In India, autumn dresses up in lights and celebration with two of its most emblematic festivities: Dussehra and Diwali. The first symbolizes the victory of good over evil; the second, known as the festival of lights, marks a time of hope, gratitude, and new beginnings. Both have a common denominator: they are celebrated by sharing moments of joy around the table. Sweets, festive dishes, and traditional recipes, where aromas and flavors transmit the essence of these dates.
"It is a time to let light into our lives, to give thanks and to wish for a year full of happiness, prosperity and health," in the words of Raj Kapoor, owner of the Mayura restaurant, one of the oldest Indian cuisine establishments in Barcelona.
With the aim of bringing this festive spirit to Barcelona and "to connect the city with Indian culture beyond gastronomy," Mayura has created the Dussehra and Diwali Menu, a very special selection of dishes inspired by these festivities. The proposal, available from October 2 to 22, combines Indian tradition with childhood memories and a subtle touch of Western fusion cuisine.
The Dussehra and Diwali menu at Mayura
The menu offers a tasting of three starters, three main courses, and three desserts. Some of them capture flavors that remind Raj of his childhood, such as one of the starters, "a samosa that is not the typical vegetarian one, but contains minced chicken and cheddar cheese, something that, as children, we eagerly awaited to eat at this time of year," says Raj.In addition, as a main course, the menu offers a very popular dish called jalfrezi, which has been highly appreciated for years in India, along with tangri kebab, which comes from the tandoor, "a chicken thigh cut and specially marinated, which we consider perfect for this occasion," explains Raj. And as expected, among the suggestions a very special dessert: Gulab Jamun, Raj's favorite when he was a child.
With the Dussehra and Diwali Menu, the restaurant wants to offer its diners an "authentic gift from India," a proposal to share, celebrate, and lovingly relive the flavors of homemade Indian cuisine.
An experience that evokes emotions through the aromas and flavors of these festive recipes. "We want each diner to feel one step closer to India without actually having traveled there," explains Raj.
Dishes to share
Thus, the Dussehra and Diwali Menu (€32) consists of:- Starters: Chicken and cheese Samosa, a different version of the classic vegetarian samosa, which children eagerly awaited at this time of year; Pulao, a pilaf (rice) in the style of the north of the country, colored and seasoned with spices; and Kofta Masala, vegan seitan meatballs in a light Indian spice sauce.
- Main Course: Chicken Lababdar, a Punjabi specialty with character (chicken cubes cooked in a thick sauce of tomato, nuts, onion, and our warmest masala): Vegetable Jalfrezi, a popular and highly appreciated curry in India; and Tangri Kebab, chicken thigh marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked in the tandoor. Accompanied by traditional Naan bread.
- Diwali Desserts: Gulab Jamun, Raj's favorite sweet from his childhood (fried milk and flour balls breaded in syrup flavored with cardamom and rose water); Rasmalai, soft fresh cheese balls in sweet milk cream flavored with cardamom and saffron, decorated with nuts; and Mango Lassi, a traditional Indian smoothie, refreshing and very popular.
A sensory journey
Thus, the menu combines traditional recipes with reinterpretations and fusions that wink at the Western palate without losing the authenticity of India.In short, a perfect excuse to get closer to the spirit of Dussehra and Diwali. Because for those who have never tried Indian cuisine, this menu represents a perfect opportunity to delve into its universe of aromas, spices, and colors. While for those who already know Mayura, it means discovering a more intimate and cultural facet of the restaurant.
"We want each diner to feel one step closer to India without actually having traveled there," explains Raj. And that is exactly what this menu achieves: a cultural and emotional journey through the senses.
Mayura, 20 years offering Indian cuisine in Barcelona
To speak of Indian restaurants in Barcelona is to speak of Mayura (C/ Girona, 57). Much has happened since Raj Kapoor and his wife Mayura —muse and inspiration for the project—arrived in Barcelona to offer the best of Indian cuisine. It has been almost two decades in which they have turned their restaurant into an authentic Indian oasis.Honoring its name —Mayura means peacock in Sanskrit, a symbol of beauty, prosperity, and wisdom in Indian culture—, this restaurant bestows beauty upon the five senses.
And nothing in this place is casual: colorful silks, warm lamps, carved furniture, and an enveloping atmosphere transport diners to a palace in northern India. But the most special thing is in the kitchen: traditional dishes, preparations in a tandoor oven, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free recipes, and a clear commitment to sustainability with organic wines, filtered water, and environmentally friendly packaging.