Diwali is a time for celebration, togetherness and enjoying good food. The Festival of Lights is a joyful occasion for millions around the world, with sharing food an important part of the festivities. This November, York restaurant Kalpakavadi is marking the occasion with a special menu that takes diners on a culinary journey through India.
Taking place on Sunday 8 November from 1pm to 9pm, the Diwali feast costs £29.99 per person, with a generous selection of dishes showcasing flavours from around the country. The celebration begins with Mumbai Aloo Tikki, Banarasi Chicken and Amritsari Fish, before moving onto a thali-style main course featuring dishes from different regional cuisines.
The mains continue the journey, from Old Delhi in the north with Murgh Makhni to Chettinad Meen Curry in the south, and west to fiery Goan Mutton Vindaloo and Kerala Duck Mappas. Vegetarian dishes include Lucknow Ki Dal, Mangalore Veg Chilli Malli and Hyderabadi Baingan, accompanied by Kashmiri Pulao, Peshwari Naan and Chennai Dosa. And after a feast spanning so many flavours, Carrot Halwa with ice cream provides a sweet finish.
It all adds up to a colourful Diwali feast made for sharing, celebrating the sheer breadth of Indian cooking through dishes that travel from one region to another. It’s a menu that feels suitably abundant for the Festival of Lights, bringing the flavours and traditions of India together on one table to mark Diwali in fitting style.
And the celebrations don’t end with Diwali. As the festive season gets underway, Kalpakavadi will also be serving a special Christmas menu from 11 November to 24 December, bringing its distinctive Indian cooking to another of the year’s big occasions. Priced at £40 per person, the three-course menu adds some spice to festive dining.
Highlights include Chilli Paneer and Madras Chicken, followed by a choice of dishes such as Kumarakom Fish Curry, Syrian Beef Roast, Lamb Shank Nihari and Paneer Tikka Masala. And there’s still a nod to Christmas tradition at either end, with a glass of Champagne to get you in the mood and the Chef Special Christmas Pudding rounding off the meal.
From the lights of Diwali to the warmth of Christmas, both menus give Kalpakavadi the chance to celebrate through the food it does best. Two significant occasions, two distinctive menus, bringing a taste of India to York for a fittingly flavourful end to the year.
