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.
After a table full of rich, spicy food, your customers will be looking for something to cool things down. A standard mango lassi is okay lah, but a signature lassi is where you can really make an impression.
Instead of just mango and yogurt, try blending in a pinch of cardamom for warmth or a tiny hint of saffron for that premium, “atas” look. Here’s the pro-tip to make it confirm sedap: the key to a great lassi is balancing the sweetness of the mango with the tang of the yogurt. A tiny pinch of AJI-NO-MOTO® can be your secret weapon here. It’s a flavour enhancer that rounds out the taste, making the fruit seem sweeter and the whole drink more vibrant and complete. Top it with some chopped pistachios, and you’ve turned a simple drink into a must-order dessert beverage.
Offering a set menu is a smart way to guide customer choices and increase their spending, but you need a solid strategy to protect your profit margins.
Use the 1-2-1 Formula: A good starting point for a set menu is 1 Appetizer, 2 Mains, and 1 Vegetable Side. Pair a lower-cost item like a Modern Murukku Platter with one premium main (like Lamb Shank Biryani) and one standard main (like a spiced chicken dish).
Balance Your Food Cost: The lamb might have a tight margin. This is where reliable ingredients shine. Your Lamb Shank Biryani can be made consistently delicious by using a rice base enhanced with TUMIX® Chicken Stock. This helps you control costs by getting a deep, rich flavour without needing expensive, long-simmered broths for your rice.
Guarantee Consistency: During the Deepavali rush, you can’t afford a single inconsistent dish. Using a dash of AJI-SHIO® Flavoured Pepper to season your appetizers or a reliable base like TUMIX® for your curries ensures every single plate that leaves your kitchen tastes exactly as perfect as the last. Consistency is what builds trust and keeps customers coming back.
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
