Diwali 2026: 10 easy Punjabi snacks for Diwali party at home

Diwali is all about sparkling lights, colourful decorations, festive outfits and, of course, delicious food! If you are hosting a Diwali party at home this year, a tempting spread of Punjabi snacks can make the celebrations even more special.

From crispy pakoras to spicy chaat and flavourful tikkas, Punjabi cuisine offers plenty of crowd-pleasing treats that are perfect for festive gatherings. The best part? Most of these snacks are easy to prepare, simple to serve and packed with flavours that your guests will keep coming back for.

Here are 10 easy Punjabi snacks to add a delicious twist to your Diwali party menu.

1. Paneer Tikka

Give your Diwali party a restaurant-style touch with delicious paneer tikka. Soft paneer cubes are marinated in a mixture of curd, ginger-garlic paste, spices and a little lemon juice before being grilled or pan-cooked until golden. Serve them with mint chutney and onion rings for a smoky, spicy starter that is always a hit.

2. Amritsari Fish Tikka

If your guests enjoy non-vegetarian food, Amritsari fish tikka is a wonderful addition to the menu. Fish pieces are coated with a flavourful marinade of gram flour, carom seeds, lemon juice and Punjabi spices before being fried or grilled. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, this snack brings the authentic flavours of Punjab straight to your festive table.

3. Aloo Tikki

No Indian festive menu feels complete without the goodness of aloo tikki. Made with mashed potatoes, green chillies, coriander and aromatic spices, these golden patties are shallow-fried until crisp. Serve them hot with green chutney and sweet tamarind chutney, or turn them into a delicious chaat with curd and sev.

4. Amritsari Paneer Pakora

Add a crunchy and cheesy treat to your Diwali spread with Amritsari paneer pakora. Paneer slices are dipped in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-fried until they develop a crisp golden coating. Sprinkle a little chaat masala on top and serve with mint chutney. These bite-sized delights are perfect for guests who love something crispy with their evening chai.

5. Chole Tikki Chaat

Bring the flavours of Punjabi street food to your living room with chole tikki chaat. Crispy potato tikkis are topped with spicy chickpea curry, fresh curd, sweet tamarind chutney, green chutney and crunchy sev. Finish with chopped onions and coriander for extra freshness. It is colourful, filling and delicious enough to become the star of your snack table.

6. Hara Bhara Kabab

For a lighter yet flavourful vegetarian option, hara bhara kabab is a great choice. Prepared with spinach, green peas, potatoes, coriander and mild spices, these green patties are pan-fried until crisp. Their vibrant colour makes them look especially festive, while their soft centre and crunchy exterior make every bite satisfying. Pair them with mint chutney for the perfect combination.

7. Punjabi Samosa

A Diwali party calls for some classic comfort food, and Punjabi samosas never disappoint. These crispy, triangular pastries are filled with a spicy mixture of mashed potatoes, peas, coriander seeds and aromatic masalas. Serve them with tangy tamarind chutney or spicy green chutney. You can also cut them into smaller portions to make them easier for guests to enjoy.

8. Dahi Bhalla

Add a refreshing touch to your festive menu with soft and fluffy dahi bhallas. Made with urad dal batter, these round dumplings are fried, soaked in water and topped with chilled whisked curd. Add sweet tamarind chutney, green chutney, roasted cumin powder and a sprinkle of red chilli powder. The combination of sweet, tangy and mildly spicy flavours makes this snack a festive favourite.

9. Tandoori Mushroom Tikka

Give your vegetarian guests another delicious option with tandoori mushroom tikka. Fresh mushrooms are coated in a creamy marinade made with curd, ginger-garlic paste, besan and Punjabi spices. Grill or pan-cook them until slightly charred and juicy. Serve with lemon wedges and mint chutney for a smoky starter that looks as tempting as it tastes.

10. Bread Pakora

End your snack selection with the timeless charm of bread pakora. Bread slices are filled with a spicy potato mixture, dipped in gram flour batter and deep-fried until crisp and golden. Cut them into triangles or small squares for easy serving. A hot plate of bread pakoras with green chutney and masala chai is just what your guests need during a lively Diwali evening.

- PTC PUNJABI