Join us as we head to sample Pani Puri in Dubai which may perhaps offer stiff competition to recipes from India

While there has been a raging debate among Pani Puri aficionados on which neighbourhood in Dubai serves the best ones – Bur Dubai and Karama seem to be the most desired by residents. From traditional to fusion preparations, we are here are some must-try places in town that serve some of the best varieties. 

There’s one for everyone in Bur Dubai 

Call it soul food or comfort snack, there’s no denying that the Pani Puri at Mini Punjab, located at Meena Bazar, will instantly lift your mood, and foodies swear by this. In a recent unofficial survey, a large majority (more than 60%) of the Pani Puri consuming community gave Mini Punjab their their seal of approval. Nestled in one of the by-lanes, near Astoria Hotel, this eatery serves the crispiest puris on this side of town. The puffed puris are packed with a delicious mix of potatoes and boondi. You could choose to have it spicy hot or syrupy sweet, the counter chef will happily stuff your puri with the right blend. Every morsel is worth the drive to this busy neighbourhood.

While there, if you happen to have a large appetite and want to try some more varieties, and don’t mind driving through the bumper-to-bumper traffic, then we suggest you park your car at the RTA multi-storey facility behind Central Bank and walk down to Rangoli. Known for their Gujarati-flavoured favourites, their Pani Puris surely warrant a revisit. Their flavoured pani is a bit on the spicy side, but that’s what will make every mouthful of this tangy, savoury liquid want you to return to this place once more.

Also hidden in one of the by-lanes of Al Fahidi Street is Vaibhav. These guys are one of the veterans of Indian street food. Forget their popular Pav Bhaji or Koki Parathas, their Pani Puris are unique and for a change, have the chef stuff the puri with some minced onion and tomato, and the result is an explosion of flavours in your mouth.

Test your Pani Puri knowledge!

We in Dubai, though thousands of miles away from our homeland, are fortunate to relish some of the best varieties of this dish in town. Some of the options available here will even give original recipes from our home turf a run for their money.

Some like it hot and spicy, some like it sweet while some prefer to have it cold! Whatever may be your choice. There’s no denying that a Pani Puri can satiate your tastebuds like no other Indian snack.