20 Best Traditional Holi Dishes That You Must Try

Holi, the festival of colours, is incomplete without a feast of delightful traditional dishes. This joyous occasion brings together family and friends to indulge in a variety of sweets, snacks, and refreshing drinks that add flavour to the festivities. Whether you have a sweet tooth or crave something savoury, Holi has something for everyone. From crispy snacks to rich desserts, Holi celebration food reflects the vibrant essence of the festival.

In 2025, Holi will be celebrated on March 14th, with Holika Dahan (Chhoti Holi) observed on March 13th. As people come together to enjoy the festivities, food plays a crucial role in spreading joy and strengthening bonds. If you’re looking to treat yourself to authentic food for Holi festival, here are 20 must-try traditional Holi dishes:

20 Food for Holi Festival

1. Gujiyas
2. Dhuska
3. Puran Poli
4. Thandai
5. Namak Pare
6. Masala Mathri
7. Malpua
8. Dahi Bhalle
9. Lassi
10. Pakore
11. Kanji Ke Vade
12. Kachori
13. Kathal ki Sabzi
14. Ranga Dima
15. Phirni
16. Gulgule
17. Shrikhand
18. Besan Ladoo
19. Kesari Jalebi
20. Gulab Jamun

Also Read: This Year Celebrate the Vibrant Festival of Holi with Club Mahindra

• Gujiyas

Among the most popular Holi celebration food, Gujiya is a festive favourite that holds a special place in Indian households. This crispy, golden-brown pastry is filled with a rich mixture of khoya, coconut, and dry fruits, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavours. Deep-fried to perfection and often dipped in sugar syrup, Gujiya adds a touch of sweetness to the colourful celebrations. Traditionally prepared in North India, it is enjoyed with family and friends, making Holi even more special. No Holi feast is complete without savouring this iconic treat, which perfectly embodies the festive spirit.

Best served with: 

Gujiya is best enjoyed with Thandai, a spiced, cooling drink that perfectly balances its sweetness. It also pairs well with Masala Chai or Kanji, adding a refreshing contrast to its rich, crispy texture.

• Dhuska

A popular dish from Jharkhand and Bihar, Dhuska is a deep-fried, crispy snack made from a batter of rice and lentils. Light, fluffy, and slightly spiced, it is a savoury treat that perfectly complements the festive mood. As an integral part of food for Holi festival, Dhuska is loved for its unique texture and rich flavours. Its golden, crispy exterior and soft interior make it a delightful addition to Holi celebrations, enjoyed with family and friends.

Best served with: 

Dhuska pairs best with Ghugni, a flavourful black chickpea curry that enhances its savoury taste. It also goes well with Aloo Sabzi, a spiced potato curry, or chutneys like mint and tamarind for an extra burst of flavour.

• Puran Poli

A beloved delicacy from Maharashtra, Puran Poli is a festive flatbread stuffed with a sweet filling of chana dal, jaggery, and aromatic spices like cardamom and nutmeg. Soft, flavourful, and rich, it is an essential Holi special food that brings warmth and sweetness to the celebrations. Traditionally made with wheat flour and ghee, Puran Poli is enjoyed as a festive treat symbolizing joy and togetherness. Its melt-in-the-mouth texture and delightful taste make it a must-have during Holi festivities.

Best served with: 

Puran Poli is best enjoyed with ghee, which enhances its rich flavour and softness. It also pairs well with warm milk, basundi (a thickened sweet milk dessert), or amti dal (a tangy Maharashtrian dal) for a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Also Read: 7 Shades of Holi That Make It Such a Unifying Festival!

• Thandai

A quintessential drink for Holi, Thandai is a rich and flavourful milk-based beverage infused with saffron, cardamom, almonds, fennel seeds, and rose petals. This chilled, spiced drink is not just refreshing but also holds cultural significance, making it an essential Holi special food. Often associated with the festive spirit, Thandai is known for its cooling properties, making it the perfect drink to enjoy after a day of vibrant celebrations. Its aromatic blend of nuts and spices adds to the joy of Holi, making every sip a festive delight.

Best Served With:

Thandai pairs beautifully with Gujiya, as its spiced, creamy texture balances the sweetness of the crispy pastry. It also complements Malpua, Shakarpara, or Dhuska, enhancing the overall festive feast.

• Namak Pare

A popular crispy snack, Namak Pare is a deep-fried, savoury treat made from wheat flour, carom seeds, and mild spices. Light, flaky, and crunchy, this snack is an essential part of food for Holi festival, adding a deliciously savoury contrast to the festival’s sweet treats. Easy to prepare and perfect for munching, Namak Pare is enjoyed with tea or festive drinks, making it a must-have during Holi celebrations.

Best Served With:

Namak Pare pairs best with Masala Chai or Thandai, balancing their rich flavours with its crisp texture. It also goes well with green chutney or spicy pickles, adding an extra kick to its taste.

