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Traditional Holi Dishes: From Malpua, Puran Poli to Payasam, here are 7 must-try Holi dishes from across India that truly capture the festival spirit.
Traditional Holi Foods Across India: Celebrate the festival of colors and flavours with these dishes, making your Holi vibrant and delicious. (Image: Shutterstock)
Holi Traditional Foods Guide: Holi is just around the corner, and it is easily one of the most loved festivals of the year. From colours everywhere to spending time with family and friends, Holi is all about celebrating togetherness. And of course, no celebration is complete without food.
While the festival is famous for its vibrant colours, Holi is also a dream come true for food lovers. So before you dive into the colours and festivities, let us take a look at some of the most special Holi recipes from across India that truly capture the spirit of the festival and deserve a spot on your plate.
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7 Must Try Holi Dishes From Different Corners Of India
Malpua
Malpua is a must have dish in almost every North Indian home during Holi. Prepared with a simple batter of flour, milk, and sugar, it is deep fried until perfectly golden and crisp. Once done, the hot malpua is then dipped in sugar syrup, soaking up all that sweetness. It sounds delicious and honestly, it tastes even better.
Dahi Vada
A bowl of dahi vada not being in your fridge on Holi is almost unheard of. This sweet and savoury delight is an absolute must have on your festive plate. It is basically soft lentil dumplings soaked in yoghurt and then drizzled with flavourful chutneys to create a truly mouthwatering snack.
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Gujiya
This Holi snack truly needs no introduction because it is simply a must have. It is almost like the Soan Papdi of Diwali, but for Holi. You will find it in almost every home and proudly placed on every festive plate, making the celebrations feel complete.
Dhuska
Dhuska is a popular dish from Jharkhand, made using rice and chana dal. The batter is deep fried until crisp and is usually enjoyed with spicy potato curry and chutneys. If you are not from Jharkhand, you may not have heard of it before, but that should not stop you from giving it a try this Holi.
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Ranga Dima
It is a traditional Assamese dish that is often made during Doul Utsav. It is simple, a little spicy, and perfect for festive snacking. The eggs are coated with spices and deep fried until crispy on the outside. It is the kind of snack you start eating casually and then keep going back for without even realising it.
Puran Poli
Puran poli is one of those dishes that instantly reminds you of Holi in a Maharashtrian home. In this dish, the sweet filling made from lentils and jaggery is wrapped inside a thin layer of dough and is then cooked on a hot tawa. It sounds comforting, looks inviting, and tastes just right for Holi celebrations.
Payasam
A list of Holi delicacies from across India just feels incomplete without payasam which is basically the South Indian take on kheer. It is comforting, mildly sweet, and the kind of dessert that instantly makes a festive meal feel wholesome and complete.
February 27, 2026, 09:45 IST
