Kaju katli, kesari, besan laddu and murukku - a mouthwatering platter of sweet and savoury snacks is just around the corner. Diwali or Deepawali, the Hindu festival of lights, is less than two weeks away, but preparations always begin in earnest, ahead of the five-day celebrations. This year Diwali falls on October 31, so it's time to take stock of the kitchen.
Your growing shopping list will typically include pantry essentials and vibrant decor, from oil lamps and garlands to ghee and flour. With feasts marking most days, you want to ensure a stocked cupboard, spice drawers and refrigerator. It's the only way to skip the Diwali rush on the road.
If pav bhaji (vegetable curry with bread roll) or dal makhani (lentil dish with butter) is on the tentative menu, shop the ingredients from Amazon to pocket incredible savings. Not only are these grocery deals discounted during Super Saver Week, but they'll also be delivered for free with a Prime membership.
While you're here, you might find inspiration from UAE-based families celebrating Diwali and our gift guide to help you wrap a token of appreciation for loved ones. Amazon's Diwali store is also a good place to start.
1. Best Rice Deal: Gautam XXL Basmati Rice, 20kg
A staple for biryani and sides of jeera rice, a fragrant sack of white rice in your corner is a must. This top quality grain can only be had from Gautam, whose extra-long basmati rice sets high standards for special occasions. It sets itself apart by its delicate aroma and smooth pearl-white grains that are extra fine and long. This class of rice has been aged for two years, which means the fluffy grains triple in length when they're cooked, increasing your serving size. You're getting a large, 20kg bag of pure, GMO-free rice at a great price.
2. Best Milk Deal: Nestle Nido Fortified Milk Powder, 2.5kg
Nestle Nido's instant full cream milk powder is a must-have, as you prepare sweets and savouries ahead of Diwali. This 2.5kg tin comprises dry whole milk with added vitamins and minerals to help support healthy growth and development. It's free from harmful preservatives and colours, and is safe for babies to consume as well, since it has been enriched with vitamins and minerals. Whether you're making delicious gulab jamuns, chum chum or barfis, Nido will serve you well in the days ahead.
3. Best Oil Deal: Healthy Origins Coconut Oil
Toss in premium coconut oil here and a dollop there - that's all you need for your Diwali spread to become the talk of the town. Healthy Origins’ Liquid Coconut Oil is known for its high-quality active ingredients. Perfect for cooking or baking, the oil has been cold-pressed to retain all the natural nutrients in coconuts. It’s one of the healthiest cooking oils out there, and can withstand high cooking temperatures of up to 176 degrees Celsius. It’s 100 per cent vegan, a great source of medium-chain fatty acids, and non-GMO certified. So fry, sautee or cook without worry!
4. Best Coffee Deal: illy Lungo Classico Coffee Capsules
If your capsule coffee machine is going to be constantly whipping up coffee for guests this Diwali, make sure your pantry is well stocked with illy’s Lungo Classico pods. These pods comprise illy’s distinctive blend of fine 100 per cent Arabica coffee. We selected Classic Roast for your purposes - it produces a strong, rich cup of coffee, with a velvety aroma and soft notes of caramel, orange blossom and jasmine that leave a sweet aftertaste. This pack of four boxes equates to 40 capsules. Reviewers say they work seamlessly in Nespresso coffee machines.
5. Best Tea Deal: Brooke Bond Red Label Black Loose Tea, 5kg
While Indian households are never short of aromatic teas, you can always win bonus points for preparing a special pot for Diwali. Bring home Brooke Bond's classic Red Label tea, which is made from carefully grown tea leaves in sprawling estates. Perfect for entertaining, this 5kg bag allows you to brew several large pots of tea. Reviewers say it's the best base for karak or masala chai - just add ginger, cardamom, and clove to taste!
6. Best Snack Deal: Lotus Biscoff
For something sweet to go with tea or coffee, opt for Lotus Biscoff. These unique cookies have a crunchy bite and distinctive flavour, with a unique caramelised taste. Made with vegan ingredients, and no colours, preservatives or added flavours, they make for a great little snack while your guests are sipping their favourite beverages. This box comprises 300 individually wrapped cookies that are ideal for distributing among guests and children.
7. Best Pantry Deal: Sun-Maid Organic California Sun-Dried Raisins
Both sweet and savoury Indian dishes - like biryani or kheer - can feature raisins, so it’s a great time to stock up. Sun-Maid’s organic California raisins are made from dried grapes exclusively grown by certified organic farmers. Apart from adding them to dishes, you can use them to create trail mixes, sprinkle them on oatmeal at breakfast, or add them as a healthier sweetener in cookies and muffins. Reviewers say kids love eating them as a dried fruit snack, as well.
8. Best Nuts Deal: Halabi Mixed Kernels Can + Halabi Super Extra Mix
Halabi's premium, hand-picked nuts offer the best there is, from healthy savoury snacks. Kettle-roasted the traditional way, this blend of all-natural nuts is tastier and crunchier. Everyone will find something to munch on from this bundle value. You're getting a mix of peanuts, cashews, almonds, pistachios, macadamia, pecans and hazelnuts in one can of Halabi Mix Kernels, while the Super Extra Mix tin includes roasted chickpeas, pumpkin seeds and corn. A natural antioxidant in the can keeps the nuts fresh for longer, giving you and your loved ones more time to savour the flavours.
9. Best Hygiene Deal: Fine Oud Scented Facial Tissues (48 Boxes)
Dress the guestroom, bathroom and common areas with scented facial tissues. Fine's oud-infused tissue boxes are the perfect companion to incense sticks around the house. Each sheet is still made from real cotton and is sterilised for germ protection, except with a touch of soothing aromatherapy. Reviewers vouch for its performance on delicate skin, and love the fragrance used. This pack has 48 individual boxes, so there's enough to go around.
Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
