Authentic flavours
Reviews describe North Indian food that has not been adapted to western tastes, with traditional Delhi-style flavours.
Trade Centre
Purani Dilli Sheikh Zayed Road is a North Indian restaurant in Trade Centre, set within a hotel with Old Delhi-inspired interiors and views towards Sheikh Zayed Road. Guests come for dishes such as dal makhani and biryani, as well as Bollywood live music on selected evenings.
Source: Google Maps
Reviews describe North Indian food that has not been adapted to western tastes, with traditional Delhi-style flavours.
Bollywood songs and Ravneet’s performances are repeatedly praised for adding a warm, nostalgic atmosphere without always overpowering dinner conversation.
Dal makhani and methi paneer are specifically called out, while several diners praise the Rampuri Ghost Biryani for its aroma and flavour.
A biryani festival featured unusual options including Kathal dum biryani, Bohra fish biryani and Sufiyani vegetable biryani.
The restaurant is inside Four Points by Sheraton, making it especially convenient for hotel guests and visitors already on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Free hotel valet parking is available, which one reviewer found particularly helpful for this Sheikh Zayed Road location.
For a hotel breakfast birthday, the team arranged flowers, cake and a birthday song.
Foods and drinks mentioned in reviews of Purani Dilli Sheikh Zayed Road, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
“There was also a section of Desi Indian mithai with Barfi, Gujia & Halwa ... seriously, nothing can beat the flavors of these Desi desserts. Loved them all.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“There was also a section of Desi Indian mithai with Barfi, Gujia & Halwa ... seriously, nothing can beat the flavors of these Desi desserts. Loved them all.”December 2020
“We had an excellent meal at Purani. Their briyani is flavorful and served with finesse. Recommended”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had an excellent meal at Purani. Their briyani is flavorful and served with finesse. Recommended”February 2026
“The best items are Grilled Murgh Janhangiri, Chicken Malai Tikka, Mutton Seekh Kebab and Butter Chicken.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The best items are Grilled Murgh Janhangiri, Chicken Malai Tikka, Mutton Seekh Kebab and Butter Chicken.”February 2020
“- Chandni Chowk ke Tikki... it took me back to Chandni chowk 😍”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“- Chandni Chowk ke Tikki... it took me back to Chandni chowk 😍”December 2020
“The Changezi Murgh, expertly prepared by Chef Kasim, is a standout. The chicken is flavorful, with a perfect balance of spice and richness.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Changezi Murgh, expertly prepared by Chef Kasim, is a standout. The chicken is flavorful, with a perfect balance of spice and richness.”April 2025
“The best items are Grilled Murgh Janhangiri, Chicken Malai Tikka, Mutton Seekh Kebab and Butter Chicken.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The best items are Grilled Murgh Janhangiri, Chicken Malai Tikka, Mutton Seekh Kebab and Butter Chicken.”February 2020
“I went for Chicken Tikka Makhni — rich, buttery, and perfectly spiced — served with beautifully edible Tiranga Rice and fluffy tandoori roti.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I went for Chicken Tikka Makhni — rich, buttery, and perfectly spiced — served with beautifully edible Tiranga Rice and fluffy tandoori roti.”August 2025
“To round off the meal, we enjoyed desserts like Chukander E afroz, a luscious, milk-based dish infused with dried milk and sweetened beetroot, and Ras Malai, a classic Indian delicacy of soft cottage cheese soaked in creamy, sweetened milk. Both desserts offered a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, providing a satisfying conclusion to our feast.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“To round off the meal, we enjoyed desserts like Chukander E afroz, a luscious, milk-based dish infused with dried milk and sweetened beetroot, and Ras Malai, a classic Indian delicacy of soft cottage cheese soaked in creamy, sweetened milk. Both desserts offered a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, providing a satisfying conclusion to our feast.”June 2025
“Vegetarian options like Palak anjeer ke kebob, a mildly sweet dish made with yams, spinach, and aromatic Indian spices, and Dahi kebob, crunchy deep-fried bites of hung yogurt mixed with cottage cheese and spices, provided excellent variety and proved just as flavorful.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Vegetarian options like Palak anjeer ke kebob, a mildly sweet dish made with yams, spinach, and aromatic Indian spices, and Dahi kebob, crunchy deep-fried bites of hung yogurt mixed with cottage cheese and spices, provided excellent variety and proved just as flavorful.”June 2025
“It was also my first time trying dahi puri, and I absolutely loved it fresh, tangy, and such a delightful experience.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“It was also my first time trying dahi puri, and I absolutely loved it fresh, tangy, and such a delightful experience.”January 2026
“Methi paneer and Dal Makhani are one of the best things we had here along with other food items.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Methi paneer and Dal Makhani are one of the best things we had here along with other food items.”April 2024
