33 Must-Try Diwali Food for a Delicious 2025

Diwali food brings families together over this auspicious festival of lights. There are many options for fantastic Diwali eats since it is “celebrated across faiths by more than a billion people”, according to AP News. With so many people and cultures involved in the festival, it’s challenging to narrow down the top foods of the season.  

Explore the most notable items on the Diwali food list with main courses, foods for kids, desserts and vegetarian foods that best celebrate the season. Read on for the must-try Diwali foods and sweets. 

Jump to Section

• Traditional Diwali Food Menu
• Diwali Food for Kids
• Diwali Vegetarian Food Menu
• Diwali Desserts and Sweets
• Diwali Food FAQs

Traditional Diwali Food Menu

Before we get started on our epic Diwali food list, we'd love to recommend trying out cooking classes in your city or online cooking classes to learn some new cooking skills that will help you to prepare for your meal. There are multiple Indian-focused classes available all around the country where you can get authentic recipes from top-rated chefs. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed. 

1. Samosas

Samosas are a must-have in your Diwali food spread. We recommend serving these snacks as an appetizer with tamarind chutney or mint-coriander dip. There are many varieties of samosa, including the classic potato samosa and paneer samosa to keema or boondi samosas. Make them sweet or savory, or a mix of both.

2. Onion Bhaji

This Diwali food is made with thinly sliced onions coated in a spiced gram flour batter with turmeric, chili powder and carom seeds. These fritters are deep-fried until golden and best enjoyed hot with a cup of Masala Chai (spiced Indian tea brewed with milk) or Badam Milk (creamy almond milk infused with saffron and cardamom).

3. Aloo Bonda

Bonda adds a deliciously spiced bite to your Diwali food table. They’re deep-fried South Indian snacks with sweet and savory variations. The most common version is aloo bonda which is made with spiced mashed potatoes. However, regional adaptations replace the potato with ingredients like sweet potato, tapioca, green peas, paneer and grated pineapple.

4. Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka is a vegetarian dish where paneer cubes are marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture and infused with cumin and smoky paprika before baking. You get a soft, charred paneer with a smoky flavor. We recommend pairing it with mint chutney and lemon wedges for a complete appetizer.

5. Kalakand Milk Cake

On Diwali, treat everyone to kalakand. Unlike barfi, its firmer counterpart, this beloved Diwali food favorite boasts a moist, cake-like texture crafted from full-fat milk and paneer (curdled milk cheese). The creamy mixture is delicately infused with cardamom, then set and cut into soft, square pieces. With its rich, crumbly consistency and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, kalakand promises a delightful bite that’s worth savoring during the festive celebration.

6. Butter Chicken

No Diwali food menu is complete without butter chicken, a beloved North Indian classic. Tender chicken pieces are marinated, grilled and simmered in a luscious, creamy tomato-based gravy infused with butter, cream and warming spices like garam masala and fenugreek. Pair this indulgent dish with naan or fragrant basmati rice for the ultimate festive experience.

7. Chicken Biryani

Aromatic and flavorful, chicken biryani is an all-time winner in any Diwali food spread. Fragrant basmati rice is layered with marinated chicken cooked in a blend of yogurt, spices, saffron and caramelized onions. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a fragrant dish for sharing during Diwali gatherings.

8. Soan Papdi

Light and flaky, soan papdi is a classic Diwali food dessert known for its delicate texture and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. Made from gram flour, ghee, sugar and cardamom, this traditional treat is expertly spun into fine, layered flakes. Garnished with slivers of almonds and pistachios, soan papdi is a popular sweet to share and savor during the festive season.

Diwali Recipes

9. Pistachio Kulfi

Indulge in creamy, nutty Pistachio Kulfi this Diwali, a frozen delight kids will adore.

Ingredients:

• For Kulfi Paste: ¼ cup each of cashews, almonds (blanched/peeled), pistachios, 2 tsp cardamom powder, 2 tbsp poppy seeds, 8-10 black peppercorns, ½ tsp cinnamon powder
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 liters milk

Method:

1. Grind paste ingredients to a fine consistency.
2. Boil milk in a heavy-bottomed pan. Simmer for 30 minutes to reduce by half. Add sugar and mix until dissolved.
3. Whisk in the kulfi paste, cool the mixture and pour into molds. Freeze for 15-20 hours.
4. Serve the chilled kulfi for a refreshing treat.

