There are plenty of Pakistani restaurants in Dubai, but very few that cook like Peshawar. Gul Khan Restaurant is one of them. The menu reads like a walk through Qissa Khwani and Namak Mandi: chapli kebab, charsi karahi, namkeen gosht, Kabuli pulao and roghani naan, all served under bright truck-art walls.
For anyone from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa living in the UAE, Gul Khan Restaurant is a taste of home. Here’s where to find it, what to order and how it compares with the real thing back in Peshawar.
The Story Behind Gul Khan Restaurant
According to CrownDevour, Gul Khan Restaurant was founded in 2018 by Pakistani media personality Zahid Ali Khan, and it’s named after his son and granddaughter. It’s a family-run place, and the kitchen works from inherited recipes. Dishes are slow-cooked in copper handis and grilled over charcoal, and the food draws on the flavours of Peshawar and Kabul.
Gul Khan Restaurant Branches in the UAE
Oud Metha, Dubai
This is the original branch, on the ground floor of a building in Oud Metha, about a ten-minute walk from Oud Metha Metro Station. It’s spacious and colourful, with truck-art décor, and it suits family dinners and group gatherings.
Al Qusais, Dubai
The second branch is on Damascus Street, Al Qusais Industrial Area 4. It has the same traditional décor, and it’s a good option for Al Nahda, Al Qusais and Muhaisnah.
Al Majarra, Sharjah
This smaller branch in Al Majarra (Al Nabba), Sharjah has a few indoor tables and outdoor seating, which is lovely in winter.
According to Google Maps, the Oud Metha branch opens at about 11:30 AM and closes around midnight. Other listings show longer hours, so check before a late visit.
Gul Khan Restaurant Menu: What to Order
Kebabs and BBQ
- Peshawari chapli kebab, and the richer nalli chapli kebab, made with bone marrow
- Seekh kebab, Bihari boti, malai boti and chicken tikka
- The Gul Khan special platter, for sharing
Karahi and handi
- Charsi karahi, in chicken or lamb, cooked the Namak Mandi way
- Namkeen karahi and namkeen mutton
- Dumba karahi
- Mutton shank karahi and chicken handi
Rice and big dishes
- Kabuli pulao and mutton pulao
- Bannu nalli pulao
- Khyber Shinwari, a whole leg of lamb for groups
- Haleem and biryani
Breads
- Roghani naan, garlic naan and an assorted naan basket
- Afghani bolani, a stuffed flatbread
Desserts and drinks
- Jalebi with rabri, shahi tukda, matka kheer and Kandahari ice cream
- The Gul Khan special falooda
- Peshawari kahwa, Kashmiri chai and saffron lassi
What We’d Order at Gul Khan Restaurant
If you’re from Peshawar, start with the nalli chapli kebab and a charsi lamb karahi, with roghani naan and a plate of Kabuli pulao. For a group of six or more, order the Khyber Shinwari. Finish with hot jalebi and rabri, and a cup of kahwa, just like home.
Gul Khan Restaurant vs the Real Thing in Peshawar
Gul Khan gets impressively close to Peshawari flavours, especially the chapli kebab and the charsi karahi. Still, nothing quite beats eating them where they come from. If you’re visiting home, read our guides to chapli kebab in Peshawar, karahi in Peshawar, Kabuli pulao and the Namak Mandi food guide. Curious about the Afghan side of the menu? See Afghan vs Pakistani food.
Tips for Visiting Gul Khan Restaurant
- Book for big groups, especially on weekends at Oud Metha.
- Parking can be tight in Al Qusais and Al Majarra, so arrive early or use a taxi.
- Order karahi by weight. Half a kilo usually serves two.
- Try the kahwa after a heavy meal. It’s the Peshawari way.
For more Pakistani food in the UAE, see Karachi Darbar near me, Barbecue Delights Dubai and Pakistani restaurants near me in the UAE.
Send Peshawari Food to Your Family Back Home
Eating chapli kebab in Dubai often makes you miss home. Zarrasha can’t deliver in the UAE, but we can deliver real Peshawari food, cakes and gifts to your family in Peshawar:
- Open the Zarrasha app, or message us on WhatsApp at +92 334 0724724.
- Choose food, such as chapli kebab, karahi or Kabuli pulao, or a cake or a gift.
- Share your family’s Peshawar address and contact number.
- Confirm, and we’ll deliver it in Peshawar. Gifts can also be delivered in Islamabad.
For more, see send gifts to Peshawar from the UAE.
FAQs About Gul Khan Restaurant
Where is Gul Khan Restaurant in Dubai?
The main branch is in Oud Metha, near Oud Metha Metro Station. There’s a second Dubai branch on Damascus Street, Al Qusais, and another in Al Majarra, Sharjah.
What kind of food does Gul Khan Restaurant serve?
Pakistani and Afghan food inspired by Peshawar and Kabul, including chapli kebab, charsi karahi, namkeen gosht, Kabuli pulao, roghani naan and kahwa.
Who owns Gul Khan Restaurant?
According to CrownDevour, it was founded in 2018 by Pakistani media personality Zahid Ali Khan.
What is Gul Khan Restaurant famous for?
Its Peshawari chapli kebab, especially the nalli chapli kebab, its charsi karahi and its truck-art décor.
What are Gul Khan Restaurant’s timings?
Google Maps lists the Oud Metha branch as open from about 11:30 AM to midnight. Other listings show longer hours, so check before you go.
Disclaimer
Zarrasha is an independent food delivery service based in Peshawar, Pakistan. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to Gul Khan Restaurant or any other restaurant mentioned on this page, and we don’t deliver in the UAE.
The branch locations, timings, menu and other details in this article are collected from publicly available sources and may be out of date. Any prices shown are for information only and are not an invoice.
For the latest menu, prices, timings, bookings or delivery, please contact Gul Khan Restaurant directly.
