Diwali, the festival of lights, is also a festival of food, family, and memories. While I celebrate Dipanwita Kali Puja as a Bengali, Diwali has always been special to me. Having spent time in Delhi, Gurgaon, Bihar, and, of course, Kolkata, I have seen how differently people celebrate this festival. The rituals may vary, but the festive food and the joy of sharing a meal remain the same. On Debjanir Rannaghar, I have put together a collection of 100+ Diwali Special Recipes, featuring Indian sweets, savoury snacks, Bengali mishti, festive meals, and desserts.
Whether you are preparing a Diwali feast, making homemade sweets for family and friends, or looking for a few easy Deepavali recipes, this collection has plenty of ideas.
Jump to:
- Debjani's Note - Diwali and Kali Puja Celebrations
- Diwali Special Recipes - 100+ Recipe Ideas for Deepavali
- Planning a Diwali Feast at Home
- Diwali Sweets and Snacks - Festive Treats for Everyone
- Celebrate Diwali with Food, Family, and Memories
- Diwali Special Recipe Videos to watch on my YouTube channel
- Frequently Asked Questions about Diwali Special Recipes
- Have You Tried Any of the Diwali Special Recipes from Debjanir Rannaghar?
- Diwali Special Recipes Collection - Pinterest Pin
Debjani's Note - Diwali and Kali Puja Celebrations
Being a Bengali, Kali Puja has always been an important part of my festive calendar. In Bengal, Dipanwita Kali Puja and Diwali fall around the same time. However, our way of celebrating the festival can be quite different from what I have experienced in other parts of India.
I have spent Diwali in Delhi, Gurgaon, Bihar, and Kolkata. Each place has its own charm. In Delhi and Gurgaon, I remember the festive atmosphere, beautifully decorated homes, rows of diyas, rangoli, sweets, and elaborate meals. Bihar has its own warmth and food traditions. Kolkata, on the other hand, celebrates Diwali with the spirit of Dipanwita Kali Puja.
For many Bengali households, Kali Puja night means puja, lights, bhog, and family gatherings. Depending on the household, the food may include Bhoger Khichuri, Labra, Panch Bhaja, Chaler Payesh, and an assortment of sweets. Narkel Naru, Sandesh, Rosogolla, and other Bengali mishti are also part of the festive spread.
At the same time, my experiences outside Bengal have introduced me to a wider range of Diwali food. From Kaju Katli and Besan Ladoo to Mathri and Namak Pare, there is so much to enjoy. I have always loved this mix of regional food traditions.
For this collection, I have brought together recipes that you can prepare during Diwali, whether you celebrate Kali Puja, Deepavali, or simply enjoy the festive season with good food.
Diwali Special Recipes - 100+ Recipe Ideas for Deepavali
Diwali celebrations are incomplete without food, at least in my opinion! While sweets are an important part of the festival, savoury snacks, festive meals, and homemade delicacies deserve equal attention.
Some of us enjoy preparing an elaborate festive spread, while others prefer making a few sweets and snacks at home. There are also those who love hosting family and friends with a proper Diwali dinner. I have included recipes for all these occasions.
From traditional Indian sweets and Bengali mishti to snacks, rice dishes, curries, and desserts, this collection brings together a variety of recipes from Debjanir Rannaghar.
Must-Make 20 Diwali Special Recipes
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An easy recipe for the famous Indian delicacy Besan Laddu. Following this recipe you can very easily make Besan ka ladoo at home.
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Motichoor Ladoo is a famous Indian sweet and is available widely. This is a gram flour based fried delicacy.
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Balushahi is a fried dessert with its origin in Northern India. You may find it in UP, Bihar, NCR, and Rajasthan quite easily.
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Basanti Pulao is a popular Bengali dish. It is a sweet Pilaf that is known for its saffron color. The word "Basanti" means yellow, so it is also called Holud Pulao. It is also known as Bengali Mishti Pulao, which means sweet pulao in English.
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Narkel Doodh Pulao aka Bengali Coconut milk Pulao is a flavorful Bengali Pulao cooked with coconut milk and flavorful Gobindobhog Rice.
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Natun Aloor Dum, also known as Bengali Niramish Dum Aloo, is a delectable potato dish that is prepared without the use of onions or garlic. This flavorful gravy-based recipe features baby potatoes and is a popular specialty in Bengali cuisine.
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Kolkata Mutton Biryani is a flavorful delicacy cooked with mutton chunks, rice, potato, and boiled eggs (optional).
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Diwali Snacks Recipes | Homemade Savoury Snacks for Deepavali
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Bread Pizza is a simple, pizza-like snack that uses bread slices instead of atraditional pizza base. It's incredibly easy to prepare and makes a fantastic choice for lunchboxes or a quick bite. This recipe is a frequent go-to for mewhen I want something like pizza but don't have a pizza base on hand, or the time to buy or bake one.
