If you’re an Indian traveling to Dubai and feeling a little homesick, there’s a hotel in the heart of the city that might just make you feel right at home — quite literally. From a breakfast buffet loaded with poha and parathas to televisions streaming Hindi news channels and a sports bar drenched in IPL spirit, the Majestic City Retreat Hotel in Bur Dubai has earned the unofficial title of a desi paradise abroad.
Recently, stand-up comedian Sorabh Pant shared a viral video on Instagram that showcased just how desi this four-star hotel really is — and the internet can’t stop chuckling.
Desi Comforts in a Global City
In his now-viral Instagram reel, Pant opens with a shot of Dubai’s glitzy skyline before stepping inside the hotel, where the vibe shifts dramatically — from ultramodern cityscape to unmistakably Indian warmth.
The hotel gym, for instance, has a Big Bazaar wall clock. Yes, that Big Bazaar. Step into the breakfast buffet area and you’re greeted not just with the familiar aroma of Indian spices, but an actual spread of poha, Jain poha, a mind-boggling variety of parathas, rajma, and freshly made dosas. Sorabh humorously narrates that there are “19 parathas and 18 types of rajma” — a clear exaggeration, but we get the point. The variety is impressive.
Hindi News and IPL in the Bar
Inside the rooms, televisions are set to Hindi-language news channels, making it feel less like an international hotel and more like your living room back in Mumbai, Delhi, or Lucknow. And if you decide to unwind in the hotel’s sports bar? Get ready for some major IPL nostalgia — from wall pennants to team memorabilia, the cricket fever is alive and well.
For many Indian travelers, especially those visiting for the first time or staying abroad for an extended period, these small details can be incredibly comforting. It’s not just about food or entertainment — it’s about feeling understood in a foreign land.
Bur Dubai: The Real “Little India”
The hotel isn’t an exception; it’s a reflection of its surroundings. Bur Dubai, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, has long been nicknamed “Little India.” It’s home to countless Indian restaurants, stores selling ethnic wear, grocery shops with Maggi, pickles, and even paan, and temples nestled between towering skyscrapers.
Dubai is an enormously popular destination for Indian tourists and expats alike. With relatively affordable flights, liberal visa policies, and a strong Indian diaspora, the city sees millions of Indian visitors every year. In fact, Indians are among the largest demographic groups in the UAE — so it’s no surprise that hotels are starting to reflect the preferences of this massive clientele.
Internet Reactions: Laughter, Love, and a Bit of Pride
Pant’s video has received an enthusiastic response from netizens — ranging from laughter and nostalgia to comments like “This is why we never really leave India!” and “Even when we go global, we bring our flavours with us.”
There’s something uniquely heartwarming about seeing Indian culture represented — and embraced — in such visible ways abroad. It speaks to the cultural footprint Indians have left in global cities and also to the smart business sense of hospitality brands that know exactly what makes their Indian guests feel at home.
Final Thoughts: Global Travel, Desi Soul
In a world where travel often involves adjusting to new cuisines, languages, and customs, finding a pocket of familiarity can be a deeply comforting experience. The Majestic City Retreat Hotel’s desi identity might make purists raise an eyebrow — after all, isn’t travel about embracing the foreign?
But for millions of Indians who want a taste of adventure without missing the ghar ka swaad or the IPL madness, this hotel in Bur Dubai is doing something special. It’s blending the best of both worlds: international comfort with desi soul.
So next time you're booking a trip to Dubai, remember — you might just find a warm bowl of poha waiting for you, with Aaj Tak playing in the background and an IPL replay lighting up the bar.