Best Thali Dubai- Maharaja Bhog Review
Living in Dubai, we quickly realized that there are tons of great Indian food spots, thanks to the huge Indian community. But you kind of have to be in the know or know someone who is! Luckily for us, we have some foodie Indian friends who recently invited us to Maharaja Bhog, calling it one of the best vegetarian Thali restaurants in Dubai. Naturally, we were excited for our very first Indian Thali experience, and here’s what we thought of it!
What is a Thali?
Okay, I’ll be honest—I’ve seen the word “Thali” come up many times and knew it was popular, but I never really understood what it was. If you’re in the same boat, let me explain. A Thali is essentially a selection of small bowls, each filled with a different tasty dish, all served on one plate. It’s like having a mini buffet right on your plate, with everything from salad to dessert. At Maharaja Bhog, you can enjoy this entire experience for just 59 AED, including unlimited servings and soft drinks!
Best Thali Dubai: First Impressions
Walking into Maharaja Bhog for the first time felt like stepping into a vibrant food festival. The place was buzzing with energy. We began with a tasty round of chaat from the live station. Then, the staff placed a traditional yellow dot, called a “bindi,” on our foreheads. After that, they guided us to our table, already set with silverware and ready for the feast. We almost got seated at a fancy regal table shown above but decided against it, as it felt a bit too extra for a casual late lunch.
Best Thali Restaurant Dubai: Food
My favorites were the paneer curry and the deliciously fresh, warm rotis. Everything was so good. While I wasn’t too keen on one of the rice dishes, it was no big deal since there were three different types of rice to enjoy.
The sour buttermilk drink called ‘chaas’ is definitely an acquired taste. On the flip side, the lassi was fantastic—delicious and filling!
Service Please!
The team at Maharaja Bhog manages the steady flow of diners with excellent service. The staff are like culinary ninjas, appearing promptly to refill your Thali as soon as it’s half-finished. It felt a bit like your mum urging you to eat just one more bite—“Come on, just one more!” My husband kept saying “No thanks” to the refills because he was stuffed, but when the waiter presented another fresh roti with a big smile, he couldn’t resist and said, “Oh, go on then,” multiple times. It was quite amusing. The waiters were fantastic, and the manager was great too, making sure everything ran smoothly and chatting with us.
Don’t Miss the Khulfi
Here’s a little tip from me to you: make sure you save room for the bonus dessert, the Khulfi. It’s a traditional Indian ice cream that’s creamy, sweet, and utterly delightful. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!
Best Thali in Dubai – A Must Visit
Maharaja Bhog is a fantastic spot for anyone who loves Indian vegetarian food and wants to try a classic Thali experience. If you’re searching for the best thali restaurant in Dubai, this place should be at the top of your list. The atmosphere is lively, the service is quick, and the food is plentiful. So, gather your friends and head over—your taste buds will thank you!
Top Tip: Go in the late afternoon on a weekday like we did for a more relaxed atmosphere. The place is known to get extremely busy in the evenings and on weekends!
Check out our other restaurant reviews: