DIWALI celebrations are long overdue after last year’s pandemic peak. The city is bustling with great events, parties and bespoke menus as the festive season gets into full swing. Read on to see our top picks for Diwali celebrations in London.
Benares
Benares
Michelin-starred institute, Benares is delivering a very special Diwali menu for its guests this year. If you’re looking for somewhere special to enjoy the festive culinary delights, then their curated 8-course vegetarian tasting menu might be of interest.
The menu will be on offer on November 4, and offers dishes such as: Masala Kachori Pumpkin Curry; Paneer Tikka Wellington; and Sealed and Baked Golden Kofta in Rich Cashew Nut and Kashmiri Saffron Korma. Each guest will also receive a complimentary selection of sweets* to take home to commemorate the festival of lights.
To book a slot, visit their website here
Chourangi
Chourangi
Restaurateur Anjan Chatterjee has developed a Diwali menu based on his personal experiences of his mother’s cooking, along with the flavours of his childhood in Calcutta. It will feature a number of authentic Calcutta inspired dishes, and guests can enjoy the mouth-watering experience whilst dining under high ceilings and decor which takes inspiration from coffee houses in Calcutta.
This menu is particularly exciting as it boasts the culturally rich cuisine of Culcutta, which uses flavours from all around the world. Expect dishes like Prawn & Crab Parcels, Banana Flower Croquettes, Slow Roasted Kosha Lamb and Aam Aachar Hilsa.
To book, visit their website here
The food at Kahani
Kahani
Ex-Tamarind chef, Peter Joesph has brought his Michelin-starred talents to Kahani in Belgravia. Joseph’s vision sees a lighter, more delicate take on Indian dishes. Expect grilled meats, fish and vegetables from the robata grill and tandoor.
Kahani focuses on using fresh, seasonal British ingredients, and brings the food alive with Indian flavours and spices.
To book a visit, click here
The a vibrant scene at Copper Chimney
Copper Chimney
You may recognise the name Copper Chimney, as they have locations in India, Kuwait and the UAE. Their London site is situated in Shepard’s Bush, and offers a casual dining setting for lovers of Indian food. Its name takes inspiration from the copper cooking vessels used in traditional Indian kitchens, and boasts a special menu comprised of signature dishes for Diwali.
Along with brilliant dishes from the grill and tandoor, guests can enjoy drinks from an extensive menu. We like the sound of the Achari Whiskey from their signature cocktail list. It consists of sour mash whisky, ginger ale and mango!
Book a table here
The Dilly hotel
Madhu’s of Mayfair at The Dilly
Madhu’s of Mayfair is situated in the centre of London at The Dilly hotel. The restaurant serves up dishes from North India whilst taking inspiration from the flavours of East-Africa. The food tells the tale of an eight-generation family dynasty that dates back to the ‘Brilliant Hotel’ in Nairobi, Kenya 1935.
With a focus on luxury, and an impressive A-list clientele, Madhu’s is an ideal place to celebrate Diwali in style.
Book a table here
Welcome cocktail for Diwali
Grand Trunk Road
South Woodford might not come to mind when you think of dinner locations in London, however, it’s worth the commute if you’re after some quality award-winning Indian food. The team behind Mayfair’s Tamarind and Zaika are responsible for its success, and the restaurant’s menu takes inspiration from ancient recipes whilst putting on a fine dining twist. For Diwali, Grand Trunk Road will be serving a complimentary welcome cocktail to all of its guests along with some mithai (sweet dessert) to finish.
Book a table here.
by Katrina Mirpuri