From buffets to fine dining dinners, celebrate the Festival of Light at one of these spots this year.

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Light, returns this weekend for five days of festivities from October 19 to October 23.

If you’re celebrating Diwali in Dubai, which is all about new beginnings, there are plenty of concerts, festivals and fun to be had in the city’s malls. However, we’re just focusing on the food right now, so here are some great places for a family meal out, or a special fine-dining dinner.

1. Dine and adventure Diwali style

From October 19 to 31, IMG Worlds of Adventure will be getting a Diwali makeover with Bollywood inspired entertainment, Indian street food and themed decor. Any guests who purchase full price tickets via the IMG Worlds website will receive a voucher for a complimentary buffet dinner at Spice Valley, the park’s traditional Indian cuisine restaurant located in the Lost Valley, Dinosaur Adventure zone.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, near Arabian Ranches, next to Global Village, daily 11am to midnight, tickets Dhs245. Tel: (04) 403 8888. More info on website

2. Head to a brand new Indian brunch

Recently opened Hitchki has launched a Bollywood brunch ahead of Diwali. Expect a mix of Bollywood Beats, Nostalgic Indian Khaana, and unlimited drinks all created with Indian nostalgia in mind. Their Brunch Menu includes some of Hitckki’s most loved dishes like Patrani Chilli Poppers, Charlie Chapli Kebab, and Very Berry Biryani.

Hitchki, Within Baxzar, Gate Village Building 4, Saturday 1pm to 4pm, from Dhs199. Tel: (04) 355 1111. More info on Instagram

3. Try an 8-course Diwali Menu

Offering an elegant setting and views of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai skyline, Mint Leaf of London is offering a limited 8-course special Diwali menu for Dhs250 per person, as well as their a la carte offerings. It will run from 16 to 21 October.

Mint Leaf of London, Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC, daily until Sat Oct 21, Dhs250. Tel: (04) 706 0900. More info on website.

4. Taste a modern Indian menu

Popular for its contemporary Indian dishes, Mahec’s Diwali menu has been specially created by Chef Asif Khan. The three-course offering has both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including traditional dishes like Murg Banjara (a spicy chicken dish) and Shahenshahi veg korma

Mahec, Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Garhoud, Wed 18 and Thurs 19 Oct, from Dhs159. Tel: (04) 702 2455. More info on website.

5. Share a Diwali special by the beach

In celebration and honour of the Festival of Lights, Bombay Bungalow has launched a special Diwali menu for Dhs145 per person that’s designed to be shared. The menu includes a mix of Bungalow favorites, as well as signature dishes created for the festive season such as Harissa Chicken Tikka, Mushroom Truffle Cottage Cheese Steak, and Buratta Butter Chicken.

Bombay Bungalow, The Beach, JBR, daily 12pm to 12am, Dhs149. Tel: (800) 692 8779. More info on website.

6. Dine and dance at a Diwali brunch

Spice & Ice

Join Spice & Ice this Thursday October 19 for their Diwali dinner and dance event. It’s a special three-course Diwali set menu with four hours of unlimited house beverages, and it’s priced at Dhs299 per person. The venue is welcoming traditional dress to celebrate the special occasion.

Spice & Ice, JLT, Thurs Oct 19, 9pm to 1am, Dhs299 per person, or Dhs498 per couple. Tel: (04) 421 1356 More info on website.

7. Enjoy traditional Indian ambience with modern cuisine

Enjoy Naya’s traditional Indian ambience paired with a modern Indian menu and a garnish of Diwali decor as the restaurant celebrates the festival of lights. Guests can dine from both the specially created Diwali menu until October 21, or from the regular a la carte options.

Naya, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, daily 6.00pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 432 3232. More info on website.

8. Try some Indo-European fusion food

Indo-Europen restaurant Nina at the One&Only Royal Mirage is inviting guests to dine on a specially created menu India Masterchef personality, Shipra Khanna. She’ll be at the helm of the kitchen for three days from tonight until Friday evening, with a four or five course degustation menu available from Dhs280.

Nina, One & Only Royal Mirage, The Palm, Wed Oct 18 to Fri Oct 20, 4-course Dhs280, 5-course Dhs320, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 399 9999. More info on website.

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