Pravin Bhai Naashtawala is one of several enduring hidden gems of the Gold Souq in Al Ras, Deira. If you’re bringing a car, I recommend you park at any number of the public parking lots around the Souq and walk to the restaurant, you are as likely to find parking in that area as you are to win the Dubai Duty-Free lottery. The interior of this little eatery is cramped and almost always crowded, the owners preferring to have a street-facing sweets, chaat, juice and tea/coffee section than the extra tables. But table turnaround is quick, so you shouldn’t need to wait too long before one gets free. And don’t shun sharing a table, it’s part of the…um, experience.
Pravin Bhai is famous for its affordable thalis, of which it serves something of a mix between Gujarati and Rajasthani. Don’t expect Rasoi Ghar standards but it’s certainly up there with the best of the rest. I visited Pravin Bhai for lunch with a group of friends a while ago and while we more or less enjoyed everything we were served, we all found the standard rice unappealing. So, we ordered a separate Jeera Rice. It was a game changer. I strongly recommend it. I will actually go back just to have that rice…with some daal.
Service is fast and furious rather than friendly and cuddly but at all times the servers are polite and respectful; they wouldn’t survive in the Gold Souq if they weren’t. All in all though, this is definitely a fun little restaurant to try when you are next in the Gold Souq area.
Hey! Now read this –
Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue.
Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on: xerxes@dellara.com