Persian classics
Reviewers praise the tender kebabs, flavorful rice and traditional dishes as genuinely Persian.
Grand Abshar Restaurant & sweet.
Umm Suqeim
Grand Abshar Restaurant & sweet is a Persian restaurant in Umm Suqeim with a spacious, vintage-style dining room. Reviews highlight its chelo kabab, freshly baked Sangak bread, Iranian sweets and occasional live music, making it a flexible choice for family meals, gatherings or a relaxed tea stop.
Reputation Score
4.2
★★★★☆
852 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Sangak bread
Fresh sesame-topped Sangak is served with meals and sold separately at the sweets shop.
Large portions
Mixed grills and shared salads can comfortably serve several people, useful for group dining.
Live music
Some visits include a relaxing singer or soft live music that adds to the evening atmosphere.
Family space
The spacious, comfortable setting suits family dinners, conversations and larger gatherings.
Tea service
Tea may come with several accompanying sweets, making it worthwhile even for a lighter visit.
Valet parking
Reviewers mention valet service and no parking issues during their visits.
What to Eat at Grand Abshar Restaurant & sweet. How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For Grand Abshar Restaurant & sweet., this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
Foods and drinks mentioned in reviews of Grand Abshar Restaurant & sweet., ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 1
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Sangak bread Net +4
“The best and genuine taste of the Iranian foods, very complete menu, the best Sangak bread in Dubai serves with their food, if you want to try the original Iranian food, you need to visit Grand Abshar”
Positive 4Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The best and genuine taste of the Iranian foods, very complete menu, the best Sangak bread in Dubai serves with their food, if you want to try the original Iranian food, you need to visit Grand Abshar”December 2018
“Generous portions , delicious food, amazing Sangak bread that you can’t find anywhere in Dubai.”December 2023
Honorable mentions (22)
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Koobideh Net +1
“Koobideh was quite good.”
Positive 2Negative 1
Review excerpts
“Koobideh was quite good.”January 2026
“• The Koobideh was the only good dish, flavorful and well-seasoned.”March 2025
-
Abshar special salad Net +1
“We ordered their Abshar special salad, which has hommous, tabouleh, mutable. This was served with a traditional bread perfect thick, crisp and topped with sesame seed. Excellent, flavours were fantastic. This was good enough for 3 people, great portion size”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered their Abshar special salad, which has hommous, tabouleh, mutable. This was served with a traditional bread perfect thick, crisp and topped with sesame seed. Excellent, flavours were fantastic. This was good enough for 3 people, great portion size”July 2020
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Aoush Net +1
“We started with some Bademjan, followed by Aoush, and then devoured some kebabs that came with a side order of saffron rice ! Everything was delicious & lastly the tea service had my heart, beautifully served in a teapot with condiments & sweets.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We started with some Bademjan, followed by Aoush, and then devoured some kebabs that came with a side order of saffron rice ! Everything was delicious & lastly the tea service had my heart, beautifully served in a teapot with condiments & sweets.”July 2020
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Appetizer kashk badinjan Net +1
“I strongly recommend this restaurant. the soup Ash Rishteh was yummy, the appetizer kashk badinjan was tasty. the main course Kabab Sultani abd Khorosh Sabzi as usuall very tasty. 5 stars service and food👌”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I strongly recommend this restaurant. the soup Ash Rishteh was yummy, the appetizer kashk badinjan was tasty. the main course Kabab Sultani abd Khorosh Sabzi as usuall very tasty. 5 stars service and food👌”January 2020
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Bademjan Net +1
“We started with some Bademjan, followed by Aoush, and then devoured some kebabs that came with a side order of saffron rice ! Everything was delicious & lastly the tea service had my heart, beautifully served in a teapot with condiments & sweets.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We started with some Bademjan, followed by Aoush, and then devoured some kebabs that came with a side order of saffron rice ! Everything was delicious & lastly the tea service had my heart, beautifully served in a teapot with condiments & sweets.”July 2020
-
Chelo kabab kubideh Net +1
