Puthandu or Tamil New Year is being celebrated with a lot of zeal in Dubai today. Having a local community of South Indians in the UAE, the festival introduces a rich concentration of customs, temple tours and most of all, the splendid feasts during festivities.
The city is sold out with restaurants offering Sadhya-style meals in the traditional style to Tamil delicacies such as mango pachadi. Assuming that you would like to have a wonderful Tamil New Year meal, here are the best places to have your Puthandu party in Dubai.
Saravana bhavan: The Olden day Tamil Feast
Saravana Bhavan is one of the most recognizable South Indian restaurant chains with a presence in any part of the world, and is a popular choice when it comes to tasting a field of Tamil food at Puthandu.
The restaurant, with its conservative tastes and reliability has been known to serve celebratory thalis, including sambar, rasam, and poriyal among other dishes and the symbolic mango pachadi. Its outlets in locations such as Bur Dubai and Karama are particularly jammed on festival days.
Sangeetha vegetarian Restaurant: 1000 Festival Thali
Another eatery that the Tamil expats prefer to enjoy a nutritious festive meal includes Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant.
The restaurant is also reputed to serve lavish Puthandu specials, which include banana leaf meals that embody the theme of traditional feasts. It is a favorite spot among families that have travelled together and are after genuine and quality food.
Vasanta Bhavan: A Taste of home in Dubai
Vasanta Bhavan offers home cooked menu to the longing Tamil New Year food-glutton.
Their feast list is very sizable, with a variety of vegetarian food cooked in the traditional Tamil fashion. It is situated within major residential food centres such as Discovery Gardens whereby it receives an influx of patronesses during key South Indian festivals.
Woodlands Restaurant: Classic Meets Economical
The Woodlands Restaurant has had several decades of customers who are regulars and enjoy plain yet tasting South Indian food.
On Puthandu, the restaurant provides special thalia packages which are not only authentic but also affordable. Its strategic points of location have popularized it as a quick dining spot of choice during a feast without having to compromise on its taste.
Calicut Paragon South Indian: The Premium Experience
Although it is mainly a Kerala restaurant, Calicut Paragon has gained popularity among South Indian food lovers on the occasion of festivals.
Their fine dining experience and quality food are also an added advantage since people can feast Puthandu with a little touch of modernity as well as their traditional dishes.
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Why is Dining out such a big affair during Puthandu in Dubai?
As the Dubai family has a hectic schedule with little time to cook at home, most people will eat out during Puthandu. The festive mood is recreated in restaurants by traditional cuisine served on a banana leaf and by specially designed menus.
Popular places such as Karama, Bur Dubai, and Discovery Gardens turn into a cultural zone that unites the Tamil community, collects and shares food, tradition and new life.
Delicious Dish: Mango Pachadi
A puthandu meal cannot be complete without mango pachadi; a special dish, comprising sweet, sour, bitter and spicy flavors. It represents various feelings of life and is a main aspect of Tamil New Year events.
Most restaurants feature this dish on their menus during festivals, and it is a must-have item both to newcomers and those already introduced to Tamil cuisine.
FAQs
Where is the most ideal location to have a Tamil New Year feast in Dubai?
The influx of vegetarian restaurants in the area like Saravana Bhavan and Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant are some of the most frequented in serving traditional Tamil festive food.
Are there special Puthandu menus in restaurants in Dubai?
Yes, several South Indian restaurants have special thalis and festival menus which are custom designed to meet the requirements of Puthandu.
What can be found in a classic Puthandu meal?
A traditional meal consists of rice, sambar, rasam, poriyal, kootu, papad, pickles and mango pachadi.
Are these vegetarian restaurants?
The majority of the Tamil New Year feasts are vegetarian and restaurants such as Saravana Bhavan and Sangeetha, are focused on vegetarian food.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes, as there is a lot of demand during Puthandu, it is highly suggested to order a table in advance.
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