Shisha range
Reviews praise smooth shisha, a wide flavour selection and sessions that can last for hours without burning quickly.
Hookin Cafe & Restaurant
Al Karama
Hookin Cafe & Restaurant is a relaxed shisha lounge and restaurant in Al Karama, with a separate dining area and a livelier shisha floor. Reviews point to smooth, varied shisha flavours alongside Indian dishes such as Hyderabadi biryani and butter chicken.
Reputation Score
4.3
★★★★☆
475 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Biryani
Hyderabadi, chicken and mutton biryani receive several strong mentions, with generous portions noted in one family visit.
Ventilation
A reviewer specifically noted good exhaust ventilation, useful for a long shisha session that ran until 3AM.
Flexible setting
The separate shisha and dining floors give families a quieter dining option while friends can use the more lively shisha area.
Relaxed extras
Playing cards and board games add something to do during a longer visit, alongside comfortable seating and a friendly atmosphere.
Drinks
Moroccan tea was rated 10/10 by one reviewer, while passion fruit mojito and peach iced tea were also described as refreshing.
What to Eat at Hookin Cafe & Restaurant 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 Hookin Cafe & Restaurant, 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.
These items at Hookin Cafe & Restaurant got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 2
-
Butter chicken Net +2
“The butter chicken and biryani were outstanding.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The butter chicken and biryani were outstanding.”January 2026
“Been there a few times now and Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Cheese Kabab, Chicken Lollipop, Panko Fish Bites, Butter Chicken, Paneer Butter Masala, Chicken Trilogy are some of the dishes we tried during our visits. All our extremely delicious, good quantity and highlyy recommended.”August 2022
-
Chicken cheese kabab Net +2
“With green juice & chicken cheese kebab. Food is delicious and ambience is very classy.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“With green juice & chicken cheese kebab. Food is delicious and ambience is very classy.”April 2021
“Been there a few times now and Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Cheese Kabab, Chicken Lollipop, Panko Fish Bites, Butter Chicken, Paneer Butter Masala, Chicken Trilogy are some of the dishes we tried during our visits. All our extremely delicious, good quantity and highlyy recommended.”August 2022
Honorable mentions (13)
-
Chicken lollipop Net +1
“Of course not to miss the tasty Food with big portion (Value for Money) . Mutton Biryani, Murgh Musallam and chicken lollipop was the best.”
Positive 2Negative 1
Review excerpts
“Of course not to miss the tasty Food with big portion (Value for Money) . Mutton Biryani, Murgh Musallam and chicken lollipop was the best.”June 2021
“Been there a few times now and Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Cheese Kabab, Chicken Lollipop, Panko Fish Bites, Butter Chicken, Paneer Butter Masala, Chicken Trilogy are some of the dishes we tried during our visits. All our extremely delicious, good quantity and highlyy recommended.”August 2022
-
Chicken biryani Net +1
“The Chicken Biryani was full of flavor and cooked to perfection. Truly a delightful dining experience.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Chicken Biryani was full of flavor and cooked to perfection. Truly a delightful dining experience.”May 2025
-
Chicken club sandwich Net +1
“The chicken club sandwich had a butter chicken masala taste which was good too.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The chicken club sandwich had a butter chicken masala taste which was good too.”May 2025
-
Chicken tandoori Net +1
“Been there a few times now and Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Cheese Kabab, Chicken Lollipop, Panko Fish Bites, Butter Chicken, Paneer Butter Masala, Chicken Trilogy are some of the dishes we tried during our visits. All our extremely delicious, good quantity and highlyy recommended.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Been there a few times now and Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Cheese Kabab, Chicken Lollipop, Panko Fish Bites, Butter Chicken, Paneer Butter Masala, Chicken Trilogy are some of the dishes we tried during our visits. All our extremely delicious, good quantity and highlyy recommended.”August 2022
-
Chicken tikka Net +1
“Tried the chicken tikka as well, it was tasty, though a bit less on salt for my preference.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Tried the chicken tikka as well, it was tasty, though a bit less on salt for my preference.”June 2026
-
Chicken trilogy Net +1
