In the UAE, a country often dubbed as the culinary capital of the Middle East, Indian cuisine is no longer confined to traditional eateries tucked into quiet corners of bustling neighbourhoods. Instead, it stands tall, reshaping the UAE’s gastronomic identity. From small-scale cafeterias to Michelin-level fine dining, Indian food isn’t just thriving—it’s leading.

Habibi, come to Dubai!

The popularity of Indian cuisine in the UAE traces back to the influx of Indian expatriates during the mid-1960s, shortly after the discovery of oil in the country. These expats, who brought along their culinary traditions, also had a passion for sharing them. Over time, Indian food has become more than just an indulgence for the Indian diaspora; it has turned into a mainstream favourite.

Reel or Real?: The media effect

In recent times, social media influencers have helped to amplify Indian cuisine’s visibility in the UAE. Dubai-based actress and influencer Cerrena Ann Joseph (@cerena.ann) highlighted that social media’s spotlight on Indian cuisine has helped to reach audiences beyond its traditional fanbase.

“When a Malayali influencer creates content on a newly opened restaurant, it is not only viewed by Malayalis but rather by a wider audience that involves many nationalities. You no longer need to step into a restaurant to know what Indian cuisine feels like, a single reel can make viewers feel like they are a part of something exclusive,” she added.

Emirati influencer Sally Elazab (@theadventurousmum), recently chosen for an India exploration tour by the Government of India, also highlighted the role of social media in affirming cultural gaps. She noted that her misconceptions about Indian food were overturned, emphasising that “food influencers aren’t just showing food, rather they’re showing a reflection of the region it’s from.”

From pan to plates

Indian restaurants in the UAE have become more than dining spaces; they’re now cultural ambassadors. For restaurateurs like Rahul George Ninan, managing partner at Idukki Gold Restaurant, preserving the soul of Indian cuisine while catering to a diverse cosmopolitan palate is both a challenge and a passion.

“Bringing Kerala cuisine to Abu Dhabi was not just a business decision—it was personal,” Ninan shared. “Around forty percent of the expat population in the UAE are Indians, and we want every dish to carry the authenticity of home while still being accessible to a global audience.”

NH47’s Executive Chef, Krishna Acharya, explained that the flavours of Indian dishes make them stand out globally, elevating the demand for Indian restaurants. “From pepper to cardamom, our country is often considered the land of spices. It is our identity,” he expressed.

Table for two: Indian cuisine and fine dining culture

The heightened demand for Indian cuisine has now led to the rise of Indian fine dining restaurants in the UAE, such as NH47, promoting an exotic appeal among its audiences. Siby Kadavil, PR manager at NH47 Restaurant attributes this growth to an increased demand for premium services, especially from locals.

“Emiratis love Indian food. However, the only issue they have complaints about is the reduced dine-in capacity; as a result, we wanted to provide the ultimate dining experience for all our customers.”‘

With a seating capacity of 360+ guests, NH47 stands amongst the most prominent fine-dining Indian restaurants in the UAE. Kadavil also highlighted that NH47 centers itself around eight different settings specialised within the restaurant, including immersive themes like ‘Rainforest’ and ‘Elephant Caves,’ each designed to offer a unique dining atmosphere.

Aiwah Habibi!: The Emirati opinion

Today, the Indian diaspora is at the heart of this culinary renaissance in the Emirates. However, the popularity of Indian food extends beyond expatriates. Emiratis have embraced it enthusiastically, now making Indian food a staple in their dining culture.

Emirati entrepreneur Younes Al Ali, driven by his love for Indian cuisine, is all set to open an Indian restaurant in Morocco this year. “Here in the UAE, we often see Indian food as our national food rather than our local cuisine. My love for biryani and masala dosa is beyond measure, that I’m opening an Indian restaurant in my wife’s home country,” he said.

The UAE’s relationship with Indian cuisine is more than just a culinary affair- it’s cultural diplomacy on a plate. Whether it’s Chai or Qahwa, the dialect remains the same – one that speaks the universal language of love and flavour.

Written by: Diya Daniel, School of Communication and Media Studies, St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru