Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most cherished festivals in India. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Families and friends come together to light lamps, enjoy festive meals, and share in the joy of the season.
George Shaw rounds up this season’s planned events that are happening at some of his favourite Indian venues.
Benares Mayfair W1
Each course can be paired with a selection of bespoke wines.
In the spirit of the Diwali tradition of giving, every booking for the tasting menu will be treated to a special surprise. This could be complimentary signature cocktails, indulgent desserts, festive playing cards, or the ultimate prize – an exclusive meal with wine pairings at the Chef’s Table.
12a Berkley Square
London W1J 6BS
Kanishka London W1
From 28th October – 3rd November, pan Indian Kanishka will present a seven-course tasting menu by Michelin-ranked Atul Kochhar and Ashok Kumar. Signature dishes will include Slow Cooked Gressingham Duck Breast with peanut and coconut sauce, Aloo Kachalu Chaat with crispy colocasia and the celebrated house speciality, Khasta Murg – Chicken Tikka Pithivie.
£105 per person with wine pairing at £75 per person.
The menu is priced at £105 per person
Kanishka by Atul Kochhar
17-19 Maddox Street
Mayfair
London
W1S 2QH
Manthan London W1
Manthan will be offering new game dishes and a £20 Express Thali menu offering a sumptuous break from Bond Street shopping, with meat, fish, and vegetarian options available.
Standout dishes on the ‘New Experience’ and à la carte menus are Partridge Pepper Fry, Tandoori Chicken Chaat, Slow Cooked Venison, Methi Malai Kofta. For dessert there will be Coconut Payasam or Chocolate Passionfruit. There is also an extensive wine list and bottomless cocktails.
49 Maddox Street
Mayfair
London W1S 2PQ
Kutir London SW3
Owner-patron Rohit Ghai of Chelsea’s Michelin-starred Kutir will be curating an indulgent in Autumn Tasting Menu, honouring the finest seasonal game between 28th October – 4th November. Innovative Indian cooking techniques bring fresh twists to classic recipes. Guinea Fowl Biryani, Lamb Andhra, Chicken Harrissa and Paneer Sorrel. For dessert, indulge in the sweet and balanced flavours of Chocolate Banana, Orange and Cassata feature.
Cocktails infused with Indian spices and herbs, complement the sweet and aromatic flavours of Diwali.
Priced from £70 per person
10 Lincoln Street
Chelsea
London SW3 2TS
Quilon London SW1
Quilon’s long-standing Chef Sriram Aylur has created a special Diwali Karalan lunch menu, available for the weekend of 2nd and 3rd November.
The Michelin-starred Taj Group venue will offer Beetroot, quinoa, cheese staffed tikki, Mini crab dosas, Avareka saru field bean curry, black and white sesame chicken, Allepey shrimp curry and millet halwa.
Quilon
41 Buckingham Gate
St James’s
London SW1E 6AF
Everest Inn SE3
Blackhealth Nepalese culinary outpost offers two nights of vibrant celebrations for Tihar and Deepawali Festival of Lights, on Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th October with Champagne reception and canapes at 18:30.
Dishes include Khasi (goat) Ko Paku, Timuri Chicken, Gulmei Dahl, and Kingfish Pokora Mushroom and Saag.
An all-inclusive experience, complete with Diwali dancers and music at £95 a head.
The Cook’s Tale Canterbury Kent
Multi-awarded winning Chef-Patron Dev Biswal will be serving an exquisite 12-course Diwali tasting menu. Entertainment includes a mesmerizing Sitar performance and beautiful Henna art.
Dishes include: Rum, mango and cardamom lassi, Cocktail mushroom gujiyas, Coconut Idli of assorted, Patrani mackerel, sauce of red lentil and tomato; Smoked brochette of chicken; Grilled Wild Duck Terrine; Cutlet of lamb and Gulab
£80pp (£110 with pair wines). Prebooking required
12-14 Beer Cart Lane
Canterbury
Kent CT1 2NY
Author: George Shaw
Former BBC journalist and founder and CEO of an award-winning London advertising and PR company for 20 years, providing restaurant consultancy services. Spent a decade as the director of communications of the Asian Catering Federation in the UK and lead judge for its various restaurant and chef awards programmes. Now returned to journalism, specialising in food and travel and currently the Editor-in-Chief for Taste London, Taste Asia, the Good Curry Guide and CEO of International Culinary Guides.