10. Malpua

Soft, fluffy and drenched in sugar syrup, Malpua is a pancake-like festive treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp crushed fennel seeds, ¼ tsp baking soda, 4 crushed cardamom pods
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar, 3 tbsp each milk powder, yogurt and khoya
• Ghee for frying

For Sugar Syrup:

• ½ cup sugar, ¼ cup water, saffron strands, juice of ½ lemon

Method:

1. Mix flour, fennel, sugar, milk powder, yogurt and khoya into a smooth batter. Rest for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare syrup by dissolving sugar in water, adding saffron and lemon juice for a sticky texture.
3. Heat ghee in a pan, pour small portions of batter and fry until golden.
4. Dip malpuas in syrup and serve warm.

11. Badam Halwa

Rich and nutty, Badam Halwa melts in the mouth and brings festive warmth.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups almonds (blanched), 2 cups water
• ½ cup sugar, ½ cup milk or water
• 4 saffron strands, 5-6 crushed cardamom pods
• ¼ cup coconut oil

Method:

1. Blend almonds with water to form a smooth paste.
2. Cook the paste in a pan until it thickens. Add sugar and mix.
3. Gradually add milk/water and stir continuously. Add coconut oil and mix until lumpy.
4. Stir in saffron and cardamom. Serve warm or cooled in diamond shapes.

12. Gajar Ka Halwa

Carrot-based Gajar Ka Halwa is a timeless Diwali favorite for kids and adults.

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups grated carrots, 2½ cups milk, 8 tbsp sugar
• ⅓ cup khoya, 2½ tbsp ghee, cardamom powder
• Chopped cashews, raisins, pistachios and saffron

Method:

1. Cook grated carrots with milk for 15-20 minutes. Stir in cardamom.
2. Add ghee, sugar, dried fruits and saffron. Mix well.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Serve warm garnished with nuts.

13. Milk Pedha

Milk Pedha is a quick and easy sweet treat for Diwali celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 200g condensed milk
• ¾ cup milk powder, ½ tbsp ghee
• Nutmeg powder, saffron, crushed cardamom pods

Method:

1. Combine condensed milk, milk powder and ghee in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute.
2. Stir in nutmeg, saffron and cardamom. Microwave for 2 more minutes until thick.
3. Shape into small balls, flatten slightly and chill before serving.

14. Sweet Potato Curry

Delightfully spiced and mildly sweet, Sweet Potato Curry is a fusion favorite for a festive spread. This dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with aromatic spices, making it a wholesome and flavorful addition to any celebration.

Ingredients:

• Oil (vegetable, coconut, or ghee for richness)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed (or ½ cup canned tomato puree)
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup coconut milk

Method:

• Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds, allowing them to crackle.
• Sauté chopped onions until golden, then stir in pureed tomatoes along with coriander powder, turmeric and garam masala.
• Cook until the spices are fragrant and the tomato base thickens.
• Add cubed sweet potatoes and let them cook until tender, absorbing the flavors.
• Finish with a touch of creamy coconut milk and let it simmer briefly.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan for a festive, satisfying meal.

15. Kaju Katli

Kaju Katli is thin and nutty, and is a Diwali staple that’s loved by all ages.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cashews, ½ cup sugar, 1 tbsp ghee
• 5 tbsp water, 8-9 saffron strands

Method:

1. Grind cashews into a fine powder. Then, heat sugar and water until dissolved.
2. Add your cashew powder and stir continuously until thick. 
3. Add in ghee and saffron.
4. Knead the dough, flatten on a greased tray and cut into diamond shapes. Chill before serving.

16. Besan Laddoo

Nutty and melt-in-your-mouth, Besan Laddoo is a simple yet classic Diwali treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups besan, ½ cup ghee, ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 3-4 crushed cardamom pods, raisins and chopped cashews

Method:

1. Roast besan in ghee over low heat until golden and aromatic.
2. Add sugar, cardamom and dry fruits, mixing well. Cool slightly.
3. Shape into small laddoos while still warm. 
4. Serve immediately or store for up to 2 days.

