From brunches to tasting menus, it’s the best way to have a foodie Diwali in Dubai 2023
With Diwali less than a week away, the streets of Dubai have certainly come alive with lights, retail markets and so much fun!
Commonly known as the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali in Dubai is celebrated by the Indian expat community over a period of three days. Like all celebrations, the festival is marked by good food, new clothes, gifts and getting together to spend quality time with your loved ones.
From brunches to tasting menus and more, Team Yalla’s rounded up the best spots to celebrate Diwali in Dubai 2023.
Diwali Set Menu at Armani/Amal
Located at the luxurious Armani Hotel, partake in the magic of Diwali with a spectacular set menu on 12 November.
This year, Armani/Amal presents an exclusive three-course Diwali menu featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Start off the feast with a mouthwatering starter including the likes of Shakarkandi Ki Tikki, Bharwan Paneer, Crispy Chicken Bao and more.
Move on to a sumptuous sharing style main course featuring delights such as Kacche Kele Ka Kofta, Jungle Maas and more served with refreshing raita, crispy pooris and more.
Of course, Diwali would be incomplete without a delectable dessert, so don’t miss out on the Berries Cheesecake or Berries Mousse, both complete with rose cremoso, silver pearl, and edible flowers. Or opt for the traditional Indian mithai!
12 November. Price AED 399 for a three-course set menu. For reservations, call 04 888 3666
Diwali Brunch at Address Fountain Views
How about a Diwali brunch?
The Restaurant at Address Fountain Views is hosting an unmissable celebration on 12 November from 6.30pm to 11.30pm!
Mark the occasion by feasting on a delectable array of tempting culinary delights, including a live BBQ grill station offering mouthwatering options like Chicken Tikka, Mutton Seekh Kebab, and more.
For the main course, indulge in traditional Indian classics including Kashmiri Mutton Rogan Josh, Chicken Biryani, Dal Makhani and Butter Chicken to name a few. Satisfy those sweet cravings with classics like Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai, Kesari Kheer, Moong Daal Hulwa, and Khoya Barfi. With some live entertainment on hand to set the mood, it’s the perfect luxury celebration for the entire family!
6.30pm to 11.30pm on 12 November. Prices AED 285 per person for soft beverage package, AED 385 per person for house beverage and bubbly package. For reservations, call 04 245 8888
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10-course Diwali tasting menu at Aamara
Now here’s a unique Diwali offering perfect for the gourmands.
Savour a 10-course tasting menu at Aamara, featuring all the classic delights priced at just AED 185 per person.
A gastronomic journey inspired by the legendary Silk Route, some of the delights include rustic onion focaccia served with zaatar pesto hummus, delicate butterfly prawns accompanied by mohmara chutney and candied walnuts and so much more!
Available from 3-16 November, the delectable menu features bites guaranteed to leave you salivating for more and ensure a perfect Diwali.
3-16 November. Price AED 185 (all inclusive) per person. For reservations, call 052 573 5723
Diwali Menu at Punjab Grill
If delicious food and a royal Indian ambience are what you want this Diwali, look no further than Punjab Grill.
The Michelin-Guide Select restaurant has a special Diwali Menu up its sleeve, courtesy of Executive Chef Sandeep Ail.
Available from 9-19 November, the menu includes highlights such as Butter Pav Bhaji with Masala Maska Bun, Fried Idli with Kundapur Paneer Bites and Makkai Saag with Missi Roti.
End your meal with Punjab Grill’s interpretation of classic Indian Meethai as Western desserts such as Kesar Peda Pavlova, Motichoor Ladoo Cheesecake and more! It’s indulgence like never before for the perfect Diwali meal.
9-19 November. Prices start from AED 49. For reservations, call 050 194 1107 or visit punjabgrill.me
Diwali Menu at Pincode by Chef Kunal Kapur
How about a Diwali outing catered by a famous celebrity chef?
PINCODE by Chef Kunal Kapur, located in the heart of Dubai Hills Mall, is all set to present its exquisite Diwali Menu from 8-14 November.
Sip on a refreshing Kesar Peda Lassi as you savour the delightful crunch of Kale Patta Chaat, complemented by a trio of chutneys that dance on your taste buds. While the appetisers are certainly zingy, the mains continue the burst of flavours with Chef Kunal’s famous exquisite Paneer Pasanda Badami for vegetarians and an aromatic Rajasthani Laal Maas for meat enthusiasts.
Wrap up the meal with the ‘Pincode ki Mithai’ selection, including a heartwarming Chenne ki Kheer for a dose of traditional sweetness, and a modern twist with delectable Hot Kalakand and Nutella Fudge.
8-14 November. Price AED 129 per person. For reservations, call 04 566 1424
Diwali Set Menu at Bombay Borough
What better place to celebrate an epic Diwali than on a culinary journey to Bombay?
Bringing back the nostalgia of home is none other than Bombay Borough, an all-day Indian bar and eatery in DIFC. With a four-course set menu suitable for meat lovers and vegetarians, there is something for everyone for a delicious Diwali.
The sumptuous menu will be available all day on 11 and 12 November, so get booking right away!
Featuring dishes from all parts of India, the sharing snack platter is a highlight with innovative renditions of popular Indian nibbles such as crunchy Pecorino Murukku and the Rasam-spiced Pretzel.
While we could go on and on about the menu, it’s a culinary journey best undertaken yourself!
All day from 11-12 November. Prices AED 225 per person, AED 25 per dessert and add-on. For reservations, call 054 995 8296 or visit bombayborough.com
FAQs
What is Diwali?
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a festival celebrated by the Hindu community in India. Typically occurring between the months of October and November, the festival is associated with the return of Lord Ram, a Hindu deity, as well as Goddess Lakshmi, who symbolises prosperity.
How do you celebrate Diwali?
Diwali is commonly celebrated through bursting fireworks, exchanging gifts (ranging from nuts to gold), spending quality time with your loved ones, card games and so much more. Hindus also clean their homes thoroughly in anticipation of the festival.
Is it an official holiday in the UAE?
While Hindus are a large part of the expat community in the UAE, Diwali is not an official holiday with the exception of some Indian schools. However, that rarely deters the crowd from celebrating with pomp.
What can we do apart from eating out on Diwali?
The Diwali weekend might be from 11-12 November, but the festivities are sure to start early and continue long after. With plenty of outdoor attractions reopening both in the UAE capital and in Dubai, from Global Village to Miracle Garden or Ripe Market, there’s no dearth of things to do. Concerts by major artists like Ali Sethi and Arijit Singh are also definitely to be added to your list!
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