“Been there a few times now and Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Cheese Kabab, Chicken Lollipop, Panko Fish Bites, Butter Chicken, Paneer Butter Masala, Chicken Trilogy are some of the dishes we tried during our visits. All our extremely delicious, good quantity and highlyy recommended.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Been there a few times now and Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Cheese Kabab, Chicken Lollipop, Panko Fish Bites, Butter Chicken, Paneer Butter Masala, Chicken Trilogy are some of the dishes we tried during our visits. All our extremely delicious, good quantity and highlyy recommended.”August 2022
-
Dal makhni Net +1
“Tried their Dal Makhni which was perfect 5 for food.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Tried their Dal Makhni which was perfect 5 for food.”February 2021
-
Hyderabadi biryani Net +1
“They have the best Hyderabadi Biryani in the town. The ambience is excellent and the service by their staff is the best.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“They have the best Hyderabadi Biryani in the town. The ambience is excellent and the service by their staff is the best.”June 2023
-
Murgh musallam Net +1
“Of course not to miss the tasty Food with big portion (Value for Money) . Mutton Biryani, Murgh Musallam and chicken lollipop was the best.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Of course not to miss the tasty Food with big portion (Value for Money) . Mutton Biryani, Murgh Musallam and chicken lollipop was the best.”June 2021
-
Mutton biryani Net +1
“Of course not to miss the tasty Food with big portion (Value for Money) . Mutton Biryani, Murgh Musallam and chicken lollipop was the best.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Of course not to miss the tasty Food with big portion (Value for Money) . Mutton Biryani, Murgh Musallam and chicken lollipop was the best.”June 2021
-
Paneer butter masala Net +1
“Been there a few times now and Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Cheese Kabab, Chicken Lollipop, Panko Fish Bites, Butter Chicken, Paneer Butter Masala, Chicken Trilogy are some of the dishes we tried during our visits. All our extremely delicious, good quantity and highlyy recommended.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Been there a few times now and Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Cheese Kabab, Chicken Lollipop, Panko Fish Bites, Butter Chicken, Paneer Butter Masala, Chicken Trilogy are some of the dishes we tried during our visits. All our extremely delicious, good quantity and highlyy recommended.”August 2022
-
Panko fish bites Net +1
“Been there a few times now and Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Cheese Kabab, Chicken Lollipop, Panko Fish Bites, Butter Chicken, Paneer Butter Masala, Chicken Trilogy are some of the dishes we tried during our visits. All our extremely delicious, good quantity and highlyy recommended.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Been there a few times now and Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Cheese Kabab, Chicken Lollipop, Panko Fish Bites, Butter Chicken, Paneer Butter Masala, Chicken Trilogy are some of the dishes we tried during our visits. All our extremely delicious, good quantity and highlyy recommended.”August 2022
-
Paradise biryani Net +1
“Hookin is one of the best shisha cafe in town......paradise biryani is Awsome with resonable price.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Hookin is one of the best shisha cafe in town......paradise biryani is Awsome with resonable price.”May 2025
Drinks 5
-
Passion fruit mojito Net +3
“We also ordered peach ice tea and passion fruit mojito which were really refreshing. They added fresh fruit to both of them, which enhanced their flavour.”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We also ordered peach ice tea and passion fruit mojito which were really refreshing. They added fresh fruit to both of them, which enhanced their flavour.”February 2023
“Passion fruit mojito and steam momos are my favourite..”April 2024
-
Peach iced tea Net +2
“However, the refreshing peach iced tea and passion fruit mojito were delightful, with fresh fruit enhancing the flavors.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“However, the refreshing peach iced tea and passion fruit mojito were delightful, with fresh fruit enhancing the flavors.”October 2024
“We also ordered peach ice tea and passion fruit mojito which were really refreshing. They added fresh fruit to both of them, which enhanced their flavour.”February 2023
-
Green juice Net +1
“With green juice & chicken cheese kebab. Food is delicious and ambience is very classy.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“With green juice & chicken cheese kebab. Food is delicious and ambience is very classy.”April 2021
-
Iced coffee Net +1
“Also tried the Iced Coffee. Loved it and it had a Kopiko after taste - very delicious!!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Also tried the Iced Coffee. Loved it and it had a Kopiko after taste - very delicious!!”October 2021
-
Moroccan tea Net +1
“I did Moroccan tea 10 out of 10.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I did Moroccan tea 10 out of 10.”April 2026
What to Avoid (5)
Food 5
-
Cheese chili toast Net −1
