Bu Qtair Fish Restaurant – A Hidden Gem in Jumeirah You Can’t Miss

Located in the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, the Bu Qtair Restaurant is an iconic, no-frills seafood shack. It is famous for its fresh catch seafood marinated in a spicy Kerala masala. The meals here cost around AED 55 per person, which makes it the most affordable and beloved dining option in the city.

Once a humble beachfront tea and no-frills seafood shack, Bu Qtair restaurant has become a legendary culinary destination for locals and tourists. As a famous no-frills seafood restaurant, opened more than forty years ago, it serves authentic seafood, noted for its simple and spicy Keralan texture. To enjoy a memorable treat here, one must know their timings, menus, and when to visit, so you can avoid long queues.

Bu Qtair Restaurant

Bu Qtair Restaurant is a no-frills seafood eatery located in the Fishing Harbour, Jumeirah, in Dubai. It is regarded as a legendary seafood spot for the locals, as it has been there since the 1980s. When it first started, it was just a makeshift cabin serving tea, bread, and local fishermen’s catches.

Opened by an Emirati fisherman and an Indian chef, this seafood dining spot has earned huge popularity among tourists as well. Another reason for its immense fame is the CNN show Parts Unknown by celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, in which he praised the food and its quality.

Visitor Information:

• Address: Old 32B Street, Fishing Harbour 2, Dubai
• Email: info@buqtairrestaurant.com
• Contact Info: +971 557052130

What Makes Bu Qtair Dubai Special?

The Bu Qtair fish restaurant Jumeirah is a special place for many people, not because it is old. It sets itself apart with an authentic, hyper-casual experience that outshines the city’s glamorous dining scene.

• The Authentic Recipe

The seafood at the Bu Qtair Restaurant Dubai is astonishingly simple, even after being an old local eatery. The seafood at the Bu Qtair Restaurant is astonishingly simple, including the fresh catch of the day, Hamour or Sheri, and spicy fried prawns. The seafood served here is marinated in the aromatic Keralite spice.

• Humble Old Shack

Bu Qtair started as a small, no-frills seafood shack and tea stall. It was a tiny, makeshift boat shack that served tea and daily catch seafood. Over time, its culinary roots and taste built a special place in the local cuisine. Today, its masterpiece dish, coated in spicy marinade and pan-fried, is served with Keralan spices with thick coconut milk.

• The Anthony Bourdain Effect

This restaurant got global recognition following Anthony Bourdain’s CNN show, Parts Unknown, in 2013, in which he exclusively mentioned the Bu Qtair restaurant, its culinary richness, and a place serving fresh, spiced catch and rich coconut fish curries.

• Scenic Destination: 

Apart from the mouth-watering dishes served here, the Bu Qtair fish restaurant also offers scenic dining views, overlooking Marina, the Arabian Gulf, and the Jumeirah Beach backdrop. It serves as a perfect place to spend a peaceful evening enjoying the authentic flavours.

Bu Qtair Restaurant Menu

The Bu Qtair restaurant menu is not a physical, tangible list of food and items. Instead, you can choose your preferred catch of the day, weight-wise, such as Hammour, Sheri, or Prawns, by walking up to the counter.

Moreover, Bu Qtair has a range of seasonal dishes, special juices, and soft drinks listed on its official website. These seasonal dishes include:

Seasonal Dishes

• Kofer Fish: Traditionally deep-fried, tangy, and spicy

• Sheri Fish: Marinated in the Keralan spices, deep fried for crispy flavor

• Hamour Fish: Delicious with hot Malabar parathas and thick fish curry

• Frash Fish: Classic fried choice with Kerelan spicy blends

• Grilled Seabass Fish: Grilled fish with melted butter or olive oil and Arabic marination

• Grilled Subrem Fish: Crispy, sweet, and mild flavor, prepared with Arabic marination

• Shrimp: Juicy, crispy-fried, and highly marinated with Keralan spices, chilli, and turmeric

