Craving those late-night street food runs that transport you straight back to your childhood? Well, say goodbye to cravings and hello to the Karama Ramadan Street Food Festival! Karama is ushering in an air of revelry, gearing up to transform into a foodie’s paradise this Ramadan! The much-awaited third edition of the Ramadan Karama Street Food Festival is happening from 6 to 23 March at Sheikh Hamdan Colony! Expect Ramadan-exclusive menus from over 55 restaurants across street food halls. Imagine navigating through the glistening gulleys of Karama all the while relishing authentic flavours by some of the city’s finest hidden gems – ah, pure bliss!
But it’s not just about the food! This year’s edition is bringing an Arts and Crafts Hub where visitors can craft Ramadan-themed artifacts – think pottery, custom tote bags and misbaha beads. Gamers, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered too! The Gaming Hub will be stocked with retro arcade classics like backgammon and tic-tac-toe. And if you love breaking bread with fellow foodies, the Community Long Table on Fridays and Saturdays is where you need to be.
If last year was anything to go by, we’re definitely in for a sensory overload – delish street eats, spellbinding performances and a bustling night market that will keep you out way past bedtime. So, what’s making a comeback this year? Here’s our hot take on the top five things that we’d love to see return this year!
Also read: You Know It’s Ramadan When… Dubai Residents Edition
1. The Ultimate Street Food Extravaganza
If your idea of a gala time is food stall hopping – starters from one, mains from another, drinks from the next; you get the drift – then you’re in the right place! Last year’s festival featured everything from North Indian classics like pani puri, gol gappa, and vada pav to South Indian favourites like uppilitta manga (salted raw mango with chili), kulukki sarbath (a spiced lemon drink), and crispy pazhamporis (banana fritters). And we’re crossing our fingers for the return of Emirati flavors like luqaimat and rigag (from Kahani Cafe) this year to add that extra bit of magic to Karama’s Ramadan nights.
Also read: Ramadan Sweet Fix: 6 Delicious Treats You Need to Try Right Now
2. The Mesmerizing Dancers and Entertainers
Remember those performers who spun non-stop in vibrant skirts, as though they are a human kaleidoscope? That’s the Tanoura dance, a traditional Egyptian folk performance that is absolutely mesmerising. Another highlight of last year’s festival was Aladdin rolling away on his magic carpet (how many of you spotted him?) and the roaming performer with a painted face, sprinkling a mix of fun and intrigue to the festival vibes. Let’s also not forget the LED stilt walkers that had the kids in awe.
PS A little birdie just told us they’re making a comeback – woohoo!
3. Mappila Music and Impromptu Sing-Alongs
Ah, the once-in-a-year experience of listening to the soulful strains of Mappila songs wafting through the buzzing streets of Karama! These Arab-Malayalam tunes, rooted in Kerala’s Muslim heritage, metamorphosizes the festival into a celebration of home and nostalgia for many. When food for the tummy meets food for the soul, the result is ecstasy! And we expect nothing less this time around!
Also read: A Festive Ramadan Experience Is Coming to Zabeel Park – And It’s Completely FREE!
4. The Night Market
Dubai never lets anyone feel left out during a festival. And if you’re not a food lover (gasp!) or an entertainment junkie, but rather a certified shopaholic, you’d definitely remember last year’s night market. We expect an encore of the vibrant night market lining the streets, selling everything from trendy clothes to artisanal decors. Spotting caricature artists sketching hilarious portraits, henna artists creating intricate designs – talk about absolute festival goals! Oh, and makeup artists offering free Ramadan makeovers? Yes please, I think we could do with a Ramadan glow up this year too!
Also read: Ramadan Mubarak Vs Ramadan Kareem – Which One Should You Say?
5. Live Street Performances to Keep the Vibes Alive
Aside from the food, what truly stole the show? The live performances!
From guitar and violin players setting the mood to traditional dance performances, Karama turned into a cultural melting pot. The whole vibe felt like an extension of India’s Ramadan bazaars and utsavs, a culmination of community spirit and festivities.
So, mark your calendars and get there on March 6 to be the first to catch all the action live!
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