17. Badam Barfi

Badam Barfi is a sweet that adds charm to your festive celebrations. Its rich almond flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser. This simple sweet is adored by both kids and adults.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almonds, finely ground (or use store-bought almond flour)
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ tsp cardamom powder

Method:

• Heat water and sugar in a saucepan to create a thick syrup.
• Once the syrup reaches the desired consistency, stir in the finely ground almonds and a pinch of cardamom powder. 
• Keep cooking as you would Kaju Katli.
• Once the dough is formed you may garnish with nuts and chill.

Diwali Vegetarian Food Menu

You can celebrate the festival of lights with a Diwali food menu vegetarian-style that brings together traditional favorites without sacrificing flavor. 

18. Masala Peanuts

Add to your Diwali decorations with bowls of Masala Peanuts placed around the house. These are a crunchy and addictive snack for Diwali celebrations or an evening tea-time treat. Also known as peanut pakoda, these spiced peanuts are coated in a flavorful batter made with gram flour, rice flour and corn flour, ensuring a light and crispy texture. The addition of Kashmiri chili powder, chaat masala and a hint of asafoetida gives them a burst of tangy and mildly spicy flavor, while curry leaves add an aromatic touch.

19. Dal Makhani

Rich and creamy Dal Makhani is a quintessential North Indian dish made with black lentils (urad dal) and red kidney beans. It’s slow-cooked in butter and cream and infused with flavors of tomatoes, garlic and aromatic spices. Pair it with naan or jeera rice for a luxurious Diwali dinner that everyone will love.

20. Chhole

Chhole, or spicy chickpea curry, is a classic favorite bursting with flavor. Prepared with tender chickpeas simmered in a rich, tangy tomato-based gravy and a blend of warm spices like cumin, coriander and garam masala, it’s both hearty and delicious. Serve it with puris or steamed rice to create a comforting and festive meal.

21. Indian Mango Dal

Indian Mango Dal is a flavorful, South Indian-inspired dish that balances sweet and tangy notes. Made with yellow lentils (toor dal) and ripe or underripe mango, this hearty recipe transforms into a slightly soupy, aromatic delight. Ripe mangoes add a natural sweetness, while less-ripe mangoes offer a tart edge, creating a vibrant dal for any festive table.

22. Tandoori Tofu

Add a modern twist to the Diwali spread with Tandoori Tofu, a protein-rich and flavorful option. Tofu cubes are marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture with turmeric, cumin and smoked paprika, then grilled or baked. Serve it with mint chutney and lemon wedges for a healthy and satisfying appetizer.

23. Baingan Bharta

Baingan Bharta is a smoky and flavorful eggplant dish that adds depth to your Diwali food spread. Roasted eggplant is mashed and cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic and warming spices to create a rich and rustic dish. Pair it with hot rotis or parathas to experience this classic favorite.

24. Daal Tarka

Simple yet delicious, Daal Tarka is a comforting lentil dish that’s always a hit. Made with yellow lentils tempered with ghee, garlic, cumin and red chilies, it’s packed with flavor and heartwarming aromas. Serve it with steamed rice and a drizzle of ghee for a wholesome addition to your Diwali menu.

25. Bhindi Masala

Spice up your festive table with Bhindi Masala. Fresh okra is sautéed with onions, tomatoes and a blend of spices like turmeric and amchur. Bhindi Masala gives a tangy, savory flavor. Serve it with chapatis or rice for a satisfying vegetarian dish.

Diwali Desserts and Sweets

These Diwali desserts and sweets are beautiful to look at and better to eat. Mind the kiddos around these sweets and prepare more than you think you’ll need. 

26. Kheer (Rice Pudding)

A staple of any Diwali desserts spread, kheer is a creamy and aromatic rice pudding that combines slow-cooked rice with full-fat milk, sugar and cardamom. The dish develops a luscious texture and is garnished with slivers of almonds, pistachios and a hint of saffron for a golden finish. Served warm or chilled, kheer is a timeless dessert that exudes comfort and festivity.

27. Gajar Ka Halwa (Carrot Pudding)

Gajar ka halwa is a beloved North Indian dessert that adds warmth and richness to the Diwali sweets table. Freshly grated carrots are slow-cooked in ghee and milk, allowing them to become tender and soak up the aromatic flavors of sugar, cardamom and khoya (milk solids). The pudding is then garnished with crunchy nuts and sweet raisins. It’s an irresistible treat to share during the festive Diwali celebration.

