Heart, soul and legacy
In a city driven by speed and constant reinvention, some of Dubai’s most successful food businesses move at a very different pace. They are family-led, often multi-generational and built on a clear set of values that rarely change. Their strength lies in repetition, nostalgia and trust. The same menu done properly, the same supplier relationships maintained for years and the same standard of hospitality delivered for years.
These restaurants and food businesses don’t rely on trends to survive. They rely on systems shaped by family roles, protected recipes and a deep understanding of their communities.
Here’s our pick of some of Dubai’s best family-led food businesses and the ethos that still keeps them relevant.
Ravi Restaurant
Few restaurants in Dubai have achieved the kind of cultural status Ravi holds. Founded in 1978, it has grown into a city landmark. The menu hasn’t changed much over the years, the prices are still reasonable and the atmosphere is just as lively as regulars have always loved.
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Ravi’s success comes down to operational discipline. Dishes are designed for volume without compromising flavour. Systems are built around speed and accuracy. Family involvement has kept standards high, especially in the kitchen, where every detail, from marinades to spice ratios and cooking times, is closely monitored. What sets Ravi apart is its knack for expanding while staying true to its core identity. Each branch follows the same guiding principles, ensuring a consistent experience wherever you are.
Al Ustad Special Kabab
Since 1978, the Al Ansari family has operated Al Ustad Special Kabab as an extension of their own home. Now managed by the founder’s three sons, the restaurant functions through a philosophy of radical hospitality. The brothers are omnipresent, weaving through a dining room adorned with thousands of personal photographs and memorabilia, treating every visitor with the same warmth, whether they are a local labourer or a visiting dignitary. Their success is rooted in an unwavering consistency
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Everything from marinades to grilling methods and portion sizes is kept under wraps. The service has a comforting, familiar rhythm. The younger generation isn’t focused on changing the brand but on maintaining what makes it special while adapting to modern needs, such as catering to more tourists and offering delivery options.
Arabian Tea House
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Founded by Ali Al Rais, the Arabian Tea House was born from a desire to freeze time. Located in the historic Al Fahidi district, it functions as a cultural ambassador for Emirati life. The business model prioritises the preservation of the ‘Old Dubai’ aesthetic with its turquoise benches, white lace and serene courtyards, to counter the frantic pace of the modern metropolis. By focusing on traditional breakfast trays and communal dining, the Al Rais family has successfully exported the Emirati concept of ‘majlis’ hospitality to a global audience, opening branches far beyond the UAE borders while keeping the original courtyard’s soul intact.
Orfali Bros Bistro
Orfali Bros Bistro is a true reflection of the dreams and unique talents of three Syrian brothers: Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar. Mohammad is the driving force behind the culinary creations, while Wassim and Omar, with their background in pastry, add a meticulous touch to everything they create, including standout dishes like the umami éclair. Their approach to food is all about ‘borderless cuisine’, which honours their Aleppian heritage.
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They view their bistro in Wasl 51 as a creative playground, moving past the typical ‘fusion’ concept to embrace what they call ‘community cuisine’, celebrating Dubai’s rich multicultural vibe. After making a name for themselves on TV, they took the leap to open their own bistro right in the middle of a global pandemic and they’ve since been recognised as the best restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa for three years running.
Bait Maryam
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In the heart of Jumeirah Lake Towers, Chef Salam Daqqaq has created a sanctuary of Levantine cuisine named in honour of her mother. Bait Maryam serves as a comforting escape for anyone who steps through its doors. Despite gaining global recognition, including a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, the place holds tightly to its personal touch. Chef Salam runs the kitchen with a nurturing approach, and the whole family works together to help the brand grow. This teamwork has allowed them to transition from a beloved local spot to an acclaimed destination, all while keeping that warm, “home-cooked” feel that sets them apart.
Vietnamese Foodies
Chef and owner Lily Hoa Nguyen transformed a passion for her homeland’s flavours into a culinary empire that balances family values with sophisticated urban growth. Vietnamese Foodies is built on the pillars of freshness and accessibility, functioning as a high-efficiency operation that refuses to compromise on traditional techniques, such as their fourteen-hour bone broth.
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Since opening its first location in JLT in January 2018, Vietnamese Foodies has expanded to include four additional locations, bringing the total to nine across Dubai. As a female-led family business, it embodies the modern spirit of Dubai’s food and beverage industry. It is ambitious and expansive while remaining deeply rooted in the values of a family kitchen. Their success story is marked by disciplined growth, transitioning from a modest storefront to some of the most prestigious locations in the city.
Akhu Manoushe
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Created by dynamic father-and-son duo Ibrahim and Mohamad Akkaoui, Akhu Manoushe was born out of a desire to create a dining experience where the first bite will take you home. In the past two-and-some years, it has been steadily doing just that, firing up many manoushes – made of superlative quality and a whole lot of heart – for curious first-timers and age-old loyalists. The secret recipe has been kept under wraps by Ibrahim – Abu Mohamad – and has travelled all the way from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Mama Manoushe is also part of the team, making the trio the face of some of the best manoushe in town.
Mam’aesh
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Authentic Palestinian street food straight from Nablus – this is what you’ll get at Mama’esh. It’s a simple concept, with delicious fare served for the whole neighbourhood, with ingredients imported from Palestine. Mama’esh has ten branches across the country, delivering in many more areas, and was founded by Hussam Hasan El Batta in 2015. The focus of the brand is to not only serve great food, but also uplift the community, increase visibility and tell the stories of the lesser known.
Hashmi Barbecue
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Hashmi Barbeque Restaurant is the true picture of a family owned, family run establishment. The owners, three brothers, are on the floor themselves, walkie talkies dangling from their hips as they navigate the dinner time rush. Hashmi came from a family in Kenya, opened in the city centre of Nairobi in 1978 and in Dubai in 2020, but you’ll find in their joint nationalities and races of boggling variety.
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Mariam Khawer is a Dubai-based writer and PR professional whose work spans food, art, and travel across the region. When she isn’t chasing deadlines, she’s likely at a gallery opening, testing out a new restaurant, piecing together one of her mixed-media art projects or at home with her four cats, who keep her on her toes.
