The Festival of Lights falls on November 14 this year. Take a peek at our best Diwali offerings around the UAE.
Purani Dilli
Embrace the flavours of Old Delhi in its purest form at an all-you-can-eat selection of Diwali dishes. Traditional dishes such as murgh handi (a mild yoghurt-based chicken dish made in a clay pot) and paneer lababdar (an aromatic Indian cottage cheese popular in North India) are not to be missed.
November 14 from 7pm-12am. AED 99 per person, AED 55 per child (5-10 years). Contact +9714 354 3111 (Mankhool) and +97156 414 2213 (Sheikh Zayed Road)
Sikka Café
This multi-cuisine restaurant is serving thali (traditional dining style that fits various dishes onto one plate in fitted bowls). Polish off your meal with a sparkler-filled gulab jamun (reduced milk dumplings topped with homemade cardamom syrup) cheesecake symbolising the Diwali fireworks.
November 12-14, AED 49 per person. Contact +971 800 666 353
Bombay Brasserie, Taj Dubai
Experience the grandeur of this occasion with a four-course menu featuring dishes such as kagaz wali machi (grilled sea bass with mustard). Vegetarians can enjoy chilgoza falli (green beans with pine nuts and cherry tomatoes), amongst many other dishes.
Valid until November 30, starting at AED 295 per person. Contact +9714 438 3222
Shamiana, Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Renowned for their impeccable dishes and friendly service, the outpost of this iconic Mumbai restaurant invites diners to explore India’s culinary heritage. Enjoy interactive live stations and traditional henna tables. A family dining experience fun for all ages!
November 13 – 14. From AED 175 – AED 225 per person. Contact +9714 574 1111
Zambar Coastal Kitchen, Abu Dhabi
Zambar offers a south Indian style thali where diners can feast on fish curry in a traditional houseboat-like setting complete with wooden furniture, and gorgeous artwork.
November 12-21. From AED 69 – AED 79 per person. Contact +9712 676 5509
MasterChef, the TV Experience, Dubai Millennium Place
An adventure for all palates, you can dive into exotic vegetarian flavours such as Indian pizza, relish pakoras (fried bread) and end the meal with their signature honey and saffron kulfi (traditional Indian ice cream).
November 14. AED 95 per person. Contact +9714 550 8111
Nine7One, The Oberoi, Dubai
Hotfoot to Nine7One for a special ‘Signature thali by Chef Saneesh’. A regional menu has been curated featuring dum biryani (slow cooked rice and meat infused with aromatic spices) and a signature dessert called chunkder ka halwa (an Indian pudding) to namedrop a few.
November 11-15. From AED 175 – AED 250 per person. Contact +9714 444 1407
The Scene by Simon Rimmer
Head to The Scene this Diwali and soak in the exquisite views of the Dubai Marina. Indulge in a mesmerising variety of curries from butter chicken to lamb rogan josh, out on the terrace.
November 14 from 6pm onwards. From AED 99 –AED 199 per person. Contact +9714 422 2328
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE)
A city-wide promotion is every food lover’s dream. Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has partnered with online food service Zomato to give everyone the chance to super save at more than 200 Indian eateries and restaurants.
Offers range from 15-40% on dine-ins and 50% for delivery and pick up orders made online, with a minimum of AED 20 per order. For more, visit zomato.com/dubai/festival-of-lights
Local in TRYP, Wyndham Hotel
Revel in a buffet-style three-course meal at Local in TRYP. From AED 79, start celebrations with onion pakoras and mint chutney dip. Indulge in the best of traditional Indian dishes ranging from tandoori lamb biryani, aloo gobi and paneer tikka masala. Dive into a pool of desserts including vermicelli and cardamom pudding, carrot halwa and dark chocolate mousse to end the night on a sweet note.
November 14. From AED 79 per person. Contact +9714 247 6630