Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday 8 November. Herb is a fully vegetarian Kerala restaurant at 96 Granby Street, Leicester, so a Diwali dinner here needs no menu planning for guests who do not eat meat: choose a thali, add sweets such as ada pradhaman or carrot halwa, and book early for groups. Ask the team whether any festive offer applies.
What is Diwali?
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world, usually over several days in October or November. Families light diyas and lamps, share sweets, visit one another and eat together; in 2026 the main day is Sunday 8 November. Leicester has one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India, which makes the weeks around it a busy time for restaurants in the city.
Why a vegetarian Kerala menu suits Diwali
Many families keep Diwali meals vegetarian, and Herb’s whole kitchen is vegetarian, so everyone at the table can order anything on the menu. Kerala’s own big festival is Onam rather than Diwali, but the cooking fits the occasion: coconut-based curries, rice, lentils, fresh vegetables and gentle spices, with a sweet course to finish. A sadya-style thali is built for sharing and celebrating. (Read about Onam and the sadya.)
What to order for a Diwali dinner at Herb Leicester
- Herb Special Thali (£22.45) – a three-course feast: rasam soup, eight vegetable tapas dishes with rice and bread, and a traditional payasam dessert.
- Slim Thali (£16.85) – a lighter single course of seven vegetable dishes with rice and bread.
- Pothichoru Bijo Biryani (£16.95) – Kerala-style biryani steamed in banana leaves with raita, lemon pickle and pappadoms.
- Starters to share – uzhunnu vada, chilli kappa or a Herb mix vegetable platter.
- Sweets – ada pradhaman (£4.95), carrot halwa with ice cream (£5.59), gulab jamun (£5.85) or kulfi (£5.45).
Vegan and gluten-free diners are well looked after: dishes tagged V are vegan, and many others can be made vegan on request. See the Leicester menu for every dish and tag.
Booking for family and group celebrations
Diwali tables fill early. Book through the Herb Leicester page or call 0116 233 2715. For larger groups, see party menus and private dining (from £25.95 per head). If you are already thinking about the next celebration, Christmas bookings are open: Christmas at Herb Leicester.
FAQ
When is Diwali in 2026?
The main day of Diwali in 2026 is Sunday 8 November.
Is Herb Leicester fully vegetarian for Diwali?
Yes. The whole menu is vegetarian, with many vegan and gluten-free dishes, so everyone at the table can order anything on the menu.
What should we order for a Diwali meal at Herb?
A thali is the easiest way to share a celebration meal: the Herb Special Thali is a three-course feast, and the Slim Thali is a lighter single course. Finish with ada pradhaman, carrot halwa, gulab jamun or kulfi.
Can I book a large group for Diwali at Herb Leicester?
Yes. Book early for Diwali, and see the party menu and private dining page for group menus from £25.95 per head. Call 0116 233 2715 to check availability.
Does Herb have a Diwali offer?
Please ask the team when you book whether any festive offer applies.
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