“Coming back to food, as we went there on the occasion of Diwali, they served us Diwali Special set menu in both Vegetarian as well as Non-vegetarian categories.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Coming back to food, as we went there on the occasion of Diwali, they served us Diwali Special set menu in both Vegetarian as well as Non-vegetarian categories.”December 2020
“The best items are Grilled Murgh Janhangiri, Chicken Malai Tikka, Mutton Seekh Kebab and Butter Chicken.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The best items are Grilled Murgh Janhangiri, Chicken Malai Tikka, Mutton Seekh Kebab and Butter Chicken.”February 2020
“There was also a section of Desi Indian mithai with Barfi, Gujia & Halwa ... seriously, nothing can beat the flavors of these Desi desserts. Loved them all.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“There was also a section of Desi Indian mithai with Barfi, Gujia & Halwa ... seriously, nothing can beat the flavors of these Desi desserts. Loved them all.”December 2020
“- Haldi Mirch Murg Tikka... perfectly spiced & flavorful”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“- Haldi Mirch Murg Tikka... perfectly spiced & flavorful”December 2020
“There was also a section of Desi Indian mithai with Barfi, Gujia & Halwa ... seriously, nothing can beat the flavors of these Desi desserts. Loved them all.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“There was also a section of Desi Indian mithai with Barfi, Gujia & Halwa ... seriously, nothing can beat the flavors of these Desi desserts. Loved them all.”December 2020
“My husband chose vegetarian Malai Kofta, and my son Haryali Subz — both looked equally tempting and were bursting with flavour.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My husband chose vegetarian Malai Kofta, and my son Haryali Subz — both looked equally tempting and were bursting with flavour.”August 2025
“The selection included some truly unique and flavorful options, such as the Sufiyani vegetable biryani, Bohra fish biryani, and most notably, the Kathal (jackfruit) dum biryani. The Kathal biryani was unlike any I had ever tried before; it featured tender pieces of young jackfruit marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, then slow-cooked in a rich Mughlai gravy, and layered with fragrant saffron rice. The combination created a harmonious blend of spices and textures, making it a standout dish.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The selection included some truly unique and flavorful options, such as the Sufiyani vegetable biryani, Bohra fish biryani, and most notably, the Kathal (jackfruit) dum biryani. The Kathal biryani was unlike any I had ever tried before; it featured tender pieces of young jackfruit marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, then slow-cooked in a rich Mughlai gravy, and layered with fragrant saffron rice. The combination created a harmonious blend of spices and textures, making it a standout dish.”June 2025
“The food is very tasty. I had a Kebab Plate with chicken, fish, pawn and mutton, all very juicy and tender packed with flavors.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food is very tasty. I had a Kebab Plate with chicken, fish, pawn and mutton, all very juicy and tender packed with flavors.”September 2022
“For the main courses, the standout dishes included Lahsuni palak kas—a creamy, fragrant spinach dish that was both comforting and delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For the main courses, the standout dishes included Lahsuni palak kas—a creamy, fragrant spinach dish that was both comforting and delicious.”June 2025
“The lamb biryani was excellent, full of flavor and perfectly cooked.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The lamb biryani was excellent, full of flavor and perfectly cooked.”January 2026
“The Lazeez chicken biryani was another highlight, with perfectly cooked, tender chicken nestled within aromatic saffron rice, garnished with fried onions, rose water, and slivered almonds, adding both flavor and visual appeal.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Lazeez chicken biryani was another highlight, with perfectly cooked, tender chicken nestled within aromatic saffron rice, garnished with fried onions, rose water, and slivered almonds, adding both flavor and visual appeal.”June 2025
“Followed by Macchi Marsala made with big chunks of Dory Fish, again very tender.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Followed by Macchi Marsala made with big chunks of Dory Fish, again very tender.”September 2022
“The moment I stepped in, the rich aromas instantly transported me to Purani Dilli. We began with refreshing Green Salad, followed by the star of the evening — Malai Broccoli. Soft, creamy, and grilled to perfection, each piece proudly carried the vibrant colours of the Indian flag.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The moment I stepped in, the rich aromas instantly transported me to Purani Dilli. We began with refreshing Green Salad, followed by the star of the evening — Malai Broccoli. Soft, creamy, and grilled to perfection, each piece proudly carried the vibrant colours of the Indian flag.”August 2025
“My husband chose vegetarian Malai Kofta, and my son Haryali Subz — both looked equally tempting and were bursting with flavour.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My husband chose vegetarian Malai Kofta, and my son Haryali Subz — both looked equally tempting and were bursting with flavour.”August 2025
