Colors fill the air, and laughter echoes everywhere – can you guess what time of year it is? That’s right, it’s Holi!
This festival is eagerly awaited in India, marking the arrival of spring each year.
Saying “bura matt maano, Holi hai” is everyone’s mantra, and indulging in lots of thandai (a special drink) is totally acceptable.
Places like Vrindavan, Mathura, Barsana, Agra, Delhi, and more are known for their fantastic Holi celebrations.
The top tour packages in these cities sell out fast, so book early! One of the best parts of Holi is the delicious food prepared for the occasion.
Explore Holi Special Foods That Bring Joy to Your Plate
Traditional Holi special foods include decadent sweets, savory snacks, and mouthwatering appetizers that everyone can enjoy together.
From crispy fried treats to sweet delights and flavorful chaats, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re already drooling just thinking about it, get ready to discover 15 must-try dishes that will make this Holi unforgettable!
1. Gujiya
In India, one of the most loved foods during Holi is gujiya, which is a delicious sweet pastry.
The aroma of gujiya, along with other traditional Holi foods like karanji, ghugra, or karajikai, fills the air weeks before the festivities start.
No matter where you are in India, gujiya and its variations are part of the special cuisine of Holi.
Nowadays, you can even find baked and diabetic-friendly gujiyas at sweet shops.
But can you really mess with this delicious Indian pastry soaked in sugary syrup?!
2. Masala Mathri
Tea-time snacks are a big deal in our country, and it’s easy to see why!
Having a sip of tea without some khari, matthi, or rusks just doesn’t feel right, does it?
During the Holi Festival in India, not only do we celebrate with vibrant colors, but we also prepare Holi special foods.
It’s the perfect time to grab some freshly made masala mathri from your favorite snack shop!
Enjoying these savory North Indian treats with a hot cup of ginger tea after playing Holi with friends adds to the joy of life.
3. Malpua
During Holi, a special sweet dish is prepared in many places like Rajasthan, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, there’s a special sweet dish called Malpua.
It’s like a pancake but with a desi twist, and it’s super yummy! People just can’t stop at one because it’s so delicious.
When you pair Malpua with Rabri, it’s like the best love story ever! Don’t believe me?
Try it this Holi along with other Holi special foods, and you’ll see what I mean.
4. Dahi Bhalle
During Holi, there’s a special food everyone enjoys called dahi bhalle.
It’s made in many homes and at gatherings. People love it because it’s tasty and refreshing!
Families often have their own secret recipes for making it, not just for Holi but for other festivals too.
Once you try homemade dahi bhalle, you’ll want more!
5. Thandai
Thandai is a special drink for Holi, made with cold milk, dried fruits, seeds, and rose petals.
And you know what adds an extra special touch? Some people like to add bhang to it.
Imagine drinking a big glass of thandai with your friends and family before playing Holi.
It’s a tradition and an experience you should try soon!
6. Namak Pare
During Holi, there are special foods that everyone looks forward to, like colorful sweets and salty treats.
One of these special foods is namak pare, which are crunchy, salty snacks that people enjoy with their evening tea.
They’re called “salt pieces” because they’re made with salt and flour.
These snacks are so popular during Holi that they sell out quickly, even before the festival starts!
So, remember to buy plenty of namak pare before Holi arrives.
7. Bhang Pakore
In Holi celebrations, there’s a special food called pakoras made by cooks all around.
These pakoras are unique because they contain bhang, which can make you really happy.
But it’s important not to eat too many at once. Start with a few and then have fun!
During festivals like Holi, we’re allowed to enjoy ourselves as much as we like, which is really nice!
8. Lassi
Have you ever tasted something so amazing it felt like paradise?
Try this creamy drink made with yogurt, and you’ll feel like you’re in heaven!
It’s called lassi, and it’s super popular in India, especially during Holi, the festival of colors.
Whether it’s a lassi flavored with rose or packed with the sweetness of mango served in a traditional clay cup, your Holi celebrations won’t be complete without enjoying a refreshing glass of lassi.
Experience the magic of Holi with special foods like lassi, a traditional treat loved by many.
