Fresh Cooking
Many reviewers say dishes are made fresh to order rather than preheated, which helps explain the wait.
Charsi & Shinwari Restaurant
Nad Al Sheba
Charsi & Shinwari Restaurant is an Afghan restaurant in Nad Al Sheba with Persian influences, known in reviews for freshly prepared karahi and generous rice-and-meat plates. It suits diners looking for Afghan grills, slow-cooked dishes such as Dum Pukht, and a polished, comfortable setting.
Reputation Score
4.6
★★★★★
658 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Large Portions
Portions can be substantial: one reviewer described the servings as huge, while another said a barbecue platter with rice fed four.
Karahi
Lamb and chicken karahi receive especially strong feedback, including praise for tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
Warm Setting
Reviews describe a clean, cozy interior with a traditional touch and both indoor and outdoor seating.
Family Friendly
A family visit went well enough that the children enjoyed the Afghani pulao, mutton karahi, kebabs and fries too.
Parking
One first-time diner specifically reported good parking space, useful for a Nad Al Sheba visit.
Complimentary Tea
Some diners mention complimentary tea or traditional qahwa after the meal, a pleasant addition to rich dishes.
Tips for a Better Visit
Allow Time. Build in a generous buffer, especially at busy times: one reviewer waited 55 minutes and saw many customers waiting.
Ask Timing. Ask how long each dish will take before ordering; one reviewer appreciated being told the preparation time and found the wait worthwhile.
Check Availability. If visiting around 10pm, confirm that your preferred dishes are still available before settling on the order.
Share Plates. Consider sharing larger orders: one reviewer said the barbecue platter with rice was good for four people.
Plan the visit
Practical details
SM Residence Building - Meydan Avenue
Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai
| Mon | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Tue | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Wed | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Thu | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Fri | 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Sat | 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Sun | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
Common Concerns
Slow Service
Several visits involved long waits, ranging from about 30 minutes to nearly an hour before food arrived.
Order Delays
One order arrived in stages: the karahi came after an hour, the daal 30 minutes later, while the vegetables were still missing after 1.5 hours.
Inconsistent Results
Although many reviews praise the food, others reported tasteless dishes, cold pulao or uncooked rice and poor-quality kebabs.
Late Availability
A late visit around 10pm found some dishes unavailable, so the full menu may not always be available at closing time.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
AED 69
AED 69 package
“They offer a delectable array of exquisite dishes, including the AED 69 package which includes a Starter+3 Main Course+Dessert”Google review · July 2024
AED 69
Unlimited Afghani & Persian Food
“💰 **Affordable Dining:** Unlimited Afghani & Persian Food for AED 69 only during weekdays”Google review · September 2024
DXB
LOCAL
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The Bottom Line
Charsi & Shinwari is an Afghan restaurant in Nad Al Sheba with Persian influences, and the menu’s strongest draw is its meat-led cooking. Reviewers repeatedly mention Lamb Shinwari Karahi, Kabuli Pulao, Chapli Kabab and Dum Pukht; several describe the karahi meat as tender, while the pulao is praised for its rice and soft meat. Portions are often described as huge.
” The setting is another reason to consider it: reviews describe a clean, cosy interior with traditional touches, a soothing atmosphere and indoor and outdoor seating. One family said even their children enjoyed the meal, and a reviewer noted good parking space. The main caution is timing.
Fresh-to-order cooking is appreciated, but waits of 30 minutes, 55 minutes and nearly an hour appear in the reviews. 5 hours; another diner received cold pulao. Ask for realistic preparation times, and check availability if arriving around 10pm.
Weekday package pricing has also been mentioned, including an AED 69 option with a starter, three main courses and dessert, but treat these as reported offers rather than a current menu guarantee.