SINGAPORE — Singapore’s restaurants are preparing to welcome Deepavali with an array of festive dining experiences, giving families, friends and food lovers more reasons to gather over traditional Indian flavours, elaborate thalis and specially curated menus.
With Deepavali falling on Sunday, November 8, 2026, and Monday, November 9 designated as a public holiday, the Festival of Lights will bring a long weekend of celebrations across the city-state.
Restaurants are marking the occasion with everything from multi-course North Indian meals and free-flow festive thalis to weekend buffets featuring biryani, kebabs, curries and traditional sweets.
The choices also cater to different dining preferences. Several establishments offer dedicated vegetarian menus alongside non-vegetarian selections, while others include vegetarian dishes throughout their buffet spreads.
Prices vary depending on the experience, with some lunch buffets starting at S$48++ per adult and premium hotel dining menus reaching more than S$100++ per guest.
For diners planning a family gathering or a special holiday meal, these festive offerings provide an opportunity to experience different regional Indian cuisines without having to prepare an elaborate celebration at home.
DEEPAVALI 2026 BRINGS A FESTIVE LONG WEEKEND TO SINGAPORE
Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is one of the most important celebrations in Hinduism. Commonly called the Festival of Lights, it symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
The celebration is traditionally associated with illuminated homes, colourful decorations, prayers, family visits and the sharing of festive food.
In Singapore, the occasion is also an important cultural celebration, particularly in Little India, where visitors can experience decorations, shopping, traditional sweets and festive activities.
Food plays a central role in the festivities. Families commonly prepare or share savoury snacks, rich curries, rice dishes and mithai, a broad category of traditional Indian sweets.
Restaurants have developed special menus to reflect these traditions, combining familiar festive favourites with contemporary interpretations.
With the holiday falling on a Sunday this year, the following Monday’s public holiday gives residents more time to celebrate with relatives and friends.
GULLY RESTAURANT & GARDEN OFFERS A FESTIVE MENU INSPIRED BY INDIAN STREET FOOD
Gully Restaurant & Garden is offering a festive dining experience inspired by the vibrant street-food culture of India.
Located on Level 5 of Holiday Inn Singapore Little India, the restaurant’s A Taste of Diwali menu begins with Bara Bazaar Puchka and Delhi Papdi Chaat, bringing familiar street-food flavours to the opening course.
The appetisers are followed by a selection of kebabs, including Mutton Seekh, Chicken Tikka and Tandoori Jhinga, or tandoori prawns.
For the main course, diners can enjoy Gully’s Smoked Butter Chicken and Mutton Roganjosh, accompanied by Prawn Moilee, Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani and a selection of Indian breads.
The meal concludes with Kulfi and Gulab Jamun, followed by Mukhwas and Kolkata Paan.
A vegetarian version is also available, featuring saffron Paneer Tikka, Hara Bhara Kebab, Dal Makhani and Vegetable Biryani.
One of the restaurant’s distinctive features is its open-air garden setting beside the pool, offering an alternative to the indoor dining area.
The festive menu is available from October 1 to November 30, 2026, between noon and 10pm.
At S$70++ for the regular menu and S$60++ for the vegetarian option, Gully provides an extended festive dining period that continues beyond the Deepavali weekend.
AMRITH BY THE SONG OF INDIA BRINGS A FOUR-COURSE DEEPAVALI EXPERIENCE
For diners looking for a more elaborate tasting experience, Amrith by The Song of India is presenting a four-course Deepavali menu featuring a selection of traditional and contemporary Indian dishes.
The restaurant is located along Race Course Road in Little India, with its kitchen led by Chef Manjunath Mural, known for his association with The Song of India, which earned a Michelin star in 2016.
The non-vegetarian menu begins with Mahi Ajwaini Tikka, a tandoori fish preparation, and Murgh Reshmi Kabab, a soft chicken kebab.
