Copper Chimney Restaurant

Unique street-front eateries are a little bit of a rarity in the Trade Centre area of Dubai, but this spot set over two floors of the Millennium Plaza Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road adds a splash of traditional Indian fare to proceedings.

There’s something understated and yet well-crafted about Copper Chimney. At times the service verges on nonchalant and disinterested, but could equally be a conscientious effort to avoid sycophantic, disingenous, all-over-you-like-a-rash service that just... grates.

The restaurant has a 47-year history in India and is famed for its food. Previously open in Dubai, it reopened last year in this new location, which is spacious, fairly stripped back and well-lit – a quiet, romantic and moody restaurant this is not.

But, to its credit, the menu at Copper Chimney is huge. As you’d expect from many an Indian menu, there’s a clear divide between vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, and from the number of dishes on each half it’s clear that a lot of consideration has gone into each section equally. Dishes are cooked using custom-made tandoors, which are the stars of the open kitchen. The dhals are rich, creamy and filling, while the biryanis are loaded with the good stuff (i.e. prawns) – there’s no scrimping.

If you’re after traditional Indian comfort food, the vada pav is a patty of potato, veg and spicy goodness (don’t forget to dollop on the tamarind yoghurt), while you’re also going to find plenty of grills, curries, breads, soups and more for which the cuisine is known on the menu.

And it’s all super-affordable, which is a pleasant surprise.

Copper Chimney might not have the most glamorous address in Dubai, but it does the job when it comes to authentic cooking in a central location.

Copper Chimney is an ode to secret recipes and cooking techniques from across Undivided North India. Founded by JK Kapur in 1972 in erstwhile Bombay, Copper Chimney serves up a flavourful melange of its signature Indian dishes, flavours and ingredients to deliver an unforgettable dining experience.