Published on: October 17, 2025 | 3:00 PM IST
As Diwali lights up cities across India, cafes and restaurants are adding a contemporary, flavorful twist to the festival by introducing matcha-infused drinks with an ethnic touch. From gulab jamun matcha to fruit-based blends, these offerings aim to marry traditional Indian festive flavors with the earthy, vibrant notes of Japanese matcha, creating an innovative fusion that appeals to all age groups.
Matcha Meets Indian Kulfi
One of the standout creations is matcha kulfi, which blends the creamy, nostalgic flavors of malai kulfi with the distinct, slightly bitter taste of matcha. Annie Bafna, founder of Noa by the Nutcracker, explains:
“We wanted to add something with an Indian twist which would appeal to a larger audience, and with the festive season coming up, what’s more nostalgic than a kulfi flavor! Matcha and kulfi come together to bring changing flavor sensations to the palate with each sip, ranging from nostalgia to contemporary.”
Matcha’s global popularity, fueled by social media trends and the interest of Gen Z, has also caught the attention of older consumers, with people aged 30–50 exploring the drink to understand the hype surrounding it. By pairing matcha with kulfi, cafes are able to deliver both a comforting and innovative taste experience, capturing the festive spirit of Diwali.
Motichoor Matcha: Tradition Meets Innovation
Another unique creation making waves this Diwali is motichoor matcha. Inspired by the iconic motichoor ladoo, the drink combines the sweet, rich flavors of the traditional Indian mithai with the earthy bitterness of matcha, creating a beverage that is both familiar and innovative.
Meher Kohli, co-founder of Tokyo Matcha Bar, elaborates:
“Diwali is all about joy and indulgence, and we wanted to capture that spirit with Indian sweets being integral to the celebration. We took the iconic motichoor ladoo and crafted a motichoor matcha to create a collaboration between Indian heritage and Japanese culture. The drink is layered with a base of desi ghee motichoor ladoo, milk of choice, ice, topped with vegan cold foam, and a motichoor ladoo on top. The mithai pairs beautifully with matcha’s earthy bitterness to create something familiar yet unique.”
This fusion is a perfect example of how traditional Indian flavors can be reimagined in modern café culture, providing both comfort and novelty for festive drink enthusiasts.
Gulab Jamun Matcha: A Festive Sweet Transformation
Cafes are also reinterpreting another beloved Diwali sweet with gulab jamun matcha. Ryan Soares, founder of Spill the Tea, describes the drink as having:
“A harmonious balance of sweet, milky, floral notes of gulab jamun, which perfectly complement the earthy notes of matcha. The gulab jamun hits you first and then the matcha cuts through with its earthy freshness.”
This combination allows drinkers to enjoy the familiar flavors of Diwali mithai while experiencing the subtle, invigorating taste of matcha, offering a refreshing alternative to standard festival treats.
Fruit Matchas: Bright, Joyful, and Festive
For those seeking wellness-oriented indulgence, fruit matchas are becoming a popular choice. Café Delhi Heights has incorporated fresh fruits like mango, coconut, and strawberry into their festive matcha menu, celebrating Diwali with drinks that are both vibrant and health-conscious.
Chef Ashish Singh explains:
“From a drink that pairs matcha with the richness of fresh mango puree, to blending it with coconut water, the flavors evoke tropical, familiar notes of Indian celebrations. A blend of matcha and strawberry purée perfectly captures the spirit of Diwali. Much like the festival itself, it’s bright, joyful, and full of contrast, where the earthy depth of matcha meets the sweetness and vibrance of strawberry. The drink’s lush pink-green hues mirror the colors of celebration, while its flavor profile balances calm and indulgence.”
This approach ensures that festival indulgence and wellness coexist, allowing patrons to enjoy innovative beverages without compromising on flavor or festivity.
Iced Pistachio Matcha: Nutty Aromatic Notes
Another creation capturing attention this festive season is the Iced Pistachio Matcha, which emphasizes nutty and aromatic flavors. Rajat Luthra, CEO of Third Wave Coffee, says:
“The aim is to blend innovation with nostalgia, crafting experiences that feel celebratory, comforting, and truly reflective of Diwali’s spirit—a celebration of flavor, nostalgia, and togetherness. The drink blends timeless Indian traditions with modern café craftsmanship, adding a touch of indulgence to every celebration.”
The Iced Pistachio Matcha offers a luxurious yet approachable option for those looking to enjoy Diwali festivities with a modern twist. Its rich, nutty taste complements the distinctive earthiness of matcha, making it a well-rounded choice for festival enthusiasts.
Matcha Mania Continues
The rise of matcha in India reflects the fusion of global trends with local flavors, demonstrating the versatility of this Japanese green tea powder in catering to the festive Indian palate. Cafes are increasingly exploring creative ways to incorporate traditional Indian sweets, fruits, and nuts into matcha-based beverages, offering an innovative drinking experience that resonates with both younger and older consumers.
Diwali 2025 is seeing cafes and restaurants push the boundaries of flavor innovation, ensuring that festive drinks are Instagram-worthy, delicious, and culturally resonant. From nostalgic kulfi flavors to motichoor and gulab jamun inspired drinks, patrons can enjoy beverages that evoke familiarity and novelty, creating a memorable festive experience.
With matcha’s global appeal and its growing popularity in India, this Diwali promises to be one where traditional flavors meet modern innovation, giving festival-goers a refreshing, flavorful, and indulgent twist on their favorite sweets and drinks.
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