Deepavali isn’t just about beautiful lights. It’s about the amazing food, wonderful smells, and precious family moments that make the festival special. For restaurant and café owners, this is one of the most exciting (and hectic!) times of the year. Customers want food that feels like home but also feels special enough for celebration.
Let’s look at what’s popular on festive menus this year—and how you can make sure every dish creates happy memories for your customers.
Butter chicken will always have a special spot in the Deepavali line-up, but diners today want richness without feeling too heavy. Instead of relying solely on cream, try adding yogurt or a touch of fresh herbs at the end. It “lifts” the flavour and gives the dish a gentle brightness.
For even more depth, season your marinade with AJI-NO-MOTO® to bring out the natural umami in the chicken. The result? You guessed it: a gravy that’s velvety, flavourful, and perfectly balanced—exactly what festive diners crave.
A well-made vegetarian biryani isn’t just a meat-free option. It’s really a star in its own right. The secret lies in the layering: fluffy basmati rice, fragrant spices, fried onions, fresh herbs, and a generous drizzle of ghee.
To make your spices sing, mix in TUMIX® Chicken Stock with your masala base. It gives vegetables and rice that satisfying “full-bodied” flavour customers love, without overpowering the spices. Pair it with a cooling mint and cucumber raita or a spicy pickle to complete the experience
Sweet, sticky, and indulgent—gulab jamun is the grand finale of many Deepavali meals. But after a rich spread, diners appreciate something to balance the sweetness. Try pairing gulab jamun with a light rosewater syrup, a spoonful of unsweetened yogurt, or even a chilled glass of fresh fruit juice.
If you’re looking to make your dessert stand out, infuse your syrup with subtle flavours like cardamom, saffron, or even a touch of pandan for a local twist. It’s a simple way to add your own signature without making the preparation overly complicated.
These days, celebrations happen everywhere—at home, in the office, or in your restaurant. Dishes that travel well without losing flavour are a big win for restaurant owners. Think rich gravies that stay aromatic, crispy snacks that hold their crunch, and rice dishes that don’t clump together.
One trick: use AJI-SHIO® Flavoured Pepper or TUMIX® in your seasoning to ensure flavour stays locked in, even after reheating. Your customers will remember that “freshly made” taste—whether they’re eating straight from the kitchen or after a Grab delivery.
In a busy festive season, it’s often the small details that set you apart. A sprinkling of freshly chopped coriander, an aromatic garnish, or a signature house spice blend can turn a good dish into a memorable one.
By using seasoning solutions like AJI-NO-MOTO®, TUMIX®, and AJI-SHIO®, you can keep flavours consistent across every batch—so no matter how many plates you serve, each customer gets the same satisfying festive experience.
Deepavali menus in 2025 are all about balance—between old and new, rich and light, indulgent and affordable.
With the right seasoning, thoughtful presentation, and a few smart cost-saving tricks, you can deliver flavours that customers love while keeping your kitchen running smoothly. And with AJI-NO-MOTO® products helping you save time and enhance taste, you’ll have more freedom to focus on what matters most: creating festive experiences your customers will talk about until the next Deepavali.
Ajinomoto Food Biz Partner
