshwa and tasty Ethiopian platters at Zagol, making it the perfect place for food lovers to explore. With such a wide variety, Al Karama is a must-visit for any food enthusiast. Here are 10 restaurants worth checking out: 10 delicious restaurants in Al Karama worth visiting Calicut Paragon If authentic Keralan cooking, packed full of flavour and spice, is what you're searching for, Calicut Paragon is for you. An excellent Indian restaurant specialising in Southern Indian cuisine, this has been one of the best budget restaurants in Dubai for many years, and one of the top Indian restaurants in town, too. With dishes that sing with spice, dig into chicken Malabari, fish tikka, moilee, masala mushrooms and more, all served with piping hot naan. Open daily, 7am-midnight. Unlicensed. Karama, @calicutparagon (04 335 8700). Dapoer Kita Dapoer Kita is an authentic Indonesian restaurant with a menu that features flavorful dishes that keep diners coming back again and again. From delicious chicken satay to nasi goreng and the comforting soto ayam. There's a daily buffet, fantastic service and a comfy space to enjoy the authentic cuisine. Sat-Thu 11am-10.30pm, Fri 11am-1pm and 1.45pm-10.30pm. Sheikh Mohammad Building, Al Karama, (050 453 9991). Eric's Owing to its location by the sea and cultural influences from the Portuguese, it's a top tourist destination in the country. It's known for seaside eateries throwing banger parties and fresh-off-the-boat seafare that's fried, roasted or curried and served with a chilled hop. With food that tastes like it was made with a granny's loving touch and traditional interiors featuring artwork by Indian cartoonist Mario Miranda, eating at Eric's feels just like visiting a Goan friend's home. Open daily from 11am-3.30pm, 6.30pm-11.45pm. Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Karama (04 396 4447) LIZ restaurant LIZ is the spot to enjoy authentic Kerala food with a homemade feel. It might not be heavily laden with oil and ghee, which is what pulls us back again and again. What's special about the place you ask? If you're fortunate enough to meet the restaurant owner, who also takes orders, he'll chat with you like an old friend. Open daily from 7am-11pm. Al Karama (04 342 6955). Khandani Rajdhani If you're looking for the most authentic Indian dining experience, this is the spot we'd recommend. Rajasthani hospitality and their vegetarian cuisine are a whole experience. Expect servers to insist you try just one more helping, to make sure your plate is always full. Rajasthani hosts love making you feel like royalty, nudging you to eat well and savour every bite — they know there's no happier guest than a well-fed one. From ghee-laden curries to fragrant saffron-scented rice, you'll be on a full-on flavour ride. And over fifteen minutes you'll be served with over 27 curries and sabzis and pickles and a range of warm rotis and rice. All in all, you'll be too happy to move. With the price at Dhs53, we agree this isn't exactly budget. But if you've not had it before, trust us when we say, it's a must-try. Open daily from noon-3.30pm and 7pm-11pm. Al Khafajy Building, Al Karama (04 334 7977). Mogiya This authentic Japanese Restaurant serves up traditional dishes like sushi, sashimi, tempura, udon noodles, and teriyaki in the heart of the city. With carefully selected ingredients and chefs skilled in classic cooking techniques, each dish is prepared with precision and authenticity. Complement your meal with a selection of sake and Japanese beers. Whether for a casual lunch or a special occasion, Mogiya promises a memorable dining experience with attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere. Open daily from noon-midnight. Al Karama, (058 594 5796) Peshwa With authentic puran polis, misal pavs and kohlapuri thalis, this beautiful restaurant will surely take you back to the bustling streets of Mumbai. With paintings of popular Maharashtrian locations like Shaniwar Wada and the homemade tastes of the dishes here, it'll feel like you're right at home. Open daily from 9am-11.30pm. Al Khafajy Building, Al Karama (04 379 5520). Sallet Al Sayad Craving a Palestinian seafood feast? Dive into the flavours at Sallet Al Sayad, an amazing seafood restaurant that's been around since 2008. You'll get the freshest seafood, like shrimps to jumbo tiger prawns expertly infused with authentic Arabian flavours. Quality is top-notch and service is wonderfully warm. Open daily from noon-midnight. Al Shafar building, Al Karama (04 335 5722). Sri Balaji Bhavan What's Tamil cuisine most popular for? Its breakfast. Hot soft-as-clouds idlis and the coriander-laced sambar. Idlis, dosas and puris are breakfast items enjoyed by everyone in the country irrespective of which region they're from. Since idlis are rice cakes made from fermented batter, it's super light on the tummy. And when paired with sambar, they create a filling and finger-licking good breakfast. Plus, it's vegan and gluten-free (the kind that doesn't taste like cardboard). In Tamil homes, you won't find instant coffee powders. It's routine to visit a roastery to create your unique blend of dark-roasted coffee beans and chicory, which they then filter at home. Open daily from 7am-midnight. Karama Park, Al Karama (054 294 9897). Zagol At Zagol, Ethiopian food offers a