This Diwali, Let the Bright Lights Meet the Warmth of Intimate Dining
This Diwali, intimate dining takes center stage with smaller gatherings, mindful eating, curated festive menus, seasonal ingredients, sustainable practices, and nostalgic flavors.
Diwali has always been synonymous with abundance- long dining tables, endless spreads, and the joyful chaos of large gatherings. Yet in recent years, a quieter movement has begun to emerge. Families now choose smaller, more personal celebrations to slow down, share meaningful conversations, and enjoy food in a mindful, unhurried way. Intimate dining is no longer just about the size of the table; it is about creating an atmosphere where every guest feels seen, every dish tells a story, and every moment becomes more memorable.
To explore this shift, we sought insights from Chef Harsh Shodhan, executive chef and founder of The Gourmet Kitchen and Studio. With his expertise in crafting thoughtful culinary experiences, he shares how intimate dining is reshaping Diwali, the inspiration behind curated menus for smaller groups, and why sustainability and nostalgia are playing such powerful roles in festive dining today.
Edited excerpts.
1. What inspired you to focus on intimate, small-format dining experiences for Diwali this year instead of the usual large-scale feasts?
Diwali is such a special time when you want to slow down and spend meaningful moments with loved ones, rather than get lost in a crowd. The beauty of intimate dining lies in creating space for connection, where families sit together, enjoy a thoughtfully crafted gourmet meal, and truly relax. We step in to take over the kitchen, so the hosts do not have to stress and can simply soak in the joy of togetherness. It is about making Diwali feel indulgent and personal.
2. How do you experiment with and curate menus differently for a smaller gathering?
For smaller gatherings, we have the chance to personalize the experience. I take time to understand the family’s demographics, from ages to palates to dietary preferences; then I craft a menu where everyone feels included. It might mean designing a kid-friendly course that excites the little ones, a comforting dish Grandpa loves, or thoughtful options like Jain-friendly or gluten-free creations. The idea is to ensure every family member feels seen, cared for, and part of the celebration.
3. How are you incorporating sustainable practices or mindful ingredient sourcing into your Diwali dining experience?
Diwali is the perfect time to celebrate local and seasonal produce. As winter sets in, we see beautiful Indian ingredients like purple yams, garadu, and other regional gems; it is always thrilling to surprise guests with dishes that highlight them in fresh and creative ways. Beyond the menu, sustainability drives us throughout the year. From reducing single-use plastics to mindful portioning and minimizing waste, we strive to ensure our celebrations are both thoughtful and indulgent.
4. Do your Diwali menus tell a story or follow a theme? If so, what narrative or emotion do you hope guests will take away?
This Diwali, our menus are inspired by childhood memories. We can weave culinary experiences that transport guests back to carefree days when celebrations were about joy, indulgence, and togetherness. A time when calories did not matter and words like gluten or lactose intolerance had not yet entered the picture. The goal is to evoke nostalgia and warmth, reminding people of the simple happiness that festive food once brought, while reimagining those classics in a gourmet way.
5. What challenges do you face while designing for an intimate audience, and what creative opportunities does this format give you as a chef?
One of the biggest challenges is accommodating diverse preferences at one table. It is common to have a Jain guest, someone who is gluten intolerant, and another who is lactose intolerant, all dining together. It can get chaotic, but that is where the opportunity lies. It forces me to innovate and design menus that are inclusive without compromising flavor or presentation, and to craft dishes that feel cohesive yet respect individual needs. In many ways, it makes the experience more thoughtful and personal for all.
6. Is there a particular dish, drink, or technique that you feel perfectly captures your Diwali dining concept this year?
This year, I am leaning toward a modernist Indian menu as the perfect expression of our Diwali concept. It brings together familiar Indian flavors with modern techniques and presentation, creating dishes that surprise yet comfort. What I love is that it is exciting without being pretentious; each plate feels warm, celebratory, and full of flavor, but with a touch of artistry that makes the experience memorable.
7. Do you see intimate, mindful dining becoming a larger trend beyond Diwali, or is it something you reserve just for festive occasions?
Mindful dining is not just for festivals; it has been around for a while and is now being embraced widely. While Diwali gives us a beautiful occasion to showcase it, I believe the shift toward more intimate and conscious dining is here to stay. People now value quality over quantity, connection over crowds, and thoughtful food over excess. For me, it is not limited to festivals; it is a philosophy that can make every gathering more meaningful.