Dosa Choice
Ghee roast and masala dosa are the clearest strengths, with one review calling the ghee roast the best dosai they had tried.
SARAVANAA BHAVAN , AL QUSAIS.
Al Qusais
Saravanaa Bhavan in Al Qusais is a vegetarian restaurant focused on South Indian food, especially dosas. Reviews point to crispy ghee roast, masala dosa, filter coffee and traditional breakfast dishes as the main reasons to consider it, though quality and comfort can vary by visit.
Reputation Score
3.7
★★★★☆
1,311 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Crisp Texture
One customer found the dosas exceptionally crispy and flavorful, with a good balance of spices and textures.
Filter Coffee
Filter coffee is repeatedly mentioned as a strong order, including a review describing it as punchy and consistent across branches.
Breakfast
Breakfast choices such as idli, pongal, poori and mini tiffin receive several positive mentions.
Visible Kitchen
A customer noted that the preparation area is clean and visible from the dining area.
Parking
A large public parking area is reported in front of the restaurant.
Tips for a Better Visit
Check Extras. Ask what the Tamil Nadu Meals includes before ordering: one customer was charged AED 3 extra when chapathi was requested later.
Try Dosa. For a first order, consider ghee roast or masala dosa; these are more consistently praised than some other dishes.
Order Coffee. Filter coffee is a recurring favourite, but confirm which coffee you are ordering and its price before it is added to the bill.
Check AC. If you are seated upstairs, check the air conditioning first; one visit reported no working AC and a very uncomfortable meal.
Bring Cash?. A large public parking area is reported in front, but the restaurant is not wheelchair friendly because the ramp is away from the entrance.
Plan the visit
Practical details
No. 16, "D" Block, Development Board Building
Al Qusais - Al Qusais 1, Dubai
| Mon | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Tue | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Wed | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Thu | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Fri | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Sat | 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Sun | 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
Common Concerns
Inconsistent Food
Recent reviews range from excellent dosas to tasteless sambar, reheated-looking paratha and overcooked dishes.
High Prices
Several customers feel the pricing is high for the portions and quality, including AED 22 ghee roast and AED 9 filter coffee.
Poor Ambience
Reviews mention outdated furniture, dirty floors, dark upstairs seating and an air-conditioning problem.
Slow Service
Some visits involved long waits for food and an even longer wait for the bill, alongside complaints about inattentive service.
Ventilation
The dining area has been criticised for weak air ventilation, with food smells lingering on clothing after a meal.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
AED 3
chapathi
“When I asked for chapathi later, they served it – but to my surprise, charged AED 3 extra, without informing me in advance”Google review · June 2025
22dhs
ghee rost
“my friends ordered ghee rost they charged 22dhs for each and taste was same like normal cafeteria dish”Google review · June 2025
9 dirhams
filter coffee
“I recently visited Saravanaa Bhavan in Dubai and had a filter coffee, which cost 9 dirhams”Google review · January 2025
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Saravanaa Bhavan in Al Qusais is a South Indian vegetarian restaurant where dosas are the main draw. The menu gives you familiar choices such as masala dosa, ghee roast, Tamil Nadu Meals and mini tiffin, while filter coffee is one of the most consistently praised drinks. Breakfast reviews also mention idli, pongal, poori and upma, so there is plenty beyond dosa.
The food is not completely predictable. Some customers describe exceptionally crisp, flavorful dosas and tasty, authentic meals; others report poor sambar, weak chutneys, reheated-tasting paratha or a decline in dosa quality. That makes ordering the better-reviewed South Indian staples a safer bet than assuming every dish will land well.
Value is the main sticking point. Customers have called the restaurant expensive for average portions, with reported prices of AED 19 for Tamil Nadu Meals, AED 22 for ghee roast and AED 9 for filter coffee. Ask what is included and whether extras cost more.
The branch has also drawn criticism for outdated furniture, dark or hot upstairs seating, inconsistent air conditioning and lingering food smells. Public parking is reported outside, but wheelchair access is difficult.