Biryani flavour
Chicken and mutton biryani are praised for aromatic rice, tender meat and a distinctly spicy Karachi-style flavour.
Student Biryani - Barsha
Al Barsha
Student Biryani is a Pakistani restaurant in Al Barsha serving Karachi-style comfort food, with biryani and haleem as the main draws. Reviews also mention white biryani, shami kebab and a recently introduced Pakistani-style Chinese menu.
Reputation Score
4.2
★★★★☆
2,290 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Rich haleem
Haleem is described as thick, slow-cooked and rich, with meat that practically melts into the dish.
Large portions
Several reviews describe the portions as generous, including a huge serving noted during a dine-in visit.
White biryani
White biryani has made a strong impression, with one reviewer calling it exceptionally tasty and another calling it “out of the world.”
Quick service
Some diners report fast, friendly service, and one delivery order of hot biryani, haleem and naan arrived quickly.
Value combos
Reviews mention affordable pricing, generous portions and combo meals that can include raita, salad and kebabs.
What to Eat at Student Biryani - Barsha 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 Student Biryani - Barsha, 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 Student Biryani - Barsha got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 4
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Haleem Net +9
“Great service. Food is also amazing. Was craving for students biryani since long and found it very near to the original one so far from home. Haleem needs to be thicker but it was not bad.”
Positive 9Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Great service. Food is also amazing. Was craving for students biryani since long and found it very near to the original one so far from home. Haleem needs to be thicker but it was not bad.”March 2026
“I always comes student biryani albarsha for biryani and haleem which is very good in taste.service and atmosphere good.Mr Subhan was friendly.Last but not least dont give attention to indian comments because when i came to dubai i realized that indians dont know how to cook food and cant understand taste also.”July 2024
-
Chicken biryani Net +4
“Chicken biryani very tasty with drink and good service Akash bhai thank you”
Positive 5Negative 1
Review excerpts
“Chicken biryani very tasty with drink and good service Akash bhai thank you”January 2026
“We had Haleem and Chicken Biryani. Loved both of them.”July 2026
-
Shami kebab Net +3
“The shami kebab was a little bit over spicy for my child, but that’s a matter of taste.”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The shami kebab was a little bit over spicy for my child, but that’s a matter of taste.”May 2026
“The haleem, beef kebab, and shami kebab were packed with authentic flavor, perfectly complemented by fresh roti.”September 2025
-
Rabri Net +2
“I used to order several times because their Shami is so delicious as like their Chicken Baryani. Once they send Rabbri as complimentary dessert which is super yuumy and tasty.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I used to order several times because their Shami is so delicious as like their Chicken Baryani. Once they send Rabbri as complimentary dessert which is super yuumy and tasty.”May 2026
“The zarda and rabri brought back sweet nostalgia from school and college days.”September 2025
Honorable mentions (13)
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2 Roti Net +1
“Hakeem is very test and 2 roti amazing 👏 🤩 and very good service for Akash thank you so much Akssh”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Hakeem is very test and 2 roti amazing 👏 🤩 and very good service for Akash thank you so much Akssh”November 2025
-
Aaloo samosa Net +1
“I tried Aaloo samosa very hot n delicious along with the fresh milk tea it's same style we have had in home back Karachi .”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I tried Aaloo samosa very hot n delicious along with the fresh milk tea it's same style we have had in home back Karachi .”January 2026
-
Beef kebab Net +1
“The haleem, beef kebab, and shami kebab were packed with authentic flavor, perfectly complemented by fresh roti.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The haleem, beef kebab, and shami kebab were packed with authentic flavor, perfectly complemented by fresh roti.”September 2025
-
Chicken shawarma Net +1
“We ordered two chicken shawarma and tea, the food was really tasty and delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered two chicken shawarma and tea, the food was really tasty and delicious.”January 2026
-
Goat foot soup Net +1
“i ordered paratha with Chana massala or goat foot soup. the dish is interesting coz its a whole foot! but its meat are cooked that its tender you can just slurp the meat away. soup is perfect to dip the paratha. its flavour is typical of a mutton soup i tasted butter and spices.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“i ordered paratha with Chana massala or goat foot soup. the dish is interesting coz its a whole foot! but its meat are cooked that its tender you can just slurp the meat away. soup is perfect to dip the paratha. its flavour is typical of a mutton soup i tasted butter and spices.”September 2022
-
Kheer Net +1
“ kheer was perfectly balanced.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“ kheer was perfectly balanced.”March 2026
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Mutton paya Net +1
“We tried the haleem, mutton paya, and of course their signature biryani — and everything was absolutely delicious. The haleem was rich and perfectly cooked, the paya had great flavor and depth, and the biryani was aromatic with just the right balance of spices.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We tried the haleem, mutton paya, and of course their signature biryani — and everything was absolutely delicious. The haleem was rich and perfectly cooked, the paya had great flavor and depth, and the biryani was aromatic with just the right balance of spices.”April 2026