These are accompanied by Tempered Cucumber Koshimbir and Deepavali Faral, a selection of traditional festive savouries such as Chakli and Shankarpali.
The next course features Murgh Badami Shorba, a chicken and almond soup.
For the main course, diners can expect Malvani Prawn Curry, Nawabi Lamb Curry and Murg Malai Khumb, alongside Kurkura Nadru lotus rings, Rajasthani Saunfwale Aloo, Kishmish Pulao and a selection of tandoori breads.
Dessert includes Moong Dal Halwa, Malai Kulfi and traditional mithai.
The vegetarian menu offers a separate selection of dishes, including Sprout & Anardana Kabab, Mangoori Tokri Chaat, Paneer Khada Masala and Shahi Kofta Curry.
Both menus are priced at S$68++ per person and are available from October 23 through November 8.
The restaurant’s location in Little India also makes it a convenient dining option for visitors exploring the neighbourhood’s Deepavali atmosphere.
SHAHI MAHARANI PREPARES A WEEKEND BUFFET FOR FAMILIES
Families looking for a buffet-style celebration can consider Shahi Maharani, which is preparing a weekend and public-holiday lunch spread featuring popular North Indian dishes.
The restaurant has served North Indian cuisine since 1997 and has operated from Raffles City since 2001.
Its festive-period buffet is designed around a variety of street-food favourites, regional dishes, kebabs, curries and desserts.
Guests can begin with a live station serving Paani Puri, Papdi Chaat and Kathi Rolls, alongside a rotating regional speciality such as Pav Bhaji or Dhal Pakwan.
A kebab platter follows, with main-course choices that include Butter Chicken, Fish Amritsari, Kadhai Paneer and Rajma Masala.
Diners can also enjoy Dum Chicken Biryani and breads prepared in a tandoor.
The dessert selection includes Gulab Jamun, Jalebis with Rabri and Kheer, while Cutting Masala Chai provides a traditional finishing touch.
Vegetarian dishes are included throughout the spread, making the buffet suitable for groups with different dietary preferences.
The lunch buffet is priced at S$48++ per adult and S$32++ for children aged seven to 12.
It runs from noon to 2.30pm on weekends and public holidays, covering the November 7 to 9 Deepavali long weekend.
RANG MAHAL SERVES A FREE-FLOW DIWALI THALI
Rang Mahal is celebrating Deepavali with a festive thali experience that brings several Indian regional flavours together in one meal.
The restaurant, which opened in 1971, is marking its 55th year with a special dining offering at its current location inside Naumi Hotel.
Its Deepavali thali is available in vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions, with free-flow servings at both lunch and dinner.
The vegetarian selection includes Jaipuri Palak Cheese Croquettes, Punjabi Kadai Paneer and Konkan Cumin-Roasted Water Chestnuts and Parsnip.
The non-vegetarian version features Delhi Tandoori Murgh, slow-braised Bohri Gosht and Malabar Prawn Curry prepared with coconut and kokum.
Both menus include Mewar-Style Palak and Edamame, Rajasthani Gatte Ki Sabzi, Hyderabadi Bagara Rice, Indian breads, papad and chutneys.
A live Festive Pani Puri station adds another element to the experience.
For dessert, diners can enjoy Saffron Jalebi with chilled Rabdi and Dates Kulfi.
The thali is available from November 3 to 10, with lunch priced at S$58++ per person and dinner at S$68++.
The free-flow format makes it an option for diners who want to sample different dishes and return for additional servings.
SPICE MAHAL OFFERS A SUNDAY BUFFET WITH A FAMILY-FRIENDLY SETTING
Spice Mahal is offering another buffet option, with its Sunday lunch service falling directly on Deepavali.
Located on the ground floor of The Plaza along Beach Road, the restaurant’s spread features a mixture of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes.
Among the main selections are Butter Chicken, Lamb Biryani, Kadai Prawn and Fish Basil Tikka.
Vegetarian choices include Palak Paneer, Hyderabadi Eggplant and Spice Mahal Dal.
