There is so much to love about Diwali, India’s largest and most festive holiday. There’s the celebration of good over evil, the tradition of lighting candles throughout one’s home, the embracing of hope and new beginnings, and, of course, the focus on food to bring people together and enhance the merriment. Diwali celebrations take place over five days in the fall, with the height of the celebration falling on November 1. Come and join the festivities by indulging in these special dishes in that are commonly eaten during the holiday by Indian communities around the world.
Jaipur Royal Indian Cuisine’s Chat Papdi
One of the hallmarks of Diwali is the abundance of savory, crunchy snacks served in restaurants, at parties, and in people’s homes. Chaat encompasses a variety of crispy, chutney-drenched snacks eaten at festivals and celebratory events. One of the most popular is chat papdi, where heaps of chips are topped with a blend of chickpeas, hunks of potato, a cucumber-yogurt sauce, and a duo of sweet and spicy chutneys. It’s a wild ride of textures and flavors. 9401 Lee Hwy., Fairfax
Celebration by Rupa Vira’s Mango Chili Paneer
As its name suggests, many of this restaurant’s dishes are appropriate for a commemorative event. One of the most fun dishes is the mango chili paneer. Paneer, an Indian cheese similar to cottage cheese, is combined with warming Indian spices like turmeric, garam masala, and dried coriander, as well as hot chilies, to form patties that are pan-fried, crowned with mango spheres, and served with a smear of mango sauce. 44260 Ice Rink Plz., Ste. 120, Ashburn
Chaatwala’s Chole Bhature
One of the best special-occasion indulgences in Indian cuisine is chole bhature. The dish consists of huge, puffy balloons of fried bread that is served alongside a creamy chickpea and tomato curry that is seasoned with lots of cumin, clove, and cinnamon. It’s the ultimate comfort food indulgence. Multiple area locations
Kismet Modern Indian’s Carrot Halwa
It may sound odd to have a dessert made of carrots, but this one is a sweet, heady delight. Thinly grated carrots simmer for hours with condensed milk, butter, raisins, and cardamom to make a soft, rich, pudding-like confection. 111 N. Pitt St., Alexandria
Bansari’s Cutting Chai
Masala chai tea is the cornerstone of Indian hospitality. At Bansari, the beverage is offered in its classic preparation, with tea brewed with ginger, sugar and cardamom powder, combined with warm milk, and then strained and served in a glass cup. Its smoky, peppery, sweet taste is beloved by many Indian people, and it will complete any special meal. 2750 Gallows Rd., Ste. H, Vienna
Feature image of carrot halwa at Kismet Modern Indian by Michael Butcher
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