Dubai is a city of extravagant dining, but the most memorable meals are often found in its humble neighbourhood kitchens. Keerthi Restaurant in Al Qusais has mastered the art of serving authentic, traditional South Indian food, with a special focus on Kerala’s rich culinary heritage, without the hefty price tag.
The restaurant is part of the GCR Group of Restaurants and has become a favourite among long-term residents, office workers, and families in the Al Qusais area. Its reputation is built on three simple pillars: incredible flavour, round-the-clock service, and wallet-friendly prices that make it a true gem in Dubai’s dining scene.
Location & How to Get There (Al Qusais, Dubai)
Keerthi Restaurant’s main branch is strategically located in Al Qusais 1, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city.
- 📍 Exact Address: 1 32a Street, Al Qusais, Al Qusais 1, Dubai
- 📍 Alternative Landmark: Sheikh Rashid Colony, Block C, Beside Anaswara Jewellery
Getting There:
- 🚇 By Metro: The nearest metro station is the Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) Metro Station on the Green Line, which is just a short drive away. Al Rigga Metro Station is also an 11-minute walk away.
- 🚌 By Bus: The area is well-served by public buses. The nearest stop is ‘The Center – 01’, just a 4-minute walk away.
- 🚗 By Car: Use Google Maps or Waze for precise directions. The restaurant is easily accessible from major roads in Al Qusais.
Ambiance & Dining Experience: Simple, Clean & Welcoming
Keerthi Restaurant doesn’t try to be a fine-dining establishment. Its charm lies in its simplicity. The interior is clean, modest, and functional, designed for comfort and efficiency. The atmosphere is casual, lively, and family-friendly, often bustling with happy customers, especially during meal times. The service is famously fast, ensuring you get your food quickly without compromising on quality.
Menu Deep-Dive: A Feast of South Indian & Kerala Specialities
The menu at Keerthi is a delightful journey through the diverse flavours of South India. Here is a breakdown of what you should order.
South Indian Breakfast & Tiffin (All-Day Favourites)
From classic breakfasts to evening snacks, the ‘tiffin’ items are a highlight.
- Thattu Dosa (AED 2): A steal. This is the cheapest item on the menu, perfect for a quick, light snack.
- Plain Dosa (AED 5): A thin, crispy classic served with sambhar and chutney.
- Masala Dosa (AED 6-15): A crispy dosa filled with a spiced potato mixture.
- Soft Idli & Vada: Fluffy, pillowy idlis and crunchy vadas are staples, perfect for a comforting meal.
- Appam: A lacy, soft pancake with a crispy edge, perfect for soaking up curries.
- Puttu: Steamed cylinders of ground rice and coconut, a traditional Kerala breakfast, often served with a curry.
Kerala Specialities (The Heart of the Menu)
This is where Keerthi truly shines, offering authentic regional dishes.
- Kerala Parotta with Beef Curry: The flaky, layered Malabar parotta paired with a rich, spicy beef curry is a divine combination that locals swear by.
- Fish Curry: A quintessential Kerala dish, cooked in a tangy, coconut-based gravy.
- Chicken Varutharachathu (AED 22.50): A classic Kerala chicken curry where roasted grated coconut is ground into the gravy, giving it an intense, nutty flavour.
- Beef Dry Fry (AED 25): Spicy and flavourful, this is a perfect side dish or a main with parotta.
Main Courses & Curries
The restaurant offers a wide range of hearty curries and rice-based meals.
- South Indian Thali: A complete meal on a plate, featuring a variety of curries, sambar, rasam, vegetables, and rice.
- Kerala Parotta & Roti: Flaky layered bread is served fresh and hot, costing just a few dirhams.
- Kerala Chicken Curry (AED 22.50): A comforting, spicy coconut-based chicken curry.
Biryani & Rice Specialties
Keerthi’s biryanis are famous for their aromatic spices and generous portions.
- Chicken Dum Biryani (AED 20): A fragrant, layered biryani that is a top pick on the menu.
- Mutton Dum Biryani (AED 25): A richer and more flavourful biryani for mutton lovers.
- Beef / Fish Dum Biryani (AED 23-24): Excellent options for those looking for a unique taste.
- Pothi Biriyani: A traditional Malabar-style biryani wrapped in a banana leaf, offering an authentic experience.
- Kappa Biriyani (Tapioca Biryani): A Kerala specialty made with tapioca and meat, a must-try for the adventurous eater.