The dessert counter adds more traditional flavours, with Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai, Badam Halwa and Sago Kheer.
Guests can finish their meal with Masala Tea or Kashmiri Kahwa Tea.
For an additional S$10++, diners can access a live station featuring Pani Puri, Papdi Chaat, Dosa and Jalebi Rabdi.
The restaurant is also catering to younger guests with a separate children’s station offering Nuggets, Fish and Chips, Cheese Naan and a Chocolate Fondue Fountain.
A play area and cartoons on screen add to the family-friendly atmosphere.
The Sunday lunch buffet runs from noon to 3pm and costs S$48++ per adult and S$25++ per child aged six to 12.
The additional live-station option is priced separately.
SANSARA PRESENTS A FIVE-COURSE FESTIVE FEAST
SanSara is bringing a contemporary touch to Deepavali dining with a five-course festive menu at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Singapore.
The restaurant’s Diwali Feast is available in vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions, with dishes designed to combine traditional Indian flavours and modern presentation.
Both menus begin with a Breaded Cutlet, a potato-based preparation served with tamarind and mint chutneys.
The non-vegetarian menu continues with Paprika Tandoori Prawns and Green Apple Kachumber, followed by Burrata Palak, which combines burrata with spinach purée and Makhmali Paratha.
The main course features Murgh Zafrani Korma, a chicken dish prepared with saffron, cashew and cardamom gravy, served with Ghee Rice.
The vegetarian alternative includes Vegetable Shami Kebab and Vegetable Korma, allowing guests who avoid meat to enjoy a separate festive selection.
Both versions conclude with Akhrot Halwa, a walnut-based dessert served with ice cream.
The five-course menu is priced at S$88++ per person.
The hotel’s official promotion lists the Diwali Feast from November 4 to 9, with prior reservations required and dine-in service only. Two dinner seatings are listed for November 8, from 6pm to 8pm and 8.30pm to 10pm.
The restaurant also offers a specially curated mithai box for guests interested in festive sweets.
TIFFIN ROOM BRINGS ITS LONG-STANDING HERITAGE INTO THE CELEBRATION
For a premium Deepavali dining experience, Tiffin Room at Raffles Hotel Singapore is presenting a menu that draws on different regional Indian culinary traditions.
The restaurant has been part of Raffles Hotel since 1892, giving it a long association with Indian dining in Singapore.
Chef de Cuisine Kuldeep Negi’s festive menu moves beyond its usual North Indian focus to incorporate flavours from Chettinad and the Konkan coast.
Both versions begin with Ananas Papdi Chaat, featuring grilled pineapple served over crisp papdi with tamarind and jaggery chutney.
The non-vegetarian menu continues with Achari Tandoori Lamb and Keema Kulcha, while the vegetarian alternative features Paneer Bhuttey Kebab.
The main courses are served in the restaurant’s signature tiffin boxes, accompanied by naan, Aloo Pyaz Parantha and Dal Dhaba.
The non-vegetarian selection includes Murgh Kofta Curry, Methi Palak Gosht, Chetinaad Masala Prawn and Konkani Macchi Biryani prepared with tilapia.
Vegetarian diners can instead enjoy Govind Gatte Curry, Chetinaad Tinda Masala, Paneer Kofta Curry and Konkani Subz Biryani.
Dessert brings together Gazar Halwa with vanilla ice cream and Chamcham, a Bengali sweet soaked in saffron syrup.
An optional drinks pairing includes Golden Tadka, a spiced lager brewed for the restaurant.
The regular Deepavali menu costs S$132++ per guest, while the vegetarian version is priced at S$128++.
Both are available for lunch and dinner from October 26 through November 8.
HOW MUCH SHOULD DINERS EXPECT TO SPEND?
The range of festive menus means that diners can choose an experience based on their budget, group size and preferred style of dining.
Some restaurants focus on accessible buffet options, while others offer multi-course meals with more elaborate presentations.
