As the important Indian festival approaches once more, we have compiled a list of where to experience Diwali at London restaurants. A significant event in the Hinduist and Jainist calendar, Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil which is marked by the lighting of candles and lamps (and organised firework displays) hence the Western translation, 'Festival of Lights'. Enjoy Diwali at London restaurants this year and embrace the spirit of the festival, sampling some Indian delights along the way.
Michelin-starred Amaya provides a traditional Diwali set menu at £38.50 per head with celebration tomato and almond soup, three kebab dishes, two vegetable dishes and a festival dessert of rasmalai in dark chocolate pyramids.
Halkin Arcade ,
Motcomb Street,
London,
SW1X 8JT
The Diwali special menu (5th - 7th Nov 2010) will present a rich selection of festive dishes including the likes of king prawns coated with coconut, coriander and chillies, pan-grilled sea bass in a nilgiri masala of green herbs, hyderabadi mirchi, beans and mushroom salan, and vermicelli, carrots and milk pudding with raisins and chestnuts.
16 Albemarle Street,
Mayfair,
London,
W1S 4HW
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The Diwali menu at £36 per person comprises of tokri chaat, their signature luxurious street starter, a main course from prawns with brandy makhani sauce, narangi murgh (a royal chicken curry), lamb biryani kadai mackfruit with water chestnuts or paneer makhani and green vegetable biryani, plus mushroom kofta and punjabi dal for all. Followed by mishti doi for dessert.
535 Kings Road,
Chelsea,
London,
SW10 0SZ
The Cinnamon Club's six course vegetarian Diwali menu is priced at £50 per person and includes Jerusalem artichoke and onion tikki, lotus seed and vegetable seekh, yoghurt and chickpea dishes, baked jumbo morels and a selection of Indian religious offerings. The banquet menu is available from 1st to 6th November 2010.
The Old Westminster Library,
30-32 Great Smith Street,
Westminster,
London,
SW1P 3BU
Cinnamon Kitchen, the Cinnamon Club's sister restaurant, is offering a banquet featuring dishes from top Indian restaurants in London, including Benares, Dockmaster's House, Cinnamon Club, Moti Mahal, Tamarind and Cinnamon Kitchen. The banquet is in aid of Action Against Hunger and takes place on Sunday 14th November 2010. Tickets cost £85. To book, call 0208 853 7570.
9 Devonshire Square,
The City,
London,
EC2M 4YL
From 1st - 8th November 2010, Dishoom is offering a sharing menu at £20 per person. The menu includes a Diwali bellini aperitif followed by keema pau, dahi puri, grilled langoustine and a choice of biryani. A vegetarian option is also available for £17.50 per person.
St Martins Courtyard,
12 Upper St Martins Lane,
Covent Garden,
London,
WC2H 9EF
Celebrate Diwali by trying Imli's tasting menu at £19.95 per person, which includes half a bottle of wine.
167-169 Wardour Street,
Soho,
London,
W1F 8WR
Enjoy a grand 4 course Diwali feast for £25 per person plus a farewell gift of a traditional Indian sweet (mithai). Also you can tuck into dishes such as bhel, sev puri, dahi puri, grilled wild jumbo prawns, chicken tikka, harra barra kebab and desserts made by the rare breed of 'halwais' (Indian speciality sweet chefs). This menu is available across all Masala Zone restaurants.
9 Marshall Street,
Soho,
London,
W1F 7ER
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Moti Mahal will be offering 50% off their Jaipur menu during Diwali, making a two course meal just £19 or £23 with a dessert.
45 Great Queen Street,
Strand,
London,
WC2B 5AA
The Diwali Menu of 3 courses at £36 per person comprises a vegetable tikki chaat and prawn Champagne makhani, masala lamb chop, bori chicken biryan and dal makhani for non vegetarians, and paneer tukra, subz malai kofta, bharwan gucchi (jumbo morel) and vegetable biryani for vegetarians, plus bharta (smoked aubergine caviar) for all. You can also enjoy a chocolate kala jamun with coconut rice pudding for dessert.
Mezzanine Floor, Victory House,
99-101 Regent Street,
Piccadilly,
London,
W1B 4RS