“The cheese chili toast was not at all good, the biryani was average and the chicken lollipop was okayish.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The cheese chili toast was not at all good, the biryani was average and the chicken lollipop was okayish.”November 2024
-
Fish pakora Net −1
“Ordered fish pakora the image on the menu looks very different from the one i got. Very less fish and 90% crisp. Very disappointed with the food but shisha was good”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Ordered fish pakora the image on the menu looks very different from the one i got. Very less fish and 90% crisp. Very disappointed with the food but shisha was good”December 2023
-
Momos Net −1
“Food was a bit of disappointment for me. We ordered veg spring rolls and momos. Spring rolls were over fried. Momos had absolutely no flavours. However the presentation was good.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Food was a bit of disappointment for me. We ordered veg spring rolls and momos. Spring rolls were over fried. Momos had absolutely no flavours. However the presentation was good.”February 2023
-
Vegan sandwiches Net −1
“Me and my partner went there we have vegan sandwiches and after a while we got sick I think there’s a problem with there food because that’s the only thing we have all day”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Me and my partner went there we have vegan sandwiches and after a while we got sick I think there’s a problem with there food because that’s the only thing we have all day”January 2026
-
Veg spring rolls Net −2
“While the food presentation is great, the taste, especially the veg spring rolls and momos, was a bit disappointing.”
Positive 0Negative 2
Critical review excerpts
“While the food presentation is great, the taste, especially the veg spring rolls and momos, was a bit disappointing.”October 2024
“Food was a bit of disappointment for me. We ordered veg spring rolls and momos. Spring rolls were over fried. Momos had absolutely no flavours. However the presentation was good.”February 2023
Tips for a Better Visit
Try a mix. For a distinctive flavour, ask about the 50% blueberry, 25% kiwi and 25% pan combination mentioned by a reviewer.
Order biryani. Hyderabadi biryani is one of the clearest food picks in the reviews, though food quality has varied across visits.
Allow time. If you want a seat during busy periods, plan ahead or visit outside peak times because reviewers say the venue gets full.
Check parking. Leave extra time to find parking; one visitor specifically found it difficult.
Try tea. Moroccan tea is a useful drink pick if you want something beyond shisha; one reviewer gave it a 10/10.
Check orders. For takeaway or a complicated order, confirm the items before leaving, as one visit ended without the requested parcel.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Bu Ameen Building - شعع - Umm Hurair Rd
Al Karama, Dubai
| Mon | 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Tue | 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Wed | 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Thu | 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Fri | 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Sat | 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Sun | 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Shisha inconsistency
One regular customer reported that a shisha problem was raised several times but not taken seriously by staff.
Food variability
Food feedback is mixed: seafood was called average, and older reviews criticised over-fried spring rolls, bland momos and a disappointing fish pakora.
Service lapses
A visit involved repeated requests for service, incorrect seating changes and a takeaway parcel that was never provided.
Parking difficulty
Parking can take some searching, according to one review.
Limited seating
The venue can fill up, and one reviewer suggested adding more seating.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Hookin Cafe & Restaurant is mainly a shisha-and-food hangout in Al Karama. You can settle in for a long session, choose from a broad flavour range, and order dishes including Hyderabadi biryani, butter chicken or chicken tikka. The reviews make shisha the safer reason to come, with repeated praise for smooth flavours and a comfortable, well-ventilated atmosphere.
It works for different kinds of groups. One review highlights separate dining and shisha floors, making the layout more family-friendly, while others mention playing cards, board games and comfortable seating for lingering with friends. Moroccan tea, passion fruit mojito and peach iced tea are among the better-liked drinks.
The venue has also been described as operating late, with one group staying until 3AM. Food feedback is less consistent than the shisha. Biryani and butter chicken have been praised, but seafood, spring rolls, momos and fish pakora received criticism in other visits.
Service is often attentive, though one customer reported repeated order problems and a missing takeaway parcel. Parking is not easy to find, and seating can fill up, so allow time and double-check your order before leaving.