London restaurants light up for Diwali with festive menus and events across the city

Several London restaurants are marking Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, with special menus and events this October. The celebrations, taking place across various neighbourhoods including East Dulwich, Haymarket, Putney and Islington, offer a taste of traditional and modern Indian cuisine during one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar.

At Kokum in East Dulwich, a limited-edition Diwali menu will be served from 14^th to 19^th October. The restaurant, which opened in July 2023, is offering a selection of festive dishes such as Mussels Moilee, Kiwi Pani Puri and Lamb Boti Kebab with Guava Chaat. On Sunday 19^th, diners will also receive a complimentary piece of freshly made barfi – a traditional Indian sweet – as part of the celebration.

Farzi London, located in Haymarket, is hosting a special Sunday brunch on 19^th October from noon till 5pm. Priced at £40 per person, the buffet includes a wide variety of dishes such as Paneer Shahi, Chicken Rizala Kebab, Mutton Badami Korma and Prawn Moli. The occasion will also feature live cooking stations, including a chaat counter and pani puri, along with a dessert buffet offering assorted sweets. Entertainment will include live music, henna and face painting. A special Diwali thali menu will also be available in the evening.

In Putney, Chook Chook is offering a thali available in both vegetarian and chicken options. The selection includes dishes such as Paneer Makhni, Railway Chicken Curry, House Black Daal, naan, biryani, raita and Gulab Jamun, accompanied by a mango lassi.

Meanwhile, OmNom at Namaste Village in Islington is holding a five-day celebration from the 16^th to the 20^th. The restaurant will serve a thali for £22.95 featuring dishes like Punjabi Samosas, Kaju Paneer Masala and Tadka Daal. Guests can also receive 10% off the thali with the code DIWALI10. Finally, on 19^th and 20^th October, they will host a Grand Celebration Buffet, available for £20.95 per person.

Diwali, observed by millions around the world, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. For many Londoners, these culinary events provide an opportunity to come together and celebrate the festival through food.

Food Desk

Diwali takes place on 25^th October 2025. For further information or to book at one of the restaurants above, visit their website via the link in the text.