Vegetarian Delights
Vegetarians are well catered for with a variety of dishes.
- Vegetable Curry & Parotta: A hearty and satisfying combination for a wholesome meal.
- Sambar, Thoran, and other veg curries: Authentic side dishes that complete a South Indian meal.
- Idli Sambar: The comforting combination of soft idlis with lentil-based vegetable stew.
- Curd Rice: A cooling and soothing end to a spicy meal.
Indo-Chinese & Other Offerings
For those craving something different, the menu includes popular fusion dishes.
- Chilli Chicken (Dry) (AED 25): A spicy, tangy, and crispy Indo-Chinese classic.
- Chicken Noodles + Spring Rolls (AED 30): A complete meal for a quick lunch.
Sample Menu & Price List
Here is a quick reference for some of the most popular items and their prices.
CategoryItemPrice (AED)
| Breakfast & Tiffin (All Day) | ||
| South Indian | Thattu Dosa | 2 |
| South Indian | Plain Dosa | 5 |
| South Indian | Appam | ~3-5 |
| Kerala Specials | ||
| Curry | Chicken Varutharachathu | 22.50 |
| Curry | Beef Dry Fry | 25 |
| Biryani | ||
| Chicken Dum Biryani | 20 | |
| Mutton Dum Biryani | 25 | |
| Fish Dum Biryani | 24 | |
| Indo-Chinese | ||
| Chilli Chicken (Dry) | 25 | |
Pricing & Value for Money: A Budget Foodie’s Dream
Keerthi Restaurant offers exceptional value. For a full meal, expect to pay around AED 70 for two people. Individual breakfasts cost between AED 8 and AED 15, while a filling lunch combo is just AED 15 to 25. You can easily enjoy a delicious, authentic South Indian feast without worrying about your wallet.
Must-Try Dishes for First-Timers
To make the most of your visit, here is a curated list of the ultimate Keerthi experience.
- For Breakfast: Idli-Vada with a cup of strong, aromatic Filter Coffee.
- For a Light Meal: A crispy Masala Dosa with a side of sambar.
- For a Hearty Meal: The Malabar Parotta-Beef Curry Combo.
- For a Feast: The Chicken Dum Biryani paired with a soft Appam and Fish Curry.
- Don’t Forget: A refreshing glass of traditional South Indian Filter Coffee.
Tips for Visiting Keerthi Restaurant
- Beat the Crowd: The restaurant is most popular around 10 PM on Saturdays. For a quieter, more relaxed experience, visit on a Tuesday.
- Cash & Cards: Both cash and cards are accepted, but it is always good to have some cash handy.
- No Table Booking: Table booking is not available, so just walk in.
- Takeaway Available: If you are in a hurry or prefer to eat at home, takeaway service is available.
Nearby Attractions & Other South Indian Gems
After your meal, you can explore the local area or check out other popular spots.
- Nearby Metro: The Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) Metro Station is close by.
- Nearby Alternatives (South Indian):
- Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant (Qusais): Recommended for its authentic vegetarian food, especially its Mini Tiffin and Masala Dosa.
- Venus Hamba Restaurant (Qusais): A long-standing favourite for authentic Mangalorean-style sambhar.
- Tamil Idli Kadai Restaurant (Al Nahda): A newer spot praised for its soft idlis and dosas.
Opening Hours: The 24/7 Canteen for Cravings
One of Keerthi’s biggest draws is its incredible 24-hour service. It is open every single day, all day and all night. This makes it a lifesaver for shift workers, late-night travellers from the nearby airport, or anyone looking for a satisfying meal at any hour.
⏰ Open Daily: 24/7 (Open all day, every day)
Final Verdict: Is Keerthi Restaurant Worth the Visit?
For any lover of Indian cuisine, especially the rich and diverse flavours of South India and Kerala, Keerthi Restaurant in Al Qusais is an absolute must-visit in 2026. It offers an authentic, delicious, and incredibly affordable dining experience that is hard to beat. While the ambiance is simple and the service is functional, the food remains the true star. Whether you are a late-night foodie on a budget or a family seeking a comforting South Indian meal, Keerthi Restaurant delivers a truly satisfying and memorable culinary journey.
Keerthi Restaurant (Al Qusais Branch)
- Phone: +971 4 272 7421
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Location: 1 32a Street, Sheikh Rashid Colony, Block C, Al Qusais, Dubai.
