As Dubai glows in the festive spirit of Ramadan, Karama has become the heartbeat of celebrations for many. One of the city’s oldest and most vibrant neighbourhoods, Karama – a melting pot of cultures and flavours – has buzzed with activity during the third edition of the Ramadan Street Food Festival.
The entire area has felt like a carnival, with shops displaying special Ramadan decorations, colourful lights adorning the streets, and laughter spilling from every corner.
As the sun sets, hundreds of people, mostly from the lively Keralite expat community, have been flocking to the festival’s 50-odd restaurants. These offer a range of aromatic dishes like Malabar biryani, parotta, varutharacha chicken curry (cooked with roasted coconut and spices), pazham pori (banana fritters) and beef combo, ‘Kulukki sarbath’ (a refreshing blended drink), and sweets like ‘payasam’ and ‘ada pradhaman.’ Kerala-themed ‘chayakkadas’ with Malayalam-language newspapers (traditional tea shops) are among the main attractions.
Young and old, families and friends gather to indulge in delectable cuisine, enjoy live performances, try their hands at art and crafts, play games, and more. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Community Long Table offers a unique dining experience.
‘Best time’
For Keralite expats, this annual gathering has become a cherished tradition, blending their hometown vibes with the festive atmosphere of Dubai. The rhythmic sounds of music, poetry, camaraderie, and activities like face painting, henna, and caricature artworks add to the lively energy.
Asheem P.K., a Karama resident, noted that Ramadan is the best time to be in this area, especially for Keralites. “The place has an energy that feels familiar, almost like home. Once Maghrib hits, the streets get busy, and every shop sells Malabari dishes and snacks. It’s not just about the food. It’s the people, the way everyone knows each other, and the late-night tea shop conversations. You don’t feel homesick because everything you miss from Kerala is already here.”
‘Feast for senses’
A unique feature for new visitors is the series of impromptu musical performances. Young Keralite expats fill the night with Ramadan folk songs and poetry, classical melodies, fusion beats, and more. The energy is electric, with crowds swaying and creating a memorable jam session. These spontaneous performances, where one person starts singing and others join in, have become a major crowd-puller. While some have criticised the celebrations for going overboard, the festive spirit remains dominant.
Nizar Mohamed, another Karama resident, who has considered moving to a quieter neighbourhood, can’t resist the evening vibes. “I’ve thought about moving out to a quieter area, with newer buildings and easier parking. But then I think about the food, the vibe, the Ramadan nights, and I can’t bring myself to leave. 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.”
It’s a true feast for the senses. The smell of fresh food makes it nearly impossible to walk past without stopping for a bite. In addition to traditional Kerala delicacies, several stalls offer North Indian and Arabic food, all served by friendly staff.
And as the night deepens, the festivities show no signs of slowing down. The festival runs until March 23. Visitors can also grab a Ramadan Street Food Festival Culinary Passport, which offers a chance to win a meal worth up to Dh250 by spending Dh10 at any participating restaurant and getting a stamp on the passport.
