Cafés Innovate with Festive Matcha Drinks for Diwali Celebrations

Restaurants and cafes are embracing the spirit of Diwali by offering innovative matcha drinks that blend traditional Indian flavors with modern twists. These festive concoctions, including gulab jamun matcha and motichoor matcha, showcase a creative fusion of tastes that celebrate the festival of lights.

Many establishments, such as Noa by the Nutcracker, are introducing special drinks that incorporate popular Indian sweets. Founder Annie Bafna highlights the nostalgic appeal of the matcha-kulfi combination, stating, “We wanted to add something with an Indian twist which would appeal to a larger audience.” The pairing of matcha’s sharpness with the sweet, creamy essence of kulfi creates a sensory experience that evokes both tradition and contemporary flair.

Tokyo Matcha Bar co-founder Meher Kohli echoes this sentiment, explaining the inspiration behind their motichoor matcha. “Diwali is all about joy and indulgence,” Kohli says. This drink features a base of desi ghee motichoor ladoo, milk, and vegan cold foam, topped with an actual ladoo. She emphasizes the drink’s blend of Indian heritage and Japanese culture, aiming to capture the celebratory essence of the festival.

Another standout drink, the gulab jamun matcha, is crafted to replicate the beloved Indian sweet in a sip. Founder Ryan Soarwate describes the drink as having a “harmonious balance of sweet, milky, floral notes,” complemented by matcha’s earthy flavor. This combination creates a delightful contrast that users find hard to resist.

For those seeking a lighter, health-conscious option, Café Delhi Heights offers a range of fruit matchas. Culinary director Ashish Singh notes the appeal of flavors such as mango and coconut water, which evoke the tropical essence of Indian festivities. “The drink’s lush pink-green hues mirror the colours of celebration,” Singh remarks, capturing the vibrant spirit of Diwali in each cup.

As the demand for matcha continues to rise, establishments are creatively expanding their menus. The iced pistachio matcha exemplifies this trend, combining nutty and aromatic notes while reflecting the spirit of togetherness that characterizes Diwali. Rajat Luthra, CEO of Third Wave Coffee, emphasizes the importance of blending innovation with nostalgia, aiming to create drinks that honor tradition while appealing to modern tastes.

This year’s Diwali festivities have sparked a wave of creativity in the culinary world, encouraging both familiar and adventurous flavors. With options like kesar pista matcha, chikki matcha crunch, and matcha mango lassi, there is no shortage of festive beverages for all to enjoy. As cafes and restaurants continue to elevate their offerings, the matcha mania shows no signs of slowing down, promising a delightful experience for all those celebrating.