Enjoying Indian meals with loved ones during Diwali is a cherished tradition for several reasons! Diwali is all about spending quality time with loved ones. Sharing a meal is a way to strengthen family bonds and friendships. Gathering around a table filled with delicious food allows people to connect, share stories, and create lasting memories. Diwali meals are known for their delicious and diverse flavors. The dishes often include a mix of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, making it a feast for the senses. The aroma of traditional spices and ingredients fills the air, adding to the festive ambiance.

In this Trumpet Tastes round-up, we bring you a list of where to indulge in a Diwali meal in Dubai with your loved ones.

A Taste of Culinary Heritage

Discover signature dishes that highlight India’s culinary heritage at Shamiana, Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai. To begin, starters brought to the table the Jheenga-e-Angara, the mains call for Banarasi Gosht, and the popular Chicken Hara Pyaaz accompanied by Nawabi Vegetable Pulao and fresh tandoori bread. Alternatively, guests can enjoy the Saag Paneer and Beetroot Asparagus Poriyal, tempered with coconut. Lastly, diners will be able to sweeten the deal with a selection of classic desserts including Pistachio Kulfi, packed with the goodness of aromatic cardamom powder, crunchy pistachios, and condensed milk, and the Beetroot Halwa, a delicious dessert prepared from nutrition-rich beetroot, has a rich and creamy texture. On until: 15th October – 30th November 2023, Dh175/person

A four-course set menu

Khyber, the award-winning Indian restaurant located in Dukes the Palm, A Royal Hideaway, Dubai is thrilled to celebrate Diwali this year with its special four-course set menu. Khyber’s Diwali set menu promises a mouthwatering journey that is sure to ignite everybody’s taste buds. Offering delightful options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, Khyber is inviting guests to immerse themselves in the festive spirit while savouring scrumptious delights, all against the captivating backdrop of Dubai Marina’s glittering skyline. And that’s not all! From 10th to 12th November, guests can groove to the beats of India with live entertainment and adorn their hands with intricate henna designs. On: 8th to 12th November 2023, Dh175/person onwards

A royal feast

This Diwali, Chutney’s Restaurant, Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai, known for its authentic North Indian cuisine by Master Chef Rasheed Quraishi, is all set to impress its diners with the perfect Diwali ambience serving a carefully curated Diwali Special Menu featuring signature dishes such as Tikona chaat, Dal Bukhara, Murgh Nihari, Biryani and more. Both vegetarians and non-vegetarians can enjoy this royal feast which serves a variety of dishes, including starters, chaat, main course and desserts. And just as Diwali is incomplete without sweets, your celebration at Chutney’s Restaurant is incomplete without mouthwatering desserts such as Maway ki Gujia, Gajar Halwa and more. On: 8th to 12th November 2023, Dh 150/person onwards 

The Michelin feast

Renowned for its culinary excellence, ambiance, and dedication to tradition and influence, Bombay Bungalow,  The Beach Mall, JBR Walk, Dubai has pulled out all the stops to ensure your Diwali celebration is nothing short of spectacular. Featuring a host of favourites, guests can begin the culinary affair with indulgent choices, including the Kandhari Murgh Tikka or the Panchpuran Mahi Tikka. For the mains, guests will be treated to the Tawa Murgh, a culinary masterpiece that combines marinated chicken with an array of aromatic spices, all expertly cooked on a traditional tawa, and the Adraki Aloo Gobhi, served with the option of steamed rice or the bread basket. No meal is complete without a sweet touch; the desserts include the classic Gajar Halwa or the Diwali Dessert Sampler – a chef’s special of delicious Diwali treats sure to add joy and sweetness with each bite. On: 6th to 13th November 2023

Diwali is a festival of lights and togetherness, and giving gifts is a beautiful way to show your love and appreciation for your friends and family. Here’s a list of interesting Diwali gift ideas, including some traditional and modern options!