Special Ostadi
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Al Ustad Special Kebab

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A legendary Dubai eatery since 1978, serving authentic Iranian kebabs in a vibrant, photo-filled space with a rich history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Special Ostadi

Al Ustad Special Kebab

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A legendary Dubai eatery since 1978, serving authentic Iranian kebabs in a vibrant, photo-filled space with a rich history.

"The walls are full of nostalgic memories, and the atmosphere is buzzing with history. Now, about the kebabs—absolutely worth every bite! Reddit"

TIP

Try the Mixed Platter

A great way to sample various flavors, especially the koobideh and chicken kebabs.

Order Garlic Dip

Enhance your kebab experience with this flavorful side. [^D1]

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Monday 11AM

Cuisine

Persian

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+971 4 397 1933

Address

Metro Station, Al Mussallah Rd, near Al Fahidi - Al Hamriya - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Iranian Kebabs

Iconic Iranian Kebabs

Savor succulent, yogurt-marinated mutton and chicken kebabs, a taste of Old Dubai since 1978. [^M1]

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Nostalgic Atmosphere

Nostalgic Atmosphere

Walls adorned with photos of celebrities & royalty create a unique, historic vibe. [^M6]

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Authentic Soulful Food

Authentic Soulful Food

Experience traditional Persian dishes that evoke nostalgia and are celebrated for their flavor. [^M7]

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🍢 ‘We don’t change.’ The legendary Al-Ustad Special Kebab stands strong as the king of kebabs, sharing a legacy of belief, resilience, and the rich heritage of Dubai. One word, one belief, one legacy. 🇦🇪💪 Don’t miss this episode on YouTube! 📺🍿 #fyp #dubai
@ahmedtahsinat
69 likes • 9.8K views

Try the Mixed Platter

A great way to sample various flavors, especially the koobideh and chicken kebabs. Reddit

Order Garlic Dip

Enhance your kebab experience with this flavorful side. [^D1]

al ustad special kebab Iranian restaurant #dosti #food #dubai #dxb #account #grow #foryoupage #foryou #fyp
@k7fazza
1.3K likes • 51.7K views
Looking for the best Kebabs in Dubai? Look no further than Al Ustad Special Kabab in the Al Fahidi neighbourhood. We got the chicken and falafel plates, both were exceptional. No need to order extra salad because these dishes already come with some. Try the mango chilli, that stuff is delicious. #dubai🇦🇪 #kebabs #review #traveltiktok #streetfood
@the.signature.dish
3 likes • 1.5K views

Visit Mid-Afternoon

Avoid crowds by dining during less busy hours. [^D3]

Mint Tea to Finish

A refreshing traditional drink to cap off your meal. [^M10]

I had the pleasure of dining at Al Ustad Special Kebab in Dubai, a renowned establishment frequented by celebrities from around the world. From the moment we arrived, the hospitality was exceptional, with Wendy promptly seating us and ensuring a delightful dining experience. As an Iranian restaurant, Al Ustad Special Kebab offered me a culinary adventure unlike any other. Every dish I sampled was ...
@hungrytraveller786
3 likes • 711 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Try the Mixed Platter

A great way to sample various flavors, especially the koobideh and chicken kebabs. Reddit

Order Garlic Dip

Enhance your kebab experience with this flavorful side. [^D1]

Visit Mid-Afternoon

Avoid crowds by dining during less busy hours. [^D3]

Mint Tea to Finish

A refreshing traditional drink to cap off your meal. [^M10]

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Al Ustad Special Kebab is lauded for its authentic and flavorful Iranian kebabs, with many praising the juicy and well-marinated meats. The restaurant's long history and the walls covered in celebrity photos contribute to its unique, nostalgic atmosphere. However, some diners find the food to be average or overpriced for the portion size, and the dining space can feel rushed.

