With more than 3.5 million Indian expatriates in the United Arab Emirates, it’s no surprise that Dubai’s food scene is full of restaurants that cater to this population.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most vibrant celebrations in Indian culture, and several restaurants selected within the MICHELIN Guide Dubai are set to elevate the festivities with their menus.
From degustation menus to creative twists on traditional dishes, these restaurants offer the perfect setting for a memorable Diwali. In no particular order, here are 11 MICHELIN-recommended restaurants where you can experience the finest Indian cuisine during this festive season.
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Trèsind
MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2024
After a decade of serving up progressive Indian dining with theatrical flair, Trèsind, located in the One&Only Royal Mirage, is a great spot for a memorable Diwali meal. With a penchant for molecular gastronomy, the chefs focus on quality of ingredients above everything else. Dishes like butter pepper garlic prawns and cedarwood-smoked tandoori chicken are cooked tableside, and if diners are really looking for a big celebration, opt for either the chef’s tasting or degustation menus.Image credit: TRÈSIND
Indya by Vineet
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2024
Celebrated chef Vineet Bhatia’s latest Dubai offering blends street food with sharing plates at a poolside setting, where friendly service will ensure a fun Diwali for all. The modern Indian menu features choices ‘from the earth’, ‘from the land’ and ‘from the sea’, with generous portions across dishes such as ‘KFC’ (Kerala fried chicken) and tandoori cauliflower roast.Image credit: Nolie de Castro/Indya by Vineet
Carnival by Trèsind
MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2024
Perhaps known as the more avant-garde and dramatic sibling of Trèsind, this chic and colourful restaurant includes a fusion menu that likes to think outside the box. While sitting in booths under gilded trees, diners can try the restaurant’s six-course Diwali menu alongside a live DJ and drummer on 31 October and 1 November. Tuck into signature dishes from the menu, such as tandoori lamb chop and king oyster charcoal with pickled mushrooms.Image credit: Shresth Maloo/Carnival by Trèsind
Masti
MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2024
In line with its name, Masti is all set to host a fun Diwali-themed brunch on both 2 and 3 November, with a live DJ to add to the party atmosphere. The restaurant is well-known for its version of modern Indian cuisine, and its vibrant art-deco interiors and innovative menu help create the perfect festive atmosphere. Some of the top picks on the main menu – should diners opt for an a la carte meal – are the avocado ceviche pani puri and the polarising burrata butter chicken.Image credit: Juliet Dunne/Masti
Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia
MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2024
With a take on Indian cuisine designed to evoke nostalgia, Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia offers contemporary flavours of India’s rich heritage while overlooking the picturesque Jumeirah Al Qasr canal. Diners can arrive by abra, adding to the special occasion, and taste dishes from all over India, such as Darjeeling chicken momo and Meghalaya’s wagyu beef jadoh. During Diwali, the restaurant will welcome diners to an evening brunch featuring snacks, mains and sweets typically enjoyed in Indian homes during the festival.Image credit: Sanjay Ramachandran/Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia
Trèsind Studio
Two MICHELIN Stars, MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2024
There is perhaps no better way to celebrate a pan-Indian festival than indulging in an intimate 20-seat immersive dining experience that takes you across the length and breadth of India’s tastes. With insightful and unhurried explanations about every course by the team, guests luxuriate in the flavours of the curated menu by chef Himanshu Saini. The open kitchen adds to the elegant atmosphere, as the chefs move like a well-oiled machine, right until the journey concludes with a dramatic finish.Image credit: Trèsind Studio
Bombay Bungalow
MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2024
Celebrate Diwali by the beach at Bombay Bungalow, a casual spot on The Walk at JBR, which is whipping up a festive menu to celebrate the festival. It’s the ideal setting for a big gathering, with its menu delivering everything from street food to kebabs and curries. Tuck into the spread either in the eclectic dining space or overlooking the seaside on the outdoor terrace.Image credit: Rayan Saad/BOMBAY BUNGALOW
Revelry
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2024
As an Indian tapas bar house in a stylish atmosphere, Revelry serves modern Indian dishes paired with creative cocktails that are all inspired by destinations falling on the routes of the Indian national railway system. Tuck into chicken tikka dimsums, butter pepper garlic crab and the Baileys tiramisu with Kahlua ras malai – all of which make for ideal grazing at festive gatherings.Image credit: Shresth Maloo/Revelry
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Indego by Vineet
MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2024
Celebrate in style at this fine-dining Indian restaurant that blends traditional Indian flavours with exquisite plating. The range of dishes balance flavours and presentation of the East and West; order the burrata pakoda, charcoal mustard salmon and the curry leaf peppercorn tofu stir fry. The restaurant has an intimate, elegant ambiance that offers a festive dining experience to remember.Image credit: Vitaly Gonyukov/Indego by Vineet
Little Miss India
MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2024
Let the fictional mistress of this dining space, Ms Mohini Singh, guide you through a culinary journey at Little Miss India. Classic Indian dishes are served, all of which use traditional spices and ingredients. Portions are generous and perfect for sharing; from the luscious kababs to the rich curries and the fragrant biryanis, there is something for the whole family to try. Image credit: Little Miss India
avatāra
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2024
Witness the avatāra team tell a story with its new Rasas menu, launched in September 2024. It aims to explore the flavours of India through six fundamental tastes, or rasas: salty, bitter, sour, pungent, sweet and astringent. The completely vegetarian menu curated by chef Rahul Rana, devoid of onion and garlic, is beautifully crafted and presents the perfect opportunity for a memorable festive celebration.Image credit: avatāra
Illustration image: hasan zaidi/iStock