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Thekua is a famous Bihari Cookie prepared with whole wheat flour, coconut and jaggery during Chath Puja.
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Macher Dimer Bora is a traditional Bengali dish that is made with fish eggs and a variety of spices. It is a type of deep-fried fritter that is enjoyed by many.
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Making Tawa Rupchand Fish Fry is simple yet the end result is an incredibly delicious dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Pat Patar Bora, more commonly known as Pat Pata Bhaja, is a delicious and unique Bengali fritter that is prepared with fresh jute leaves. This delectable snack is vegan, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. The jute leaves used in this recipe are seasonal, so it is best to take advantage of them when they are available.
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Chicken 65 is a popular snack in India that hails from the southern part of the country. The dish is known for its spicy and tangy flavor, as well as its crunchy consistency.
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Topse Maacher Fry is a classic, mouth-watering Bengali fish dish that is sure to tantalize the taste buds of any seafood lover. The dish is prepared by taking a Topse Fish and coating it in a special batter made of gram flour, rice flour, and a unique combination of spices an they deep-frying the fish
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This Butter Garlic Prawn recipe is a favorite of mine! Oh yes, I am talking about the good dose of butter, a lot of garlic and a lot of fresh herbs, and for sure fresh prawns! This recipe just cannot go wrong!
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Bengali Macher Chop- a Fish Croquette prepared with Katla Mach and selected spices. This recipe is easy to make and calls for simple ingredients.
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Khoi-er Bora is a crunchy and savory fritter prepared with Khoi, also known as Popped Rice, and is a signature vegetarian and vegan Bengali Snack.
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Chorbir Bora is a delicious fritter prepared with mutton fat chunks and a few selected ingredients. These mutton fat fritters go amazing with simple Dal rice and also with a hot cup of Chai!
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Diwali Vegetarian Main Course Recipes | Indian Festive Curry Ideas
Shukto, a renowned Bengali dish, is prepared by combining a medley of vegetables. Typically, in a customary Bengali feast, our culinary journey commences with a serving of rice accompanied by shukto aka shuktoni.
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Labra is a classic Bengali Vegetarian dish cooked without onion and garlic
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Dhokar Dalna is a classic Bengali curry that is made without using onion or garlic. It features potato chunks and fried lentil cakes, known as dhoka bhaja, which give the dish its distinct flavor. This post includes instructions for making the dhoka bhaja from scratch as well as the steps for making the curry itself.
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Bengali style Aloo Phulkopi Dalna, also known as Aloo Phulkopi Dalna, is a flavorful dish made without onions or garlic. This delightful recipe features large pieces of cauliflower and potatoes cooked to perfection.
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Bengali Bandhakopir Torkari, popularly referred to as Badhakopir Ghonto, is a delectable vegetarian delicacy. This dish harmoniously combines cabbage, potatoes, and green peas, meticulously cooked to achieve the ideal texture. The flavors are enhanced with a medley of aromatic spices, Bengali Garam Masala, and a touch of ghee. Prepare to be enchanted by this tantalizing creation.
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Within just half an hour, you can whip up a nutritious and delectable Indian vegetarian accompaniment called Palak Paneer. This dish is crafted using a blend of spinach and paneer, resulting in a wholesome and flavorful cottage cheese recipe.
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Navratan Korma is a famous Paneer-based Indian side dish. This dish consists of 9 veggies along with Paneer and hence the name "Navaratan".
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Begun Basanti is a popular Bengali-style brinjal curry that is a delightful balance of sweet and sour cooked with Mustard and Yogurt
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Paneer Er Dalna is a Bengali style vegetarian no onion no garlic aromatic curry cooked with Paneer and also big potato chunks.
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Chana Bhapa is a delectable Bengali dish that consists of steamed Chana/ Paneer, or Cottage cheese that is spiced to perfection with the use of selected spices and mustard oil.
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Diwali Rice Recipes | Pulao, Biryani and Festive Rice Dishes
Bhoger Khichuri, also known as Bengali Niramish Khichuri, is a classic Bengali dish that combines fragrant Gobindobhog Rice and Sona Moong Daal, or yellow lentils, along with a blend of spices and vegetables.
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Bhuni Khichuri, a well-known Bengali dish, is made with the usual combination of lentils and rice. However, its texture sets it apart from the typical khichuri. This version is drier, yet indulgent and flavorful.
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Soya Chunks Pulao recipe is an easy Indian Pulao recipe cooked with rice and Soybean chunks. This is a healthy yet tasty one-pot vegetarian meal.
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Here's a simple recipe for Kolkata-style Egg Biryani with Aloo that you can follow to create a restaurant-quality Aanda Biryani in the comfort of your home.
