August 15 marks the 78th Indian Independence Day. Whether you’re part of the 2.8 million-strong Indian community in the UAE looking to honour your homeland’s history and 77 years of freedom, or even if you’re just someone who admires Indian films, culture and food, head to these Indian restaurants in Dubai with special offers combining patriotism and culinary genius this August.
1. Punjab Grill
Award-winning restaurant in the Anantara Hotel is offering special tricoloured dishes from August 11-15 for just AED 77 in celebration of 77 years of Indian independence. Vegetarians can dig into the paneer roulade, makhani, and saag, while meat lovers have the chicken tikka sampler to look forward to.
Call 050 194 1107
2. Dhaba Lane
The casual Indian restaurant will be rolling out a special Tiranga Thali (platter) for AED 50. Dishes like Tiranga (tricolour) pulao and 1947 Dal Makhani keep the freedom theme going. The thali will include a mix of mains, starters, chaat items and dessert. This year, the restaurant will also toast India’s independence with complimentary tri-coloured shots. From August 14-16.
Available at Karama, Garhoud and JLT outlets
3. Pincode by Kunal Kapur
Try special Independence Day dishes at this Dubai Hills Mall restaurant by celebrity chef Kunal Kapur. Rooted in Indian heritage and use of spices, these items will only be around on the menu.
Available on August 15. Call 04566 1424
4. Bombay Brasserie
Taj Dubai’s award-winning Indian restaurant has prepared a luscious four-course set menu for Independence Day. Diners get to dig into themed welcome drinks, a lip-smacking chaat counter, and a traditional ambience with diyas, rangoli and more. From August 13-15.
AED 250 per person; call 04 4383222 or email fbreservations.dubai@tajhotels.com
5. Hitchki
One of India’s greatest creations – Bollywood – is always feted at this filmy restaurant and bar in Barsha’s Grand Millennium Hotel. Known for innovative Indian cinema-themed drinks and quirky desi pop-culture references, the trend continues with their special Indian Independence Day offer called Satte pe Satta (yep, like the classic Amitabh Bachan movie). You can purchase any 1-litre draft beer for just AED 77, from August 12 to August 15.
Call 052 251 9983
6. Mahi Cafe
The cosy cafe and restaurant in Al Nahda is moving celebrations to August 16 to coincide with the weekend. While you nosh on their global tapas menu featuring moreish items like mushroom bakhlawa, Himachali maggi, and Guntur Chilli Chicken from around India, a live band will serenade you with patriotice anthems.
From 9pm onwards; Call 0569311300
7. Zafran Indian Kitchen
The Indian restaurant chain with with six outlets around Dubai has introduced a special weekday meal deal for two right on time for Indian Independence Day. AED 189 buys you a proper banquet of zesty salad, dal soup, appetisers like dahi kebab and murgh dakshin as well as mouthwatering breads biryanis and vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries, including the quintessentially Indian butter chicken and chicken tikka masala.
Visit their website for details
8. Kailash Parbat
This popular Mumbai export has cooked up just the deal for Indian Independence Day. On August 15, enjoy a lavish buffet packed to the rafters with delicious vegetarian dishes from appetisers and mains to saccharine desserts all for AED 45 per person. Available at both Al Seef and Bur Dubai outlets.
Call 43492770 or 508922025
9. Rohini by Little Miss India
From the team behind Little Miss India in The Palm, this contemporary Indian eatery in Movenpick JLT is offering a special lunch thali on August 15. With both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options you’ll get to dig into tangy dahi bhalla, spicy laal mass, fragrant kesari pulao, paneer tikka and more. AED 79.47 for veg thali and AED 99.47 for non-veg thali.
Call 004 438 0064; From 12pm to 5pm.
10. Kasturi
Nestled amidst the lush lawns of the Jumeirah Golf Estate, this delightful rooftop Indian joint offers a thali set menu that handpicks the best of Indian cuisine and showcases the country’s cultural diversity. Only on August 15, crumbly raj kachori, a panch bhog thali (medley of five small portions of curries) and an array of pulao rice, bread, raita, pickle, and papad will stuff you to the gills. Of course, what’s an Indian feast without mithai? Two chef’s choice desserts will be served with fresh fruits and creamy kulfi. AED 95 per person from 5pm till late.
Call 04 586 7761
11. House of Curry
Three’s a charming number at this restaurant tucked away inside Al Ghurair centre’s Flayva Street Food Hall from August 15-18. Playing on the Indian tricolour flag’s three hues, they’re serving a three-course meal of green, orange and white-coloured dishes. Kebabs, naans, biryani, butter chicken and palak rice are plated to look like the Tiranga. You can also enjoy mint chutney and boondi raita in this combo meal. AED 45 per person.
Call 050 502 5484