• Masala Mathri

A flaky, spiced, and deep-fried snack, Masala Mathri is a must-have Holi celebration food enjoyed for its crisp texture and rich flavour. Made with refined flour, carom seeds, and a blend of spices, this savoury treat is perfect for festive snacking. Its crunchy bite and aromatic taste make it a favourite during Holi, offering a delicious contrast to the festival’s sweet delicacies.

Best Served With:

Masala Mathri pairs best with pickle or mint chutney, adding a tangy twist to its crispiness. It also goes well with Masala Chai or Thandai, making it a perfect festive tea-time snack.

• Malpua

A traditional Indian dessert, Malpua is a deep-fried, sugar-soaked pancake that is an essential Holi special food. Made with flour, milk, and cardamom, these golden, crispy-edged delights are often flavoured with saffron and fennel seeds, adding a rich aroma and taste. Soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, Malpua is a festive favourite, bringing warmth and sweetness to Holi celebrations.

Best Served With:

Malpua pairs best with Rabri, a thickened, sweetened milk dessert that enhances its richness. It is also enjoyed with a drizzle of honey or chopped nuts, making it even more indulgent.

• Dahi Bhalle

Soft, fluffy lentil dumplings soaked in creamy yogurt; Dahi Bhalle is a must-have dish during Holi. Topped with tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and a sprinkle of roasted cumin, it offers a perfect balance of flavours. As an essential Holi celebration food, it provides a refreshing contrast to the festival’s rich sweets and snacks. Its light, melt-in-the-mouth texture makes it a favourite among all age groups.

Best Served With:

Dahi Bhalle pairs best with papdi for added crunch and Kanji for a tangy twist. It also complements Namak Pare or Masala Mathri, making it a complete festive delight.

• Lassi

A rich and refreshing yogurt-based drink, Lassi is a staple Holi celebration food, loved for its creamy texture and cooling properties. Traditionally blended with sugar, cardamom, and saffron, this sweet and frothy beverage provides a perfect respite from the energetic celebrations. Some variations include Mango Lassi, Rose Lassi, or Salted Lassi, each adding a unique twist to the classic drink. Served chilled, Lassi is not only delicious but also aids digestion, making it a festive favourite.

Best Served With:

Lassi pairs perfectly with Puran Poli or Malpua, balancing their richness with its creamy smoothness. It also complements Namak Pare or Masala Mathri for a refreshing contrast of flavours.

• Pakore

A festive favourite, Pakore are deep-fried fritters made with gram flour and a variety of vegetables or paneer, offering a crunchy and flavourful bite. These golden, crispy delights are an essential Holi special food, enjoyed for their spicy, savoury taste that contrasts with the festival’s sweet treats. Whether made with potatoes, onions, spinach, or even chilies, Pakore add a comforting warmth to the celebrations. Their crispy texture and aromatic spices make them a go-to snack during Holi gatherings.

Best Served With:

Pakore pair best with mint chutney or tamarind chutney for a tangy kick. They also go well with Masala Chai or Thandai, making them a perfect festive snack.

• Kanji Ke Vade

A traditional Rajasthani and North Indian delicacy, Kanji Ke Vade are deep-fried moong dal dumplings soaked in a tangy, fermented mustard-flavoured water known as Kanji. This probiotic-rich drink is an essential Holi special food, known for its digestive benefits and bold, spicy-sour flavour. The vadas absorb the kanji, creating a unique combination of soft texture and zesty taste that refreshes the palate.

Best Served With:

Kanji Ke Vade pairs best with Dahi Bhalle for a contrast of creamy and tangy flavours. It also complements Namak Pare or Masala Mathri, making for a deliciously balanced Holi feast.

• Kachori

A popular North Indian snack, Kachori is a deep-fried, flaky pastry stuffed with a spiced filling of lentils, potatoes, or peas. This crispy and savoury delight is an essential Holi celebration food, adding a burst of flavour to the festive spread. Whether it's Dal Kachori, Pyaaz Kachori, or Matar Kachori, each variation offers a unique taste that enhances the joy of Holi. Its crunchy exterior and aromatic filling make it a favourite among food lovers during the festival.

Best Served With:

Kachori pairs best with tamarind chutney or mint chutney for a tangy twist. It also goes well with Aloo Sabzi or Kanji, making it a satisfying Holi treat.

• Kathal ki Sabzi

A delicious and hearty dish, Kathal Ki Sabzi (Jackfruit Curry) is a festive favourite, often enjoyed as part of food for Holi festival. This spicy and aromatic curry is made with tender jackfruit, cooked in a rich blend of tomatoes, onions, and traditional Indian spices. Resembling the texture of meat, it is a popular vegetarian delicacy that adds a unique taste to the Holi feast. Its bold flavours and satisfying texture make it a must-have dish during the celebrations.

Best Served With:

Kathal Ki Sabzi pairs best with pooris or parathas, making for a wholesome and flavourful meal. It also goes well with jeera rice and raita, balancing the spices with a cooling touch.