“I recommend, Masala Chaas from their menu as your thirst clincher and I am sure you will be cheering up your decision after a first sip.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I recommend, Masala Chaas from their menu as your thirst clincher and I am sure you will be cheering up your decision after a first sip.”April 2024
“Methi paneer and Dal Makhani are one of the best things we had here along with other food items.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Methi paneer and Dal Makhani are one of the best things we had here along with other food items.”April 2024
“The menu is a treasure trove Mughlai Chicken, a dish crafted with authentic recipes and a harmonious blend of spices.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The menu is a treasure trove Mughlai Chicken, a dish crafted with authentic recipes and a harmonious blend of spices.”April 2025
“The Mutton Do Pyaza was hearty and aromatic, featuring tender morsels of mutton in a flavorful onion gravy that left us craving more.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Mutton Do Pyaza was hearty and aromatic, featuring tender morsels of mutton in a flavorful onion gravy that left us craving more.”June 2025
“The best items are Grilled Murgh Janhangiri, Chicken Malai Tikka, Mutton Seekh Kebab and Butter Chicken.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The best items are Grilled Murgh Janhangiri, Chicken Malai Tikka, Mutton Seekh Kebab and Butter Chicken.”February 2020
“Vegetarian options like Palak anjeer ke kebob, a mildly sweet dish made with yams, spinach, and aromatic Indian spices, and Dahi kebob, crunchy deep-fried bites of hung yogurt mixed with cottage cheese and spices, provided excellent variety and proved just as flavorful.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Vegetarian options like Palak anjeer ke kebob, a mildly sweet dish made with yams, spinach, and aromatic Indian spices, and Dahi kebob, crunchy deep-fried bites of hung yogurt mixed with cottage cheese and spices, provided excellent variety and proved just as flavorful.”June 2025
“- Paneer surk Tikka... was really delicious”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“- Paneer surk Tikka... was really delicious”December 2020
“The Rampuri Ghost Biryani was a revelation - its flavors and aroma were so captivating that we just had to go back for more.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Rampuri Ghost Biryani was a revelation - its flavors and aroma were so captivating that we just had to go back for more.”January 2026
“To round off the meal, we enjoyed desserts like Chukander E afroz, a luscious, milk-based dish infused with dried milk and sweetened beetroot, and Ras Malai, a classic Indian delicacy of soft cottage cheese soaked in creamy, sweetened milk. Both desserts offered a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, providing a satisfying conclusion to our feast.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“To round off the meal, we enjoyed desserts like Chukander E afroz, a luscious, milk-based dish infused with dried milk and sweetened beetroot, and Ras Malai, a classic Indian delicacy of soft cottage cheese soaked in creamy, sweetened milk. Both desserts offered a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, providing a satisfying conclusion to our feast.”June 2025
“Main course chicken was average but yellow tadka dal stole the spot along woth roomali roti.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Main course chicken was average but yellow tadka dal stole the spot along woth roomali roti.”November 2025
“The Rumali Roti, lovingly made by Saurabh, is so soft and thin, it truly feels like a mother's touch.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Rumali Roti, lovingly made by Saurabh, is so soft and thin, it truly feels like a mother's touch.”April 2025
“The Shahi Makhani Paneer was rich and velvety, perfect for dipping naan into its luscious gravy.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Shahi Makhani Paneer was rich and velvety, perfect for dipping naan into its luscious gravy.”June 2025
“I went for Chicken Tikka Makhni — rich, buttery, and perfectly spiced — served with beautifully edible Tiranga Rice and fluffy tandoori roti.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I went for Chicken Tikka Makhni — rich, buttery, and perfectly spiced — served with beautifully edible Tiranga Rice and fluffy tandoori roti.”August 2025
“- Tawa Machchi.. cooked to perfection.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“- Tawa Machchi.. cooked to perfection.”December 2020
“The grand finale was a delightful surprise — Tricolor Chum Chum, soaked in creamy rabdi, topped with pistachios and dry fruits. A sweet ending that felt as celebratory as the occasion itself.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The grand finale was a delightful surprise — Tricolor Chum Chum, soaked in creamy rabdi, topped with pistachios and dry fruits. A sweet ending that felt as celebratory as the occasion itself.”August 2025
“Main course chicken was average but yellow tadka dal stole the spot along woth roomali roti.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Main course chicken was average but yellow tadka dal stole the spot along woth roomali roti.”November 2025
Mixed feedback
“Nahari was juat superb. I never tasted this kind of nahari in dubai. We have tried many places famous foe nahari like Daily Redtaurant and Aligarh Chef etc but nahari at Purani delhi was just amazing.”
