While Diwali is known for its sweets like ladoos and barfis, the festival wouldn’t be complete without a selection of savoury snacks to balance all that sugary indulgence. There’s something about the blend of sweet and savoury that brings harmony to any celebration, and these savoury bites offer a refreshing twist.
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If you want to take a break from sweets, these crispy, salty, and spiced snacks are ideal for satisfying your cravings. Each snack is prepared with unique spices, flavours, and techniques, bringing out the traditional tastes of Diwali in a whole new way. From crunchy kachoris to delicate sev, these savoury treats are easy to make, serve, and share with guests.
Kachori
Kachoris are deep-fried, round pastries with spiced lentils or other fillings like green peas, spiced potatoes, or onions. These snacks have a crispy outer shell and a flavourful filling that packs a punch. Popular across India, especially in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, kachoris are a beloved Diwali snack and are best enjoyed with a side of tamarind or mint chutney. They’re perfect for serving as a festive appetiser or as part of a larger Diwali snack platter.
Namak Pare
Namak pare are diamond-shaped, deep-fried snacks made from all-purpose flour, carom seeds, and salt, giving them a slightly spicy and aromatic flavour. These crispy snacks are simple to make and highly addictive. Namak pare have a long shelf life, making them perfect for preparing in advance and serving to guests throughout Diwali. They’re best enjoyed with a hot cup of tea and add a savoury crunch to the Diwali snack spread.
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Mathri
Mathri, another popular North Indian snack, is a flaky, crispy, and lightly spiced cracker made from flour and seasoned with ajwain or cumin. These savoury crackers are deeply fried until golden brown and have a satisfying crunch. Mathris are traditionally stored in airtight containers, which keeps them fresh for several days. They’re perfect for serving alongside pickles or chutneys, offering a savoury delight during the festive season.
Bhakarwadi
Originally from Maharashtra and Gujarat, bhakarwadi is a spiral-shaped snack made from a spicy, tangy filling rolled in a dough made from gram flour and then deep-fried. The filling is a unique mix of spices, coconut, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds, which gives bhakarwadi its distinctive flavour. These crunchy, bite-sized rolls are slightly sweet, spicy, and tangy, making them a flavourful addition to any Diwali snack platter.
Sev
Sev is a crunchy snack made from gram flour seasoned with spices, then deep-fried in thin strands. Available in different variations across India, sev can be mildly spiced or quite fiery, depending on your preference. This versatile snack can be enjoyed on its own or sprinkled on chaat dishes for added crunch. Sev’s golden colour and crispy texture make it a festive favourite.
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Chivda
Chivda is a popular, light, and flavourful snack made from poha and mixed with spices, peanuts, and roasted dal. Often referred to as Indian trail mix, chivda is tossed with spices, curry leaves, and occasionally a hint of sweetness. It’s a great option for those looking for a less oily, crunchy snack that’s easy to make and lasts well in storage. Chivda offers a delightful mix of flavours that are perfect for snacking throughout the festival.
Aloo Bhujia
Aloo bhujia, made from gram flour and potato, is a popular savoury treat for Diwali. The mixture is seasoned with spices like turmeric, chilli powder, and garam masala and then deep-fried into crispy, thin strands. With a slightly spicy flavour, aloo bhujia is a great addition to any Diwali snack tray and pairs perfectly with a cup of tea.
Gathiya
Gathiya, a popular Gujarati snack, is made from chickpea flour dough seasoned with carom seeds, black pepper, and salt. Unlike sev, which is thin, gathiya is thicker and has a softer crunch. It is fried until it has a golden hue, and it’s best enjoyed fresh. Gathiya has a mildly spiced flavour and is a fantastic snack to offer during Diwali, particularly for guests looking for something less intense in flavour.
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Murukku
Murukku, also known as chakli in Maharashtra, is a South Indian snack made from rice flour and urad dal flour. The dough is spiced and shaped into spirals before deep-frying. Murukku is crunchy, mildly spicy, and incredibly delicious. This snack has a long shelf life and is easy to prepare in large batches, making it a convenient and popular choice for Diwali celebrations. It’s best served as a standalone snack or with a side of coconut chutney.