Last Updated:October 29, 2024, 22:24 IST

Here’s a list of perfectly festive food and drink pairings that will equally liven up a grand Diwali party or a cozy family dinner

Here’s a list of the best food and drinks pairings

The festive season has kicked off already and there’s a slight crisp in the air as we inch closer towards the country’s most awaited festival – Diwali. The festival of lights is a time to create unforgettable memories with loved ones, and what could be a more perfect setting for these shared moments than a delightful Diwali party? As a way to elevate your celebration to a whole new level, we’ve created a list of perfectly festive food and drink pairings that will equally liven up a grand Diwali party or a cozy family dinner.

1. Tequila and Lamb VindalooLamb Vindaloo, a dish from Goa, is known for its heat and intricate flavors. Tender pieces of lamb are marinated in a blend of exotic spices and then slow-cooked to perfection. The rich, robust flavors of this dish find an unexpected ally in PATRÓN Reposado. The tequila’s subtle sweetness and matured complexity mellow the dish’s intense heat while enhancing its tangy, spicy undertones.
2. Mango Chilli Rum and Kerala style Mango Fish CurryThe curry is a culinary gem from God’s own country and tantalizes the palate with its sour, sweet and spicy notes, creating an exciting blast of flavors. BACARDI Mango Chilli, on the other hand, is a tropical delight that captures the essence of ripe, juicy mangoes, enhanced with a hint of chilli for an unexpected kick. The sweetness of the mango in both the drink and the dish harmonizes perfectly, while the chilli in the BACARDÍ provides a delightful contrast to the tanginess of the curry.
3. Vodka and Hara Bhara KebabsA pairing of classics, the Grey Goose martini paired with savory hara bhara kebabs brings together the world-renowned smoothness of Grey Goose vodka with the lightly spiced flavors of India’s beloved appetizer. The crisp, sharp taste of the martini acts as a perfect balance to the kebabs’ herbaceous and lightly spiced taste. A lemon twist or briny olive garnish to the cocktail will further enhances the vibrant contrast between the two. Blending French sophistication with Indian heartiness, this pairing is sure to be a hit at your next Diwali gathering.
4. Gin and Chicken Malai TikkaThe vibrant botanical notes of the well-loved BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin should be a mainstay at your Diwali party – best experienced in a classic G&T, paired with the beautiful mild and buttery flavors of a Chicken Malai Tikka. The creamy, mildly spiced tikka harmonizes effortlessly with the gin’s smooth, herbal notes, creating a balanced and flavorful combination. Together, they offer an ideal blend of aromatic warmth and rich Indian taste—an impeccable choice to elevate your special occasion.
5. Whiskey and Mutton KormaFor a truly indulgent Diwali pairing, you need to look no further than a rich mutton korma matched with the distinguished upper shelf DEWAR’S 21 Year Old Scotch whisky. The Scotch’s layered notes of dark fruits and subtle honey create a luxurious counterpoint to the qorma’s creamy texture, which offers hints of cashew paste, rose water, saffron, and fragrant spices. The smooth warmth of DEWAR’S enhances each savory bite of the tender, spiced mutton, creating a memorable pairing that will stay on your guests minds for days to come.

Indian actor Sayaji Shinde joined Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Friday. The addition of the famous actor is likely to benefit the party in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.

Sayaji Shinde has been featured in several Bollywood and Tollywood films. After joining the party, Shinde mentioned that he had never planned to join politics but had always been impressed with NCP’s Ajit Pawar’s strategies. The Indian film industry’s actor had earlier praised the Maharashtra government’s Ladki-Bahin scheme.

“I never thought I would join politics. My decision may also be a shock for many. If I have gone to Mantralaya for 25 times, at least 15 times I met Ajit Pawar. I have liked the strategies of the NCP-Ajit Pawar,” said the actor after joining the party.

Sayaji Shinde joined the political party in the presence of Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, working president of the party Praful Patel, and state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare.

Maharashtra deputy CM Pawar welcomed Sayaji Shinde into the political party and announced him as the star campaigner of the NCP during the upcoming state assembly elections. “Shinde will be given due respect in the party,” PTI quoted Ajit Pawar as saying.

“We feel proud that he is being associated with us. Shinde is also a social activist,” said NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal while welcoming the actor into the party.

Sayaji Shinde is a versatile actor whose work is not limited to any specific language. He has worked in films in several Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, and Telugu.

Need to be a part of the system to work more effectively, says Shinde

The 65-year-old Shinde applauded Ajit Pawar’s style of functioning and said joining politics would help him work more effectively. “I was impressed by Ajit Pawar’s style of functioning,” the actor said, adding that he interacted with Pawar when working for his favourite cause of tree plantation.

Sayaji Shinde was born in Maharashtra’s Satara district and started his career in Marathi theatre. He achieved his first milestone in the Bollywood industry when he played the role of an antagonist in Hindi film “Shool” released in 1999. Apart from acting in several Marathi and Hindi movies, Sayaji Shinde has also worked in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, English, Gujarati and Bhojpuri films.

In addition to being a versatile actor, Shinde is also a social activist who has also worked for spreading awareness related to environment protection.