-
Naan roti Net +1
“Whenever craving for good spicy biryani, haleem, korma, kadia dishes and naan roti look no further and head to or order online from STUDENT BIRYANI and you will not be disappointed!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Whenever craving for good spicy biryani, haleem, korma, kadia dishes and naan roti look no further and head to or order online from STUDENT BIRYANI and you will not be disappointed!”May 2025
-
Samosa Net +1
“Samosa was very crispy and fresh.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Samosa was very crispy and fresh.”March 2026
-
Spicy mutton biryani Net +1
“We ordered for spicy mutton biryani, haleem and naan roti…it was delivered quickly and was piping hot😊 Superbly delicious food and absolutely soul satisfying👌”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered for spicy mutton biryani, haleem and naan roti…it was delivered quickly and was piping hot😊 Superbly delicious food and absolutely soul satisfying👌”May 2025
-
White chicken biryani Net +1
““White chicken biryani is really very good, no doubt about it. But for two people, the quantity feels a bit less. If the portion could be a little bigger, it would be even better.””
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
““White chicken biryani is really very good, no doubt about it. But for two people, the quantity feels a bit less. If the portion could be a little bigger, it would be even better.””May 2026
-
Zarda Net +1
“The zarda and rabri brought back sweet nostalgia from school and college days.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The zarda and rabri brought back sweet nostalgia from school and college days.”September 2025
-
Zinger burger Net +1
“Ordered their Chicken Biryani, Haleem and Zinger Burger. All were made fresh and were delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Ordered their Chicken Biryani, Haleem and Zinger Burger. All were made fresh and were delicious.”May 2026
Drinks 2
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Fresh milk tea Net +1
“I tried Aaloo samosa very hot n delicious along with the fresh milk tea it's same style we have had in home back Karachi .”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I tried Aaloo samosa very hot n delicious along with the fresh milk tea it's same style we have had in home back Karachi .”January 2026
-
Pakistani drink pakola Net +1
“Pair it with Pakistani drink Pakola which will cool you down with its sweet kick and different taste.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Pair it with Pakistani drink Pakola which will cool you down with its sweet kick and different taste.”June 2026
What to Avoid (7)
Food 7
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Channa Net −1
“In Iftaar, Channa & Fruit chat was just a joke, not good, Pakora and Samoosa they served cold, Mint sauce was like water. Chicken Biryani was also not good at all if we talk about quality.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“In Iftaar, Channa & Fruit chat was just a joke, not good, Pakora and Samoosa they served cold, Mint sauce was like water. Chicken Biryani was also not good at all if we talk about quality.”April 2022
-
Chicken roll Net −1
“I ordered a chicken roll with puri pratha, which comes with puri pratha. Rather, they gave me a very thick, oily pratha roll with smelly, not well-cooked chicken, and they charged 15 dirham... I threw it all out after one bite... waste of money.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“I ordered a chicken roll with puri pratha, which comes with puri pratha. Rather, they gave me a very thick, oily pratha roll with smelly, not well-cooked chicken, and they charged 15 dirham... I threw it all out after one bite... waste of money.”June 2026
-
Fruit chat Net −1
“In Iftaar, Channa & Fruit chat was just a joke, not good, Pakora and Samoosa they served cold, Mint sauce was like water. Chicken Biryani was also not good at all if we talk about quality.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“In Iftaar, Channa & Fruit chat was just a joke, not good, Pakora and Samoosa they served cold, Mint sauce was like water. Chicken Biryani was also not good at all if we talk about quality.”April 2022
-
Pakora Net −1
“In Iftaar, Channa & Fruit chat was just a joke, not good, Pakora and Samoosa they served cold, Mint sauce was like water. Chicken Biryani was also not good at all if we talk about quality.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“In Iftaar, Channa & Fruit chat was just a joke, not good, Pakora and Samoosa they served cold, Mint sauce was like water. Chicken Biryani was also not good at all if we talk about quality.”April 2022
-
Puri pratha Net −1
“I ordered a chicken roll with puri pratha, which comes with puri pratha. Rather, they gave me a very thick, oily pratha roll with smelly, not well-cooked chicken, and they charged 15 dirham... I threw it all out after one bite... waste of money.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“I ordered a chicken roll with puri pratha, which comes with puri pratha. Rather, they gave me a very thick, oily pratha roll with smelly, not well-cooked chicken, and they charged 15 dirham... I threw it all out after one bite... waste of money.”June 2026
-
Samoosa Net −1
“In Iftaar, Channa & Fruit chat was just a joke, not good, Pakora and Samoosa they served cold, Mint sauce was like water. Chicken Biryani was also not good at all if we talk about quality.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“In Iftaar, Channa & Fruit chat was just a joke, not good, Pakora and Samoosa they served cold, Mint sauce was like water. Chicken Biryani was also not good at all if we talk about quality.”April 2022
-
Nihari Net −2
“Every single time you will see strange things coming out of their food (nihari) and when you complaint staff will make you feel guilty and ask you stop buying from them anymore. I wish authorities will take an action and check into their kitchen specially their nihari for sure is not consumable for humans.”