"Al Ustad Special Kebab truly lives up to its name!
This place is a must-visit, and if you’ve lived in or visited Dubai and haven’t been here yet—you’re seriously missing out. The guy at the counter adds so much charm and warmth, making your experience even more memorable. The walls are full of nostalgic memories, and the atmosphere is buzzing with history.
Now, about the kebabs—absolutely worth every bite! Juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. I loved it.
10/10 for taste, experience, and vibes!"

kaif khan

"We thought it would be a quiet affair as we were the only ones. But within minutes the place was full. The shop has around 8 tables. The walls are filled with photos of famous people who have visited. The food shines and stands out. Very juicy and flavorfull kebabs. Definitely worth the hype for great food."

Stanly Cherian

"We ordered the lamb kebab, and the portion was surprisingly large for two people. The meat was delicious, and I really liked that the flavor and marinade varied from piece to piece—it made the meal more interesting. However, we didn’t enjoy the one served with yogurt; it was too sour for our taste.

The staff were friendly, but the overall vibe felt a bit like “eat quickly and leave,” perhaps because the restaurant wanted to free up tables for more customers. One thing that spoiled our experience was the table location—we sat right in front of the bathroom, next to an air conditioning unit. Every time someone went to the restroom, a few people lingered there, and unfortunately, some unpleasant smells reached our table, which ruined the dining mood.

Parking was honestly difficult—the area was very crowded, and it took us a while to finally find a spot.

That said, the food itself was tasty, the tea was excellent, and the restaurant decor—with its many photos—was charming and unique. Overall, a good place for flavorful kebabs."

Fawzia

What People Like

Juicy and flavorful kebabs
Nostalgic atmosphere with celebrity photos
Reasonable prices for quality

What People Dislike

Food taste can be average
Portion sizes sometimes small for the price
Rushed dining experience

Frequently Asked Questions

The restaurant is most famous for its authentic and delicious Iranian kebabs, particularly the mutton and chicken varieties. [^M1]

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The atmosphere is described as easygoing, welcoming, and nostalgic, with walls covered in photographs of celebrities and royalty who have dined there. [^M1]

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Diners often recommend the mixed platter for a variety of flavors, or specific kebabs like the 'Khas Kebab' (special kebab) and 'Koobideh'. Reddit

Google Review

Yes, parking can be challenging in the crowded area, and it is often recommended to consider alternative transportation. Reddit

Google Review

While the focus is on kebabs, they offer hummus and rice, and soup. Specific vegetarian dishes might be limited. [^M9]

10 Best Iranian Restaurant in Dubai 2022

Visiting during mid-afternoon can provide a less crowded dining experience. [^D3]

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This charismatic Mankool spot is a true slice of Old Dubai, founded in 1978 and still going strong. The walls inside this small, canteen-style eatery are plastered in photographs that pay tribute to the restaurant’s impressive legacy and the many Bollywood and Iranian celebrities and royalty who have dined there. The food at Al Ustad Special Kebab celebrates the Iranian kebab, with juicy chunks of barbecued chicken and mutton marinated in yogurt and served with platters of buttery rice topped with dried pomegranates.

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Restaurant, Middle Eastern, $ Run by the Al Ansari family for more than 40 years, this Iranian restaurant in Bur Dubai is famous for its barbecued kebabs. One bite of the signature khas kebab, a yogurt-marinated chicken or mutton dish, and you’ll soon see why the walls are plastered with photos of smiling customers. Combine with a mountain of Persian saffron rice and endless cups of mint tea.

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For the best Iranian kebabs in Dubai, head to Al Ustad Special Kabab in Al Fahidi. Founded in 1978, this is one of the city’s oldest restaurants and continues to enjoy the loyalty of long-time residents like me who first visited as children, as well as local and international celebrities.

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Explore a different side of Dubai with a walking food tour or simply forge your own path, making sure not to miss Ravi, Al Ustad Special Kebab and Al Mallah. Sample Dubai's food truck culture with sliders from the iconic Salt truck on Kite Beach, or keep your options open at Last Exit themed parks. While in Dubai, don't miss the opportunity to dig into the flavours of the Levant and Gulf region with quick stops that are also easy on the wallet — Bait Al Mandi in Al Barsha is famed for its chicken and rice, while Zaroob is known for its mouth-watering manakish.

