Deepavali Sweets and Desserts

Indian sweets, often called mithai, are an important part of Deepavali celebrations. Laddu, also spelt ladoo, burfi or barfi, and different types of halwa are among the sweets shared with family, friends and visitors. In Malaysia, festive favourites also include nei urundai, the crumbly ghee balls made with roasted mung dal, and brightly coloured coconut candy.

For something to serve after a meal, there’s payasam, with variations made from ingredients such as rice or vermicelli. It makes a lovely contrast to the small sweets and biscuits passed around with tea.

My sugee halwa is a childhood favourite: semolina cooked with ghee, milk and sugar, scented with cardamom and rose water. It’s a useful recipe when you want a homemade Indian dessert without a long afternoon in the kitchen.

Savoury Snacks: Murukku, Vadai and More

Sweet things are only part of the story. Murukku, vadai and savoury mixtures provide plenty of crunch between meals. In Malaysian homes, the selection might include spiral murukku, ribbon pakoda or a mixture of crisp sev, peanuts, roasted gram and curry leaves. The precise assortment depends on the family and whoever’s doing the cooking.

My Singaporean prawn vadai is one option for guests who eat seafood. These lentil fritters belong to the wider family of vadai found in our local food culture.

And for a freshly made accompaniment to plain vadai, thosai or idli, there’s coconut chutney. It’s a handy addition whether you’re serving breakfast or putting together a savoury snack spread.

Biryani, Curries and Vegetarian Diwali Food

A Deepavali feast can be entirely vegetarian or include meat dishes, according to the household’s traditions. The recipes here give you options for putting together a meal that suits your family and guests.

For a meal with meat, chicken biryani makes a generous centrepiece, with layers of spiced chicken and fragrant basmati rice. Serve it with raita and a vegetable side, or add dalcha, my lentil dish with vegetables and lamb chops.

The dalcha post also explains how to make a vegetarian version. Pair it with rice, a vegetable dish such as brinjal pachadi and a chutney for a satisfying meat-free meal. There’s also a vegan option in my keema recipe, which you can serve with rice or chapati.

North Indian dishes have their place in Singapore and Malaysia too. Palak paneer, with its spinach sauce and soft paneer cubes, is one example found on restaurant menus in both countries and another option for a vegetarian festive spread.

Pineapple Tarts, Kuih and Festive Biscuits

Some of our favourite festive recipes turn up for several celebrations. Pineapple tarts, or kuih tart, are a particularly good example, appearing at Deepavali, Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and Christmas.

My recipe includes eggless and vegan versions, so you can choose the pastry that suits your guests. I’d advise making extra, but that’s generally my position on pineapple tarts.

You’ll also find biskut kacang, the crumbly peanut cookies also known as biskut Mazola, and kuih rose. These delicate rosette biscuits belong to the same festive repertoire as achu murukku, the sweet, mould-fried snack found on Deepavali tables.

Together, they give you a choice of flavours and textures for biscuit jars, visiting guests or a homemade gift.

Drinks to Serve with Your Deepavali Food

For something cold, sirap bandung combines rose syrup and milk in a familiar pink drink that’s easy to serve alongside a meal.

If you prefer tea with your sweets and biscuits, try teh tarik, our frothy, milky pulled tea. Either makes a welcome accompaniment to an afternoon of visitors and repeated trips to the biscuit jars.

Putting Together Your Deepavali Menu

Start with the kind of celebration you’re planning. For a sit-down meal, choose a rice dish or bread, a curry or dal, a vegetable side and a dessert. For an afternoon gathering, a savoury snack, a couple of sweets and something to drink may be all you need.

Mix the more involved recipes with simpler ones, and check each recipe’s preparation and storage notes so you can spread the cooking over a few days.

You’ll also find more Diwali recipes on LinsFood, including further Indian dishes, eggless baking and desserts for sharing.