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Morog Pulao is a signature Bangladeshi Chicken based Pulao where cock meat is used
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An easy recipe for Crab biryani. It takes just one hour to make this delicacy.
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Ilish Pulao is a signature Bengali delicacy where hilsa fish is cooked with rice to the level of perfection
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Bhat Bhaja is a Bengali-style fried rice cooked with leftover rice and veggies
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Bou Khuda is a flavorful ricePulao from the Bengali cuisine, made using broken rice grains also known as Khud or Khuder chal in Bengali.
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Masoor Daler Patla Khichuri is a signature Bengali runny Khichri cooked with Red Lentils and Gobindobhog Rice. This when served with Ilish bhaja is considered a quintessential Bengali meal of Khichuri and Ilish Bhaja!
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Diwali Non-Vegetarian Main Course Recipes | Chicken, Mutton and Fish Curries
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Joggi Barir Mangsho is the quintessential rich Bengali mutton curry cooked by the traditional professional cooks known as Rannar Thakur as part of the celebratory meal. This dish is prepared with only the finest and freshest ingredients, and its unique flavor will tantalize your taste buds.
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Mutton Rezala is an exquisite mughlai dish, renowned in Kolkata, India. It is a gravy-based delicacy that is prepared with mutton, and is characterized by its subtle and rich flavor.
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Posto Mangsho aka Mutton Curry cooked with Poppy Seed paste is a Bengali style Mangsho aka Mutton curry cooked with famous Posto Bata!
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A very easy yet, tasty heirloom recipe of Mutton Handi Kebab. I have adapted the recipe from a small-town Kebab shop in West Bengal
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Chicken Chaap aka Chicken Chanp is a famous chicken side widely available in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal and Bangladesh. This is a Mughal-influenced rich chicken delicacy.
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Doi Murgi aka Bengali Doi Chicken Curry is a curd-based Bengali Chicken Curry
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Bangladeshi Chicken Roast, a rich gravy based chicken delicacy from Bangladesh; also known as Biyebarir Chicken Roast
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Kolkata Style Chicken Bharta, where chicken strips are cooked in a rich gravy and served with boiled egg
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This Easy Indian Chicken Curry is a great recipe for beginners, perfect for a quick and easy meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and hearty chicken curry in no time!
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Murgir Jhol, a popular dish in Bengali households, is a delightful Chicken Curry featuring a vibrant red gravy and the addition of potatoes.
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A sumptuous and hearty Boatman Style Chicken Curry awaits you! Goalondo steamer curry aka boatman style chicken curry is a basic earthy Bengali-style chicken curry
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Butter Chicken is a signature Indian chicken curry cooked with grilled chicken and a special gravy called Makhani Gravy.
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Discover a simple yet delectable recipe for Doi Maach, a traditional Bengali fish curry. This signature dish, which boasts a base of curd or yogurt, can be prepared effortlessly in just half an hour by following the steps outlined below.
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Basa Fish Curry cooked with Coconut Milk, Curry Leaves, and Bengali Five spices aka Panch Phoron. This is a super easy Indian fish Curry recipe which is comforting as well.
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Bhapa Chingri is a famous Bengali Prawn recipe. In this recipe, prawns are steamed with coconut paste, mustard paste, and curd.
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The Biyebarir Fish Butter Fry, also known as Bhetki Batter Fry, is an essential dish in Bengali cuisine. It holds a special place in marriage feasts and is skillfully prepared by experienced cooks. This delectable fish fry is coated in a batter and is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a butter fry.
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Diwali Sweets and Desserts | Indian Mithai and Bengali Mishti Recipes
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Kheer Komola, also referred to as Komola Kheer or Payesh Komlalebur, is a well-liked sweet treat in Bengal that combines milk and juicy oranges.
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Mishti Doi is a signature Bengali Dessert and to make it as perfect as the confectioner's shop aka Mishtir Dokan you must follow the tricks properly!
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Bhapa Doi is a traditional Bengali steamed dessert prepared with Curd or Yogurt.
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Kamalabhog is a signature Bengali orange flavored dessert which is a distant cousin of Roshogolla and first cousin of Rajbhog!
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Narkel Chapa is a Bengali dessert prepared with coconut. We make it using coconut paste, sugar, and a dash of camphor along with Khowa.
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Doodh Sooji aka Suji aka Mohanbhog is a milk and semolina-based Bengali versatile dessert which can be eaten as porridge, and often served as prasad.
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Dimer Halwa or Egg Halwa is an Indian Sweet dish or Halwa prepared with Egg. This is an heirloom recipe from my in-laws' side
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Kolar Bora aka Bengali Banana Fritter is a crispy sweet snack/ dessert prepared with ripe bananas.
