Dubai: Embark on a unique cultural adventure during this year’s Diwali in Dubai, with incredible gastronomy offers presented by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE). Until 16 November, experience the Festival of Lights firsthand with the rich tastes of cultural cuisine - from fine dining to traditional favourites, from mouth-watering street food to the sweetest of seasonal treats.  

Fine Dining and Signature Dishes  

The famed Indian restaurant Armani/Amal, at the Armani Hotel Dubai boasts an exclusive Diwali set menu available from 6pm onwards on 12 November. The exquisite menu will feature both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options  in a three-course meal, each priced at AED 399 per person.  

On 12 November, The Restaurant at Address Fountain Views will offer a special Diwali brunch, with a live BBQ grill station on hand, and traditional Indian main course classics, such as Kashmiri Mutton Rogan Josh, Chicken Biryani, Dal Makhani, Butter Chicken, Khadai Paneer, and more, with a variety of sides, all at AED 385 per person. 

Taste the delectable fusion of Indian and international delicacies in the Diwali dinner spread at Palm Kitchen, Taj Exotica The Palm, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm on 12 November. Spend a delightful dinner in this Feast of Lights, curated to be spent with loved ones, for AED 230 per person. 

Treat your tastebuds to a specially crafted chef menu by Michelin-acclaimed Chef Jitin Joshi, exclusively at The Crossing at H Hotel. Try out this personalised Diwali dining experience for Diwali, until 12 November, and make sure not to miss the signature dishes such as Patti Chaat, Chicken Makhan Malai, and more. 

Make plans to visit Aamara Restaurant at voco hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road to try the 10-course Diwali special menu for AED 185, in a culinary adventure into the historic Silk route until 16 November. The award-winning restaurant has been honoured with the prestigious Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide Dubai 2023. 

For an elegant high tea experience with a Diwali twist, visit the Emperor Lounge, Taj Exotica The Palm from 2pm to 5pm, between 10 and 12 November to sample the premium beverages and delicacies along with a side of live music. 

From November 10 to 13, be sure to try the three-course Diwali dining experience at Varq, Taj Exotica The Palm, prepared by Executive Chef Sonu and his expert team. Relish this meal that brings together the essence of India's culinary heritage, available during 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm, for AED 275. 

Until 12 November, the festival of lights is coming to Republic Adda, with a warm glow of togetherness. Dine with your loved ones across a variety of scrumptious food and beverages, to receive 30 per cent off across the entire bill. 

Taste the flavours of the Festival of Lights at the award-winning Indian restaurant Khyber, at Dukes The Palm, serving up an exclusive four-course set menu starting at AED 175. Visit the restaurant between 5pm to 11pm to try out this special menu featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options until 12 November/ 

Traditional Favourites  

Save room for some incredible dishes combining tradition and innovation, crafted by Executive Chef Sandeep Ail. From 9 to 19 November, Punjab Grill Dubai will serve up delicious foods, including Butter Pav Bhaji, Fried Idli with Kundapur Paneer Bites, Makkai Saag with Missi Roti, and Sesame Coconut-Crusted Shrimps Laddoo.  

Until 15 November, the homegrown brand Asha’s offers a limited-edition Diwali menu, featuring north-western contemporary Indian food. The famed Indian singer and actress Asha Bhosle is the driving force behind Asha’s, and since its establishment in 2002, Asha’s has been loved by many and awarded for its delectable Indian cuisine. 

Sample the limited edition Diwali-inspired menu at Bombay Borough, paying homage to the traditions and culture through the vibrant flavours and spices from all over India. The unique dishes will be available from 12pm to 4pm on 11 and 12 November. 

Feeling hungry after all the shopping? Head over to PINCODE by Chef Kunal Kapur at Dubai Hills Mall until 14 November to sample dishes such as Kesar Peda Lassi, Kale Patta Chaat, Dahi ke Sholey, Soya Chaap Angara, Paneer Pasanda Badami, Rajasthani Laal Maas, and Dal Makhni, all in the specially menu priced at AED 129. 

Street Food and More  

Dine at the Dhaba Lane Restaurants in Al Karama, Garhoud, JLT, and Al Nahda, offering a Diwali themed menu, with a 5-course meal for AED 69, featuring tandoori starters, earthen-cooked gravies and desserts until 18 November. Keep an eye out for the famous Daulat ki Chaat from Old Delhi. 

Fans of the South Indian food are in for a treat, as Yummy Dosa introduces the Fire Cracker Dosa until 20 November. Make a beeline for the restaurant located in Karama and Discovery Gardens between 12 noon and 10pm to try this fiery dish. 

Visit the iconic Jaffer Bhais at the Food Court, South Market, Gate Avenue from 12 noon to 10pm, and sample their delicious foods such as their well-known biryanis. This Diwali, receive a complimentary dessert on a minimum spend of just AED 30 when dining in until 16 November. 

Make sure to stop by the Indian pavilion at Global to browse all the ethnic goods, and stop by Chaat Bazaar to replenish your energy with delightful Indian flavours and street food favourites, until 16 November. 

Sweet Treats 

The Festival of Lights is not complete without delicious Diwali sweets. Browse through a diverse selection of specially crafted handmade sweet treats from Kamat until 12 November. 

Choose between three Indian mithai boxes to gift to colleagues, family, and friends and more. Participating stores are located at City Centre Deira, Ibn Battuta Mall, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Business Bay, Dubai Internet City, Al Qusais, and Al Mankhool. 

Grab a Diwali Special Box of sweet baked goodies at participating Magnolia Bakery stores at Dubai Mall, Golden Mile, Dubai Festival City, Springs Souk, and Circle Mall, until 12 November. Sample two of each delightful cupcakes, brownies and pudding cups in this lovely set, starting at AED 99.