Indo-Chinese is Dubai’s real comfort food — gobi manchurian, schezwan fried rice, hakka noodles, chilli chicken, all born in Kolkata’s Chinese kitchens and perfected in Karama. These are the best Indo-Chinese restaurants in Dubai I actually eat at, grouped by area so you can find one near you. Most have a serious vegetarian half to the menu, marked (V).
This is desi-Chinese, not Cantonese — expect bold, garlicky, chilli-forward plates and portions built for sharing. Prices shift, so treat any numbers as “around.”
Al Karama — the heartland
Chinchaaus — Karama & Al Nahda 2
The Karama desi-Chinese institution since 2010 — the name literally means eating Chinese with delight. Schezwan fried rice (~AED 33) feeds two, and the crispy beef and spicy pepper winglets are what regulars come back for. Cash-friendly, cramped, brilliant.
China Bistro — Karama
On the main Karama road, with a wide Indo-Chinese spread — dim sum, noodles, curries — and a solid vegetarian half of the menu. (V options)
Chinese Village — Karama
A Dubai go-to for years for Indian-style Chinese. Order the bamboo rice, chicken spinach and threaded paneer.
Red Dragon — Karama
A cosy Karama spot doing the fusion classics properly — hakka noodles and gobi manchurian are the order. (V options)
China Garden — Karama & Bur Dubai
Serving families for 20+ years. Huge portions, and the vegetarian dishes in Manchurian sauce are the ones locals rate. (V options)
Gypsy Chinese — Karama
Veg and non-veg menus with the unique aromas that typify a proper Indo-Chinese palate. (V options)
Bur Dubai & Al Mankhool
Calcutta Imperial Dragon — Al Mankhool & Dubai Marina
Family-run Calcutta-Chinese since 2007, with old-school 90s charm the desi community swears by. Hakka noodles, chicken fried rice and manchow soup.
Tangerine — Bur Dubai
Indo-Chinese and Thai under one roof — dim sum, noodles and curries, with a good vegetarian run. (V options)
Shanghai Kitchen — Bur Dubai
A relaxed room serving the best of the Asian repertoire without any fuss.
Indi Spice — Bur Dubai
Come for the Manchurian flight — cauliflower, mushroom, vegetable and chicken, all done well. (V options)
Oud Metha, Deira & homegrown
Dragon Empire — Oud Metha
A newer Oud Metha arrival going hard on bold, spicy Indo-Chinese. Worth knowing if you’re around ABA Residence.
Golden Dragon — Deira
Budget-friendly Deira stalwart — noodles, fried rice and Manchurian, veg and non-veg. (V options)
The Monk — Multiple branches
A homegrown concept from 2013 that grew to three outlets. Spinach chicken and schezwan spicy noodles are the picks.
Across the city
Chopsticks — Multiple branches
A reliable chain across the city for momos, spring rolls and chilli chicken, with spice levels to order. The Downtown branch has a terrace overlooking the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa. (V options)
Wok N Roll — Jumeirah & Al Barsha
Casual, customisable spice levels, and a proper vegetarian section. (V options)
Asian5 — Multiple branches
Pan-Asian with Indo-Chinese crossover — the Bombay wok and spicy noodle soup are the signatures. (V options)
Asia Kitchen by Mainland — Multiple branches
A big travel-inspired menu with fresh ingredients and homestyle plating. (V options)
Sizzling Wok — Multiple branches
Thailand, Vietnam, China and Singapore flavours at genuinely affordable prices. (V options)
Orientale — Multiple branches
Pan-Asian with a strong vegetarian spread — one for the veggies. (V)
Chin Chin — Satwa
Quality, quantity and flavour — exactly the feel-good food you want it to be. (V options)
How I picked these Indo-Chinese restaurants in Dubai
Every one of these Indo-Chinese restaurants in Dubai is somewhere I’ve eaten or been sent by people whose taste I trust — chosen on the food, not the decor. Karama and Bur Dubai carry the old guard; the newer names are marked where they’re still on my list.
Questions people ask
What are the best Indo-Chinese restaurants in Dubai?
Chinchaaus in Karama and Calcutta Imperial Dragon in Al Mankhool are the two most-loved old-school spots. China Garden has fed Karama families for 20+ years, and The Monk is the best of the homegrown newer wave.
Where can I eat Indo-Chinese food in Karama?
Karama is the heartland — Chinchaaus, China Bistro, Chinese Village, Red Dragon, China Garden and Gypsy Chinese are all within a short walk of each other.
Is Indo-Chinese food vegetarian-friendly?
Very — gobi manchurian, chilli paneer, veg hakka noodles, schezwan fried rice and spring rolls are staples. Nearly every restaurant here runs a full vegetarian section.
What should I order at an Indo-Chinese restaurant?
Start with manchow or hot-and-sour soup, then gobi or paneer manchurian, chilli chicken, hakka noodles and schezwan fried rice. Portions are big — three dishes usually feed two people.
Still hungry? See my best momos in Dubai and vegetarian restaurants in Dubai guides. For more of the city’s dining scene, Visit Dubai keeps a current list.
