Looking forward to munching on murukkus at your friend’s Deepavali open house? Why not stock up on these Deepavali snacks for yourselves so you can enjoy them all year round! From mouth-watering rasgullas that are worth every bit of calories to the explosion of savoury-spicy flavours in pani puri, we’ve rounded up the best Indian snacks in Singapore you can munch on from the comfort of your home.
Our Recommendations
| Category | Diwali Snacks | Taste |
| Diwali Sweets | Gulab Jamun | Sweet, syrupy, and soft dough ball with a hint of rosewater and cardamom. |
| Saffron Pistachio Kulfi | Dense, creamy Indian ice cream with a saffron-infused flavour and pistachio bits. | |
| Rasgulla | Sweet, spongy Indian cheese ball soaked in a sugary syrup, similar to gulab jamun. | |
| Vermicelli Payasam | Sweet, creamy rice pudding made with vermicelli noodles, coconut milk, and spices like cardamom and saffron. | |
| Nougat | Chewy, sweet candy made with sugar, honey, nuts, and often whipped egg whites. | |
| Kesari | Sweet, semolina pudding from South India, typically made with saffron, ghee, and cardamom. | |
| Satvik Acacia Gum | Can be used in desserts to thicken, emulsify, create a gummy texture, or improve mouthfeel. | |
| Masala Chai | Flavourful tea blend made with black tea leaves, milk, and a mix of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. | |
| Savoury Indian Snacks | Pani Puri | Crispy, hollow fried dough ball filled with a mixture of spiced water, tamarind chutney, and often chickpeas or potatoes. |
| Thattai | Crispy, savoury snack made with rice and lentil flour, and spiced with cumin and curry leaves. | |
| Murukku | Crispy snack made with rice flour, lentil flour, and spices like cumin and curry leaves. It’s often shaped into spirals or coils. | |
| Samosas | Savoury pastries made with crispy, flaky dough filled with a spiced mixture of vegetables or meat. They’re often served with mint chutney and tamarind chutney. | |
| Chickpea Crisps (Papadum) | Thin, crispy dried wafers made from chickpea flour, often spiced with cumin, chilli powder, or other seasonings. | |
| Medu Vada | Savoury, deep-fried fritters made from a batter of lentils and rice flour. | |
| Paneer Cubes | Versatile snack that can be enjoyed in various ways. |
Best Indian sweets in Singapore (2024)
1. Gulab Jamun
Gulab jamun easily tops our list of best Indian snacks and sweets in Singapore. These large berry-sized balls are made from milk solids which are rolled into balls, fried, and then dunked into sugar syrup before being served. This Gits Gulab Jamun Mix (available on Shopee Supermarket) contains the powder mix from which you can roll the gulab jamuns from. Simply add water to the mix and knead gently. For richer jamuns, use milk instead of water! Some also choose to sprinkle dried fruits or pistachios to further enhance the flavour of this Deepavali snack.
2. Saffron Pistachio Kulfi
If you’re looking for the best Indian sweets and snacks in Singapore that are easy to eat, you have to try this Saffron Pistachio Kulfi (available on Melvados Official Store) that you can enjoy straight from the tub! No more mixing cream, sugar, and flavourings like saffron and pistachio together, and no more waiting for your kulfi to freeze before eating. Try topping your kulfi with crunchy bits of toasted pistachio, or recreate the viral knafeh chocolate bar by adding toasted kataifi and melted chocolate on top for one of the best Indian snacks in Singapore for Diwali!
3. Rasgulla
Another frontrunner on our list of best Indian sweets and snacks in Singapore has got to be Rasgulla! For the uninitiated, it is a dumpling-shaped ball made of chhena (Indian cottage cheese from curdled milk) and semolina dough that’s cooked in a sugar syrup. This Deepavali snack can aid in digestion and is believed to be a healthy Indian snack that promotes a healthier gut. This ready-to-eat tin of Haldiram’s Rasgulla (available on Parisha Mart ( Himalayan Pte Ltd.)) doesn’t require extra prep steps so you can take them out and pop them straight into your mouth!
4. Vermicelli Payasam
Payasam (also known as Seviyan Kheer) is one of the best Indian sweets and snacks in Singapore you’ll want to tuck into during Deepavali. It’s made by boiling rice vermicelli in milk, sugar, cardamom, and topped with sliced almonds. It is rather easy to prepare too. All you have to do is roast the Mother’s Recipe Vermicelli Payasam (available on Haresh Enterprises), add it into boiled milk and mix in sugar before topping with some dry fruits of your choice!
5. Diwali Nougat
With its sticky texture and sweet taste, nougats are among the best Indian snacks in Singapore to prepare for Diwali. They’re easy to make too: just mix together some melted sugar, honey, and whipped egg whites for a tasty snack. Top it off with dried fruit and nuts like almonds or walnuts for an extra crunchy texture and flavour. Plus, you can make your own nougats with your favourite ingredients like honey or rose water, and set it in a Nougat Candy Mould (available on BẾP CỦA MẸ ONICI) for an easy-to-prepare Deepavali sweet that’s sure to be a hit among friends and family!
6. Kesari
Hailing from South India, Kesari is one of the best Indian sweets and snacks in Singapore that are a staple at Deepavali gatherings! If this is a favourite Indian sweet of yours, you can make it at home even if not completely from scratch. Simply pour the Kesari Mix (available on jsmstore2020.sg) into boiled water and ghee. Serve when it is cooled. Remember to stir it in between and garnish it with cashew nuts for the ultimate treat in Diwali sweets in Singapore!
