Ganesh Chaturthi is not just about prayers and festivities — it’s also about indulging in traditional sweets and dishes that hold a special place in our hearts. For those celebrating in Dubai, the city has no shortage of spots offering authentic Maharashtrian, Gujarati, and South Indian flavors to make your Ganpati celebrations complete. Here’s where you can find the top 5 festive favorites this season.
Modak – The Lord’s Favorite
Soft, sweet, and shaped like a delicate dumpling, modak is believed to be Lord Ganesha’s all-time favorite. The traditional ukadiche modak is made with a rice flour shell and a rich filling of coconut and jaggery, while fried versions bring a crispier bite.
Where to try it:
Maharashtra Mandal Dubai – Known for its authentic Maharashtrian flavors
Khaugalli Dubai – For Different varieties of Modaks like: Khoya Modak, Kesar Modak, Dry Fruit Modak, Kaju Modak
Puran Poli – Sweet Flatbread Delight
A Maharashtrian festive classic, puran poli is a golden flatbread stuffed with a luscious filling of jaggery and chana dal, infused with nutmeg and cardamom. Served with ghee, this sweet-yet-savory treat melts in your mouth and fills the air with homely aromas.
Where to try it:
Maharashtra Bhavan Restaurant (Bur Dubai) – Serves authentic homestyle puran poli
Puranmal Sweets – For takeaway and gifting options
Bikanervala (Al Karama) – For those who love a slightly modern touch to this classic dish
Shrikhand – Creamy & Divine
This indulgent yogurt-based dessert is luxuriously creamy, flavored with saffron and cardamom, and often garnished with nuts. Its smooth texture and refreshing taste balance out the richness of other festive dishes, making it a cooling Ganpati favorite.
Where to try it:
Rajdhani Street (Karama) – Famous for its Gujarati thalis with shrikhand
Kailash Parbat – A great spot for festive sweets with a rich shrikhand
Puranmal Sweets – Consistently good for traditional shrikhand
Motichur Laddu – The Festive Classic
Tiny golden pearls of besan (chickpea flour) are fried, soaked in sugar syrup, and rolled into soft, rich laddus. With their vibrant color and melt-in-the-mouth texture, motichur laddus are synonymous with celebration and are a must-have on every Ganpati platter.
Where to try it:
Chhappan Bhog (Bur Dubai) – For premium quality, saffron-rich laddus
Bikanervala – A trusted pick for fresh and flavorful laddus
Payasam – A South Indian Treat
Payasam, the South Indian cousin of kheer, is a warm, comforting rice pudding made with milk, jaggery, and ghee, flavored with cardamom and topped with roasted cashews and raisins. It’s simple, soulful, and a symbol of abundance in festive feasts.
Where to try it:
Calicut Paragon (Karama) – Kerala-style payasam to perfection
Aaraamam Vegetarian Restaurant (Karama) – Known for authentic payasam varieties
Ananda Bhavan (Al Karama) – A Tamil favorite serving delicious payasam during festive times
Image Credits: Canva Stock Images