Juice Variety at Bu Qtair Restaurant

Juice	Price (DHS)
Watermelon	14
Mango	16
Pomegranate	16
Orange	14
Pineapple	14
Banana	10
Limeade	8
Strawberry	17
Lemon Mint	10
Mixed Berry	16
Lemon Ginger	10
Lemon Pineapple	12
Grape	15
Lemon Mint Ginger	10
Banana Strawberry	16
Lassi Mango	14
Lassi Mango Banana	15
Lassi Banana	13
Lassi Mango Strawberry	16
Green Apple	16

Soft Drinks at Bu Qtair Restaurant

Drink	Price (DHS)
Cola	3
Thumbs Up	3
Sprite	3
Cola Diet	3
Cola Zero	3
Mountain Dew	3
Fanta Orange	3
Fanta Citrus	3
Arwa Water (500 ml)	1
Arwa Water (1.5 L)	2

How to Order at Bu Qtair Restaurant?

Here is how you can order your food at the Bu Qtair Restaurant Dubai:

1. Join the Line: Join the line that is reaching the main indoor counter.

2. Select and Weight: Select what fish type, such as Hamour or Sheri, and the weight you want.

3. Spice Level: Let the staff know about your taste and preference, and the amount of spice you want.

4. Pay and Get a Token: Pay for the specific seafood you have selected and receive a token given at the counter. Also, remember that they only allow cash payments.

5. Find a Seat: If you have visited during peak hours, you may find difficulty getting a seat.

6. Order Sides and Drinks: Until your seafood is prepared, you can order some side dishes and beverages, like Malabar parottas, rice, juices, soda, or water.

7. Listen for Your Number: After the chef prepares your dish, your number will be called out, and you will be expected to receive it by showing your token to the waiter.

Dishes that You Must Try at Bu Qtair Restaurant

Bu Qtair Fish Restaurant Dubai is a no-frills seafood shack, which is famous for a variety of fresh Keralite-style fish and prawns. Marinated in the authentic spices, these delicious, freshly caught seafood are so tempting, they make your mouth water just looking at them.

Take a look at the dishes you must try at Bu Qtair:

• Fried Prawns: Most popular dish at Bu Qtair, marinated in a combination of turmeric, chilli powder, and tangy spices

• The Fish Fry: Catch of the day options, including Hamour, Sheri, and Black Pomfret

• Malabar Parathas: Multi-layered, griddle-fried Indian flatbreads, perfect for fish wrapping

• Spicy Fish Curry: Keralite-style curry, served in a bowl, and prepared with sardines, tamarind, and coconut milk

Best Time to Visit the Bu Qtair Restaurant Dubai

Below is a table consisting of the best time to visit Bu Qtair Fish Restaurant Dubai Jumeirah:

Best Time	Crowd Level	Experience	Recommendation
Early Lunch (11:30 am to 1:00 pm)	Low	Fresh, relaxed, no waiting	Best for a calm experience
Late Lunch (1:00 pm to 3:30 pm)	Medium	Busy but manageable	Good option
Early Dinner (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm)	High	Peak freshness, lively vibe	Best food experience
Dinner Peak (7:00 pm to 10:00 pm)	Very High	Long queues, crowded	Go only if you don’t mind waiting
Late Night (10:00 pm to Closing)	Medium	Less crowded, limited stock	Decent backup option
Weekdays	Lower	Easier seating, faster service	Best overall days
Weekends (Friday to Sunday)	Very High	Long waits, packed	Avoid if possible

Tips to Keep in Mind Before Visiting Bu Qtair Restaurant

Keep these tips to keep in mind before you visit the Bu Qtair Restaurant Dubai:

• Bring cash, as online payments are not accepted at the shack.
• You are required to wait in the queue to order your food.
• The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so there is no availability of reservations.
• Plan to arrive at the restaurant before standard dinner hours to avoid crowds.
• Do not forget to take the token after you pay for your desired food.
• Order soft drinks or healthy juices from a wide variety while waiting for your food.

Conclusion

Bu Qtair Fish Restaurant Dubai is a no-frills seafood shack located in the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour. It is an old and highly famous seafood eatery that offers authentic traditional flavors. From deep-fried seafood such as Hammour, Sheri, and Prawns to seasonal dishes and healthy juices, you can enjoy the real coastal flavors with noticeable South Asian (Keralan) spicy influence.

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