Brrrr, UAE residents! It is winter time and it no secret that cold weather can increase your appetite. It is also time to indulge in a Thali, the Indian version of a multi-dish meal or a readymade buffet in one plate.

Tourists from India, a predominant segment of people visiting the UAE, also prefer to opt for a fulfilling Thali for lunch or dinner. With the stomach sorted, there can be much more time for sightseeing at your convenience.

While there are many options in different price ranges, from the modest to premium, we have chosen three of the best-rated ones in varied locations:

MyGovinda’s Thali Festival

Known for its holistic and healthy vegetarian food in the UAE, MyGovinda’s is all set to host a Thali festival at all their outlets, serving the best regional dishes from the end of January through to March.

At MyGovinda’s, Thali is the ultimate Indian legacy meal. It’s vibrant, wholesome, and fulfilling! Available daily from 12 Noon until 11 pm, each Thali features more than 10 items, from starters to mains and desserts, including a mouth-watering selection of Maharashtran, Gujarati, Sindhi, Punjabi, and Rajasthani cuisine.

MyGovinda’s has always aimed to produce vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes that are tastefully curated, elevating vegetarian cuisine to a level that can satisfy any dietary preference. With the use of hand-picked herbs, spices, the freshest vegetables, and dairy products, the chefs at MyGovinda’s use their exceptional skills to prepare the finest and the healthiest vegetarian and vegan food that will leave you asking for more with every bite.

• Locations: Arjan, Silicon Oasis, Jumeirah Lake Towers & Karama
• Date: 30 January – 5   March, 2023
• Cost:
• Monday – Thursday
• AED 32 – JLT & Arjan; AED 38 – DSO & Karama
• Friday – Sunday (Friday – Rajasthani Thali / Saturday to Sunday – MyGovindas Special Thali)
• AED 34 – JLT & Arjan; AED 40 – DSO & Karama

Maharaja Bhog

Experience a premium Thali experience when you head from Bur Dubai to Karama, taking a right after Ansar Gallery where, ensconced in a corner is Maharaja Bhog.

This restaurant has been operational for over a decade and is very popular for its wide variety of tasty Indian dishes. There is a minor photo-op for your Instagram page also if you fancy sitting on a big regal-looking chair.

For 35, you can enjoy two steamed and fried appetizers each, four Punjabi-style vegetarian dishes, eight chapatis (Indian flat bread), dal, rice, two desserts, salad, papadums, pickle and masala chaas. You can also opt for a small Thali portion that costs Dh25.

To those looking for a minor kick with fusion, there are various flavour enhancers such as the smokey chaas (buttermilk) and Zaffran tea.

• Location: Ground Level, A Block, Hamsah Mall Next to Ansar Gallery – Al Karama – Dubai, UAE
• Reservations: Required
• Price Range: AED 90 for two people

Bombay Bunglow

The Indian restaurant with a twist, is making waves for its irresistibly piquant Thalis and taking Dubai’s food scene by storm. Perfect for both vegetarians and meat lovers, there is an eclectic variety of choices and savory flavours for all palettes.

Available from 12 pm until 4 pm on weekdays only, Bombay Bungalow’s veg Thali includes their signature subz handi, dal, hara bhara kebab, jeera pulao, roti, raita, and masala chaas, along with a dessert. Their smashing hit non-veg Thali is tantalising and irresistible in equal measure with a royal spread containing smooth and creamy butter chicken and savory chicken tikka, served with jeera pulao, roti, and more.

But nothing beats their Tawa King Fish Fry Thali with its zesty and tangy, pop-in-the-mouth flavours, and fish that’s cooked to crispy perfection. It is served with a variety of palatable chutneys, luscious curries, and refreshingly good Indian sauces. Its other well-loved fish Thali contains sherry fish and is served piping hot with delicious curry and aromatic rice.

A gorgeous setting across Ain Dubai and Bluewaters Island, and the picture-perfect, Instagram-worthy interiors ooze endless amounts of charm.

• Time: 12 Noon- 4 PM
• When: Weekdays only (Mon-Fri)
• Contact- 044270758
• Address: The Beach Mall, JBR
• Price range: 250 for two people