Beef biryani
The beef biryani is repeatedly praised for fragrant rice, balanced masala, tender meat and a Malabar wedding-feast character.
Mehfil Biriyani - Karama
Al Karama
Mehfil Biriyani is a Kerala restaurant in Al Karama serving Malabar-style dum biryani, including beef and mutton versions. Reviews also point to dishes such as Ummachi beef curry with porotta or pathiri, plus ghee rice and Kerala-style sides for a more varied meal.
Reputation Score
4.3
★★★★☆
3,293 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Mutton option
Mutton biryani is another strong pick, with reviewers describing rich flavour and soft, well-cooked meat.
Malabar style
Customers from Kerala describe the biryani as authentic, comforting and close to the taste of a traditional marriage biryani.
Banana leaf
Biryani is served over banana leaves, a traditional presentation that several diners found neat and appealing.
Beyond biryani
The fish tava and Ummachi beef curry received particularly strong mentions, giving regulars alternatives to the main biryani plates.
Ghee rice
Even when biryani was unavailable, one reviewer found the ghee rice and accompanying beef and chicken dishes satisfying.
What to Eat at Mehfil Biriyani - Karama 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 Mehfil Biriyani - Karama, 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 Mehfil Biriyani - Karama, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 3
-
Beef biriyani Net +8
“The biriyani here is great especially the beef biriyani really gave proper Malabar marriage biriyani vibes — rich aroma, flavorful masala, and that traditional taste you usually get at wedding feasts. The rice and beef were cooked perfectly, and the portion was satisfying too.”
Positive 10Negative 2
Review excerpts
“The biriyani here is great especially the beef biriyani really gave proper Malabar marriage biriyani vibes — rich aroma, flavorful masala, and that traditional taste you usually get at wedding feasts. The rice and beef were cooked perfectly, and the portion was satisfying too.”May 2026
“Their Beef Biriyani is my absolute favorite — perfectly cooked rice, flavorful masala, and tender beef with authentic dum taste in every bite.”May 2026
-
Mutton biriyani Net +5
“The mutton biriyani was also quite good, with soft pieces of meat and rich gravy mixed into the rice.”
Positive 5Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The mutton biriyani was also quite good, with soft pieces of meat and rich gravy mixed into the rice.”January 2026
“I’ve tried Chicken, Mutton, and Beef biryani, and each one was delicious — a pure, authentic Malabar-style biryani. Once you start eating here, it’s hard to stop; it’s that addictive. Out of all, the Mutton Biryani stands out as my absolute favorite. For me, this is the best mutton biryani spot in Karama.”October 2025
-
Chicken biryani Net +2
“Hotel Mehfil Biriyani is a great spot for biryani lovers! The food is flavorful, aromatic, and perfectly cooked — especially the mutton and chicken biryani, which are rich in authentic spices and taste.”
Positive 3Negative 1
Review excerpts
“Hotel Mehfil Biriyani is a great spot for biryani lovers! The food is flavorful, aromatic, and perfectly cooked — especially the mutton and chicken biryani, which are rich in authentic spices and taste.”October 2025
““This Chicken Biryani had the perfect balance of spice and aroma. The chicken was well-marinated, tender, and infused with the masala. The Small sona Masoori rice was cooked to perfection. Served with raita, it was an absolute treat!””February 2025
Honorable mentions (16)
-
Beef nadan fry Net +1
“"Had an amazing meal here yesterday! We ordered the chicken biriyani and the beef nadan fry, and everything was a solid 10/10. The biriyani was perfectly spiced and fragrant, and the beef nadan fry had that authentic, rich flavor we were looking for. Definitely a must-visit spot in Karama for anyone craving genuine taste."”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“"Had an amazing meal here yesterday! We ordered the chicken biriyani and the beef nadan fry, and everything was a solid 10/10. The biriyani was perfectly spiced and fragrant, and the beef nadan fry had that authentic, rich flavor we were looking for. Definitely a must-visit spot in Karama for anyone craving genuine taste."”June 2026
-
Chicken biriyani Net +1
“"Had an amazing meal here yesterday! We ordered the chicken biriyani and the beef nadan fry, and everything was a solid 10/10. The biriyani was perfectly spiced and fragrant, and the beef nadan fry had that authentic, rich flavor we were looking for. Definitely a must-visit spot in Karama for anyone craving genuine taste."”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“"Had an amazing meal here yesterday! We ordered the chicken biriyani and the beef nadan fry, and everything was a solid 10/10. The biriyani was perfectly spiced and fragrant, and the beef nadan fry had that authentic, rich flavor we were looking for. Definitely a must-visit spot in Karama for anyone craving genuine taste."”June 2026
-
Chicken dry fri Net +1
“I love their chicken dry and leghorn biriyani.”
