Hashmi Barbeque Restaurant

So, there I am, casually scrolling through my Insta feed, when suddenly, Hashmi, the Kenyan-Indian BBQ sensation, appears out of nowhere. I immediately tag my Kenyan Indian friend, and she’s said “they’re legends in Kenya!” And just like that, the foodie squad is summoned into action.

 

Who is Hashmi?

Let’s take a quick detour into foodie history. Hashmi Barbeque, born in the bustling city center of Nairobi back in 1978, has been dishing out mouthwatering Kenyan-Indian delicacies ever since. And lucky for us, they brought their culinary magic to Dubai, complete with their legendary Chooza chicken.

 

Operation: Parking Nightmare

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – parking. It’s near the Mall of Emirates, but finding a spot can feel like solving a Sudoku puzzle. So, we bypassed the headache and booked a taxi because, let’s face it, playing parking roulette is not our idea of a good time. Pro Tip: When booking a taxi home, use the back entrance; it’s easier for a taxi to stop.

 

Walk-Ins Only

Word on the street was that Hashmi operates on a strictly walk-in basis. Taking a chance, we decided to brave a weeknight during Ramadan. And guess what? Arriving early was a pro move. We wandered in around 6 pm, snagged a table for four, and watched as the place filled up faster than you can say “Iftar.”

 

Vibes and Plastic Menu

Stepping inside, it’s evident that Hashmi is all about one thing – the food. Forget fancy decor; plastic menus and water bottles set the scene. But hey, who needs frills when the food is good?

Menu

Now, the menu. Everything sounds like it came straight from a foodie’s dream. We decided to throw caution to the wind and order, well, everything. Warning: the portions are bigger than your appetite.

 

Chooza Chicken

So, now the table is overflowing with plates, with the waiter doing his best Jenga moves. We dive in, and holy moly, every bite’s a flavour explosion. But let me introduce you to the real star – the Chooza Chicken. Infused with unique East African flavours, it’s a culinary masterpiece that lives up to every bit of the hype.

Drinks

My friend couldn’t contain her excitement when she spotted the seasonal fruit juices on the menu – tangerine juice and passion fruit. According to her, that’s the real deal straight from Kenya. So, we decided to give them a shot. To be completely honest, I took a sip of mine and promptly rejected it; it was way too sweet for my liking. But hey, if you’re into sweet drinks, knock yourself out!

 

Standout Dishes

Now, onto the lamb chops – tender, juicy, and so delicious they should come with a warning label. And the naan? It’s like sinking your teeth into a fluffy, buttery cloud. And those spicy lemon shrimp? They’re so addictive, I could have eaten them by the bucketful. Don’t even get me started on the pillipilli chips – spicy perfection served on a platter so massive, we couldn’t finish them all.

Dessert?

We wrapped things up with some kulfi – it’s like dessert heaven. After all that spice, it’s a cool, creamy hug for your taste buds.

Service Please

Let’s give a shoutout to the incredible staff – they’re like culinary ninjas, always there when you need them. The owner is always checking on you, and during Ramadan, they go above and beyond, treating you to free starters, tea, and enough water to hydrate a camel.

 

Home Delivery

If you’re not up for the drive, no problem! You can order a home delivery on their website here.- Hashmi

 

Verdict? Two Thumbs Up!

So, would I recommend Hashmi? Absolutely! Whether you’re a Dubai local or just passing through, it’s a must-visit. Great food, relaxed vibes, and enough flavour to make your taste buds do a little dance, and oh, it’s budget-friendly too. What’s not to love? As always, I would like to point out none of my posts are sponsored or associated in any way with the restaurants.

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on Hashmi! Have you given it a try yet? Drop me a comment below and share your experience!