Dubai’s culinary scene has welcomed a vibrant new entrant with the launch of Khadak, a Michelin Guide-lauded Indian restaurant that brings the spirit of Mumbai’s food streets to the heart of Jumeirah. Officially opened in September 2025, Khadak has already earned a Bib Gourmand distinction from the Michelin Guide Dubai for its high-quality, value-driven cooking. The restaurant blends nostalgic flavors, contemporary presentation, and storytelling-driven hospitality, offering diners a sensory journey through India’s diverse culinary heritage.
Located at Villa 426 on Al Wasl Road, Khadak is the brainchild of restaurateur duo Rohan Bhatia and Anjali Mehta, who envisioned a space that pays homage to India’s street food legends while elevating them for a global audience.
Key Highlights From The Launch
- Khadak opens in Dubai’s Jumeirah district, inspired by Mumbai’s iconic food streets
- The restaurant earns a Bib Gourmand rating in the 2025 Michelin Guide Dubai
- Menu features regional Indian dishes with modern flair, including Keema Pao, Kathal Haleem, and Morel Kulcha
- Non-alcoholic drinks are crafted around fictional personalities from Khadak Street
- Interiors blend heritage textures with contemporary design, creating an immersive dining experience
Concept And Culinary Philosophy
Khadak’s menu is built around the idea of “People of Khadak”—a fictional ensemble of characters inspired by India’s street vendors, home cooks, and food artisans. Each dish is tied to a story, whether it’s Narsing’s Dahi Bhalla from Old Delhi or Rustom’s Float, a nostalgic nod to Irani cafés.
The culinary team, led by Chef Raghav Kapoor, focuses on small plates and sharing platters that encourage communal dining. Signature dishes include:
1. Radio Café Keema Pao – a tribute to a long-shuttered Bombay eatery
2. Karare Kale Chaat – crispy kale tossed with tangy chutneys and puffed rice
3. Guntur Butter Chicken – a fiery take on the classic, with Andhra-style spices
4. Kathal Ki Haleem – slow-cooked jackfruit stew with lentils and broken wheat
5. Aamras Milk Cake – a fusion dessert combining mango pulp and condensed milk
The kulfi falooda arrives theatrically in dry ice, while the Morel Cheese Kulcha with truffle butter has already become a crowd favorite.
Design And Ambience
Khadak’s interiors are a blend of rustic charm and urban sophistication. Exposed brick walls, brass fixtures, and hand-painted murals evoke the chaos and color of Indian food streets. The open kitchen allows diners to watch dishes being plated, while the outdoor seating area offers a relaxed vibe for evening gatherings.
The restaurant’s playlist features retro Bollywood tracks and ambient street sounds, enhancing the immersive experience. Staff uniforms are inspired by Indian railway porters and chai vendors, reinforcing the brand’s storytelling ethos.
Drinks And Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Khadak’s beverage program is entirely non-alcoholic, with drinks crafted around the personalities of Khadak Street. Highlights include:
- Nandu’s Lazy Man Buck – a ginger and tamarind cooler
- Rustom’s Float – rose syrup, vanilla ice cream, and soda
- Ann’s Lady Finger Fizz – okra-infused lemonade with basil seeds
Each drink is designed to complement the spice profiles of the food and offer a refreshing counterpoint to bold flavors.
Reception And Michelin Recognition
Within weeks of opening, Khadak was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide Dubai 2025, recognizing its commitment to quality and affordability. Inspectors praised the restaurant’s storytelling approach, vibrant flavors, and inventive presentation.
The accolade places Khadak among Dubai’s top value-driven dining destinations and affirms its place in the city’s evolving culinary landscape.
Forward Outlook
Khadak plans to host monthly chef’s tables, regional food festivals, and collaborations with Indian artists and musicians. The founders are also exploring expansion to Abu Dhabi and London, aiming to build a global brand rooted in Indian street food culture.
Sources: OpenTable Dubai listing, Michelin Guide Dubai profile, What's On Dubai Michelin Guide 2025 coverage
