Diwali lands in Dubai with two polished options from Taj Hotels. Bombay Brasserie at Taj Dubai is going big from 18–20 October 2025 with a two-night set menu and a grand buffet finale. Shamiana at Taj JLT is keeping it warm and intimate on 20–21 October 2025 with a vegetarian buffet and live entertainment. Prices start at AED 245–299, and timings are in the evening. Pick your vibe; both lean on tradition without being stuffy.
Before you choose, you might also like our quick looks at value picks for the season in Diwali buffet deals in Dubai 2025 and our recent piece on Onam Sadhya at Taj Dubai & JLT for context on the venues.
Bombay Brasserie: three nights, two formats
Two tasting-style evenings, then one big buffet night. Live sitar and piano. Festive décor turns the room into “proper Diwali” without going overboard.
- Dates: 18–20 October 2025 (Fri–Mon)
- 18–19 Oct (from 6:00 PM): Four-course set menu + festive welcome drink — AED 299 per person
- 20 Oct (from 6:30 PM): “Grand Diwali Soirée” buffet with live stations, desserts, piano — from AED 299 per person, inclusive of house beverages
- Atmosphere: Grand archway, rangoli, diyas, florals; live sitar (weekend) and piano
- Bookings: +971 50 189 6089 | fbreservations.dubai@tajhotels.com
- Venue: Bombay Brasserie, Taj Dubai (Business Bay/Downtown edge)
The first two nights are for people who like structure—chef-led courses by Chef Pranav Upadhyay with a welcome drink baked into the price. The finale flips to a classic buffet with live stations and house beverages from the entry tier, which keeps the table-math simple for groups. The live music is restrained; you can still hear your friends.
What to expect on the plate (and off it)
Modern Indian, plated neat on days one and two; abundant on day three. Sweet finish is a given.
- Set-menu focus: Balanced progression across four courses
- Buffet focus: Variety, live cooking, festive desserts
- Drinks: Welcome drink on set-menu nights; house beverages included from the starting price on buffet night
- Music & décor: Sitar/piano, diyas, rangoli, florals—Instagram gets its moment
If you like a slower, more curated dinner, 18–19 Oct is your pick. If you want movement, choice, and a celebratory spread, 20 Oct is the play. Either way, the room looks the part without going theme-park.
Shamiana at JLT: vegetarian-first, cosy, and timed
Two nights of a vegetarian buffet with non-veg add-ons via table service. Two-hour window, live entertainment, and a sharper price.
- Dates: 20–21 October 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (two-hour service window)
- Price: AED 245 per person (Vegetarian buffet)
- Non-veg: Available via table service on request (charged separately)
- Bookings: +971 52 680 5419 | shamiana.jltdubai@tajhotels.com
- Venue: Shamiana, Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers (Cluster U side)
Not every group wants an all-out buffet with everything under the sun. Shamiana keeps it focused on vegetarian dishes—clean, traditional flavours—with the option to add meat or seafood without turning the buffet into a free-for-all. The timed slot helps with planning if you’re stacking Diwali visits.
Choosing between Downtown and JLT
Location and format will likely decide it.
- Go Bombay Brasserie if: You want Downtown energy, plated menus, or a big buffet finale with house beverages.
- Go Shamiana if: You prefer JLT convenience, vegetarian buffet as default, and a shorter, more intimate sitting.
- For groups: Bombay Brasserie’s 20 Oct buffet is easier for mixed tastes; Shamiana suits veggie-forward families who might add a couple of non-veg mains.
- For photos: Bombay Brasserie’s décor set-up is the obvious pick; Shamiana’s lighting is warmer and calmer.
Both are polished. Bombay Brasserie feels like “dress up a bit, stay longer.” Shamiana is “eat well, catch up, and glide out before 9.” If you’re doing both, hit the set menu on 19 Oct and Shamiana on 21 Oct.
Key details at a glance
Bombay Brasserie (Taj Dubai)
- 18–19 Oct, from 6:00 PM: Four-course set menu + welcome drink — AED 299
- 20 Oct, from 6:30 PM: Grand buffet — from AED 299, incl. house beverages
- Book: +971 50 189 6089 | fbreservations.dubai@tajhotels.com
Shamiana (Taj JLT)
- 20–21 Oct, 7:00–9:00 PM: Vegetarian buffet — AED 245
- Non-veg: Via table service
- Book: +971 52 680 5419 | shamiana.jltdubai@tajhotels.com
When is Diwali in the UAE in 2025?
Diwali falls in late October. These Taj events run 18–21 October 2025, timed for weekend and weekday options in Dubai.
Is alcohol included?
At Bombay Brasserie, 20 Oct buffet pricing starts from AED 299 and includes house beverages. The 18–19 Oct set-menu nights include a festive welcome drink. Shamiana focuses on the buffet; ask the team for beverage packages when booking.
Are there vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes. Shamiana is a vegetarian buffet by default with non-veg via table service. Bombay Brasserie can accommodate dietary needs—mention them when reserving.
