Diwali is a time for celebration, family gatherings and sharing memorable food. This year, Desi State – Authentic Indian Kitchen & Bar is bringing that festive spirit to the table with its special Diwali Yatra: Five States, Five Flavours, One Unforgettable Celebration.
Running from October 19 to November 10, 2026, this culinary journey celebrates distinctive regional flavours through five featured dishes inspired by Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Hyderabad. Each stop introduces a different taste experience, from crispy Punjabi-style fish and smoky paneer to creamy cheese-based curry, royal-style vegetarian flavours and aromatic chicken tikka.
“Rather than celebrating Diwali with just one special dish, Desi State invites diners to explore a collection of regional inspirations in one festive menu.”— Desi State Kitchen & Bar, Ottawa
1. Begin Your Diwali Yatra with the Flavours of Punjab
The first stop of Desi State’s Diwali Yatra celebrates Punjab, a region widely associated with bold spices, hearty dishes and vibrant food traditions.
The featured dish is Pind Da Fish, created around the appeal of crispy fish with a flavourful Punjabi-inspired spice profile. Its crisp texture and savoury seasoning make it a distinctive choice for diners who enjoy seafood with an authentic desi touch. This first stop sets the tone for the journey: familiar ingredients presented through regional inspiration, with each featured dish offering its own personality.
2. Discover Smoky Desi Angara Paneer from Haryana
The second stop takes the culinary journey to Haryana with Desi Angara Paneer.
Paneer is a favourite ingredient in Indian vegetarian cooking, valued for its versatility and ability to absorb marinades and spices. In this featured preparation, the focus is on smoky, chargrilled flavour and a bold desi-inspired taste. Desi Angara Paneer offers a vegetarian option for guests who want to take part in the festive menu without choosing meat or seafood.
3. Experience Gujarat with Surti Amul Cheese Butter Masala
The third stop celebrates Gujarat with Surti Amul Cheese Butter Masala, a rich and creamy featured dish combining buttery curry flavours with iconic Amul cheese.
For diners who enjoy indulgent vegetarian curries, this dish brings together a smooth, creamy style and the distinctive richness of cheese. It adds a comforting dimension to the Diwali Yatra, moving from smoky grilled flavours to a luxurious curry experience. The Gujarat stop also highlights the remarkable variety available across Indian regional cooking.
4. Enjoy Rajasthan’s Jaipuri Royal Veg
The fourth stop brings the journey to Rajasthan with Jaipuri Royal Veg.
This featured preparation combines mixed vegetables and crispy papadum with a rich, flavourful Jaipuri-style gravy. The combination offers a hearty vegetarian option that brings texture and depth to the festive menu. The vegetables provide the foundation, while the gravy ties the ingredients together in a satisfying regional-inspired preparation.
5. Finish the Journey with Kesari Chicken Tikka
The final stop is Hyderabad, featuring Kesari Chicken Tikka.
This dish centres on juicy chicken, smoky flavours, aromatic spices and the richness associated with Kashmiri kesar (saffron). It brings the five-state journey to a memorable finish with a bold, aromatic chicken preparation. For guests who enjoy tandoori-inspired dishes and spiced chicken, Kesari Chicken Tikka offers a fitting finale.
The Diwali Yatra Menu at a Glance
Where to Experience the Desi State Diwali Yatra in Ottawa
Desi State – Authentic Indian Kitchen & Bar is located at 1547 Merivale Road, Unit 9, Nepean, Ottawa, Ontario, K2G 4V3.
Its convenient location makes it an ideal destination for residents and visitors looking for an Indian restaurant near Merivale Road, Indian food in Nepean, or North Indian cuisine in Ottawa. Whether you are organising a meal with family, meeting friends, or exploring regional Indian dishes, the Diwali Yatra provides a seasonal reason to visit or order online.
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