We’re just a few days away from Diwali, and many people have already started decorating their homes, buying sweets, and picking up firecrackers. But what truly makes this festival special is the mouthwatering aroma of food filling every home. From crispy chaklis and mathiyas to sweet shakarpara, for some people, Diwali isn’t complete without a table full of homemade Gujarati dishes and snacks. It’s that time of the year when the kitchen smells of nothing but comfort.
10 Must-Try Gujarati Dishes On Diwali
Here’s the list of 10 Gujarati dishes that every Indian household prepares during Diwali.
1. Chakli
Chakli is a popular Gujarati Diwali snack known for its crispy, spiral shape. Made with rice flour, gram flour, and flavourful spices, it’s the perfect mix of salty and spicy. This festive favourite is deep-fried until golden and crunchy and takes around one hour to prepare. These spirals are hard to resist once you start munching.
2. Chorafali
One of the most famous dishes every Indian household loves to savour is Chorafali. This delicious snack is made from gram flour and urad dal; it’s known for its light, crispy texture. The dough is rolled into thin strips, fried until golden, and sprinkled with tangy dry mango and chilli powder. The prepared roti can also be bought from stores and fried at home. It’s perfect for tea time or just snacking anytime!
3. Mohanthal
Mohanthal is a classic Indian sweet made from gram flour, ghee, and sugar, giving it a rich, nutty flavour and grainy texture. Popular in Gujarat and Rajasthan, it’s a must-have during Diwali, prepared in many Indian households as a festive treat to share with family and friends. One bite and you can’t help but go back for more!
4. Shakarpara
What if salt and sugar come together? Wouldn’t it be amazing? And that’s why shakarpara is every Gujarati’s favourite Diwali dish. These sweet, diamond-shaped treats are deep-fried and dusted with sugar. They have a delightful mix of sweetness and mild spices, making them a popular snack. Easy to make, these crispy pastries can be prepared and ready to enjoy in about 40-45 minutes. Everyone loves popping these sweet bites straight from the bowl.
Also Read: Good News! Government Directs All Airlines To Maintain Reasonable Airfares Ahead Of Diwali
5. Namakpara
Namakpara are crunchy, salty snacks from Gujarat made with wheat flour and spices. Loved for their simple yet flavourful taste, they are a popular choice during Diwali. These bite-sized treats deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite, making them a perfect snack for festive celebrations or tea-time munching. They’re small, crunchy, and absolutely addictive.
6. Mathiya
Mathiya is a crunchy Gujarati snack, perfect for festivals like Diwali. Made from moth and urad dal flours, you can enjoy it while keeping them simple without any extra seasoning. For additional flavour, you can season it with spices like ajwain and chilli for a sweet-and-spicy kick. Fry them golden, enjoy with a cup of tea, or just munch them on their own—they’re totally addictive. They stay crunchy for days, making them perfect to prepare in advance.
7. Kaju Katli
When it’s Diwali, how can one forget to prepare Kaju Katli—they are a tradition. Kaju Katli is a beloved Indian sweet made from cashews and sugar, shaped into diamonds and sometimes decorated with edible silver. Smooth and nutty, it melts in your mouth. Perfect for Diwali or special occasions, it’s a favourite treat to share and gift. It’s the kind of sweet everyone looks forward to, especially at festivals.
Also Read: Why Thura Tribe In India Mourns On Diwali Instead Of Celebrating The Festival Of Lights
8. Chevdo
Chevdo is a tasty Gujarati dish made during Diwali by mixing poha, sev, and spices. It’s a fun blend of sweet, spicy, and savoury flavours that keeps you coming back for more. Perfect for Diwali, it’s a crunchy treat that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or just by itself. Also it can also be a perfect snack to enjoy with a meal. It’s a great snack to munch on while chatting with family.
9. Farsi Poori
Farsi Poori are a crunchy Gujarati Diwali treat made from all-purpose flour and cumin seeds. Shaped like tiny puris and lightly spiced with black pepper, they’re deep-fried in ghee for a rich flavour. Perfect for festive snacking, these traditional bites are sure to keep everyone happily munching at home. They make for a perfect little snack to enjoy anytime during the festival!
10. Gujiya
Gujiya is a beloved Indian sweet, especially made during festivals like Holi and Diwali. These half-moon-shaped pastries have a crispy, flaky crust and a deliciously sweet, crumbly filling inside. Perfect for festive celebrations, gujiyas are a favourite treat to share with family and friends. Every bite feels like a little festive celebration!
Diwali is just few days away, and so this is the perfect time to grab the ingredients and prepare these delicious Gujarati dishes.
Which one of these is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!
Also Read: 11 Spots To Get Your Diwali Hampers In Dubai For Thoughtful Festive Gifting
Cover Image Courtesy: X/ @nirupamakotru & X/ @DesiFoodStories