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If you’re not willing to take our word for it (odd choice of reading material but you do you), the fact this local legend has been around (just) longer than What’s On (since 1978); and that it counts royals and international A-listers (many of whom are plastered pictorially across the venue) amongst its devoted patrons; should help to persuade you of its worthiness for carrying ‘Special’ as its middle name. It represents incredible value, delivers outstanding meaty feasts, it’s consistent and a saj-wrapped, nostalgia-steeped, delicious dose of local history.

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This charismatic Mankool spot is a true slice of Old Dubai, founded in 1978 and still going strong. The walls inside this small, canteen-style eatery are plastered in photographs that pay tribute to the restaurant’s impressive legacy and the many Bollywood and Iranian celebrities and royalty who have dined there. The food celebrates the Iranian kebab, with juicy chunks of barbecued chicken and mutton marinated in yoghurt and served with platters of buttery rice topped with dried pomegranates.

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For lovers of Iranian restaurants in Dubai, you can visit Elestad Restaurant, which specializes in serving the most delicious Iranian-style kebab and meat dishes. It is among the cheap restaurants in Dubai, and it offers dishes mixed with the most delicious Iranian spices, and its most famous dishes are: Kebab Kobideh and Cholo Kebab. In addition to serving meat dishes and Iranian kebabs, it provides distinctive dishes of appetizers, soups and salads.

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Al Ustad Special Kebab is one of Dubai’s oldest and most iconic eateries, renowned for its authentic Iranian-style kebabs and rich history. Famous for its yoghurt-infused flavours, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience with walls adorned with celebrity photos. Guests can end their meal with a refreshing cup of traditional mint tea, adding the perfect touch to a nostalgic and flavourful visit.

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Al Ustad Special Kabab is a hidden gem widely known for its authentic Persian Kabab. Located in Mankhool, Dubai, this no-frills eatery is where you can load up on authentic Persian delicacies. Get minced meat and okra, fried fish served with rice, barbecued mutton or chicken with Persian bread, cubes of chicken marinated in saffron, and almost countless more meaty mains and bites – all for under Dhs45.

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At Al Ustad Special Kebab, you can enjoy some of the best Persian delicacies, like fried fish with rice for example. They offer a lot of dishes with meat as well as plenty of delicious, more simple bites. Renowned for being a favorite spot for so many celebrities and the Prince and Sheikh themselves, you cannot go wrong with this one!

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A post shared by AlUstadSpecialKababمطعم استادي (@ostadi_1978). A very well-known Dubai establishment, visited by every celebrity you can think of – with their photos all over the walls. A very affordable and tasty mixed grill, make sure to get some of their yoghurt dip.

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A good cooked Kebab is something that represents the prestigious culture of Iran. With such high stakes, AL Ustad Special Kebab is the one restaurant that fulfills all the kebabish expectations. Kebab Bahraini and Kebab Khas are two dishes famous in the whole city.

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Al Ustad Special Kabab is another Iranian comparatively best cheap restaurant in Dubai. It is familiar to Kabab and is the oldest Iranian restaurant in the United Emirates. It is well known due to its aesthetic, and friendly decoration and design.

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The Al Ustad Special Kabab restaurant's reputation is a bit of a problem. On the one hand, it's a hidden gem of an establishment. On the other hand, however, people who know about it (near the Al Fahidi Metro Station) rave about its kebabs.

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Ask for their kebab platter which will give you a chance to taste most of their flavours. You can see the photographs of the celebrities and middle eastern leaders who visited the restaurant.

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A casual family-owned eatery, Special Ostadi Kebab has a unique colourful décor with memorabilia and photographs of diners, including sheikhs and prominent public figures.

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Al Ustad Special Kabab: this family-run Iranian joint in Bur Dubai set up shop in 1978. Go here for the authentic Persian char-grilled kebabs.

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