Are you a UAE resident craving authentic Mughlai cuisine, especially the legendary Nihari of Delhi? Then you’re in for a treat. Nestled quietly in the Rigga area inside the Landmark Hotel, The Dilli Cartel is a restaurant that’s quickly making a name for itself among food lovers who appreciate bold spices, rich traditions, and heartfelt flavors.
It’s a bit spicy, yes — but if you can handle the heat, this spot is a must-visit. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Delhi street food or someone curious about royal Mughlai dishes, The Dilli Cartel offers an experience that feels like a trip back in time, with all the comforts of modern Dubai.
A taste of old Delhi in Dubai
The Dilli Cartel opened its doors earlier this year and has already begun turning heads in the city’s ever-expanding food scene. The restaurant is inspired by the royal kitchens and vibrant streets of Old Delhi, bringing age-old recipes and culinary techniques to life with great attention to detail.
Here, each dish has a story to tell — from the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk to the regal courts of the Mughal emperors. The slow-cooked Nihari, for example, is simmered for hours to bring out its deep, layered flavors. The Mutton Qorma bursts with traditional spices, and the Nazakat-e-Gosht kebabs are so tender they melt in your mouth.
The Dilli Cartel focuses on more than just taste — it’s about preserving culinary heritage. Traditional breads like Khamiri Roti and Sheermal are baked fresh in the tandoor, while classic desserts such as Shahi Tukda and Delhi-style chaat bring home the city’s familiar flavors.
Every plate is a balance of royal richness and homestyle comfort, offering diners a rare chance to enjoy genuine Delhi cuisine in an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and modern.
The vision behind The Cartel
The restaurant is the brainchild of Mr. Nazish Faruqui, a seasoned entrepreneur and graduate of London Business School. With over a decade of experience across the GCC — including the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia — he decided to bring his love for Delhi’s food and culture to life in Dubai.
“The Dilli Cartel is not just about food – it’s about preserving a legacy,” he says. “Delhi’s cuisine is emotional, layered, and cultural. I wanted to recreate that same honesty and warmth in Dubai, a city that embraces every flavour of the world.”
Dubai’s restaurant industry is booming, and The Dilli Cartel has entered the market at the perfect time. In 2024, the city’s dining sector grew by 17 percent, generating over Dhs 14 billion in annual revenue, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
Nazish Faruqui
With more than 3.5 million Indian residents and a growing wave of global tourists, there’s been a clear shift towards regional Indian cuisines over modern fusion. In fact, industry reports reveal that nearly one in four new restaurants last year focused on traditional, regional dishes.
This is exactly where The Dilli Cartel finds its place — serving authentic, story-rich food to a crowd that’s looking for something real. As Faruqui puts it:
“People today crave authenticity. They want to taste food that tells a story – food that feels real.”
The restaurant’s interior design reflects its core philosophy: heritage meets elegance. Think rustic textures, subtle Mughal-inspired details, warm lighting, and handcrafted décor. Copper utensils gleam beside the soft glow of charcoal grills, while the lively atmosphere invites conversation and comfort.
It’s a place for families to gather, friends to reconnect, and new guests to discover the richness of Delhi’s culinary legacy.
Expansion plans across the GCC
Looking ahead, The Dilli Cartel isn’t stopping at Dubai. The team has ambitious plans to expand to Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar by 2026, aiming to become the GCC’s leading Mughlai dining brand.
Faruqui’s long-term vision is to create a brand that stands for both authenticity and ambition, reaching new cities while staying true to the soulful cooking it was built on.
“Our goal is to bring the soul of Delhi to every major GCC city,” he says. “This is about tradition meeting ambition – and about ensuring that every guest feels the same love for food that inspired this journey.”
For those in Dubai searching for true Delhi flavours, with the bonus of free parking, The Dilli Cartel is more than just a place to eat — it’s an experience. Every dish carries the memory of a city, and every visit becomes part of a growing story.
So if you can handle the spice and crave the comfort of honest, heritage-driven food, head over to The Dilli Cartel in Al Rigga — your taste buds will thank you.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