7. Satvik Acacia Gum
Nothing screams Deepavali snacks in Singapore more than Arabic gum. Specifically, we love the Satvik Acacia Gum (available on Singapore Groceries) which comes in a nice reusable tin that makes a great Deepavali gift! And while it may not look like it, Arabic gum is actually a healthy Indian snack. That’s because it is a natural gum that contains slightly acidic and neutral polysaccharides which are great for boosting immunity, stamina and health. We can totally see why this is one of the best Indian snacks in Singapore!
8. Masala Chai
Can this popular drink be considered a snack? With its creamy texture and sweet spices, we certainly think so! However, preparing and simmering so many ingredients for Masala Chai in a pot can be a hassle, especially when you’ve got a million-and-one things to prepare for Diwali! This Masala Chai Mix (available on Lucky Coffee Club) has all that spiced flavour you want in a convenient powdered form. However, this isn’t just any Chai mix. This artisanal blend uses only the finest cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom.
Best savoury Indian snacks in Singapore (2024)
9. Pani Puri
Who doesn’t love a good pani puri with its crispy shell and perfectly-spiced filling? Pani Puri is a classic Deepavali snack in Singapore – it offers a burst-in-your-mouth flavour like no other! This popular Deepavali snack has a mix of salty, sweet, and tangy flavours and definitely packs a punch. The ‘puri’ in pani puri refers to the round, hollow fried crepe balls which can be filled with chickpeas, potato, and sweet and spicy sauces. You can mix it up by adding boiled potatoes. The trick is to eat it in one bite without any of the sauce (pani) spilling out. If this is not one of the best savoury Indian snacks in Singapore, we don’t know what is. Get this Pani Puri Bundle (available on Haresh Enterprises) – it even comes with a pani puri concentrate to dip the crepe balls in!
10. Mini Thattai
Craving for a Deepavali snack to beat the afternoon slump? Then you must try the addictive and tasty Mini Thattai (available on OVI MART). While smaller than your traditional thattai, these mini versions are easy to pop in your mouth as a pre-dinner snack, or a savoury accompaniment to your afternoon tea. Thattai is a popular Deepavali snack in Singapore, and it’s perfect for those who prefer savoury snacks over Indian sweets!
11. Murukku
When it comes to the best savoury Indian snacks in Singapore, nothing is more ubiquitous with Deepavali than murukku! You may be used to the twisted murukku but loose murukku bits make just as delicious Deepavali snacks as the traditional twisted ones. What’s more, it’s one of the more healthy Indian snacks as we spy some green peas in the mix, as well as sesame seeds in this Murukku (available on EANDLSHOP) for added crunchiness. You’ll be reaching for another pack in no time!
12. Samosas
Samosas are triangle-shaped fried Deepavali snacks that usually come with a savoury filling of peas, spiced potatoes, and onions. In particular, Uncle Lim’s Choice Curry Potato Samosa (available on Enjoy DoDo Official Store) is a fuss-free snack to prepare if you’re hosting your friends for the celebrations this year. These best savoury Indian snacks in Singapore are also vegetarian and Halal-certified — perfect for your Muslim friends!
13. Chickpea Crisps (Papadum)
Here’s a healthy Indian snack for those watching their diet this Diwali. These Chickpea Crisps (available on Optimofoods Official Store), better known as papadums, are made with chickpeas, and come in convenient triangle-shaped crisps that you can dip into your favourite sauces! Plus, these papadums are light, crisp snacks that are a bit healthier than your average chips. However, don’t expect these chickpea crisps to be bland though – they come in addictively delicious flavours like Sriracha Thai Chilli, Turmeric & Black Pepper, and Himalayan Salt!
14. Medu Vada
Medu Vada, also known as crispy lentil fritters, should be right up your alley if you’re still on the hunt for Deepavali snacks that are truly addictive. As a common South Indian breakfast snack, Medu Vada is usually made in bite-sized pieces that resemble a donut. The key to its popularity lies in its crispy texture on the outside and soft fluffy texture on the inside. We are already salivating! What’s more, it’s one of the best healthy Indian snacks in Singapore as there are no added preservstives. Don’t have enough time to make the dough beforehand? There’s no shame in using Gits Medu Vada Mix (available on anmolindiangroceryvj.sg) that’s just as tasty as the homemade version. Plus, it’s halal too!
15. Paneer Cubes
Paneer is great in palak paneer, but did you know it can also turn into some of the best Indian snacks in Singapore? From deep-fried paneer cubes to garlic paneer, these little cubes have endless possibilities. Grab a bag of Paneer Cubes (available on Unique Food Solutions Pte Ltd), and cook up some satisfyingly tasty treats for Diwali. Add curry powder to fried paneer for a bite-sized Deepavali snack, or stir-fry some paneer with a garlic sauce for a spicy appetiser!
Fill your tummies with the best Indian snacks in Singapore this Deepavali 2024
We hope you’ll have a fun time discovering new tastes from these healthy Indian snacks during the Festival of Lights. If you want to put your culinary skills to the test, here are some Indian food recipes for you to try out. For other local snack recommendations, here are the best halal snacks for Hari Raya and the best popular local snacks to munch on! nd don’t forget to check out our 10.10 Brands Festival Sale for great deals on all your snack needs and kitchen essentials!
This article was updated on 24 September 2024. Additional research done by Janica Ng.
