Diwali is synonymous with indulgence, tradition and togetherness and at the heart of every celebration lies food! For centuries, Indian sweets and snacks have been the centerpiece of festive gatherings. However, with the evolving scenario of hospitality, chefs and bartenders are reimagining these classics to appeal to the modern generation, global-travelers and the health-conscious guests.
With MONIN’s wide range of flavour solutions, hospitality partners can reinvent classics while staying true to their roots- making every festive menu relevant, contemporary and memorable.
Tradition Meets Innovation
Classic Indian sweets like Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai and Laddoos still hold
timeless charm. But modern-day chefs need to rethink how these desserts are curated, plated and paired in restaurants.
• Miniature servings: Bite-sized sweet flights for tasting menu.
• Deconstructed Desserts: Think Rasmalai in a verrine jar or a Gulab Jamun cheesecake.
• Fusion Flavours: Infusing Mithai with Coffee, Matcha, Salted Caramel or fruity flavours.
Example: Coffee Kheer with MONIN Coffee syrup is a contemporary version of the auspicious classic that blends the richness of kheer with the bold, aromatic flavour of coffee, creating a dessert that sparks curiosity and indulgence.
Coffee Kheer
Ingredients
1. ¼ cup basmati rice (soaked 30 mins, drained)
2. 3 cups full-fat milk
3. ¼ cup MONIN Coffee (adjust to taste)
4. 2 tbsp sugar (optional, depending on desired sweetness)
5. ¼ tsp cardamom powder (optional for Indian twist)
6. Chopped pistachios/almonds (for garnish)
How to Make
1. Soak basmati rice, then drain.
2. Boil milk and let it simmer on low heat.
3. Add rice and cook until soft, stirring till the milk thickens.
4. After Turning off the heat, mix in MONIN Coffee syrup and sugar if needed.
5. Add cardamom powder for flavor.
6. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm or chilled.
Serving Idea:
Serve chilled in a terracotta bowl or a glass coupe for a modern presentation. Add a coffee bean or micro-foam art for a touch of drama.
Explore more such contemporary take on Indian sweets with the #BrighterWithYou Recipe Booklet by MONIN.
Catering to Conscious Consumers
Today’s diners are becoming increasingly conscious of health and sustainability. Hospitality menus can integrate-
• Vegan-friendly desserts: The growth in the demand for plant-based milk is projected at 14.78% from 2025 to 2033 (datainsightsmarket.com, 2025). Similarly, cafes and restaurants are noticing a shift in demand. Hence, explore dairy alternatives with nuts or coconut milk.
• Low-Sugar sweets: Consumers are becoming more conscious of their sugar intake as a result of growing awareness of lifestyle diseases including diabetes, heart disease, obesity. Traditional Indian sweets are high in sugar, however, with natural sweeteners like jaggery, dates or stevia, one can master the art of recreating their essence without sugar.
Elevating experiences with Beverages
The most successful festive menus go beyond food; they integrate beverages that complement sweets and snacks. Explore the wide range of MONIN products curated to spark every moment of celebration ensuring every dining experience feels holistic, festive and premium.
• Tea and Coffee Pairings: Regional mithai served with artisanal tea or Indian-origin coffee.
• Mocktails: Elevate your zero-alcohol menu with the touch of desi. Try out the easy to make Noor-e-Nasha
Noor-e-Nasha
1. 30 ML MONIN Raw Mango Syrup
2. 120 ML Water
3. 4-5 ice-cubes
• Craft- Cocktails: Elevate the usual G&T with flavours curated for the Indian palate.
Presentation and Storytelling
Today’s diners don’t just consume, they capture! Modern guests appreciate aesthetic presentations and cultural storytelling:
• Incorporating edible gold, silver foils, floral garnishes and elegant platters.
• Sharing history and regional roots of each beverage or sweet on the menu.
• Using festive packages for takeaways and gifting opportunities.
Key Takeaways for Hospitality Partners
Reimagining Indian sweets and snacks does not mean replacing tradition. It is about celebrating heritage in contemporary forms. By blending authenticity with creativity, hospitality brands can-
- Delight both local and international guests
- Differentiate their festive menus in a crowded market
- Create memorable experiences that go beyond the dining table
With MONIN’s versatile flavour, chefs and bartenders have perfect tools to innovate confidently while ensuring consistency and premium quality. Download the #BrighterWithYou Recipe Booklet by MONIN for more festive recipes and unique menu ideas.
