Gate-side Indian option in Terminal A
Taste of India sits in Terminal A after security, so you can eat and still keep an eye on boarding times. It’s a sit-down Indian restaurant at the $$ level, meaning mains usually land in the mid-price range rather than fast-food cheap or hotel-restaurant expensive. If you’ve got a longer layover in AUH and want a proper meal instead of another sandwich, this is one of the few Indian-specific spots in the terminal.
The menu leans on familiar dishes: think butter chicken, dal, biryani, tandoori-style kebabs, and naan baked to order. A typical curry plus rice or naan will usually run to a moderate bill, especially if you add a drink. Portions skew airport-generous rather than tiny-tapas, so one main and one bread is often enough for one person. If you’re flying overnight from Terminal A, this is a decent place to get something heavier than lounge snacks before you board.
Service runs on airport time: staff move quickly because most tables turn over in 30–45 minutes, matching the average pre-boarding window for long-haul flights. You’re seated, order, and usually get food within 15–25 minutes, depending on how many gates are loading at once nearby. It’s table service, not counter pickup, so factor that into your timing if your boarding pass shows a tight call time.
- Order this: a curry-and-naan combo or a biryani if you want a one-plate meal that travels well if you need to wrap up fast.
- Skip this: anything too heavy on cream if you’re heading into a red-eye and don’t handle rich food well in-flight.
Tip: check your gate on the Terminal A screens before you sit; some long-haul flights board 45 minutes early, so place your order as soon as you’re handed the menu.