Dubai turned green and gold this week as the Pakistani community came together to mark the 78th Independence Day. The day began with flag-hoisting ceremonies at the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai.

But the real showstopper came earlier, on August 10, a record-breaking crowd of over 60,000 people gathered at Expo City Dubai, said to be the largest Independence Day celebration outside Pakistan. The entertainment? Nothing short of spectacular. Natasha Baig set the stage on fire with her powerhouse vocals, Sahir Ali Bagga had thousands swaying to soulful tunes, and Humayoun Saeed worked the crowd like a true superstar

But for a moment, forget the music, the patriotic speeches, and the flags fluttering in the breeze. The irresistible aroma of kebabs, biryani, and nihari is beckoning residents. Across Dubai, restaurants have pulled out all the stops to serve up feasts worthy of the big day.

Here’s where you can take your family, friends, and loved ones for a memorable Independence Day meal:

Ravi Restaurant – The Legendary Taste of Karachi
Satwa, Al Dhiyafa Road
What they serve: Rich, creamy butter chicken, hearty haleem slow-cooked to perfection, and their signature mutton handi brimming with ghee and spices, and the famous chargrilled chicken tikka.
Why it stands out: The institution that put Pakistani food on Dubai’s culinary map. Every dish is steeped in tradition, and the constant crowd proves its legendary status.

Karachi Darbar – The Grill Kings
Branches in Deira, Bur Dubai, Karama, and beyond
What they serve: Smoky seekh kebabs, tangy kebab karahi, and melt-in-the-mouth chicken tikka, and yummy taka-a-tak.
Why it stands out: The sizzling grills and the aroma drifting into the street are impossible to resist. A pure fire-grilled experience with no shortcuts.

Barbecue Delights – Platter Paradise
Jumeirah Beach Road & Al Barsha
What they serve: Jumbo BBQ platters stacked with malai botti, mutton chops, and spiced chicken tikka, served with fluffy naan, hot out of the tandoor.
Why it stands out: A feast for both your appetite and your Instagram feed, colourful, smoky, and made for sharing.

Student Biryani – The Rice Royalty
Al Karama
What they serve: Their iconic saffron-layered chicken and mutton biryani, paired with cool raita, fresh salad, paired with some shammi kebabs.
Why it stands out: One whiff and you’re transported to Karachi’s bustling Burns Road. Comfort food that tastes like nostalgia.

Sweet Corner – The Sugar Rush
Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai
What they serve: Golden jalebi dripping with syrup, soft gulab jamun, creamy kulfi falooda, and aromatic kheer.
Why it stands out: The perfect finale, because no Pakistani celebration is complete without a sweet ending.

Chai Stop – The Late-Night Lifeline
Multiple pop-ups around Expo City Dubai and JLT
What they serve: Karak chai, doodh patti, and cardamom tea served steaming in paper cups.
Why it stands out: Kept the night alive with endless rounds of chai and lively conversations.

From sizzling kebabs to saffron-scented biryanis and syrup-soaked sweets, Dubai’s Pakistani food scene is sure to make this Independence Day a true feast for the senses. And the best part? You can relive the flavours any time, no national holiday required.