“We tried their chelo kabab kubideh (minced lamb & veal),chelo kabab shishlik (lamb chops) and joojeh masti (yogurt marinated chicken chunks).Loved their kababs,especially chelo kabab kubideh and joojeh masti.They were so juicy and delicious.kababs came with aromatic rice and butter.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We tried their chelo kabab kubideh (minced lamb & veal),chelo kabab shishlik (lamb chops) and joojeh masti (yogurt marinated chicken chunks).Loved their kababs,especially chelo kabab kubideh and joojeh masti.They were so juicy and delicious.kababs came with aromatic rice and butter.”January 2021
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Chelo kabab plate Net +1
“The food was great, did not expect it to taste really good. I got the chelo kabab plate as I was just one person it was delicious melted in mouth perfect flavour and fresh (no smell). Over all loved everything about it will definitely visit again.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was great, did not expect it to taste really good. I got the chelo kabab plate as I was just one person it was delicious melted in mouth perfect flavour and fresh (no smell). Over all loved everything about it will definitely visit again.”August 2023
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Chelo kabab shishlik Net +1
“We tried their chelo kabab kubideh (minced lamb & veal),chelo kabab shishlik (lamb chops) and joojeh masti (yogurt marinated chicken chunks).Loved their kababs,especially chelo kabab kubideh and joojeh masti.They were so juicy and delicious.kababs came with aromatic rice and butter.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We tried their chelo kabab kubideh (minced lamb & veal),chelo kabab shishlik (lamb chops) and joojeh masti (yogurt marinated chicken chunks).Loved their kababs,especially chelo kabab kubideh and joojeh masti.They were so juicy and delicious.kababs came with aromatic rice and butter.”January 2021
-
Eggplant starter Net +1
“Had the most beautiful eggplant starter! Pairs well with the freshly baked sesame bread”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Had the most beautiful eggplant starter! Pairs well with the freshly baked sesame bread”February 2026
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Flat sesame bread Net +1
“Loved the tea. Sweets that came with the tea was a nice touch. The flat sesame bread was amazing.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Loved the tea. Sweets that came with the tea was a nice touch. The flat sesame bread was amazing.”December 2022
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Iranian falooda Net +1
“The desserts was also good. A tad bit too sweet for my liking but still excellent iranian falooda with iranian ice cream dessert you must try.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The desserts was also good. A tad bit too sweet for my liking but still excellent iranian falooda with iranian ice cream dessert you must try.”February 2023
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Joojeh masti Net +1
“We tried their chelo kabab kubideh (minced lamb & veal),chelo kabab shishlik (lamb chops) and joojeh masti (yogurt marinated chicken chunks).Loved their kababs,especially chelo kabab kubideh and joojeh masti.They were so juicy and delicious.kababs came with aromatic rice and butter.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We tried their chelo kabab kubideh (minced lamb & veal),chelo kabab shishlik (lamb chops) and joojeh masti (yogurt marinated chicken chunks).Loved their kababs,especially chelo kabab kubideh and joojeh masti.They were so juicy and delicious.kababs came with aromatic rice and butter.”January 2021
-
Khorosh sabzi Net +1
“I strongly recommend this restaurant. the soup Ash Rishteh was yummy, the appetizer kashk badinjan was tasty. the main course Kabab Sultani abd Khorosh Sabzi as usuall very tasty. 5 stars service and food👌”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I strongly recommend this restaurant. the soup Ash Rishteh was yummy, the appetizer kashk badinjan was tasty. the main course Kabab Sultani abd Khorosh Sabzi as usuall very tasty. 5 stars service and food👌”January 2020
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Main course kabab sultani Net +1
“I strongly recommend this restaurant. the soup Ash Rishteh was yummy, the appetizer kashk badinjan was tasty. the main course Kabab Sultani abd Khorosh Sabzi as usuall very tasty. 5 stars service and food👌”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I strongly recommend this restaurant. the soup Ash Rishteh was yummy, the appetizer kashk badinjan was tasty. the main course Kabab Sultani abd Khorosh Sabzi as usuall very tasty. 5 stars service and food👌”January 2020
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Mix grills Net +1
“We ordered their mix grills for the mains, this came filled with some awesome varieties of meat, kababs, and two varieties of chicken, served with vegies, french fries and 3 types of rice. The meat was tender, you can bite and enjoy the softness of the meat, the marination has soaked the flavours well. This again was good enough for 4 people.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered their mix grills for the mains, this came filled with some awesome varieties of meat, kababs, and two varieties of chicken, served with vegies, french fries and 3 types of rice. The meat was tender, you can bite and enjoy the softness of the meat, the marination has soaked the flavours well. This again was good enough for 4 people.”July 2020