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A famous Milk-based Ring-shaped Bengali Sweet, Gujiya is one of its kind. This recipe will make around 20 Gujia
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Gurer Narkel Naru is a signature Bengali Sweet prepared with fresh grated coconut and Jaggery
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Planning a Diwali Feast at Home
If you are planning a Diwali dinner, you do not have to prepare an elaborate spread. A few well-chosen dishes can make the meal special. I usually prefer planning a festive menu around the people who will be eating it. After all, there is little point in cooking an enormous spread if everyone is too full to enjoy it!
For a vegetarian Diwali menu, you can prepare a pulao, a paneer dish, a vegetable curry, Indian bread, and a dessert. If you prefer a non-vegetarian meal, a chicken or mutton curry, biryani or pulao, a couple of snacks, and a sweet dish can make a lovely festive spread.
Snacks are especially useful when you have guests visiting throughout the day. A platter of homemade savoury treats, sweets, and beverages works well with tea or coffee. You can also prepare several items in advance, which makes the actual day a little less hectic.
Festive cooking gives us the chance to make dishes that we may not prepare regularly. Diwali is a perfect occasion for that. A traditional Bengali sweet, a rich Indian curry, or a snack that reminds you of another city can all find a place on your festive table.
Diwali Sweets and Snacks - Festive Treats for Everyone
Indian festivals and sweets go hand in hand, and Diwali is no exception. From ladoos and barfis to kheer, payesh, and other milk-based desserts, the choices are endless.
Bengali sweets deserve a special mention here. Darbesh, Sandesh, Rosogolla, and Chaler Payesh are some of the recipes I love including in festive collections. They may not be the first sweets that come to mind when someone thinks of a typical North Indian Diwali menu, but they are very much part of my own festive food memories.
Savoury snacks are equally important. Mathri, Nimki, Kucho Nimki, and various fritters are perfect for serving with tea or coffee when friends and family visit. A festive snack platter can include a mix of homemade and store-bought items, depending on how much time you have.
If you enjoy cooking for festivals, I hope this collection gives you enough ideas to experiment with your own Diwali menu. You can also use these recipes for festive gifting, family gatherings, and small celebrations at home.
Celebrate Diwali with Food, Family, and Memories
For me, Diwali is not just about lights and decorations. It is also about the memories associated with the festival. Celebrating in different parts of India has made me appreciate how food traditions change from one region to another, while the joy of the celebration remains the same.
As a Bengali, Kali Puja will always be an important part of my festive calendar. However, I also enjoy celebrating Diwali in all its different forms. The food, the traditions, the festive atmosphere, and the opportunity to spend time with loved ones make this time of the year special.
I hope this collection of Diwali Special Recipes from Debjanir Rannaghar helps you plan your own Deepavali feast. Whether you are preparing a traditional Bengali sweet, a festive Indian snack, or an elaborate meal for your family, I hope you enjoy the process as much as the food.
Wishing everyone a very Happy Diwali and Shubho Dipawali!
Diwali Special Recipe Videos to watch on my YouTube channel
Frequently Asked Questions about Diwali Special Recipes
Popular Diwali recipes include Kaju Katli, Besan Ladoo, Gulab Jamun, Mathri, Chakli, Namak Pare, Kheer, and festive curries and pulao. Bengali sweets such as Darbesh, Sandesh, and Rosogolla are also lovely additions to a Diwali menu.
Diwali sweets vary across India. Popular choices include ladoos, barfi, halwa, kheer, and other milk-based sweets. Bengali families may also prepare Narkel Naru, Sandesh, Darbesh, and Payesh.
A Diwali dinner can include festive snacks, pulao or biryani, paneer or vegetable curry, Indian bread, and a dessert. You can also add a non-vegetarian curry if you prefer.
Of course! Bengali recipes such as Darbesh, Sandesh, Rosogolla, Chaler Payesh, and Narkel Naru can be wonderful additions to a Diwali menu. Regional dishes make a festive meal more interesting.
Mathri, Nimki, Kucho Nimki, pakoras, and other savoury snacks are suitable for homemade Diwali treats. Many of these can be prepared ahead of time and served during festive gatherings.
Have You Tried Any of the Diwali Special Recipes from Debjanir Rannaghar?
I would love to know which recipes you are planning to prepare this Diwali. If you try any of the recipes from this collection, do share your experience with me. You can also share photographs of your dishes or let me know if you have a favourite Diwali recipe that you would like me to feature.
You can follow Debjanir Rannaghar on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Pinterest, Google News, X, and Thread for more recipes, food stories, and festive cooking ideas.
Happy Diwali and Shubho Dipawali!
Diwali Special Recipes Collection - Pinterest Pin
About Debjani Chatterjee Alam
I am Debjani Chatterjee Alam. A CSR specialist by profession and a food writer, food blogger, and food photographer as well. I live in Kolkata along with my Husband Mehebub who is an architect by profession, my daughter Pasta, and also my dog daughters Coffee and Luchi.
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