5 Tasty Spots To Celebrate Diwali In London

By Charlie Colville

1 year ago

Where to celebrate the Festival of Lights this year


Looking for ideas on how to celebrate Diwali this year (12 November)? Get into the spirit of the Festival of Lights this weekend with these culinary hotspots…

Best Indian Restaurants in London

5 Tasty Spots To Celebrate Diwali 2023

Yaatra

Housed in the iconic Grade II listed Old Westminster Fire Station, Yaatra will be welcoming the Diwali festivities with a limited edition menu highlighting the restaurant’s signature blend of Indian cooking styles, running throughout November. Plus, there’s a special candle-lit dinner taking place on Diwali itself, inviting guests into Yaatra’s gorgeous restaurant filled with flicker candles, serving up a special five course dinner and cocktails.

Table spread with feast of Indian dishes

Details: 4 Greycoat Place, Westminster, London, SW1P 1SB. yaatrarestaurant.com

Kona

A limited-edition version of Kona’s iconic Indian Jasmine Afternoon Tea has launched at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, with a menu crafted especially to celebrate the festival of lights. Inspired by the traditional afternoon tea but with its roots firmly in Indian dining culture, guests and visitors to the hotel alike can indulge in beautifully crafted Diwali themed pastries and delicious savoury treats.

Details: Afternoon Tea is £75 per person and is served Thursday–Sunday at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm from 14 October–19 November. taj51buckinghamgate.co.uk

The Cinnamon Club

Nestled among the book-lined shelves of the Grade-II Old Westminster Library, The Cinnamon Club is the perfect little hideaway for celebrations this year. The restaurant will be serving up a five-course tasting menu for diners, with highlights including dishes of jackfruit and lotus root kebab, Kokum crusted halibut, Old Delhi style butter chicken and clove smoked saddle of lamb. Kick things off with a festive cocktail and canapes, and then let the real indulgence begin.

Spread of Diwali food

Details: The Old Westminster Library, 30-32 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BU. cinnamonclub.com

Babur

Want to keep things a little more low-key this year? Forego the set menus and parties and instead treat yourself to an evening of delicious dining at Babur. Crowned London’s Best Asian Restaurant by the Asian Restaurant Awards, Babur is renowned for its contemporary twist on regional Indian dishes. Hero dishes inlcude Kasundi king prawns with Bengali mustard, spiced puff rice and green papaya murabba and a vegetarian thali with paneer makai tawa masala, green bean fogath, dal makhni, aloo gobi, mustard raita, pulao rice and a mini naan bread. Finish the night on a high with Babur’s signature dessert platter, packed with spiced apricot and fig crumble, stem ginger and honey kulfi, raspberry sorbet, chocolate gelato, praline dust and mixed berry compote, and venture into the night eagerly anticipating your next visit.

Spread of Diwali food

Details: 119 Brockley Rise, Forest Hill, London SE23 1JP. babur.info

Raastawala

Keep it low key with a trip to Canteen Food Hall & Bar in Greenwich Peninsula, where Raastawala will be serving a roster of Diwali specials, all inspired by family recipes of the founding trio, Rinku, Ron and Neelan. This includes the intensely flavourful Kosha Mangsho and Sweet pumpkin kosha. After, step outside to admire Greenwich Peninsula’s special Diwali installation by MURUGIAH, and catch Bollywood dancing, henna tattoos and lantern making on 11 November.

 

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Details: Diwali specials running 11–19 November at Canteen Food Hall & Bar (7 Soames Walk, London SE10 0AX).