As Autumn brings in cooler temperatures and cozy vibes, it also welcomes Diwali — the festival of lights celebrated across Southeast Asia. This Indian festival is primarily a Hindu tradition but it’s celebrated in some form across many Indian religions.

Diwali shouldn’t be a time of stress, so we’re sharing our favorite last-minute Diwali menu ideas so you can impress friends and family without spending the entire festival in your kitchen.

Quick and Easy Diwali Appetizers

Start the evening off right with some of our favorite Diwali appetizers to impress your guests from the get-go. Heat up some of these ready-to-go appetizers and upgrade them with homemade chutney and dips for an unforgettable start to the holiday. 

• Chef Bombay Vegetable Samosas: You can never go wrong with some classic samosas! Satisfy all your guests, whether they’re halal, vegan, or a staunch carnivore, with crispy pastry and perfectly spiced vegetable filling.

• Papdi chaat: Papdi chaat is a popular Indian street food consisting of crispy papdi, various savory toppings, and classic spices. Layer papdi with potato, chickpeas, chutney, sev, and pomegranate seeds to your heart’s desire. Then sprinkle on chaat masala and enjoy right away while the papdi is still crisp.

• Chef Bombay Vegetable Pakoras: Vegetable pakoras are the perfect savory snack to kick off your Diwali festivities. Enjoy these vegetable fritters with our sweet tamarind sauce or on their own to tide you over while you wait for the main course.

Chef Bombay Mini Chicken Tikka Samosas: Samosas are traditionally made with a potato base, but why not use a fan-favorite food instead? These chicken tikka samosas pack a punch of flavor in every crispy bite.

Dazzling, Yet Quick Diwali Main Course Ideas

Just because your entree is the star of the show doesn’t mean it has to take up all your time. Try one of these quick and satisfying main courses to fuel your celebration, whether you’re inviting over the whole block or keeping the party with your family.

• Chef Bombay Palak Paneer: Palak paneer is a delicious Indian curry with stewed paneer in a creamy, spiced, spinach curry. This dish is ready in just a few minutes and served with turmeric rice for the perfect balance of flavor.

• Fiery Chicken Curry: Look no further for the best shortcut to tender chicken curry for a delicious and fast Diwali meal. This perfectly-spiced chicken is slow-cooked to perfection so you can enjoy the complex flavor of your favorite Indian spices in only five minutes.

• Kathi rolls: Kathi rolls are a popular Indian street food, made of any filling you’d like wrapped in a paratha. Set up a Kathi roll station with a couple of filling options and guests can assemble the perfect Diwali entree to suit their tastes.

• Tandoori chicken: Tandoori chicken is marinated in a yogurt sauce spiced with garam masala, chili, coriander, ginger, and other classic spices. This entree takes a bit of planning ahead for the marinade but then you just need to cook the chicken in your preferred way. Serve this classic Diwali meal with rice and any other side dishes you’d like.

Sparkling Diwali Desserts and Sweets

We’re sure your guests think they had their fill of mouth-watering appetizers and fragrant entrees but there’s always room for dessert. Discover the sweet side of Indian cuisine and end your Diwali meal on a high note with one of these irresistible desserts.

• Rangoli cupcakes: Rangoli is a traditional type of Indian art where intricate patterns are created on floors or tabletops with dried spices, beans, sand, or other colorful materials. Bring this festive tradition to your Diwali table and create patterns on your cupcakes with sprinkles, sugar, nuts, and other sweet toppings.

• Kalakand: Kalakand is a popular Indian dessert traditionally made with homemade paneer, milk, and sugar for a sweetened, creamy treat. Make this dessert at home quickly and simmer store-bought paneer in sweetened condensed milk and cardamom until it forms a dough. Then, let it cool in a brownie pan and top with chopped nuts and dried fruit to your taste. All that’s left to do is devour this addictive sweet treat.

• Phirni: Phirni, also known as firni,  is a rice pudding flavored with rose water, saffron, cardamon, and pistachio nuts. For authentic results, use ground jasmine rice and serve your phirni cold.

• Gulab jamun: Gulab jamun are small balls of fried dough made from milk solids and soaked in a sweet rosewater syrup. Milk solids take a long time to make from scratch, so cheat the system with powdered milk to bring this delicious dessert together easily.

• Mango lassi: Mango lassi is one of the most beloved Indian drinks. It’s sweet, creamy, and ultra-easy to make at home, so it’s the perfect conclusion to a big Diwali dinner. Blend fresh or frozen mango, yogurt, a splash of milk, and a hint of sugar together and you’re ready to sit back and sip.

Tackle Diwali Menu Prep Stress-Free with Chef Bombay

Don’t let a busy schedule keep you from celebrating Diwali with friends and family. When you’re short on time, Chef Bombay helps you serve authentic and delicious frozen Indian cuisine in minutes. You don’t need to spend hours putting together the perfect Diwali menu — instead, take this time and enjoy the festival of lights.

Diwali Menu FAQ

What food do you eat for Diwali?

Many people enjoy authentic Indian cuisine for Diwali such as curries and samosas. Many Hindus will eat vegan and vegetarian meals during Diwali, but the festival is celebrated across many different cultures, all with their own traditional foods.

What is a Diwali potluck and what should I take?

A Diwali potluck is like any other potluck — everyone brings a different dish and enjoys a meal family-style. Bring your favorite Indian meal or snack. But we suggest skipping beef for this Hindu holiday!

Can you eat meat on Diwali?

Yes, you can eat meat on Diwali. Certain religious groups may avoid meat dishes during Diwali celebrations but everyone celebrates differently. When in doubt, check in with your guests or host to see what they prefer for their Diwali foods.

Why is Diwali celebrated with food?

Diwali is celebrated with food because the festival symbolizes the forces of good defeating evil. It’s a joyous holiday, so celebrants gather with friends and family to share meals and show gratitude.

What is the most popular sweet for Diwali?

Without a doubt, the most popular sweet Diwali food is gulab jamun. Dairy-based foods are a staple in any Diwali menu so these sweet milk dough balls are a must-have for your Diwali menu.