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Mixed grill Net +1
“Mixed grill I have to say was another level of tasty and softness of the meat even when it has cooled down is next level quality meat.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Mixed grill I have to say was another level of tasty and softness of the meat even when it has cooled down is next level quality meat.”February 2023
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Persian meal Net +1
“Enjoyed the Persian Meal and it’s very authentic as well.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Enjoyed the Persian Meal and it’s very authentic as well.”December 2024
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Saffron rice Net +1
“We started with some Bademjan, followed by Aoush, and then devoured some kebabs that came with a side order of saffron rice ! Everything was delicious & lastly the tea service had my heart, beautifully served in a teapot with condiments & sweets.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We started with some Bademjan, followed by Aoush, and then devoured some kebabs that came with a side order of saffron rice ! Everything was delicious & lastly the tea service had my heart, beautifully served in a teapot with condiments & sweets.”July 2020
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Shirazi salad Net +1
“The quality of the food is still great, however my shirazi salad became smaller :). ”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The quality of the food is still great, however my shirazi salad became smaller :). ”March 2022
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Soup ash rishteh Net +1
“I strongly recommend this restaurant. the soup Ash Rishteh was yummy, the appetizer kashk badinjan was tasty. the main course Kabab Sultani abd Khorosh Sabzi as usuall very tasty. 5 stars service and food👌”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I strongly recommend this restaurant. the soup Ash Rishteh was yummy, the appetizer kashk badinjan was tasty. the main course Kabab Sultani abd Khorosh Sabzi as usuall very tasty. 5 stars service and food👌”January 2020
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White rice with butter Net +1
“So delicious specially the sabzi , kabab, tekka also the fish I liked them all don’t forget the white rice with butter. Highly recommended”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“So delicious specially the sabzi , kabab, tekka also the fish I liked them all don’t forget the white rice with butter. Highly recommended”July 2023
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Barg kebab Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“• The Barg kebab was just average, nothing special.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
Drinks 2
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Laban drink Net +1
“Drink the traditional Laban drink it was great.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Drink the traditional Laban drink it was great.”August 2021
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Strawberry and mango juice Net +1
“We ordered the strawberry and Mango juice. Loved it, no sweet was added, the natural flavours were intact, we just asked for more ice.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered the strawberry and Mango juice. Loved it, no sweet was added, the natural flavours were intact, we just asked for more ice.”July 2020
What to Avoid (6)
Food 6
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Chenjeh kebab Net −1
“• The Chenjeh kebab smelled too much like sheep, making it difficult to enjoy.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“• The Chenjeh kebab smelled too much like sheep, making it difficult to enjoy.”March 2025
-
Fesenjoon stew Net −1
“First of all, I would like to thank you for the sides you sent with our meal. I also want to mention that we received the meal a little late, but it was still warm. However, the problem was with the Fesenjoon stew. It was the first time I saw someone use garlic in Fesenjoon, and it caused a strange taste. The stew was also too oily, and it was clear that it wasn’t walnut oil. Besides that, I think it is better to use chicken without skin in this kind of stew. All the points mentioned above made us unable to eat our food, and it turned out to be a total waste of money.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“First of all, I would like to thank you for the sides you sent with our meal. I also want to mention that we received the meal a little late, but it was still warm. However, the problem was with the Fesenjoon stew. It was the first time I saw someone use garlic in Fesenjoon, and it caused a strange taste. The stew was also too oily, and it was clear that it wasn’t walnut oil. Besides that, I think it is better to use chicken without skin in this kind of stew. All the points mentioned above made us unable to eat our food, and it turned out to be a total waste of money.”October 2025