With flavors like rose and mango, this creamy yogurt drink is a must-have during the festivities.
Don’t miss out on this Holi special food item that will transport your taste buds to paradise!
9. Puran Poli
When we talk about special foods for Holi, we can’t forget Maharashtra’s puran poli.
This traditional Holi special food is simple yet distinct!
It’s like a sweet flatbread filled with lentils, jaggery, and spices.
If you’re in Mumbai, Nashik, Pune, or anywhere in Maharashtra during Holi, you have to try it.
And there’s a similar treat called obbattu in South India, which is also highly popular during Holi in places like Karnataka, Goa, and Tamil Nadu.
10. Kanji Ke Vade
During Holi, we often have lots of sweets to eat, but eating too much can make us feel sick.
Many of us actually prefer savory snacks anyway.
One special food for Holi is called kanji ke vade. It’s a tasty dish made with sour and spicy flavors.
Kanji is made with black carrots, which are available in the spring. It’s good for your stomach because it’s a probiotic drink.
When you have it with warm vade, it’s a delicious combination that you’ll love!
11. Dhuska
Describing our love for fried snacks doesn’t even come close to how much we enjoy them!
Whether you’re in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, or Jharkhand, people everywhere just can’t get enough of flatbread fried in oil.
One such yummy treat is Dhuska, a crispy snack that’s super popular during Holi.
In Jharkhand, you can catch its irresistible aroma wafting through the streets during this festive season.
It’s typically served with chana masala and chutney, making it a must-have traditional Holi special food that you’ve got to try!
12. Kachori
Imagine if kachori was a person, it would be the superstar of India!
This delicious fried pastry ball, filled with tasty ingredients like moong dal, green peas, potatoes, onions, or dried fruits, is simply irresistible.
Especially during Holi, chefs bring out their best recipes for kachori.
The perfect way to enjoy this special treat is with sweet and spicy chutney or potato curry.
Kachori is definitely one of the most loved traditional Holi Special foods!
13. Ranga Dima
In Assam, people love celebrating Holi, especially because of their strong belief in Ekasarana Dharma or Neo-Vaishnavism.
During this festival, known as Fakua or Doul, everyone enjoys playing with colors, singing songs about Lord Krishna, and playing traditional musical instruments.
One special treat during Holi is Ranga dima, which are red-colored fried eggs.
These eggs are a must-have along with some tasty aloo bhaja, or fried potatoes.
Both kids and grown-ups eagerly look forward to enjoying these special foods during Holi.
14. Kathal ki Sabzi
During Holi, people in Bihar enjoy special food like kathal ki sabzi and pooris for lunch.
This special dish made from jackfruit curry is unique to the festival.
Families often gather to eat kathal ki sabzi, jungli mutton, and pooris together, making it a traditional Holi food experience.
If you get the chance, you should definitely try this special food of Holi at least once in your life!
15. Phirni
Phirni is a special food for Holi, a traditional Holi food loved by many.
It’s a sweet rice pudding made by cooking rice slowly in milk with sugar, almonds, and some gentle spices.
It takes a lot of time to make, but the result is a delicious dessert that can make your Holi celebrations really special.
Nowadays, you can find different flavors like pineapple, paan, or mango phirni in popular sweet shops and restaurants.
It’s usually served cold in a clay bowl, and adding a little saffron on top makes it even more delightful!
Conclusion !
In conclusion, Holi brings joy and color to India with its vibrant celebrations.
From the iconic “bura na mano, Holi hai” to the delightful indulgence in thandai, the festival holds a special place in everyone’s heart.
Amidst the festivities, traditional Holi special foods like gujiya, masala mathri, and malpua add flavorsome memories.
Whether it’s the savory crunch of namak pare or the refreshing kick of thandai, each dish symbolizes the spirit of togetherness and celebration.
So this Holi, dive into the array of flavors and textures, savoring every moment with loved ones, making it an unforgettable culinary journey.
Are you looking forward to Holi 2024?
There’s gonna be lots of yummy food! To get ready for all the tasty treats, we suggest taking a little break from eating beforehand!