Dubai, UAE – March 06, 2025 – Dubai’s Little Kerala, Karama is gearing up to once again transform into a food lover’s paradise, as the Ramadan Street Food Festival makes its highly anticipated return. Following the success of last year’s event, the festival is set to light up Sheikh Hamdan Colony from March 6 to March 23, 2025, offering residents and visitors an unforgettable food experience, the best thing to do in Ramadan 2025.
In 2024, the Ramadan Street Food Festival ran from March 22 to April 7, drawing thousands of food enthusiasts to Karama’s bustling streets. This year, the event kicks off earlier in the Ramadan season, aligning with the expected start of the holy month around early March. Over 55 restaurants are anticipated to participate, mirroring last year’s turnout, with stalls lining the narrow lanes of Sheikh Hamdan Colony. From the moment the sun sets and iftar begins, the air will fill with the tantalizing aromas of sizzling kebabs, fragrant biryanis, and freshly made sweets, available until the early hours of the morning for suhoor.
Last year, the festival showcased a diverse array of cuisines, reflecting Dubai’s multicultural fabric. Visitors savored authentic Emirati dishes like luqaimat (sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup) and rigag (crispy flatbreads), alongside Indian favorites such as samosas, chaat, and aromatic curries. International flavors also shone through, with offerings ranging from Afghani kebabs to Sudanese stews, catering to every palate. Expect a similar spread in 2025, with restaurants likely to roll out special iftar and suhoor menus featuring nostalgic street food classics and innovative twists.
In 2024, the streets of Karama were adorned with vibrant Ramadan lights, casting a festive glow over the colony. Live entertainment, including performances of Mappila songs—traditional Muslim folklore tunes from Kerala—filled the air, sparking impromptu singalongs among the crowds. A dedicated stage hosted performers, while benches provided spots for families to sit, eat, and soak in the atmosphere. This year, organizers are expected to recreate this lively ambiance, with added touches like street art and perhaps even more interactive cultural displays to enhance the festive spirit.
For many attendees last year, the festival was a nostalgic trip back home, Kerala. Indian expats, particularly those from Kerala, flocked to Karama to enjoy dishes like uppulitta amla (salted gooseberries) and pulikki sarvat (a spiced drink), reminiscent of Ramadan celebrations in their hometowns. Residents from across Dubai, including Dubai Land, Deira, and Al Nahda, made the pilgrimage to join friends and revel in the communal vibe. The 2025 edition is poised to continue this tradition, offering a space for connection, celebration, and culinary exploration.
So, mark your calendars for March 6 to 23, 2025, gather your friends and family, and head to Sheikh Hamdan Colony in Karama.
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