Positive 0Negative 2
Critical review excerpts
“Every single time you will see strange things coming out of their food (nihari) and when you complaint staff will make you feel guilty and ask you stop buying from them anymore. I wish authorities will take an action and check into their kitchen specially their nihari for sure is not consumable for humans.”May 2026
“Nihari was not upto the mark at all Not recommended , the meat wasn’t good and we told the staff and returned still deducted and he was not supporting just said i will see. Not good service.”October 2025
Tips for a Better Visit
Request mild. If you are spice-sensitive, ask for no spice when ordering; a visitor specifically recommends this because the food runs hot.
Try haleem. Order haleem with hot naan, ginger, lemon and fried onions, then mix in the accompanying spice packet.
Order online. For convenience, delivery is available through noon, Talabat, Careem and Deliveroo, useful given the compact dining room.
Allow time. If ordering delivery, allow extra time rather than relying on a tight schedule; one biryani order took almost an hour.
Check nihari. Consider asking about the current nihari preparation before ordering, as separate reviews raised concerns about its meat and quality.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Building, Summerland - Shop # 3 - Al Barsha Rd
Al Barsha First - Al Barsha, Dubai
| Mon | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Tue | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Wed | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Thu | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Fri | 11:00 AM – 12:30 AM |
| Sat | 11:00 AM – 12:30 AM |
| Sun | 11:00 AM – 12:30 AM |
Common Concerns
Spicy dishes
The biryani and even the shami kebab can run hot, which may be uncomfortable for children or anyone who prefers mild food.
Quality variation
Food quality is not consistently praised: complaints include smelly, undercooked chicken in a roll and biryani described as not fresh.
Nihari complaints
Two reviews specifically found the nihari below standard, including concerns about the meat and how complaints were handled.
Service lapses
Although service is often praised, some customers report waiting to order, a rude phone response and delivery taking almost an hour.
Small setting
The dining room is compact, with one review estimating seating for about 20 people; another described the place as small.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
15 dirham
chicken roll with puri pratha
“Rather, they gave me a very thick, oily pratha roll with smelly, not well-cooked chicken, and they charged 15 dirham”Google review · June 2026
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Student Biryani in Al Barsha is a compact Pakistani restaurant centred on Karachi-style comfort food. The clearest reasons to visit are chicken or mutton biryani, haleem, shami kebab and the newer white biryani. Reviews regularly describe the portions as generous, and long-time customers value the familiar, consistent flavour.
The biryani leans spicy rather than mild. One review praises its aromatic rice and tender meat, while another says the shami kebab was too spicy for a child. If you prefer gentler food, add a no-spice request when ordering.
Haleem is a popular choice and can be paired with naan, ginger, lemon, fried onions and the small spice packet served alongside it. Value is a recurring theme, though prices have drawn some criticism. One customer reported a 45 AED meal with mutton karahi, two naan and a soft drink.
Delivery is available through noon, Talabat, Careem and Deliveroo, but timing can vary: one biryani order took almost an hour. The dining area is small, so delivery may be more practical at busy times. Quality and service are not perfectly consistent.
Most service comments are positive, but reviews also mention delayed ordering, a rude phone interaction and complaints about nihari and a chicken roll. It is worth checking the dish before committing if those items are your priority.