Ten days of flavor, music, and magic featuring festive menu, Project Chaiwala’s pop-up, and DJ Buddha’s electric Diwali Night
Dubai, 14th October: This October, CULINARA, Dubai’s most dynamic dining destination at The Link, One Za’abeel, invites guests to experience its first-ever Diwali celebration from 17th to 26th October 2025, a dazzling ten-day festival where culinary innovation, culture, and music come together in the heart of the city.
Suspended 100 metres above the ground, CULINARA redefines social dining with 12 homegrown concepts under one roof, each designed to spark creativity and collaboration. This Diwali, the venue will glow in golden hues, adorned with lights, rangoli, and floral accents that pay homage to the Festival of Lights, a celebration of joy, unity, and shared indulgence.
At the heart of the festivities is FAY by Chef Ali El Bourji, the Lebanese culinary visionary celebrated for his inventive reinterpretation of Middle Eastern cuisine. For Diwali, Chef Ali introduces a limited-time menu that bridges Lebanese and Indian traditions with finesse. Guests can savor Falafel Chaat drizzled with tahini yogurt and tamarind chutney, Tabbouleh with Mango & Curry Leaf, Hummus with Masala Papad, Lamb Kofta Curry slow-cooked in a rich Indian-style gravy, and a decadent Cardamom & Honey Mahalabiya topped with almond crumble and pistachios. Each dish is crafted to reflect CULINARA’s ethos, bold, inventive, and rooted in storytelling.
Throughout the 10-day celebration, Project Chaiwala, the UAE’s beloved homegrown tea brand known for redefining the chai experience, will bring its signature warmth to CULINARA through an exclusive Diwali pop-up from 17th to 26th October. Guests can enjoy fragrant Karak chai and a limited-period menu of elevated street food favourites including the signature Smashmosa in three flavours, inventive buns and toasts inspired by nostalgic classics, sweets, soft serve, and curated gift hampers as Project Chaiwala takes over a vibrant section of the food hall, bringing its signature charm to life amid glowing lights and lively energy.
“Diwali has always been about connection, gathering with loved ones over food, laughter, and of course, chai,” says Justin Jeff Joseph and Ahmed Kazim, Co-Founders of Project Chaiwala. “Being part of CULINARA’s first Diwali celebration allows us to share the heart of what we do creating moments of comfort and nostalgia that bring people together.”
The festivities culminate on Saturday, 25th October, with an electrifying Diwali Night headlined by DJ Buddha, one of the region’s most celebrated names in the nightlife scene. Known for his signature fusion of Bollywood, house, and global beats, DJ Buddha will take over the decks from 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM, transforming CULINARA into a euphoric dance floor in the sky. With panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline and an atmosphere pulsing with energy, this is set to be the most talked-about Diwali night in the city.
From flavorful chai and Middle Eastern-Indian gastronomy to high-energy beats and luminous décor, CULINARA’s First Diwali in the Sky promises a celebration that captures the very essence of the season, connection, creativity, and joy shared among the stars.
Event Details:
Location: CULINARA, 24th Floor at The Link, One Za’abeel
Dates: 17th – 26th October 2025
Experience: Project Chaiwala Pop-Up & Festive Menu (17th – 26th October)
Diwali Night: Saturday, 25th October 2025 | 8:00 PM – 11:30 PM ft. DJ Buddha
Offer/Price: A la carte
Reservations: +971 4 666 1617 | reservations@thelinkdubai.com
Website: www.culinaradubai.com | Instagram Handle: @culinaradubai #TheCulinaraDiwali
