Ah, Karama—Dubai’s very own time capsule of culture, chaos, and cuisine. If there’s one thing this buzzing neighborhood knows how to do, it’s throw a food festival that’ll have your taste buds singing and your diet plans sobbing quietly in the corner. And during Ramadan? Oh, it’s a whole new level of magical.
This year’s Ramadan Street Food Festival has turned Karama into an all-out carnival. Picture this: neon lights twinkling like they’re in competition with the stars, the aroma of sizzling spices wrapping around you like a warm hug, and the unmistakable sound of people arguing (lovingly) over whether Malabar biryani is better than parotta and varutharacha chicken curry. Spoiler: they’re both amazing, just accept it and move on.
The Ultimate Iftar Adventure
Once the sun calls it a day, the streets of Karama come alive. Families, friends, and pretty much anyone with a love for good food pour in to experience what can only be described as a feast for the senses. If you think choosing a Netflix show is hard, try deciding what to eat here.
Kerala’s finest flavors dominate the festival, with Malabar biryani making its grand entrance alongside beef combos, pazham pori (a.k.a. banana fritters that taste like pure joy), and ‘Kulukki sarbath’—a chilled, zesty drink that basically slaps the heat right out of your system. And let’s not forget the sweet treats like payasam and ada pradhaman, because what is a festival without desserts that make you reconsider your life choices in the best way?
Tea, Tunes, and Good Vibes
For the full Karama Ramadan experience, you must—absolutely must—visit the Kerala-style ‘chayakkadas’ (traditional tea shops). Picture this: tiny tables, steaming cups of chai, and Malayalam newspapers you may or may not actually read. But the real highlight? The impromptu musical performances. One minute you’re sipping your tea, the next, someone starts singing a nostalgic folk song, and suddenly, it’s a full-blown jam session. It’s like a flash mob but for music lovers, and the best part? It’s completely unplanned and utterly mesmerizing.
The Magic of Community Long Tables
On Fridays and Saturdays, the Community Long Table becomes the hotspot of the festival. It’s a simple but beautiful concept—strangers becoming friends over a shared meal, laughter echoing into the night, and the kind of warm, fuzzy feeling that no five-star restaurant can replicate. It’s food, it’s family, it’s everything Ramadan is about.
A Vibe You Can’t Walk Away From
Even people who’ve thought about leaving Karama can’t seem to pull the trigger. Take Nizar Mohamed, for example. He’s toyed with the idea of moving to a quieter neighborhood, but every Ramadan, the food, the late-night tea sessions, and the energy of Karama keep pulling him back. “Almost every night, my friends and I end up at the food street. Vendors call out their specials, we argue over where to eat, grab tea from a roadside stall, and sit around talking. There’s nothing like it.”
And honestly? He’s not wrong.
The Festival Isn’t Over Yet!
If your FOMO is kicking in, don’t worry—the Ramadan Street Food Festival runs until March 23. And if you like a little friendly competition, the Culinary Passport challenge is your chance to win a meal worth up to Dh250. Just spend Dh10 at any participating restaurant, get your stamp, and cross your fingers.
So, whether you’re here for the food, the vibes, or just an excuse to delay your diet until after Ramadan (same), Karama’s Ramadan Street Food Festival is where you need to be. See you there—probably with a plate of biryani in one hand and a cup of chai in the other!
