Indian Snacks Every NRI Misses During Festivals

Festivals feel different when you live away from India.

The lights can be arranged, the video calls scheduled and the traditional outfit ordered weeks in advance. But when the celebrations begin, it is often the familiar food that makes home feel far away—the crack of a freshly opened chakli, the aroma of mathri and masala chai, or that first bite of a besan laddoo.

Every family has its own favourites, but certain Indian snacks return to festive tables year after year. Here are ten sweet and savoury treats that many NRIs look for when Diwali, Holi, Onam, Raksha Bandhan and other celebrations arrive.

What Indian snacks do NRIs miss during festivals?

Popular festival favourites include chakli or murukku, aloo bhujia, namkeen mixture, mathri, roasted moong dal, banana chips, besan laddoos, kaju katli, soan papdi and gujiya.

Their festival associations vary by family and region, but they share one quality: the taste, texture and memories can make an overseas celebration feel closer to home.

Ten nostalgic Indian festival snacks

1. Chakli and murukku

Few festival snacks deliver a more satisfying crunch than chakli or murukku. The spiral-shaped savoury is made in several regional styles, with recipes based on rice flour, gram flour, lentils and spice blends.

In Maharashtra, chakli is a familiar part of the Diwali faral plate. Across southern India, murukku and related rice-flour snacks appear during Deepavali, Krishna Janmashtami and family celebrations.

For international ordering, select a sealed pack with protective packaging because these crisp spirals can break easily in transit.

2. Aloo bhujia and sev

A bowl of bhujia or sev tends to disappear quickly once a festival gathering begins. It may be eaten by itself, added to chaat or mixed with nuts, onions and other savouries.

Packaged aloo bhujia is also one of those familiar tastes that can be difficult to replace with a locally produced version. The balance of potato, gram flour and Indian spices gives each brand its own flavour.

Smaller sealed packs can be useful for sharing while helping the remaining product stay fresh.

3. Namkeen mixture and chivda

Every region seems to have its own answer to the perfect mixture. Some versions contain sev and peanuts, while others combine flattened rice, lentils, curry leaves, raisins or cashews.

Chivda is closely associated with Diwali faral in many Maharashtrian homes. Khatta-meetha mixtures, Bombay mixes and regional namkeens fill similar roles at festive gatherings elsewhere.

Mixture is light but fragile, so look for well-sealed packs with enough room to protect the contents from being crushed.

4. Mathri

Mathri is the snack that turns a cup of tea into a proper festive break. The flaky, savoury crackers may be plain or seasoned with ajwain, black pepper, fenugreek and other spices.

Mathri is commonly prepared or served around Diwali and Holi, particularly in northern Indian households. It also works well in festive snack boxes because dry versions generally keep longer than freshly prepared snacks.

Choose a factory-sealed pack and review the ingredients if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.

5. Moong dal and roasted chana snacks

Sometimes the most-missed snack is the simplest one. Crisp moong dal, roasted chana and spiced lentil snacks are easy to serve and difficult to stop eating.

They are not tied to only one festival. Instead, they appear in travel bags, office drawers and snack bowls whenever relatives and friends gather.

Their compact packaging also makes them practical additions to a mixed festival order. Check the sodium, allergen and ingredient information before purchasing.

6. Banana chips

For many Malayalis living abroad, the sight of thin banana chips instantly brings back memories of Kerala celebrations. They are particularly connected with Onam and Vishu, although they remain a popular snack throughout the year.

Banana chips may be plain, salted, peppered or coated with jaggery. Oil and seasoning can vary between brands, so choose the style closest to the one you remember.

Order sealed packs and keep them protected from heat and moisture after delivery.

7. Besan laddoos

Besan laddoos carry the unmistakable aroma of roasted gram flour, ghee and cardamom. They are served during Diwali, religious occasions, family celebrations and festive visits.

The homemade version may be impossible to recreate exactly, but packaged laddoos can bring some of that familiar taste to an overseas celebration.

For international delivery, choose sealed products with a clearly labelled ingredient list, storage instructions and best-before date.

8. Kaju katli and dry barfi

A festive sweet box rarely feels complete without neatly arranged diamonds of kaju katli or pieces of barfi. These sweets are closely associated with Diwali gifting, Raksha Bandhan and family celebrations.