Based on the published promotional prices, the options include:
- S$48++ per adult: Shahi Maharani’s weekend and public-holiday lunch buffet, and Spice Mahal’s Sunday lunch buffet.
- S$58++ to S$68++ per person: Rang Mahal’s free-flow thali, depending on lunch or dinner.
- S$68++ per person: Amrith’s four-course Deepavali menu.
- S$70++ or S$60++: Gully’s regular and vegetarian festive set menus.
- S$88++ per person: SanSara’s five-course vegetarian or non-vegetarian feast.
- S$128++ to S$132++ per person: Tiffin Room’s premium vegetarian and regular festive menus.
The symbol “++” means that service charge and prevailing government taxes are added to the listed prices. The final bill will therefore be higher than the advertised base price.
Families should also check children’s rates, menu availability and reservation requirements before visiting.
VEGETARIAN DINERS HAVE PLENTY OF FESTIVE CHOICES
One notable feature of Singapore’s Deepavali dining offers this year is the number of restaurants providing dedicated vegetarian menus.
Gully, Amrith, SanSara and Tiffin Room each have separate vegetarian selections, rather than simply removing meat from their regular menus.
Rang Mahal also offers a vegetarian thali, while Shahi Maharani and Spice Mahal include vegetarian dishes throughout their buffet selections.
This makes it easier for families and groups with different dietary preferences to celebrate together.
However, diners with specific dietary restrictions or food allergies should contact the restaurants directly to confirm ingredients and preparation arrangements.
MITHAI AND FESTIVE FOOD REMAIN PART OF THE CELEBRATION
Deepavali dining is not limited to the main meal.
Traditional sweets, commonly known as mithai, are an important part of the festival and are frequently shared or exchanged when families and friends visit one another.
Popular varieties include Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, Ladoo and other sweets made with ingredients such as milk, sugar, nuts and aromatic spices.
Some restaurants and specialist shops also prepare festive gift boxes and hampers for personal and corporate gifting.
These gifts allow people to share the celebration even when they cannot attend the same gathering.
For many households, the exchange of sweets is as meaningful as the festive meal itself, reflecting hospitality, generosity and the importance of family connections.
RESERVATIONS ARE IMPORTANT AHEAD OF THE DEEPAVALI WEEKEND
With several restaurants offering limited-period menus and special holiday buffets, diners should plan ahead rather than assume that walk-in tables will be available.
The most popular dining periods are likely to include Sunday, November 8, and the following public holiday on November 9.
Some offers have specific operating dates, while others are limited to weekend or public-holiday services.
SanSara, for example, requires prior reservations for its Diwali Feast. Tiffin Room also has a defined festive-menu period ending on November 8.
Diners should confirm the latest availability, seating times, menu details and final prices directly with their chosen restaurant.
It is also worth checking whether a restaurant’s festive menu is available for the entire day or only during selected lunch and dinner periods.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Singapore’s Deepavali 2026 dining scene offers a wide selection of festive experiences, from affordable family buffets to premium multi-course meals inspired by different regions of India.
Gully Restaurant & Garden brings street-food favourites to its festive set menu, while Amrith combines traditional savouries with a carefully structured tasting experience.
Shahi Maharani and Spice Mahal offer buffet-style celebrations, Rang Mahal serves a free-flow thali, and SanSara introduces a contemporary five-course feast.
For those seeking a more premium occasion, Tiffin Room at Raffles Hotel Singapore brings together its long-standing heritage and regional Indian flavours.
With Deepavali falling on November 8 and the following Monday serving as a public holiday, the long weekend provides an opportunity for families and friends to gather over festive food.
Whether diners prefer a traditional thali, a generous buffet or an elaborate tasting menu, Singapore’s restaurants are offering plenty of ways to mark the Festival of Lights.
Which of these Deepavali dining experiences would you choose for a festive family gathering — an affordable buffet, a traditional Indian thali or a premium multi-course celebration?
