By Hala Nasar
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Started by a father of four, Al Ustad Special Kebab is a restaurant famous for its authentic Persian cuisine.
This 44-year-old piece of history in Mankhool, Dubai, was created by the late Mohammed Al Ansari in 1978, who passed down his legacy to his sons in 2015.
“I’ve been working in this place for 14 years, and a lot of famous people come here for the food. It’s entirely fresh,” said Muhammad Kobir, an employee at Al Ustad.
Although the restaurant is on a street in a populated residential area, tourists and celebrities from all over the world keep coming back for more.
“As it gained popularity, it stayed true to the original Iranian recipes, which is appreciated by many Iranians in the UAE. People of all cultures and backgrounds visit to get a taste of not only Iranian kabab, but Iranian hospitality and kindness,” said Sahar Sowdagar, an Iranian expat who has been visiting the restaurant with her family for the past 21 years.
The décor of the place is also unusual, adding to its charm. The walls of the restaurant are lined with photographs of the people that visited over the decades.
“It doesn’t feel like you’re in 2022; it takes you back in time,” said Abdulrahman Abdullah, a second-time customer of Al Ustad.
