As the sun sets and iftar time approaches, the narrow, cobbled streets of Bur Dubai souq transform into a bustling hub of activity. Residents and tourists alike flock to the area, eager to indulge in the freshly fried snacks offered by a row of restaurants. Among these eateries is Hamad Khalfan Al Dalil, a legendary establishment that has been a staple of the community since 1968.
During Ramadan, Hamad Khalfan Al Dalil sells an impressive 35,000 pre-made, ready-to-fry samosas daily. The restaurant’s clientele spans all seven emirates of the UAE, including entrepreneurs, celebrities, and members of the royal family. This iconic shop has maintained its popularity over the years, thanks in part to its unchanged recipes. Zuhair, whose grandfather founded the eatery, notes that the largest order they received this year was for 9,000 samosas from Al Ain, while the furthest order came from the UAE-Saudi border, a remarkable 800-kilometer journey.
The shop offers eight varieties of samosas, including chicken, potato, keema, and Oman chips, with vegetable and cheese being the most popular. According to Zuhair, the secret to their success lies in preserving the original recipe, which appeals to the discerning palates of their predominantly Emirati customers. Many patrons return due to nostalgia, having visited the shop as children with their fathers or grandfathers.
The story of Hamad Khalfan Al Dalil began when Baputty Haji, a migrant from Kerala, arrived in Dubai in 1968. He befriended Hamad Khalfan Al Dalil, an Emirati who often visited the souq with his mother. Their friendship evolved into a partnership, and when the UAE was formed in 1971, Hamad helped secure a license for the restaurant, which was subsequently named in his honor.
Today, the eatery is managed by Baputty’s son Sameer and his grandson Zuhair. Samosas were introduced to the menu as a way to boost sales, and they quickly became a sensation. The preparation for Ramadan begins months in advance, with staff working in ghost kitchens to hand-make thousands of samosas daily. The shop’s enduring popularity is a testament to its adaptability and loyal customer base.
Over the years, Hamad Khalfan Al Dalil has evolved to meet changing trends. After the metro reduced walk-in customers, the shop began selling pre-made samosas, which proved an instant hit. In 2018, they launched delivery services, helping them navigate the challenges of the pandemic. By taking over an adjacent shop, they were able to meet the growing demand for their beloved samosas.
