Diwali gifting is getting a delicious makeover this year, with Kolkata’s patisseries and dessert brands experimenting with everything from inventive mithai-inspired creations and globally influenced flavours to pastel-hued dessert boxes and thoughtfully curated assortments. customers are increasingly drawn to contemporary interpretations, unusual flavour pairings and visually appealing treats that make for memorable gifts While traditional sweets continue to hold their place.
The combination of decadent chocolate, luscious pistachio and crunchy kunafa is a match made in heaven,” says Preetanjali Pasari, chef at Butterfingers. That said, pastel shades are becoming increasingly popular,” says Sreyashi Dey, pastry chef and proprietor, SeaSalt Patisserie. Vidisha Bathwal, founder of Paprika India, Paprika Dubai and Velora, agrees: “I love a combination that feels elegant and luxurious but still festive.”
Rose, matcha, pistachio and Biscoff are emerging as popular choices in Diwali desserts this season. matcha brings an earthy twist, and Biscoff adds a caramelised richness While rose lends a floral note to contemporary mithai. On the other, pistachio continues to enjoy popularity, fuelled by the viral Dubai chocolate and kunafa combination. “I feel this is more to do with the perfect flavour pairing, which works across age groups. Diwali dessert boxes are moving beyond conventional red and gold, with pastels and understated metallic accents gaining popularity. Butter yellow, sage green, blush pink, baby blue and ivory lend a contemporary appeal, while rose and champagne gold replace traditional gold detailing. “The typical red-and-gold combination will always be a classic and will never go out of style.