Positive 1Negative 1
Review excerpts
“Nahari was juat superb. I never tasted this kind of nahari in dubai. We have tried many places famous foe nahari like Daily Redtaurant and Aligarh Chef etc but nahari at Purani delhi was just amazing.”June 2026
Only neutral feedback
“Galawti Kabab was ok and we also ordered a Rampur Gosht Biryani which was my first experience hence can't comment on it.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
“Excellent chai.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Excellent chai.”November 2023
“As for beverage we had the mango lassi which was creamy and delicious”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“As for beverage we had the mango lassi which was creamy and delicious”October 2023
“We also had the refreshing lemon Mint mojito ... a perfect drink for anyone.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We also had the refreshing lemon Mint mojito ... a perfect drink for anyone.”December 2020
“Chicken curry was sub par.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Chicken curry was sub par.”November 2025
“Saffron in chicken tolka and black paper in seekh kebab was way too much.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Saffron in chicken tolka and black paper in seekh kebab was way too much.”November 2025
“Saffron in chicken tolka and black paper in seekh kebab was way too much.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Saffron in chicken tolka and black paper in seekh kebab was way too much.”November 2025
Check music. Confirm the live-music schedule before booking if Bollywood performances are important to your dinner plans.
Stamp parking. If you use the hotel’s free valet, have your parking ticket stamped before leaving the restaurant.
Ask discounts. Hotel guests should ask whether the 20% hotel-guest discount applies before settling the bill.
Choose seating. Ask where the singer will be seated if you want a clear view, since the restaurant has four dining areas.
Try staples. For a first order, consider the specifically praised methi paneer and dal makhani rather than relying only on the kebabs.
Plan the visit
| Mon | 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Tue | 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Wed | 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Thu | 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Fri | 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Sat | 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Sun | 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
One diner found the Jumma Masjid Nihari tasted like ordinary qorma rather than the Delhi-style dish expected.
A weekday birthday visit found the cocktails disappointing and unlike their menu descriptions.
Some diners felt portions were expensive for their size, making the restaurant less suitable for a casual meal.
One review links slower service to having fewer staff on duty.
Saturday live music was described as too loud for comfortable dining, although another review found the volume easy to talk over.
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
Independence Day 4-course menu
“As luck would have it, they were running a special Independence Day 4-course menu for just AED 79”Google review · August 2025
The Bottom Line
Purani Dilli Sheikh Zayed Road is a Trade Centre restaurant inside Four Points by Sheraton, known for Delhi-style North Indian cooking and an Old Delhi-inspired setting. You can order familiar favourites such as dal makhani, methi paneer, butter chicken and biryani, or explore less usual dishes from its festival menus, including Kathal dum biryani and Bohra fish biryani. The atmosphere is a major part of the appeal.
Selected evenings feature Bollywood live music, and several guests found the singing soothing, nostalgic and well judged for conversation. Seating is divided across four dining areas, though, so you may hear the performer without seeing the stage. The hotel setting also brings practical advantages: free valet parking and, according to one guest, a 20% discount for hotel guests.
Food and service are praised much more often than criticised, but experiences are not completely uniform. One diner found the Jumma Masjid Nihari closer to qorma than genuine nihari, while another considered the cocktails disappointing and the food average. Portions have also been called expensive, and service can slow when staffing is light.
If live music matters, check the schedule and ask about seating before you arrive. A dated review also reported an Independence Day four-course menu at AED 79, so event menus may offer better value than a standard dinner.