Call it Indo-Chinese or desi Chinese, this 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.