• Ranga Dima

A special delicacy from Assam, Ranga Dima is a vibrant dish enjoyed during the Holi festival. It consists of boiled eggs that are then fried and coated in a spicy red masala, giving them a distinctive red hue. This dish is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavour, offering a unique twist to the traditional boiled egg. Ranga Dima is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a reflection of Assam's rich culinary culture. Enjoyed with fried potatoes or as a standalone snack, it adds a colourful and spicy touch to the Holi celebrations. 

• Phirni

A rich and aromatic rice pudding, Phirni is a must-have Holi special food, enjoyed for its smooth texture and delightful sweetness. Made with ground rice, milk, sugar, and flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and rose water, this traditional dessert is served chilled in earthen pots, enhancing its flavour. The creamy consistency and fragrant toppings of chopped nuts make Phirni a festive favourite, perfect for ending a Holi feast on a sweet note.

Best Served With:

Phirni pairs best with Malpua or Gujiya, complementing their crispy textures with its creamy richness. It also goes well with Thandai, creating a refreshing and indulgent festive treat.

16. Gulgule

A traditional North Indian sweet, Gulgule are deep-fried, golden-brown fritters made from wheat flour, jaggery, and fennel seeds. These bite-sized delights are a beloved food for Holi festival, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Lightly spiced and fluffy on the inside, Gulgule are easy to make and add a rustic charm to festive celebrations. Their rich aroma and warm flavours make them an irresistible treat for Holi.

Best Served With:

Gulgule pairs best with Thandai, balancing its sweetness with the spiced drink. It also goes well with Malpua or Rabri, enhancing its rich flavours with creamy textures.

17. Shrikhand

A popular Maharashtrian and Gujarati dessert, Shrikhand is a creamy, yogurt-based delicacy flavoured with saffron, cardamom, and powdered sugar. This chilled, smooth, and aromatic sweet is an essential Holi special food, offering a refreshing contrast to the festival’s rich and fried treats. Often garnished with chopped nuts and dried fruits, Shrikhand is loved for its velvety texture and melt-in-the-mouth consistency, making it a festive favourite.

Best Served With:

Shrikhand pairs best with Puran Poli, balancing its sweetness with soft, spiced flavours. It also goes well with pooris, offering a delightful combination of crispy and creamy textures.

18. Besan Ladoo

One of the most loved Holi sweets, Besan Ladoo is a rich and aromatic treat made from roasted gram flour, ghee, and sugar. These golden, melt-in-the-mouth ladoos are flavoured with cardamom and garnished with chopped nuts, making them a festive favourite. Their nutty aroma and deliciously soft texture make them a must-have during Holi celebrations. Easy to prepare and store, Besan Ladoo adds warmth and sweetness to the festival.

Best Served With:

Besan Ladoo pairs best with Masala Chai or Thandai, balancing the richness with a spiced, refreshing drink. It also complements Namak Pare for a delightful mix of sweet and savoury flavours.

19. Kesari Jalebi

A festive favourite, Kesari Jalebi is a deep-fried, spiral-shaped dessert soaked in saffron-infused sugar syrup, giving it a rich golden hue and aromatic flavour. This crispy and juicy sweet is an essential Holi sweet, loved for its perfect balance of crunch and syrupy sweetness. Made with fermented batter and flavoured with cardamom and saffron, Kesari Jalebi is a delightful indulgence that enhances the festive spirit of Holi.

Best Served With:

Kesari Jalebi pairs best with Rabri, as its thick, creamy texture complements the crispiness of the jalebi. It also goes well with hot milk or Thandai, making it a perfect festive delight.

• Gulab Jamun

Soft, spongy, and soaked in fragrant sugar syrup, Gulab Jamun is one of the most loved Holi festival sweets. Made from khoya (reduced milk) and deep-fried to a golden brown, these melt-in-the-mouth delights are infused with cardamom and rose flavours. Their rich, syrupy texture makes them a festive favourite, enjoyed warm or at room temperature. No Holi celebration is complete without indulging in these irresistible, sweet dumplings.

Best Served With:

Gulab Jamun pairs best with Rabri, adding a creamy contrast to its soft, syrupy texture. It also complements Kesari Jalebi or Thandai, enhancing the festive indulgence.

Holi is not just a festival of colours but also a celebration of flavours, bringing together an array of delightful dishes that enhance the festive spirit. From crispy snacks to indulgent sweets and refreshing drinks, Holi celebration food reflects the diversity and richness of Indian cuisine. Every dish, whether sweet or savoury, adds to the joy of gathering with loved ones and indulging in traditional flavours passed down through generations.

As families and friends come together to enjoy the festival, food for Holi festival plays a vital role in strengthening bonds and creating cherished memories. The combination of aromatic spices, rich textures, and vibrant flavours makes Holi a true gastronomic delight. Whether you prefer classic sweets, savoury treats, or festive beverages, these traditional dishes ensure that the festival remains a flavourful and joyous occasion.

So, there you have a list of the most delicious and famous traditional Holi dishes from different parts of India that make Holi celebrations even better. Which of these dishes are you most excited about trying?

Well, today, almost all these Holi dishes are available everywhere in India. Stock up your pantry with these dishes and have a gala time!