Dry, commercially packaged varieties are generally more practical for travel than sweets packed in syrup. However, shelf life and destination-country rules still need to be checked before ordering.

Avoid making assumptions from appearance alone. Read the label for milk, nuts and other allergens.

9. Soan papdi

Soan papdi may be famous for travelling from one household to another during Diwali, but that familiar box remains part of the festival experience for many families.

Its light, flaky texture and cardamom flavour make it easy to share after a meal or include in a gift hamper. Individually packed pieces can be particularly convenient for larger gatherings.

Because the texture is delicate, choose sturdy boxed packaging for international transit.

10. Gujiya and karanji

Gujiya and karanji are crescent-shaped pastries filled with combinations of coconut, semolina, dried fruit, nuts or milk solids. Gujiya is strongly associated with Holi, while karanji appears on many Diwali snack plates.

Fresh versions may have a limited shelf life, especially when the filling contains dairy. For overseas ordering, consider dry, commercially packaged varieties and check the best-before date carefully.

If the product needs refrigeration or has an unclear ingredient label, confirm shipping eligibility before buying.

Build your own festival nostalgia box

A balanced festival snack box does not need dozens of products. Start with four types:

• One regional favourite, such as banana chips, murukku or chivda.

• One classic namkeen, such as bhujia, sev or moong dal.

• One dry sweet, such as a besan laddoo or packaged kaju katli.

• One family favourite that brings back a specific festival memory.

You can also add diyas, festive clothing, small gifts or pooja items when those products are eligible for the same shipment.

Which Indian snacks are easier to ship internationally?

Shelf-stable snacks in factory-sealed packaging are usually more practical than fresh or refrigerated foods. Suitable options may include packaged namkeen, chakli, murukku, mathri, moong dal, banana chips, soan papdi and selected dry sweets.

Before ordering:

• Check the ingredients and allergen declaration.

• Review the manufacturing and best-before dates.

• Choose packaging that does not require refrigeration.

• Avoid leaking, syrup-filled or loosely packed products.

• Consider smaller packs for freshness and easier sharing.

• Check the food-import rules of your destination country.

• Confirm that the product is accepted by the selected courier.

Shipping permission depends on the product, carrier and destination. Shoppre also advises customers that customs authorities may impose additional country-specific restrictions. Review the current prohibited-items guidance before purchasing.

How can NRIs order Indian festival snacks?

NRIs can place eligible orders directly through Shoppre Personal Shopper:

1. Visit the Shoppre Personal Shopper store.

2. Search for the Indian snacks or sweets you want.

3. Check the pack size, ingredients and best-before date.

4. Place your order directly through Shoppre.

5. If a product is only available from another Indian retailer, provide the product link for assisted purchase.

6. Shoppre receives and consolidates eligible purchases before arranging international delivery.

Availability, customs clearance and delivery time depend on the destination and selected products.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most popular Indian festival snacks?

Common choices include chakli, murukku, bhujia, chivda, mathri, moong dal, banana chips, laddoos, kaju katli, soan papdi and gujiya. Preferences differ across regions and families.

Can Indian sweets and snacks be shipped abroad?

Many factory-sealed, shelf-stable snacks can be shipped internationally. Fresh, refrigerated, liquid or syrup-filled foods may face additional restrictions. Always confirm the destination-country rules before ordering.

Which Indian sweets are practical for international delivery?

Packaged dry sweets such as soan papdi, selected laddoos, kaju katli and dry barfi may be more practical than fresh or syrup-filled sweets. Shipping eligibility and shelf life must still be checked for each product.

Can I order snacks directly through Shoppre?

Yes. Customers can visit Shoppre Personal Shopper to search for available products and place eligible orders directly.

Can snacks be combined with other festival shopping?

Eligible snacks may be consolidated with clothing, décor, gifts and other purchases. Confirm that every product is permitted by the courier and destination customs authority before requesting shipment.

Bring your festival favourites closer

Living abroad may change where you celebrate, but it does not have to remove the flavours that make the occasion feel familiar.

From chakli and bhujia to laddoos and kaju katli, your festival snack box can bring a small but meaningful piece of India to your celebration.

Shop Indian festival snacks with Shoppre and place your eligible order directly from wherever you live.