The popular Indian festival Holi is known as the festival of colour, the festival of love and the festival of spring. Enjoy the day with celebrations at these handpicked restaurants
Sikka Café
Drive down to the homegrown eatery, serving Emirati, Arabic, Indian and Persian cuisine, for a dining experience that includes a set menu of starters, mains and a desert. Enjoy dishes such as aloo samosa (spiced potato in a fried pastry); pakoda (spiced onion fritter); vegetable jalfrezi (veggies in a tangy onion-tomato gravy); biryani rice and Indian flatbread; dal tadka (a lentil gravy tempered with chilli oil and spices); and butter chicken. End on a sweet note with the sugary gulab jamun (fried dough in syrup).
City Walk, La Mer and Al Khawaneej from March 28 onwards. AED165 per person (inclusive of nine dishes). Call 800 666353 or email restaurants@saroodhospitality.com.
Farzi Café
The modern Indian bistro is offering two Holi-exclusive desserts and Indian beverages. Aptly called ‘Colour Me Happy’, the offer includes a complimentary sweet treat of kheer (rice pudding sweetened with milk and layered with fruit) for diners at Farzi Café venues or for those ordering in. While you savour your meal, sip on a refreshing thandai (flavoured milk) in your choice of kesar (saffron with crushed almond), pink rose (dried fruit and nuts) or pistachio (with green cardamom).
All day on March 28 to 29. For City Walk, call +97152 689 2012 and for Mall of Emirates, call +97150 407 5590.
Bombay Brasserie, Taj Dubai
Celebrate the colours of Holi with a vibrant gastronomic experience. Diners are greeted with a traditional beverage of saffron thandai, before tucking into pani puri shots from a live chaat counter. Following this, indulge in a four-course menu featuring delicacies from across India such as North Indian poori bhaji (dry potato veggie and deep-fried bread), Kerala chicken roast and Hyderabadi khatti dal (sour lentil dish). A sweet finish awaits with a decadent pistachio jalebi (fried dessert in a syrup) and gujiya (a sweet, fried pastry).
March 28 from 12:30-3pm and 6pm-12am. AED195 per person (inclusive of a four-course set menu). Call +9714 438 3134 or email fbreservations.dubai@tajhotels.com.
Khyber, Dukes The Palm
Savour delicacies from the heart of Indian at this award-winning outlet, with a sharing-style Holi dinner menu. From the moment you walk into the restaurant, prepare to be captured by breathtaking murals, ornate details and a nostalgic Holi-special menu that will take right back to your childhood.
March 27 to 28 from 5-11pm. AED140 per person (inclusive of a three-course menu). Call +9714 455 1111 or email at dukesthepalm.res@royalhideaway.com.
Bollywood Parks Dubai
Walk into a world of colour at the theme park dedicated to all things Bollywood. From tempting festive delicacies to captivating performances, it promises to be a unique Holi experience with fun-filled activities and great deals.
March 25 to 29 from 12-9pm. AED300 for two persons, AED400 for four persons and AED495 for six persons. Visit the website.