Planning a Ganeshotsav meal becomes easier when the menu is divided into courses. A few snacks can be served as guests arrive, the main course can combine rice, breads, dal and vegetables, and sweets can be reserved for prasad or the end of the meal. And the most important thing all can be ordered on Zomato.
The choice does not need to be limited to Maharashtrian food. While dishes such as kothimbir vadi, puran poli and ukadiche modak connect the menu with the festival, widely available options such as samosas, vegetarian thalis and laddoos can make online ordering easier in other parts of India.
Starters: Kothimbir Vadi
Kothimbir vadi is a Maharashtrian snack prepared using coriander leaves, gram flour and spices. The mixture is steamed and cut into pieces before being served as it is or fried.
It can work as a starter because it is easy to divide among guests. Check how many pieces come in one portion and whether green or tamarind chutney is included. Availability may be higher in cities with Maharashtrian restaurants.
Sabudana Vada
Sabudana vada is prepared with tapioca pearls, potatoes, peanuts and spices. It can be ordered as a starter or for guests observing a fast.
A restaurant’s recipe may not follow every household’s fasting practices. Confirm whether it contains regular salt, onion, garlic or other ingredients that are avoided during a vrat. Peanuts are commonly used, so people with an allergy should be informed.
Samosas, Kachoris or Dhokla
Samosas, kachoris and dhokla are easier to find across India than regional Ganeshotsav snacks. They can be ordered for guests arriving before lunch or served with evening tea.
For samosas and kachoris, check whether chutneys are included. Fried snacks can soften during a long journey, making the distance from the outlet important. Dhokla can be considered when the menu already contains several fried dishes.
Main Course: Maharashtrian Thali
A Maharashtrian thali may include varan bhaat, amti, masale bhaat, batata bhaji, chapati or puri, koshimbir, pickle and papad. Some festival thalis may also provide puran poli or modak.
The menu changes between restaurants, so read the complete list rather than depending on the picture. If the family avoids onion and garlic during Ganeshotsav, contact the outlet to confirm how the vegetables and dal are prepared.
Vegetarian Thali
A regular vegetarian thali is likely to be available in more cities. It generally includes dal, rice, roti, vegetables, curd, salad, pickle and a sweet.
Modak or puran poli can be ordered separately to add a festival element. This may be more practical outside Maharashtra, where a dedicated Ganesh Chaturthi meal is not listed.
Check whether the thali contains fixed portions. A restaurant offering unlimited thalis for dine-in customers will usually provide limited quantities for delivery.
Puri-Sabzi
Puri with potato curry can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is commonly available from North Indian restaurants and sweet shops.
Some outlets sell it as a fixed combo, while others list the puris and curry separately. Look at the number of puris and the size of the curry portion before deciding how many meals to order.
Dal, Rice, Paneer and Breads
For a larger group, ordering full portions of dal, rice or pulao, paneer curry and Indian breads may cost less than purchasing separate thalis. It also allows the quantity of each component to be adjusted. Choose one dal and one vegetable or paneer dish rather than adding several similar gravies.
Puran Poli
Puran poli can be part of the main meal or served afterwards. It is a flat bread with cooked chana dal and jaggery (sometimes with cardamom or nutmeg).
Sweets: Steamed or Mawa Modak
Ukadiche modak has a steamed rice-flour covering and a coconut-jaggery filling. It should ideally arrive close to the puja or serving time because its texture can change as it cools.
Mawa modaks are milk-based sweets shaped like modaks. They are more widely available through mithai shops and can be ordered in different pack sizes. Dry-fruit and chocolate versions may also be available.
Laddoos and Mixed Mithai
Motichoor, boondi, besan and coconut laddoos can be distributed as prasad or served after the meal. A mixed mithai box may include peda, barfi, kaju katli, milk cake and laddoo.
Check the box weight, ingredients and number of pieces. Dairy, nuts and added colours may be present, depending on the selection.
Shrikhand, Kheer or Gulab Jamun
Shrikhand is made with strained curd and sugar and may contain saffron, cardamom or nuts. It can be paired with puri or served as dessert.
Kheer and gulab jamun are available through restaurants in many cities. Kheer should be refrigerated if it is not consumed shortly after delivery, while gulab jamun can be reheated before serving.
Building the Order
For a small gathering, one starter, one thali or meal combination and one sweet may be enough. A larger group could be served two snacks, shared portions of the main course and a mixed selection of modaks and laddoos.
Also Read: Steamed, Fried or Mawa: Which Modak Should You Order This Ganesh Chaturthi?