This weekend, many in Central Ohio will commemorate Diwali, the Hindu celebration of lights, observed every year between the months of October and November. The name is a contraction of “deepavali”, and sometimes also called Divali, which means “row of lamps”. This refers to the thousand of deeyahs (small clay lamps filled with oil) that are kept burning for the five-day holiday signifying the triumph of good over evil.
In the Hindu community, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year. It is marked by spending time with family, the wearing of new clothes, and of course, the sharing of meals. These meals are traditionally vegetarian and alcohol-free.
Typical Indian food is comprised primarily of vegetables and meats stewed with curry spices, which include cumin, tumeric, cloves, ginger, and garlic. Indian restaurants are usually operated by families, where the approach is food-focused, not frill-focused.
This year, Diwali celebrations culminate on Sunday, November 3rd, and there are several restaurants around town that offer a Diwali-friendly menu almost every day. Here are a few you might seek out to shine a light on a new culinary path:
Sher-E-Punjab
This unassuming gem, located at 1140 Kenny Center Mall, serves some of the best, and most authentic, Northern Indian food in the city. Northern Indian cuisine is typically richer, spicier, and creamier than its Southern cousin. The food offered at Sher-E-Punjab — whether off-the-menu or on the buffet — is packed with traditional flavor and generously served. From the Aloo Pratha to the Onion Kulcha (breads), the Samosas to the Palak Pakores (fried appetizers), and one of the best versions of the Mango Lassi in the city, the attention this family pays to the food will make you feel right at home. Sher-E-Punjab is open from 10:30am to 2:30pm and 5:30pm to 10:30pm on Sunday.
Banana Leaf Restaurant
This vegetarian restaurant is located at 816 Bethel Road and has one of the biggest and most delicious buffets of Southern Indian fare in Columbus. Customers are served six different appetizers at the beginning of the meal, which can include Vada Pav, a spicy potato patty served on a bun, like an Indian burger, along with coconut chutney, a popular flavor in Southern Indian food. After the introduction, diners partake in the hot buffet of three vegetable curries, two lentils, fresh-baked breads, salad, rice and choice of dessert. The meat is never missed at this exotic eatery, making it a great choice for Diwali dinner. Banana Leaf is open 11am to 8pm on Sunday.
Amul India Restaurant
Another delectable option for Northern Indian food in the city is Amul India Restaurant, located at 5871 Sawmill Road. The food there demands multiple visits; its many nuances too complex to fully appreciate at once. The vegetarian dishes offered at Amul India are sturdy and savory, like the Vegetable Jalfrezi, a delightful medley of vegetables in a spicy tomato cream sauce, and the Bhindi Masala, okra like you’ve never had it before. The servers and attendants at Amul India are quite knowledgeable about the menu, so newbies shouldn’t feel shy to stop in and try something new. Amul India Restaurant is open 11:30am to 3pm and 5pm to 9:30pm on Sunday.
Udipi Café
Rice is one of the most important foods in Southern Indian cooking, and that’s realized at Udipi Café, located at 2001 East Dublin-Granville Road, where it shines in almost every aspect of the menu. Like in the Butter Masala Dosai, thin rice crèpes filled with spiced onions and potatoes, and the Mixed Vegetable Pullav, an intriguing twist that pairs dried fruit and aromatics with rice. The food of South India is also generally considered lighter, fresher, and more healthy because of its use of water in place of creams, so the offerings at Udipi Café, though filling, won’t leave you feeling overly-stuffed or lethargic, making it a great option for Diwali lunch or dinner. Udipi Café is open 11:30am to 9:30pm on Sunday.
New India Restaurant
Another modestly located destination for legitimate Northern Indian food is New India Restaurant, located at 5226 Bethel Center Mall. The food there is spicy, rich, and revitalizing, like Indian comfort food. The Chana Saag, chick peas and spinach cooked with spices is akin to a bowl of chicken soup. The Paneer Masala is comprised of tender chunks of cheese cooked with tomato in a butter sauce, which is the kind of dish to which no one can say no. The house-made naans and sauces offered round out any meal. New India Restaurant is open 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 9pm on Sunday.
Diwali is ultimately about shedding the negative and looking forward to a brighter future filled with grace, prosperity, love, and adventure. Even if you’re not of the Hindu religion, this is something we can all commit to doing and it can start by putting ourselves out there, culturally and culinarily. Columbus is a wonderfully diverse community worth exploring and eating, so have a happy and safe Diwali as you do just that.
