Gul Khan Restaurant

Overview

Gul Khan Restaurant brings the authentic taste of Peshawar and Kabul to Dubai's Oud Metha neighborhood. Founded in 2018 by media personality Zahid Ali Khan, this family-run establishment has become the go-to destination for Pakistani and Afghan comfort food. Named after the owner's son and granddaughter, Gul Khan is celebrated for its sizzling chapli kebabs, slow-cooked karhais, and warm hospitality that makes every diner feel like part of the Khan family. The restaurant's vibrant truck art decor transports guests to the bustling streets of Peshawar, offering a true taste of South Asian culture in the heart of Dubai.

Menu

Ambiance

Step into Gul Khan and be immersed in a riot of colors reminiscent of traditional Pakistani truck art. Hand-painted floral motifs, intricate calligraphy, and mirror work adorn every surface, creating an Instagram-worthy backdrop. The air is fragrant with the aroma of sizzling kebabs and freshly baked naan from the visible tandoor. Communal tables encourage a convivial atmosphere where strangers often bond over shared platters of pulao and karhai.

• Truck Art Gallery – Authentic hand-painted murals by Peshawari artists.
• Tandoor Theater – Watch chefs prepare naan and kebabs in the open clay oven.
• Family Majlis – Private carpeted seating area for large groups.
• Cultural Artifacts – Display of traditional Afghan and Pakistani handicrafts.
• Outdoor Sheesha Lounge – For post-meal relaxation with flavored tobacco.

Cuisine

Gul Khan's kitchen stays true to ancestral recipes passed down through generations. The chefs use authentic techniques like slow-cooking in copper handis and charcoal grilling over diya (clay ovens). Signature dishes feature premium halal meats marinated for 24+ hours in house-made spice blends, while vegetarian options highlight seasonal produce from the restaurant's partner farms in Ras Al Khaimah.

• kebab paradise : Peshawari Chapli Kebab (beef or chicken),Sikh Tandoori Kebabs (marinated 48 hours),Bihari Boti (tenderized beef skewers)
• signature curries : Dumba Karhai (slow-cooked lamb in its own fat),Kabuli Pulao (with caramelized carrots and raisins),Khyber Shinwari (whole lamb leg for groups)
• tandoori breads : Roghani Naan (brushed with lamb fat),Peshawari Chappal (foot-shaped naan),Afghani Bolani (stuffed flatbread)
• dessert caravan : Shahi Tukda (gold leaf-topped bread pudding),Kandahari Ice Cream (with pistachio and saffron),Hot Jalebi with Rabri

Chef Recommendations

• Namkeen Karahi – Dry-cooked mutton with minimal gravy.
• Chapli Burger – Modern twist on the classic kebab in a brioche bun.
• Afghani Green Tea – Served with cardamom and pine nuts.

Must-Try Dishes

• Peshawari Chapli Kebab – Made with 20 spices and pomegranate seeds for authentic texture.
• Dumba Karhai – Slow-cooked for 6 hours in traditional copper vessels.
• Kabuli Pulao – Featuring Afghan basmati rice with tender lamb shanks.
• Gul Khan Special Platter – Sampling of 8 signature kebabs and curries.
• Saffron Lassi – Creamy yogurt drink topped with edible silver leaf.

Service

• description : The service at Gul Khan mirrors Afghan hospitality traditions - warm, generous, and attentive without being intrusive. Staff can explain the cultural significance of each dish, while the owner often circulates to share stories about the restaurant's namesakes. Large groups receive special treatment with complimentary appetizers and group photos with traditional turbans.
• style : Family-style service encouraging sharing and conversation.

Why Visit Gul Khan Restaurant?

• Generational Recipes – Authentic flavors unchanged for decades.
• Cultural Immersion – Dubai's most vibrant Pakistani-Afghan decor.
• Late-Night Dining – Open until 5AM for post-midnight cravings.
• Budget-Friendly – Generous portions at wallet-friendly prices.
• Celebrity Spotting – Popular with South Asian expats and visitors.

Tips for Visitors

• best time to visit : 9-11PM for lively atmosphere; 2-4AM for late-night dining.
• reservations : Required for groups of 6+ (weekends book out 3 days in advance).
• dress code : Comfortable casual (traditional shalwar kameez welcomed!).