Diwali festivities are designed for feasting so head to South London’s institution of Indian dining, Babur.
The family run restaurant that was crowned London’s Best Asian Restaurant last year and is serving up a Diwali menu throughout November, as well as an extra special, one-night-only event on the big day itself.
From 5pm on Sunday 12th November, Babur’s Rajasthani marquee will be dressed in dazzling Diwali decorations and lit by soft, dancing candlelight. Chef Jiwan Lal’s, three-course Diwali menu with paired wines will be further enhanced by performances from Bollywood Vibes dance group.
Known for its clever, contemporary takes on regional dishes, Chef Jiwan’s limited-edition Diwali menu (available throughout November) offerd starters of Dahi Bhalle ki chaat (lentil doughnut, cool yogurt, crispy puff puri and pomegranate); or Chapli Kebab (minced mutton kebab, malabari paratha, mint sauce and pickle onion).
Mains take the form of Tehari Biryani (cooked in a sealed pot, with guchhi mushrooms, mutter, paneer and beetroot raita); or Steamed Bhapa Sea Bass (with green spiced coconut chutney and rice flour roti).
Diwali is traditionally celebrated with sweets so finish the night with an unique Buffalo Milk Risotto (kheer) with a white chocolate, and rose petal slab, soan papdi, and spheres of raspberry gel originating from a family recipe inspired by Chef Jiwan’s grandmother, while the Ghevar is a Rajasthani disc-shaped sweet with rabdi kulfi, and badana (tiny golden pearls of sweetness).
Early booking is advised for the event on Sunday 12th which offers three courses for £50 per person (or a very reasonable £65 per person with wine pairings). All the details and prices of Babur’s Diwali menu can be found on the website www.babur.info/menus/.
Babur
119 Brockley Rise, Forest Hill, London SE23 1JP
@baburrestaurant