28. Gulab Jamun

One of the most iconic Diwali desserts, gulab jamun is a moist, spherical confection loved across the globe. Dough made from milk solids, or khoa, is carefully rolled into 1-2 inch balls, then deep-fried to a rich, golden-brown hue. The soft dumplings are soaked in a fragrant syrup of rose water and cardamom, allowing them to absorb the sweetness while maintaining their airy, sponge-like centers. 

29. Rasgulla

Light and spongy, rasgullas are a melt-in-the-mouth addition to your Diwali sweets menu. Made from chenna (paneer-like cheese), these soft, white dumplings are boiled in sugar syrup, giving them a delicately sweet flavor and pillowy texture. Served chilled, rasgullas provide a refreshing contrast to richer desserts, making them a festive favorite for all ages.

30. Ladoos

On Diwali, a towering platter of ladoos is as festive to look at as it is to enjoy. These hand-rolled, bite-sized delights come in a variety of flavors and colors, making them a versatile addition to the Diwali sweets table. Here are a few favorites:

• Besan Ladoos: Dense and nutty, made with gram flour, ghee, sugar and cardamom, often enhanced with almond or pistachio pieces.
• Coconut Ladoos: Soft and moist, crafted with grated coconut and condensed milk for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Boondi Ladoos: A popular choice, made by combining tiny chickpea flour droplets (boondis) with nuts, saffron and cardamom to create bright yellow, semi-soft sugary balls.

31. Jalebi

Jalebis are whimsical, swirl-shaped treats that add a playful touch to Diwali desserts. Prepared from a fermented batter of all-purpose flour and corn flour, these spirals are deep-fried and then soaked in a fragrant saffron and cardamom syrup. Sticky to the touch and delightfully crisp, jalebis resemble a funnel cake with an Indian twist, delivering a burst of sweetness with every bite.

32. Peda

Smooth and subtly sweet, peda is a classic Diwali treat that combines simplicity with elegance. Traditionally made by slow-cooking khoa with sugar and saffron, peda develops a rich, moldable dough that can be shaped into soft, round pieces. Modern recipes offer a shortcut using condensed milk and full-fat milk powder, ensuring a creamy consistency. Topped with a sprinkle of pistachios or saffron strands, peda’s delicate flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a cherished festive sweet.

33. Shrikhand

Shrikhand is a creamy, refreshing addition to your Diwali food menu. This yogurt-based dessert bursts with flavor and offers a light yet indulgent treat. Thick, strained yogurt is sweetened with sugar and infused with saffron and cardamom, creating a rich, aromatic taste. This shrikhand is one of the best Diwali gifts.

Diwali Food FAQs

What Foods Are Eaten at Diwali?

Diwali food is a vibrant mix of savory snacks, rich mains and indulgent sweets that reflect the diversity of Indian cuisine. Families prepare traditional dishes to celebrate the festival of lights, bringing together flavors that are both comforting and festive.

• Sweets: Favorites like gulab jamun, ladoos, barfi and kheer are enjoyed for their rich, sugary taste.
• Savory Snacks: Popular options include samosas, onion bhaji, masala peanuts and aloo bonda.
• Mains: Signature dishes such as paneer tikka, dal makhani, butter chicken and chicken biryani are served alongside naan, puri or fragrant basmati rice.
• Beverages: Festive drinks like masala chai or badam milk complement the rich flavors of the food.

What Is the Menu for Diwali?

A Diwali menu typically includes a variety of dishes like the ones mentioned in this guide. A typical menu may include:

• Appetizers and Snacks: Samosas and Onion Bhaji 
• Main Course: Baingan Bharta
• Dessert: Gulab Jamun
• Beverages: Masala Chai (spiced Indian tea brewed with milk) and Badam Milk (creamy almond milk infused with saffron and cardamom)

Why Is Food Important to Diwali?

Food holds a central place in Diwali celebrations, reflecting the spirit of togetherness, tradition and joy. Diwali (also known as the Festival of Lights) is a five-day celebration that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Key to a Diwali celebration are lit lamps, decorations and friend/family gatherings. Food has also become a way for families and communities to bond and celebrate shared heritage.

During Diwali each dish carries cultural significance, passed down through generations and serves as a symbol of prosperity and abundance. Food during Diwali brings people together, fostering warmth and unity while honoring the rich flavors and traditions of India.

Prepare to celebrate the Festival of Lights and ensure that your celebration is filled with flavors and joy. These traditional and modern dishes offer something for every palate.

For even more fun Diwali ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!