Diwali 2026: Chakli To Nimki, 7 Regional Savoury Snacks That Bring Traditional Indian Flavours To Your Table

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Diwali preparations often begin in the kitchen, with families making batches of savoury snacks to serve guests, share with neighbours or enjoy over a cup of tea. While sweets usually get plenty of attention, the snacks are just as important to a festive spread. And they are not the same everywhere in India.

From Maharashtra's spiral-shaped chakli to Bengal's diamond-cut nimki, every region has its own favourites. This Diwali 2026, why not try something different with these seven regional recipes?

1. Chakli - Maharashtra

Ingredients:

• Rice and lentil flour (or chakli bhajani)
• Sesame seeds, cumin and coriander powder
• Chilli powder, turmeric and salt
• Oil for frying

Preparation:

Mix the flour with sesame seeds, spices and salt. Add water gradually to make a soft dough. Fill a chakli press with the mixture and pipe spiral shapes onto parchment paper. Deep-fry until crisp and golden. Allow them to cool before storing.

2. Ribbon Pakoda - Tamil Nadu

Ingredients:

• Gram flour and rice flour
• Butter
• Chilli powder and asafoetida
• Salt and oil for frying

Preparation:

Combine the flours with butter, chilli powder, asafoetida and salt. Add water gradually to make a smooth dough. Fill a murukku press fitted with a ribbon disc and press the dough into hot oil. Fry until crisp.

3. Chekkalu - Andhra Pradesh

Ingredients:

• Rice flour
• Chana dal
• Sesame seeds
• Green or red chillies
• Curry leaves and salt
• Oil for frying

Preparation:

Soak the chana dal and drain it. Mix it with rice flour, sesame seeds, chopped chillies, curry leaves and salt. Add water to form a firm dough. Shape small portions into thin discs and deep-fry until crisp.

4. Kodubale - Karnataka

Ingredients:

• Rice flour and roasted gram flour
• Grated coconut
• Chilli powder and asafoetida
• Butter and salt
• Oil for frying

Preparation:

Mix the flours with coconut, spices, salt and butter. Add water to make a firm dough. Roll small portions into thin strips and join the ends to form rings. Deep-fry over medium heat until crunchy.

5. Fafda - Gujarat

Ingredients:

• Gram flour
• Carom seeds and black pepper
• Turmeric and asafoetida
• Salt and oil for frying

Preparation:

Mix the ingredients with water to make a firm, smooth dough. Knead well, then flatten small portions into long, thin strips. Carefully slide them into hot oil and fry until crisp. Serve with chutney.

6. Mathri - Rajasthan And North India

Ingredients:

• Wheat flour or all-purpose flour
• Ghee
• Carom seeds and black pepper
• Salt and water
• Oil for frying

Preparation:

Rub ghee into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the spices and enough water to make a firm dough. Shape into small discs and prick with a fork. Fry on low to medium heat until golden and flaky.

7. Nimki - West Bengal

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Ghee or oil
• Nigella seeds or carom seeds
• Salt and water
• Oil for frying

Preparation:

Mix the flour with ghee, seeds and salt. Add water gradually and knead into a firm dough. Roll it into a thin sheet, cut into diamond-shaped pieces and deep-fry until golden and crisp.

Diwali 2026: Bring Regional Flavours To Your Diwali Table

This Diwali 2026, these 7 snacks offer a way to explore India's regional food traditions while planning your Diwali spread. You can prepare them in advance and store them in airtight containers once they have cooled completely. Whether you prefer the spiral crunch of chakli, the crisp strands of ribbon pakoda or the flaky bite of mathri, these recipes can bring variety to your festive menu.