August 15 marks the 79th 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 78 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. Kinara by Vikas Khanna
One of India’s greatest creations – chai – is being feted at this fine dining restaurant and bar in JA Lake View Hotel. This innovative Indian eatery, helmed by celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, is teaming with Project Chaiwala to serve a special set menu and steaming cups of masala tea in earthen clay kulhads. Slurps of satisfying chai accompanied by starters like paneer fritters and bhatti ka murgh. Follow that with mains like slow-cooked achari lamb, pahadi dal, and desserts like Odiya chenna poda with pistachio sponge and passion fruit.
AED 249 per person; from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Call 04 814 5604
2. Rang Mahal
The stunning restaurant in JW Marriott Marquis is dishing out a Desi Delights offer on August 15. It’s a three-course set menu packed with Kerala Fried Chicken, Mangalorean Ghee Roast Prawns with crispy kori roti, Paneer Makhani, and Rose Bhapa Doi – a baked yoghurt cheesecake with fresh berries reflecting Indai’s culinary diversity.
AED 145 per person. From 6pm-7:30pm; call 04 414 3000
3. Armani/Amal
The Indian arm of the swanky Armani restaurant chain is celebrating India’s freedom and the country’s monsoon season with a Sawan thali. Much like the weather that’s its muse, this vegetarian menu both rains down and reigns when it comes to flavours – Laal Mirch ka Paneer Tikka, Baingan ka Bharta, Basil Coriander Tikki and Saffron Rasmalai all jostle for attention on the platter. Sparkling Dubai views from the restaurant’s Burj Khalifa address add to the charm.
AED 315 per person, call 04 888 3010
4. Purani Dilli
On August 15, this popular Indian restaurant is serving a three-course set menu for just AED 79. The food will be themed after the tricolour, and guests, too, are encouraged to dress up in the hues of the Indian national flag. Available at both Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai.
From 12:30pm to 11:30pm, call 050 211 6816
5. 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 menu from August 15-17. With both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, you’ll get to dig into tangy dahi bhalla, zafrani murgh kebab and Pistachio Malai Motichur resembling the Indian flag colours. Live musical performance by Harshdeep and DJ Papz will serenade you with patriotice anthems.
Call 04 438 0064
6. Kasturi
Nestled amidst the lush lawns of the Jumeirah Golf Estate, this delightful rooftop Indian joint is wishing everyone a Happy Independence Day with a fabulous All Day Happy Hour Deal. Only on August 15 you’re free to knock back house spirits for AED 32, house wines for AED 35, bottled beers for AED 32 and draught beers for AED 39.
From 4pm-10:30pm, Call 04 586 7761
7. Punjab Grill
The award-winning restaurant at the Anantara Hotel is offering special tricoloured dishes on August 15 for just AED 78 in celebration of 78 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
8. Dhaba Lane
The casual Indian restaurant will be rolling out a special Tiranga Thali (platter) for AED 55. 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 14-17.
Available at Karama, Garhoud and JLT outlets
9. Pincode by Kunal Kapur
This Dubai Hills Mall restaurant by celebrity chef Kunal Kapur is serving up a complimentary dessert to celebrate Indian Independence Day. All diners can dig into a free plate of Ghewar – a festive sweet treat from the state of Rajasthan.
Available on August 15. Call 04566 1424
10. Bombay Brasserie
Taj Dubai’s award-winning Indian restaurant has prepared a luscious evening brunch for Indian Independence Day. Diners get to dig into themed welcome drinks, a lip-smacking chaat counter, and a traditional ambience with diyas, rangoli, Indian flags and more.
From 7pm-10pm; call 04 438 3222 or 050 189 6089
11. Radisson Blu Deira Creek
India’s most famous export – Bollywood – gets its due at this very filmy Indian Independence Day celebration at Boulvar. A live DJ, Dhol and bhangra dancers will belt out infectious performances while you gorge on a lavish Indian buffet, all for AED 79 per person, as a tribute to the 79th Independence Day. Guests get to win a one-night stay for two at the hotel, as well as gift vouchers from Tanishq Jewellers
7pm onwards; Call 056 548 8238
12. Varq
The signature Indian restaurant at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, has cooked up a three-course Indian Independence Day set menu for lunch and dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Showstopping dishes on this menu include Nadru Kofta-e-Khas (lotus stem dumplings) and spicy Rajasthani curry Dungar Maas.
AED 250 per person; from 12pm-3pm and 6pm-11pm. Call 04 275 4444
13. Palm Kitchen
For a more relaxed celebration, head out to the Independence Day Dinner Buffet at the Taj Exotica’s all-day buffet restaurant. Pick up grilled tandoori chicken from live cooking stations, savour an array of chats, mop up curries like Prawn Moilee and Bhindi nu Sak, then indulge your sweet tooth with Saffron Jalebi with Rabdi and Moti Gulab Jamun.
AED 225 per person (includes non-alcoholic drinks), call 04 275 4444