Positive 1Negative 0Neutral 1
Review excerpts
“I love their chicken dry and leghorn biriyani.”March 2026
-
Chicken fry Net +1
“The chicken fry was crispy on the outside and juicy inside, and paired well with the biriyani.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The chicken fry was crispy on the outside and juicy inside, and paired well with the biriyani.”January 2026
-
Fish tava Net +1
“We tried the fish tava and that turned out to be the star.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We tried the fish tava and that turned out to be the star.”April 2026
-
Khozikode combo Net +1
“I went to eat Khozikode combo but end up eating Malabar dum Biryani.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I went to eat Khozikode combo but end up eating Malabar dum Biryani.”February 2026
-
Leghorn biriyani Net +1
“I love their chicken dry and leghorn biriyani.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I love their chicken dry and leghorn biriyani.”March 2026
-
Legorne biriyani Net +1
“We ordered the Legorne biriyani, beef biriyani, mutton biriyani and chicken fry so that everyone could taste a bit of everything. Out of all the dishes, the beef biriyani was easily the star. The rice was fragrant, the spices were balanced, and the beef pieces were tender and cooked perfectly. It had that slow-cooked flavor that makes you want to go back just for that one dish. The mutton biriyani was also quite good, with soft pieces of meat and rich gravy mixed into the rice. The Legorne biriyani had a lighter taste but still carried nice flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered the Legorne biriyani, beef biriyani, mutton biriyani and chicken fry so that everyone could taste a bit of everything. Out of all the dishes, the beef biriyani was easily the star. The rice was fragrant, the spices were balanced, and the beef pieces were tender and cooked perfectly. It had that slow-cooked flavor that makes you want to go back just for that one dish. The mutton biriyani was also quite good, with soft pieces of meat and rich gravy mixed into the rice. The Legorne biriyani had a lighter taste but still carried nice flavor.”January 2026
-
Magala biriyani Net +1
“If you wanna try authentic Magala Biriyani (Kerala Style Marriage Biriyani) here is the place you wanna visit. Best biriyani in Karama. We had Payoli Chicken & Beef Biriyani. Taste is so good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“If you wanna try authentic Magala Biriyani (Kerala Style Marriage Biriyani) here is the place you wanna visit. Best biriyani in Karama. We had Payoli Chicken & Beef Biriyani. Taste is so good.”November 2024
-
Pathiri Net +1
“But the real showstopper? The Ummachi beef curry with porotta or pathiri… OMG, it’s pure love on a plate! 🥹✨ So flavorful, tender, and incredibly satisfying — truly one of the best we’ve tried in Dubai.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“But the real showstopper? The Ummachi beef curry with porotta or pathiri… OMG, it’s pure love on a plate! 🥹✨ So flavorful, tender, and incredibly satisfying — truly one of the best we’ve tried in Dubai.”March 2026
-
Payoli chicken Net +1
“If you wanna try authentic Magala Biriyani (Kerala Style Marriage Biriyani) here is the place you wanna visit. Best biriyani in Karama. We had Payoli Chicken & Beef Biriyani. Taste is so good. Those who doesn’t like the flavor of Coconut oil. Don’t try the Payoli Chicken. It was completely prepared in Coconut Oil. Biriyani no words to express it.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“If you wanna try authentic Magala Biriyani (Kerala Style Marriage Biriyani) here is the place you wanna visit. Best biriyani in Karama. We had Payoli Chicken & Beef Biriyani. Taste is so good. Those who doesn’t like the flavor of Coconut oil. Don’t try the Payoli Chicken. It was completely prepared in Coconut Oil. Biriyani no words to express it.”November 2024
-
Porotta Net +1
“But the real showstopper? The Ummachi beef curry with porotta or pathiri… OMG, it’s pure love on a plate! 🥹✨ So flavorful, tender, and incredibly satisfying — truly one of the best we’ve tried in Dubai.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“But the real showstopper? The Ummachi beef curry with porotta or pathiri… OMG, it’s pure love on a plate! 🥹✨ So flavorful, tender, and incredibly satisfying — truly one of the best we’ve tried in Dubai.”March 2026
-
Sudheesh annante chaya Net +1
“Underrated chai spot! Sudheesh annante chaya every evening is a must for me! Medium strong chaya is gold! ☕️ Kiran has very good approach towards her customers and caters to them very well! 💯 all in all beyond the biriyani, which is already very good, you can always come here for a good time!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Underrated chai spot! Sudheesh annante chaya every evening is a must for me! Medium strong chaya is gold! ☕️ Kiran has very good approach towards her customers and caters to them very well! 💯 all in all beyond the biriyani, which is already very good, you can always come here for a good time!”February 2026
