Jersey Shore Indian restaurants to try for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights

Gabriela L. Laracca, Asbury Park Press
·4 min read

During Diwali, Hindus celebrate good's triumph over evil in the name of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.

And many dine in prosperity, too. Bites like samosas (pastry pockets stuffed with meat, vegetables and more) and aloo tiki (fried potato patties) are shared at tables in India, New Jersey and around the world.

But according to Mauka Indian Cuisine owner Nadir Gillani, the sweets are really the star of the holiday, known as the festival of lights.

"We celebrate with sweets, and the exchange of gifts," said the Morganville-resident and Mumbai native. "It's very similar to Christmas and New Year's."

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Pastries served at his Eatontown restaurant, like colorful Bengali sweets and Ladoo (aka. Laddu; a flour, sugar and ghee/oil based sweet), would often be shared among loved ones in a space decorated with colorful candles and lanterns.

Other dishes to try at Mauka, served sizzling from an authentic Tandoori oven (a clay vessel that reaches 900 degrees), are chicken chops and New Zealand lamb chops.

Sizzling chicken chops made in an authentic Tandoori oven at Mauka Indian Cuisine in Eatontown.
Sizzling chicken chops made in an authentic Tandoori oven at Mauka Indian Cuisine in Eatontown.

Also worth a taste is laal maas (boneless lamb in Rajasthani chili gravy) paired with naan and rice. If you're vegan, try Milioni Tarkari (mixed vegetables like carrots, okra, eggplant and cauliflower cooked with tomatoes, herbs, spice and coconut milk).

Many of those who celebrate Diwali (aka Deepvali) are vegetarians. Diwali festivities usually occur between October and November each year, depending on the Lunar calendar.

This year it is Sunday, Nov. 12, although events celebrating Diwali happen before and after.

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(Left to right) naan flatbread, laal maas (lamb in Rajasthani chili gravy), and Milioni Tarkari (mixed vegetables cooked with tomatoes, herbs, spices and coconut milk) at Mauka Indian Cuisine in Eatontown.
(Left to right) naan flatbread, laal maas (lamb in Rajasthani chili gravy), and Milioni Tarkari (mixed vegetables cooked with tomatoes, herbs, spices and coconut milk) at Mauka Indian Cuisine in Eatontown.

Mauka Indian Cuisine, which has been open for about a year, drips in authentic ambiance: sheer drapery, homey cushioned seating and couches, golden lanterns and Indian decorations.

"When you enter, you'll always feel welcome," Gillani said.

Go: 78 Main St., Eatontown; 732-876-4765, maukaindiancuisine.com.

Here are several other Indian restaurants to try at the Jersey Shore:

Aamantran Indian Cuisine, Toms River

At Aamantran Indian Cuisine, try vegetarian dishes like Saag Paneer (homemade cheese cubes cooked in spinach and green herbs), and Balti Bhindi (okra, onions, peppers and garlic cooked in a wok and served in a "Balti," a traditional copper bucket with a steel insert).

They also serve both sweet and salty lassis, a refreshing yogurt-based drink, in flavors like mango, strawberry, saffron and rose.

Go: 1594 Lakewood Road, 732-341-5424. View their menu here.

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Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro, Freehold Borough

A platter of desserts at Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro in Freehold Borough.
A platter of desserts at Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro in Freehold Borough.

This BYOB has both indoor and outdoor dining on the borough's Main Street strip.

Try beet patties with goat cheese and yogurt sauce, roasted lamb chops (from their Tandoori oven) seasoned in cumin, ginger and mustard oil; and butter chicken.

They also serve Indian desserts like Angoori Gulab Jumoon (sweet milk dumplings), kulfi (traditional Indian ice cream) in flavors like rose and orange rind; and Rasmalai (cottage cheese or chhena/paneer discs served in thickened milk).

Go: 30 E. Main St., 732-333-0933, aarzu.com.

Bombay River, Red Bank

Chana masala at Bombay River in Red Bank.
Chana masala at Bombay River in Red Bank.

Serving lunch and dinner, Bombay River has dishes like pudina paneer makhmali (cottage cheese kebabs with mint, ginger and coriander); aloo gobi adraki (stir-fried cauliflower and potatoes); and chicken tikka kebabs with mint chutney.

A large portion of the menu is vegan as the restaurant makes creamy sauces from coconut milk.

Go: 90 Broad St., 732-530-1598, bombayriver.com.

Haldi Chowk 35 Authentic Indian Cuisine, Middletown

Butter chicken from Haldi Chowk Authentic Indian Cuisine in Middletown.
Butter chicken from Haldi Chowk Authentic Indian Cuisine in Middletown.

This authentic Northern Indian hub also uses a Tandoori oven to create succulent meat dishes like butter chicken.

Try rich curries, fresh breads like the layered lachha paratha, and Indian-inspired tacos. The Creamy Chicken Tikka (topped with green chili guacamole and pickled onions) comes with a choice of three sides: kale, red cabbage and carrot salad; creamy black lentils; or chickpeas and pico de gallo.

Go: 1409 Route 35 Suite 2012, 732-721-9539, haldichowknj.com.

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Sawan Indian Cuisine, Englishtown

This casual Indian hub serves Tandoori specialties, meat-based dishes with goat, lamb and more, as well as some vegetarian bites.

Try the goat curry or goat masala, or the lamb Seekh kabobs. Vegetarians can try Navratan Korma, which translates to "nine-gem curry" and includes fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts.

Go: 336 Route 9, 732-851-7878, sawanmarlboronj.com.

Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA Today Network New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Diwali Jersey Shore: Indian restaurants to try