Time for the last week of Karama Ramadan Street Food Festival; what a delight! From March 18-23, 2025, it is a food lover’s paradise. From traditional iftar snacks to sinful sweets, there are plenty of delectable things on offer. If you have never been to this lively carnival, this is your chance. To guide you through the crowd of food stalls, here is a list of the top 10 must-try items at the Ramadan Street Food Festival in Dubai.
Mohabbat Ka Sharbat
An amazing watermelon and milk drink served very cold is Mohabbat Ka Sharbat, a perfect way to start your food trail. This would be a refreshing light and sweet drink just before letting heavier things dance around in your stomach. For only AED 7 at Mara Mari, this drink has the perfect vibe for starting a sinful evening. Trust us; it felt like the most refreshing option to kick off a carnival binge at Karama’s Ramadan Street Food Festival.
The Twister Potatoes Drizzled with Mayo
Simple yet irresistible, this case item needs to be tried. Spiral potatoes fried to a crisp golden brown and drizzled with creamy mayo- need I say more? You can’t seem to get away from the vendors with their catchy jingle, “Mister, sister, try our potato twister,” and with that first bite, you’ll understand why. Coming at just AED 11, this one will really sort your cravings for a crunchy flavor bomb. The stalls are everywhere, selling homies’ favorites, and you’d have to be blind not to find one.
Uppilitta Manga from City Makani
Especially for South Indians arriving for some nostalgic flavor, City Makani’s Uppilitta Manga (salt-brined raw mango) is a mini throwback. Tasting this tangy and salty snack will send you sailing back to childhood summers with memories of mangoes soaked in saltwater. For AED 7, it packs a punch with sweet-sour flavors that would be a cool combination. Get them if you appreciate bright and tart tastes!
Sev Puri from Chaat Bazaar
A favorite among chaat lovers, Sev Puri at Chaat Bazaar is everything one could ever crave of a chaat dish. She would be prepared with crispy puris, generously topped with a lovely mixture of potatoes, spicy-sweet chutneys, tangy yogurt, and then plenty of sev. One bite on this thing, and the dance of textures and flavors will hook you forever. It is a definite must for anyone craving an authentic chaat experience for AED 8.
Kothu Porotta from Kaara Saaram
Get ready for a show when you order the Kothu Porotta at Kaara Saaram. This Tamil treat consists of flaky porottas ripped apart with eggs, meat, and spicy curry, which are cooked on a blazing hot griddle. While they do so, the chefs put on a sort of live-action ballet, rhythmically chopping and stirring the culinary spectacle as the intoxicating smell wafts through the air. For AED 5, it is a steal and a fantastic way to spice up your food journey. The ambiance adds to the enjoyment, too!
Sticky Prawns from Yummy Chicken
Yummy Chicken’s Sticky Prawns is the seafood melt! Just the right amount of glazed, juicy prawns smeared with a sweet and spicy sauce makes every bite dangerously addictive. Served on skewers, it’s easily munchable while strolling through the festival. For the fleshier palate, sticky chicken strips are also available, doused in the same fantastic glaze. At AED 10 for this dish, seafood lovers will not be disappointed.
Pahampori Beef
For a crazy mix of flavors, you will not want to miss trying the Pazhampori Beef. The very sweet-crispy banana fritters (pazhampori) are able to join flavors with spicy slow-cooked, tenderized beef, yielding a kind of sweetened contrasting flavor. This dish has become a traditional Kerala favorite and an unforgettable combination. For those who prefer other dishes than beef, you could try the Pidiyum Kozhiyum (rice dumplings with coconut-based chicken curry), mashed tapioca with fiery sardine curry) Or the Kappa Mathi Curry. Most of these dishes at AED 5 will prove to be good value for the exciting flavor that they give.
Pistachio or Blueberry Jar Cake
Sweet tooth complain about dessert? The Pistachio or Blueberry Jar Cake from Arippa Restaurant will be here to stay. These jar cakes are somehow rich yet layered, so even indulging with AED 10 will pamper you. Whether it’s nutty pistachio or the fruity blueberry, every delectable spoonful is creamy and light on the eyes, made for the dessert connoisseurs.
Cintafresh Palada Payasam Ice Cream
Who said you can’t enjoy the customs of Kerala, albeit with a twist? It’s the cool ice cream version of rich, traditional palada payasam called the Cintafresh Palada Payasam Ice Cream. It holds so much fun and novelty to experience a favorite dish of many in a different way. For those who prefer the old-fashioned version, there is also warm payasam. This is one indulgence your cool self must treat yourself to while taking a breather from the hustle and bustle of the festival.
Uppilitta Ice Cream
For something really different, try this salted ice cream inspired by the idea of brined mangoes. It’s certainly intriguing and unexpected, and definitely a conversation starter, while at the same time offering an adventurous taste like no other. Salty or sweet, to love or to hate, you’ll want to say you’ve tried this unusual treat at least once.
Beyond the Food: Entertainment at the Festival
Food is, without a doubt, the star of the show at Karama’s Ramadan Street Food Festival, but there’s a whole lot more to feast your eyes on. The evening is filled with entertainment for all ages, such as:
- Caricature artists sketching fun portraits
- Live music performances that set the ideal Ramadan ambiance
- Face painting and storytelling for the kids to make it a family-friendly event
- Arcade zones packed with fantastic classic and modern games, such as the widely acclaimed Pac-Man
There will always be something happening with live music and storytelling every 15-minute interval from 21:15 until 23:15, so don’t miss out on all the fun alongside some of Dubai’s finest street food.
Conclusion
With only a few days left in Karama’s Ramadan Street Food Festival, there’s no better time to head down and indulge in some of the best Ramadan food in Dubai. Whether you’re craving savory snacks, sweet desserts, or seafood delights, this festival has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on these top 10 must-try dishes before the festival wraps up on March 23rd, 2025!
FAQs
- What are the must-try food items at Karama’s Ramadan Street Food Festival?
Must-try items include Mohabbat Ka Sharbat, Potato Twister Dripped with Mayo, Kothu Porotta, Sticky Prawns, and Pistachio Jar Cake, among others.
- Where is Karama’s Ramadan Food Festival located, and what are the timings?
The festival is located in the Karama area of Dubai. It runs daily from 8:00 PM until late, with the final day being Sunday, March 23rd, 2025.
- Is there an entry fee for the Karama Ramadan Street Food Festival?
No, there is no entry fee for the Karama Ramadan Street Food Festival; visitors pay only for food and drinks.
- Are there vegetarian or vegan food options available at the festival?
Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan food options, including dishes like sev puri and various snacks.
- What are the best days to visit the festival to avoid crowds?
To avoid the crowds, it is best to visit the festival on weekdays, particularly Sunday to Wednesday, when the crowds are generally lighter.