unique, flavorful experience that goes beyond the typical 'spicy' dish. The food is rich with complex seasonings like basil, fenugreek, and korarima, but not overwhelmingly hot. The best way to experience it is by ordering a platter, which serves three people and features a variety of vegetarian dishes served with injera, a spongy flatbread. For just Dhs110, you can enjoy an authentic, delicious Ethiopian meal, making Zagol a must-try for newcomers to the cuisine. Open daily from 10am-11.30pm. Opp Burjuman, Al Karama (04 357 7740). In other news… Dubai's Al Karama will soon become a car-free zone And three other neighbourhoods will also get the same transformation The best budget restaurants to try tonight in Dubai Where to go for amazing food at a bargain Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025 – shortlist revealed It's official: after 12 months of anonymous reviews, these are Dubai's best restaurants
The National
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Eric's restaurant in Dubai to close Safa branch
Eric Lewis, owner of popular Goan restaurant Eric's in Dubai, has announced his Safa branch will close on June 16, after six years of being in service. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, delivered in his trademark tongue-in-cheek style, Lewis said: 'Although I don't look a day older, it is time to slow down and spend time with family.' Fans of Eric's excellent potato chops and pomfret rechaedo, need not fret too much, though, as Lewis confirmed Eric's will still have a presence in Dubai. 'I am not going anywhere.' The Karama branch, which launched in 2006, will remain open. Calling it the OG restaurant, and the heart and soul of Eric's, Lewis said: 'Karama is where it all began and now the branch will be its one and only home. I will finally get to see all of you in one place.' While the restaurant serves Mughlai and Indian-Chinese dishes, it is the Goan section of its menu that is worth sampling. The coastal Indian city is known for its flavourful seafood preparation, including dishes such as fried Bombay duck, pickled mackerel, crab xec-xec and traditional Goan prawn curry. Beef, while contentious in some parts of India, is a staple of Goan cuisine. Eric's has been serving Lewis's family recipe of beef croquettes and beef vindaloo since the Karama branch opened in 2006. While vegetarians are not exactly well catered for, the restaurant does serve a mean dal makhani and the aforementioned potato chops. For dessert, you cannot go wrong with the creme caramel.
Time Out Dubai
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
These are 10 of the best local dishes to try in Karama
No doubt that Dubai is a foodie haven. From poolside spots to brasseries to fancy schmancy dining, there's something to match every mood and craving. But if you want to explore the off-beaten path, discover new cultures and try new dishes, then it's time to head to Karama, the curry corridor of Dubai. One of the best things about wandering its streets? You could have breakfast, lunch and dinner and only have spent Dhs60 by the end of the day. You might also like: The 10 best budget restaurants to try tonight in Dubai Don't know what to order? We've rounded up ten must-try dishes from different cuisines that make Al Karama a food lover's paradise. 10 flavourful dishes to try in Karama Lamb chops at Eric's Price: Dhs30 Cuisine: Goan (Indian) The lamb chops, tandoor-grilled to perfection, are crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. It's served with this unassuming banger of a mint chutney. We're not exactly sure which is better, the meat or the creamy and fresh chutney. Eric's is a cosy little Goan spot that brings all the laid-back charm of Goa right here. You'll see its Portuguese roots shining through the yellow walls, warm wooden interiors and the pretty bougainvilleas blooming around the place. Open daily from 11am-3.30pm, 6.30pm-11.45pm. Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Karama, (04 396 4447) Appam and tangy mango curry at Calicut Paragon Price: Appam, Dhs2.25, curry, price varies based on your choice of meat Cuisine: Kerala (Indian) Appam is a flat, lacy pancake made from rice flour sourdough, and when it's freshly served on your plate, like it's done at Paragon, it will melt in your mouth. Order a tangy mango curry with Kingfish or prawns to accompany the appam, and you're sorted. It also happens to be the favourite budget dish of Akmal Anuar, the founder of Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori and Osteria Funkcoolio. Located right in the heart of Dubai's 'Curry Corridor' of Satwa, Karama and Bur Dubai, Calicut Paragon is a legendary Kerala restaurant that offers Malabari dishes in a homely setting. Open daily, 7am-midnight. Karama, (04 335 8700). If you like this: 10 best Indian restaurants in Dubai to book right now Grilled shrimps at Sallet Al Sayed Price: Dhs175/kg Cuisine: Middle Eastern Sometimes, simple really is best – and nowhere does that hit home more than with the grilled shrimp here. It's served with a fresh tomato salad, hummus and breads. Smoky, spicy (but not in a burn-your-mouth way, just packed with flavour), this is the kind of dish you'll find yourself craving again and again. Stephen Flawith, founder of Pickl, even called it the best grilled shrimp