-
Ummachi beef curry Net +1
“But the real showstopper? The Ummachi beef curry with porotta or pathiri… OMG, it’s pure love on a plate! 🥹✨ So flavorful, tender, and incredibly satisfying — truly one of the best we’ve tried in Dubai.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“But the real showstopper? The Ummachi beef curry with porotta or pathiri… OMG, it’s pure love on a plate! 🥹✨ So flavorful, tender, and incredibly satisfying — truly one of the best we’ve tried in Dubai.”March 2026
-
Ghee rice Net 0
Mixed feedback
“Starved for biriyani but had to compromise with ghee rice and sides. But this place served amazing ghee rice and beef and chicken dishes .. loved”
Positive 1Negative 1
Review excerpts
“Starved for biriyani but had to compromise with ghee rice and sides. But this place served amazing ghee rice and beef and chicken dishes .. loved”November 2025
-
Thalasseri type biriyani Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“Initial Review :Best Thalasseri type Biriyani, Lagon Chicken is available . Very tasty. They serves Biriyani in Banana leaves ,it's increases taste of the Biriyani and feels Natural .”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
What to Avoid (1)
Food 1
-
Manchurian Net −1
“worst...Extremely disappointing. Paid 19 DHS for food that was of very poor quality and unacceptable in taste. Will not be returning.This is what remains...chicken minus Manchurian...Manchurian went inside me and chicken go straight to waste bin..My personal experience..”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“worst...Extremely disappointing. Paid 19 DHS for food that was of very poor quality and unacceptable in taste. Will not be returning.This is what remains...chicken minus Manchurian...Manchurian went inside me and chicken go straight to waste bin..My personal experience..”January 2026
Tips for a Better Visit
Plan early. Arrive early or avoid peak periods if possible; Sunday seating has reportedly taken 30–45 minutes.
Expect queues. Build in at least 10–15 minutes for a seat during busy visits, and expect longer waits when the restaurant is especially crowded.
Ask first. Before ordering, confirm which biryanis are available and ask about the extra-rice charge so the final cost is clear.
Check parking. Parking can be difficult at peak times, so factor in extra time rather than relying on finding a nearby space quickly.
Try beef. If you want the dish most consistently singled out, start with the beef biryani; multiple reviews call it the standout.
Mind coconut. Avoid the Payoli Chicken if you dislike coconut-oil flavour, as one reviewer says it is prepared completely in coconut oil.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Al Karama - Sheikh Hamdan Colony - Dubai
Al Karama - Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Dubai
| Mon | 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Tue | 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Wed | 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Thu | 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Fri | 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Sat | 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Sun | 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Extra rice
Additional biryani rice is charged separately; several diners reported AED 10.50 per plate and questioned the value.
Long waits
Crowds can mean queues of 10–15 minutes, while one Sunday reviewer waited 30–45 minutes for a seat.
Service gaps
Reviews describe slow or rude service, inconsistent communication and delayed orders, especially during busy periods.
Quality swings
Recent reviews vary sharply, including complaints about smoky flavour, chewy meat, undercooked rice and reduced quality.
Hot interior
One busy lunch visit found the dining room uncomfortably hot, with air conditioning that did not appear to work properly.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Mehfil Biriyani is a Kerala restaurant in Al Karama built around Malabar-style dum biryani. Beef biryani is the safest starting point based on the reviews: diners describe fragrant rice, balanced masala and tender beef, with some comparing it to a Kerala wedding or marriage biryani. Mutton biryani also earns repeated praise, while chicken, Leghorn and ghee rice give groups more choice.
There is more here than biryani. The fish tava was called the star of one meal, and Ummachi beef curry with porotta or pathiri received an especially enthusiastic mention. Biryani served on a banana leaf adds a traditional touch, and the simple setting suits a casual meal rather than a polished dining-room occasion.
The main practical drawback is crowding. Queues of 10–15 minutes are common in some reviews, and one Sunday visit took 30–45 minutes to secure a seat. Parking nearby can also be difficult at peak times.
Service feedback is mixed, ranging from quick and attentive to rude, slow or poorly coordinated. 50 charge per plate. Food quality also appears inconsistent in newer reviews, so expectations should be measured despite the restaurant’s strong reputation.