Join us as we head to sample Pani Puri at Karama, 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 bring to you a few must-try places in town that serve some of the best varieties. 

Pani Puris at Dubai’s ‘Khao Galli’ aka Karama

We step into what has literally become Dubai’s ‘Khao Galli’. Karama has it all. Name it, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Italian, and of course, Indian cuisine from practically all corners of the country. However, as the sun settles down and the street lights come on. This neighbourhood comes alive as hungry diners line up in queues, eagerly waiting to be served.

Some fan favourites for street food here are Chaat Bazaar, Urban Tadka, Mumbai Masti Juice Center, Bol Gappa, Patiala House, Elco and Mr Chaat located outside BurJuman Metro station, which serves the needs of hungry, exhausted commuters returning from their daily grind.

Chaat Bazaar and its neighbours Urban Tadka and Mumbai Masti Juice Center are centrally located near Sheikh Hamdan Colony. It’s almost impossible to get a seat at these street-side joints after sunset. However, if you happen to visit these joints and want to dig into their specialities like Bhel Puris, Samosas, Vada Pav or Pav Bhaji, it’s their Pani Puri that make for the most worthy starter. Check out fillings like ragda (white peas), channa, sprout, boondi or potatoes. Each puri, once dunked in the flavoured pani ka matka will fire up your taste buds the moment you devour it. 

A two-minute walk from Sheikh Hamdan Colony will take you to a junction dotted with scores of other eateries like Gujarati specialists Fafda Jalebi, Nukkad Pe Bhukkad and Mirchiwala. Our favourite place to drop is the Punjabi dhaba-styled eatery Patiala House, and there’s a good reason for that. Their chaat counter serves a divine Pani Puri for just Dh15, and too unlimited. Have it hot and spiced up or simply sweet, you can get the most out the popular street snack at this joint.

Join the debate?

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.