in the UAE. We get the hype. This laid-back Middle Eastern seafood joint keeps things fuss-free, serving up super fresh fish in the tastiest way possible. There's loads of fish on the menu from sherri to koffer, red snapper, sea bass, salmon, sardines and more. Open daily, noon-midnight. Al Shafar building, Karama, (04 335 5722). Beyaynetu at Zagol Price: Dhs50 Cuisine: Ethiopian Beyaynetu is a vegetarian lentil-based platter featuring injera – a sourdough flatbread – served with an assortment of vegetarian and meat curries. It's simple, but the variety of rich flavours on it is palate-awakening, according to Kelvin Cheung, chef and partner at Jun's. Zagol takes up a humble space in Karama, all done up with straw tables and colourful Ethiopian paintings, it's got charm for days. And when you swing by (which you absolutely should), don't leave without trying the Ethiopian coffee. Trust us on this one. Open daily, 10am-11.30pm. Mabrooka 1 Building, Al Karama (050 323 1822). Nasi padang with ayam baker at Daoper Kita Price: Dhs40 Cuisine: Indonesian Order the Nasi Padang Rendang and replace the rendang with Ayam Bakar, aka grilled chicken, to reduce the eye-watering level of spice (thank us later). This chicken and rice meal comes with a side of sayur lemak (a coconut-milk-based vegetable curry) and egg sambal, which are just *chef's kiss*. Dapoer Kita is an authentic Indonesian restaurant with a menu that features flavorful dishes that keep diners coming back again and again. From delicious chicken satay to nasi goreng and the comforting soto ayam. There's a daily buffet, fantastic service and a comfy space to enjoy the authentic cuisine. Open daily 11am-10.30pm. Sheikh Mohammad Building, Al Karama, (050 453 9991). Read more: 10 delicious restaurants in Al Karama worth visiting Thali at Khandani Rajdhani Price: Dhs53 Cuisine: Rajasthani (Indian) Rajasthani thalis are loved across India for two big reasons: first, every single dish on your plate is freshly made and served steaming; second, the staff will absolutely spoil you with endless servings. And over fifteen minutes, you'll be served with over 27 curries and sabzis and pickles and a range of warm rotis and rice. If comfort on a cold night could take the form of a meal, this would be it. Rajdhani only does one dish – the thali, but that's more than enough to travel to India and be back. Open daily, noon-3.30pm, 7pm-11pm. Al Khafajy Building, Al Karama, @rajdhanimiddleeast (04 334 7977). Idli sambar at Sri Balaji Bhavan Price: Dhs15 Cuisine: Tamil (Indian) Idli is a steamed bun made from rice flour sourdough that is best enjoyed with a steaming bowl of coriander-laced lentil and vegetable curry (aka sambar). Order the idli-vada set along with a filter coffee, and you're all set. At Balaji Bhavan, the idli is soft-as-clouds and the chutneys are freshly made. Having this for breakfast will be the best thing you can do that day. Plus, it's vegan and gluten-free (the kind that doesn't taste like cardboard). Open daily. 7am-midnight. Karama park. (054 294 9897) Kottu mix at Ceylonian Restaurant Price: Dhs26 Cuisine: Sri Lankan Kottu mix is a mish-mash of slivered parathas or hoppers tossed in a wok with onions, capsicum, coriander and meats of your choice. Think of a Sri Lankan version of fried rice. It's spicy, sticky and simply perfect for a quick and filling meal. Ceylonian Restaurant offers Sri Lankan delicacies in a nice spot in Karama, walkable from the ADCB metro station. If you're asking for the most authentic sri lankan dish, we'd recommend the the hoppers and beef stew. Open daily, 11am-11pm. Wasl Hub Block 2, Karama, @ (04 339 3010) Chole bhature at Delhi Highway Restaurant Dubai Price: Dhs26 Cuisine: Delhi (Indian) If Delhi (India's capital city) had a national dish, it would probably be chole bhature. We won't go as far as to compare this version to the legendary bhatures served in crammed gullies of purani Delhi, but this one definitely deserves a shout. This restaurant in Al Karama offers a real taste of the Mughlai charm, with Persian-inspired interiors that set the mood for family-friendly fun. The dishes are as lavish in presentation as they are in flavour. With avocados, broccoli pestos, tandoori tacos, mint pesto and more, the menu is elevated. So don't expect anything basic here. Even the chat is served on a beautiful platter. Open daily, noon-1am. Al Karama. @atdelhihighway_dubai (04 220 8844) Palada ice cream at Cintafresh Price: Dhs26 Cuisine: Kerala (Indian) Papa Scoop is an ice cream flavoured by a popular Kerala dessert, palada payasam. Palada payasam is Kerala's answer to kheer (rice pudding). The rice, milk and sugar are slow-cooked together until the milk thickens and turns slightly pinkish, giving the payasam a rich and creamy texture with a delicate caramel-like flavour. Cintafresh specialises in different kinds of palada-flavoured dishes: chilled palada shake, ice cream and the actual thing. Open Sun-Thu 11.30am-midnight, Fri 10.30am-1pm, 2pm-2am, Sat 11.30am-2am. BK10 building, Karama, (04 422 9976) You might also like 10 delicious restaurants in Al Karama worth visiting We've got the lowdown Your complete guide to Al Karama from rent to restaurants The gems you need to know Parking fees have now doubled in Al Karama And three other neighbourhoods are also affected
