Diwali (or Deepavali, as it’s also called), the grand Hindu festival of lights, begins this weekend, with the main Diwali night, Lakshmi Puja, falling on Monday. The festival, which signifies the triumph of light over darkness, is also commemorated across other major Indic religions, such as Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. To celebrate the festivities during the coming week, here are a few noteworthy Indian restaurants across the metro area.
Gokul Restaurant
6101 Delmar, East Loop
This vegetarian restaurant has a wide range of Indian dishes, many of which are served at its daily dinner buffet, from 4:30–8:30 p.m. Gokul serves authentic Indian entrées, from vegetable kadai (a vegetable mix in Indian spices) to mutter paneer (peas with cottage cheese) to various rice offerings. But snacks usually popular on Diwali, such as samosas, are a massive hit here as well. Gokul’s samosa chat (fried triangular savory pastry stuffed with vegetables and topped with yogurt and condiments) is renowned, and no Diwali celebration is complete without Gokul’s gulab jaman (round balls of milk solids dipped in rose water syrup).
Turmeric Street Style
3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis
The gulab jaman is also delicious at Turmeric Street Style, but this place is more acclaimed for its savory snacks, which go perfect with Diwali. The rolls are the specialty at Turmeric and come in two styles: katti (pan-seared tortilla) and Dosa (thin crepe made with rice and lentil). Fill your rolls with some of the most authentic Indian flavors in St Louis, from paneer tak-a-tak (cottage cheese chopped Mumbai style with peppers, onions, and cilantro) to Andhra chili chicken (a specialty from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, featuring chicken marinated in Indian spices with shallots and cilantro). But our pick of the lot are the Chettinad fillings, available in both chicken and mushroom with peppered fresh mushroom and sautéed in South Indian spices, a specialty of the state of Tamil Nadu.
The Port of Peri Peri
13951 Manchester, Ballwin
While the Port of Peri Peri serves diverse cuisines, and specializes in grilled chicken, its Indian-styled grilled paneer, or cheese, is quite famous as well. The restaurant offers paneer options ranging from burgers to wraps and pitas. But perhaps what best goes with the occasion is their paneer rice, which features perfectly grilled cheese strips on a bed of Basmati rice, with sauces of varying spice levels available. Cajun sauce goes well with the grilled cheese or, if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for the hot or extra hot sauces.
Tikka Tangy
13441 Olive, Chesterfield; 390 N. Euclid, CWE
One of the highest-rated Indian restaurants in town, Tikka Tangy serves authentic Indian food with an American twist—and vice versa. Specializing in a fusion of cuisines, Tikka Tangy serves everything from a traditional Indian thaali (a plate full of Indian curries served with bread or rice) to rose and biscoff milkshakes. For Diwali, explore the pizza menu, which has some of the most delightful crossovers, such as spicy veggie kabob pizza, firecracker masala pizza, and achari pizza, which hits with the Indian pickle flavor or much-celebrated tikka flavor.
The Butter Chicken Spot
14817 Clayton, Chesterfield
The restaurant has far more to offer than its namesake dish. Butter Chicken Spot takes fusion cuisine up a few notches, with an entire ‘Remix’ section, featuring butter chicken and butter paneer fusions, from gyros to loaded fries. If you really want to go for fusion, butter paneer nachos are a solid option. Once you’re done with the experimentation, enjoy one of the more traditional desserts: the kheer, or Indian rice pudding.
House of India
8501 Delmar, University City
One of St. Louis’ most critically acclaimed Indian restaurants, House of India offers the quintessential Indian experience. There are authentic offerings of celebrated Indian dishes, ranging from biryani to meat and vegetarian curries. Try the lamb curry, paneer makhni (homemade cheese in buttery, creamy, tomato, and onion sauce), or dal tadka (lentils cooked in Indian spices). For Diwali, opt for the chana masala (chickpeas cooked with tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and spices). For dessert, don’t miss the kulfi, or traditional Indian ice cream. And there’s a special offer for students—enjoy a complimentary dessert with a meal until October 26.
Taj Palace
92 THF Blvd, Chesterfield
Specializing in North Indian curries and tandoori dishes, Taj Palace has set the bar for Indian restaurants. Its menu is possibly the most all-encompassing when it comes to Indian cuisine, with 16 kinds of bread alone, as well as a solid appetizer collection. Entrées are where Taj Palace really shines, though, including its famed chili paneer (cottage cheese stir fried with chilis, onions, herbs, and spices), navratan korma (a spectacle of veggies in a creamy onion sauce), and aloo saag (potatoes cooked in spinach sauce). Don’t miss the dal makhni (black lentils in buttery sauce). For dessert, the ras malai (sweet curd cheese cakes in sweetened, thickened, milk) are the ideal Diwali sweet.
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