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French fries Net −1
“french fries wasnt perfect.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“french fries wasnt perfect.”September 2021
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Lamb chops ( shish leek ) Net −1
“for instance lamb chops ( shish leek ) tastes nothing like original Persian lamb chops (seems like has been marinated with turmeric because of yellow color) and look below picture after ordering lamb chops medium cooked, so on and so fort for other dishes.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“for instance lamb chops ( shish leek ) tastes nothing like original Persian lamb chops (seems like has been marinated with turmeric because of yellow color) and look below picture after ordering lamb chops medium cooked, so on and so fort for other dishes.”April 2019
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Sabzi khordan Net −1
“Sabzi Khordan included herbs that are not usually part of it in Iran, such as arugula and marjoram.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Sabzi Khordan included herbs that are not usually part of it in Iran, such as arugula and marjoram.”January 2026
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Tahdig Net −1
“Tahdig (the crispy, fried rice at the bottom of the pot) was completely soft and mashed instead of crunchy.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Tahdig (the crispy, fried rice at the bottom of the pot) was completely soft and mashed instead of crunchy.”January 2026
Tips for a Better Visit
Try Sangak. Order the Sangak bread with your meal; reviewers also say it can be bought separately.
Share portions. Consider sharing: one mixed grill was described as enough for four people, while a salad served three.
Try falooda. Leave room for Iranian falooda with traditional ice cream, a dessert several reviewers specifically mention.
Consider late visits. A Friday visit around 10:30pm was calm and uncrowded, with soft music and accommodating staff.
Check bookings. If you are returning for a busy occasion, confirm reservation requirements first; one loyal customer was surprised by a new rule.
Use valet. Valet is mentioned by multiple reviewers, so it may be the easiest parking option when dining in.
Plan the visit
Practical details
24 12A St
Umm Suqeim First - Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Tue | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Wed | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Thu | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Fri | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Sat | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Sun | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
Common Concerns
Hygiene concerns
Two December reviews reported seeing cockroaches on or near dining tables, raising a serious cleanliness concern.
Sweet delivery
One delivery contained rock-hard sweets and the requested two 500-gram boxes were replaced with one 1-kilogram box.
Rice inconsistency
Reviews mention undercooked mixed-size rice and soft tahdig that lacked its expected crispness.
Slow service
One visit involved a long wait and disorganized service, while another reported confusion over a newly required reservation.
Fesenjoon flavour
A delivery reviewer found the stew garlicky and overly oily, with chicken choice also criticised.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Grand Abshar is a Persian restaurant in Umm Suqeim built around traditional Iranian food, generous portions and a spacious, vintage-style dining room. The menu has plenty to explore, but the clearest starting points from reviews are chelo kabab, mixed grills and the freshly baked Sangak bread. The restaurant also has a sweets shop for pastries and traditional desserts.
The setting works well for families, friends and celebrations. Reviewers describe comfortable seating, room for large groups and occasional live music; one Friday visit around 10:30pm was especially calm, with soft music and friendly service. Valet parking is another practical plus.
Tea can come with several sweets, and Iranian falooda with traditional ice cream is worth considering if you want to finish with something more distinctive. The feedback is not completely consistent. Many diners praise the food, service and atmosphere, but others report slow or disorganised service, a reservation surprise and uneven rice preparation.
There are also two recent reviews describing cockroaches in the dining area, plus a delivery complaint about rock-hard sweets and an incorrectly packed order. For delivery, inspect the sweets and order details promptly; for dining in, consider confirming booking requirements before a busy visit.