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Planning a Diwali lunch party is a delightful way to celebrate the festival of lights with family and friends. The key to an unforgettable gathering can be to showcase a diverse menu that reflects the rich culinary heritage of India. Begin by curating a selection of dishes from various regions, ensuring a delightful variety of flavours, textures, and aromas. Consider incorporating a combination of spicy, savoury, and sweet options to cater to all palates.
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For decor, embrace the spirit of Diwali by incorporating traditional elements such as colorful rangoli designs at the entrance, vibrant flower garlands, and flickering diyas or candles. Use bright table linens and festive tableware to create an inviting atmosphere. Consider adding small decorative items like lanterns or traditional artifacts to enhance the ambiance.
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As you plan your menu, consider the balance of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes to accommodate your guests' preferences. Don’t forget to include a selection of sweets that embody the festive spirit.
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Finally, ensure that you prepare some dishes in advance to minimise last-minute stress. Set the table beautifully, and as your guests arrive, welcome them with warm greetings and a festive drink. This thoughtful planning will create a joyful Diwali lunch that everyone will cherish. Here are some interesting dishes you an consider adding to the menu.
Dhokla, Gujarat
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A light, savoury cake made from fermented rice and chickpea batter, Dhokla is a well-loved Gujarati delicacy perfect for a festive lunch. Soft, fluffy, and slightly tangy, Dhokla is typically steamed, then garnished with mustard seeds, green chillies, and fresh coriander. The dish is served with a side of green chutney, which adds a burst of freshness to each bite. As a lunch option, Dhokla is a lighter, healthier choice, and its appealing texture makes it a great way to start the Diwali meal on a vibrant note.
Bisi Bele Bath, Karnataka
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Bisi Bele Bath is a comforting, flavourful dish from Karnataka that combines rice, lentils, vegetables, and a fragrant blend of spices. This wholesome, spicy dish gets its unique flavour from tamarind and a special Bisi Bele Bath masala, which includes cinnamon, cloves, and coconut. Served hot and topped with a drizzle of ghee, it’s perfect for Diwali, balancing flavours. Add crunchy boondi, roasted papad, and a side of cooling raita for a traditional South Indian touch.
Chole Bhature, Punjab
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From the kitchens of Punjab comes the indulgent Chole Bhature, a classic North Indian dish loved across the country. The spicy, tangy chickpea curry (chole) is packed with bold flavours from tomatoes, onions, and an array of spices, while the bhature is a fluffy, deep-fried bread made from fermented dough. Together, they create a hearty, satisfying combination that’s ideal for Diwali celebrations. Serve it with pickles, sliced onions, and a squeeze of lemon for an authentic Punjabi experience. Chole Bhature brings a festive touch to the meal, with its rich flavors and irresistible appeal.
Fish Curry with Rice, Bengal
For a taste of Bengal, try a traditional fish curry served with steamed rice. Typically made with freshwater fish like Rohu or Bhetki, this curry is flavored with mustard oil, green chilies, and turmeric, giving it a distinctive earthy taste. Bengali fish curry, or “Macher Jhol,” has a lighter yet deeply flavorful broth that pairs beautifully with fluffy rice. Perfect for seafood lovers, this dish introduces a unique regional flavour to the Diwali feast.
Paneer Lababdar with Naan, North India
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Paneer Lababdar is a creamy, mildly spiced paneer dish that combines tomatoes, cream, and a variety of spices to create a rich, velvety sauce. The paneer cubes absorb the sauce, making each bite deeply flavourful. Served with fluffy naan or fragrant jeera rice, this North Indian dish is a sure crowd-pleaser, especially for those who enjoy vegetarian options. The mild sweetness and luxurious texture make Paneer Lababdar an excellent addition to Diwali lunch, adding elegance and rich flavor to the spread.
Chicken Biryani with Raita, Hyderabad
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No festive lunch is complete without a flavourful biryani, and chicken biryani is a sumptuous option that takes center stage at any celebration. This Hyderabadi-inspired chicken biryani features tender chicken pieces marinated in a blend of yoghurt and spices, layered with fragrant basmati rice, and slow-cooked to perfection. The spices—like cardamom, cloves, and saffron—infuse the rice with a rich aroma, while the chicken becomes succulent and flavourful. Serve with a side of cooling raita made from yogurt, cucumber, and spices, which perfectly balances the biryani's richness.
Puran Poli, Maharashtra
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A sweet yet substantial dish, Puran Poli is a festive favourite in Maharashtra. This stuffed flatbread is made from a filling of chana dal (split chickpeas), jaggery, cardamom, and nutmeg, wrapped in a dough made from flour, and cooked on a hot tawa. Puran Poli pairs beautifully with a dollop of ghee or a bowl of warm milk, which complements the sweet, fragrant filling. A Diwali lunch staple, this delightful dish offers a unique blend of textures and flavours, bringing a warm, homely taste to the table.
Payasam, Tamil Nadu
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In Tamil Nadu, Payasam is a cherished dessert served during festivals, weddings, and celebrations. This traditional sweet is a milk-based pudding made with rice, vermicelli, or lentils, simmered slowly with milk and sugar or jaggery. Flavoured with aromatic cardamom and sometimes saffron, Payasam is often enriched with ghee-fried cashews and raisins, adding a delightful crunch. Each region and community has its own version, like Paal Payasam made with milk and rice or Paruppu Payasam with moong dal and coconut milk.
