Get ready to embark on a delicious journey across India — all in one afternoon! From sizzling street snacks to royal biryanis and comforting sweets, Diwalifest brings together a vibrant lineup of food vendors offering authentic, homemade, and creative dishes from every corner of India.
Whether you’re craving something spicy, savory, or sweet, there’s something here for everyone — even first-time tasters! Don’t forget to check out our Food Guide below, where you can explore detailed descriptions of each dish and learn about its regional roots and story.
✨ Come hungry, bring your curiosity, and experience the joy of Diwali through food, flavor, and community. A huge thank-you to our volunteer Brinda Mohan for crafting these beautiful menu descriptions that capture the heart and heritage of Indian cuisine.Â
Appalu
Traditional South Indian sweet fritters made from rice flour and jaggery, fried until crisp outside and soft within. With origins in Andhra Pradesh, they are especially prepared during festivals as a homely and nostalgic treat.
Black Eyed Peas Vada
Appetizer made with protein-rich black-eyed peas blended with mint, coriander, spinach, and mild green chilies. Fried to perfection and served with peanut chutney.
Butter Chicken
Tender chicken cooked in a rich tomato, butter, and cream sauce, delicately spiced for a perfect balance of flavor. A hallmark of North Indian cuisine and a worldwide favorite.
Chai
Black tea simmered with milk, aromatic spices, and a touch of sweetness. The perfect pick-me-up, especially with a samosa!
Chicken 65
Fiery, deep-fried chicken bites tossed with bold South Indian spices, curry leaves, and a hint of tang. Crispy, spicy, and irresistible.
Chicken Biryani
Fragrant basmati rice layered with chicken and spices — a timeless Mughlai and Hyderabadi classic.
Chicken Kebab
Juicy, marinated chicken skewered and grilled, infused with smoky, spiced flavors. A Mughlai favorite.
Daal Makhani
A rich, creamy stew of black lentils and kidney beans, slow-cooked with butter and cream. A Punjabi comfort food staple.
Dahi Vada
Soft lentil fritters soaked in spiced yogurt and topped with chutneys and a sprinkle of aromatic spices.
Falooda
A festive dessert drink with rose syrup, vermicelli, basil seeds, chilled milk, and ice cream — the perfect blend of drink and dessert.
Gulab Jamun
Golden fried dough balls soaked in cardamom and saffron sugar syrup. A beloved Indian sweet for every celebration.
Idli
Soft, steamed rice and lentil dumplings, a South Indian breakfast staple typically served with chutney and sambhar.
Mango Lassi
A refreshing yogurt-based drink blended with ripe mangoes, sugar, and a hint of cardamom.
Mathri
Crisp, flaky crackers made from spiced wheat flour and fried until light and crunchy. A Rajasthani tea-time favorite.
Mutton Biryani
Aromatic basmati rice layered with tender, slow-cooked mutton, caramelized onions, and saffron — a royal delicacy from Mughlai and Hyderabadi traditions.
Paneer Butter Masala
Cubes of paneer simmered in a buttery tomato sauce, rich yet mild. Pairs beautifully with basmati rice or naan.
Paneer Momos
Soft dumplings filled with spiced paneer and vegetables, steamed or fried. An Indo-Tibetan favorite with an Indian twist.
Papdi Chaat
Crisp wafers topped with spiced potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, and chutneys for the perfect tangy, sweet, and crunchy bite.
Pulao / Pulav
Fragrant basmati rice cooked with vegetables and mild spices. A lighter, comforting cousin to biryani.
Ras Malai
Soft cottage cheese dumplings soaked in saffron milk and garnished with nuts. A melt-in-the-mouth Bengali dessert.
Samosa
Crispy pastry pockets filled with spiced potatoes and peas. A classic Indian street snack loved everywhere.
Street-Style Panipuri
Crispy hollow puris filled with potatoes, chickpeas, chutneys, and tangy flavored water — eat it in one joyful bite!
Vada
Crispy, golden lentil fritters with a fluffy center, served with chutney and sambhar.
Vada Pav
Savory chickpea-battered potato fritters (vada) tucked in a bun (pav) with tangy chutneys — Maharashtra’s iconic street food snack.