Diwali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, and at most Diwali dinners the biryani sits in the middle of the table. Royal Kitchen on 98th Avenue in East Oakland cooks Indian and Mughlai food, and its own blog describes the kitchen as 100% halal certified. Its full Diwali dinner guide covers combo boxes and a complete family feast; this post focuses on the centerpiece: which biryani to choose, which curries to put beside it, and how to finish with Gulab Jamun.
Diwali 2026 at a glance
- Diwali is on Sunday, 8 November 2026.
- Royal Kitchen’s menu has five biryanis: goat, lamb, chicken, shrimp and a vegan veggie version.
- A biryani, one or two curries, naan and a sweet make a complete Diwali dinner.
- Order direct from the restaurant for pickup or delivery.
Which biryani should you choose?
| Biryani | Good for |
|---|---|
| Goat Biryani | A traditional, festive choice with rich flavor |
| Lamb Biryani | Lamb lovers who want a tender, hearty rice dish |
| Chicken Biryani | A crowd-pleaser that suits most guests |
| Shrimp Biryani | Seafood lovers |
| Veggie Biryani (Vegan) | Vegan and vegetarian guests |
Royal Kitchen’s biryani guide explains how the dish is made, from the spiced rice to the layers of meat.
Goat Biryani: the festive pick
Goat is the meat many families save for celebrations, and goat biryani is a traditional centerpiece for a festive meal. Royal Kitchen lists Goat Biryani in its Rice & Biryani’s section.
Order Goat Biryani if:
- You want the most traditional festive biryani.
- Your family enjoys rich, bone-in flavor.
- You are serving it with raita and a curry on the side.
Lamb or chicken for a mixed crowd
If some guests prefer a milder choice, add a second biryani. Lamb Biryani keeps the meal special, while Chicken Biryani is the one most guests will reach for, including kids.
A vegan biryani for the vegetarian table
Many families keep Diwali vegetarian. Royal Kitchen’s All Vegan section includes Veggie Biryani (Vegan), so vegetarian and vegan guests get their own centerpiece rather than just a side dish.
Curries to serve beside the biryani
Biryani is a full dish on its own, but one or two curries with naan turn it into a feast:
- Butter Chicken: a mild, creamy curry that suits the whole family.
- Goat Curry or Lamb Korma: for a rich, festive pairing.
- Paneer Tikka Masala or Shahi Paneer: vegetarian favorites.
- Chana Saag (Vegan) or Dal Tadka (Vegan): for the vegan side of the table.
Add Garlic Naan or the Royal Bread Basket, and a bowl of Raita to cool the spice.
How much biryani to order
Biryani is filling, so most families order fewer biryanis than they expect and fill the rest of the table with curries and bread. A simple way to plan:
- Choose one main biryani for the whole table, usually Goat Biryani or Chicken Biryani.
- Add a second biryani if you have both meat eaters and vegetarians, so each group has its own centerpiece.
- Count on one curry for every three or four guests, plus naan for everyone.
- Add Raita for the table; it keeps the spice in balance, especially for kids.
If you would rather not plan dish by dish, Royal Kitchen’s To Go Combo Box menu includes a Goat and Veg Combo, and its Diwali dinner guide explains how the combo boxes work for a family meal.
Starters to begin the evening
While the biryani is being served, a few starters keep guests happy. The menu includes Vegetable Samosa, Chicken Tikka Kebab, Lamb Seekh Kebab and Tandoori Paneer Tikka, and the Samosa Tray (10 Pcs) on the Party Menu covers a group in one order.
Gulab Jamun and other Diwali sweets
Sharing sweets is one of the traditions of Diwali, and gulab jamun, soft milk dumplings soaked in syrup, is one of the best-loved. Royal Kitchen’s dessert menu lists:
- Gulab Jamun (2 Pc), the classic.
- Gajar Ka Halwa, a warm carrot pudding.
- Kheer, a creamy rice pudding.
- Mango Lassi to drink alongside.
Sample Diwali dinners
| Table | What to order |
|---|---|
| Family of four | Goat Biryani, Butter Chicken, Garlic Naan, Raita, Gulab Jamun (2 Pc) |
| Bigger family | Goat Biryani, Chicken Biryani, Lamb Korma, Paneer Tikka Masala, Royal Bread Basket, Gajar Ka Halwa |
| Vegan table | Veggie Biryani (Vegan), Chana Saag (Vegan), Dal Tadka (Vegan), Vegan Tandoori Roti (No Butter) |
For combo boxes and a full feast for six to twelve people, see the restaurant’s Diwali dinner guide.
How to place the order
Order through Royal Kitchen’s own ordering page. Ordering direct means the restaurant receives the full order, with no third-party app taking a commission, and direct orders earn points in the reward program. The restaurant’s halal food guide covers the rest of the menu.
Royal Kitchen is at 175 98th Ave, Oakland, CA 94603.
FAQ
Q: When is Diwali in 2026?
A: Diwali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026.
Q: Which biryanis does Royal Kitchen have?
A: The menu lists Goat Biryani, Lamb Biryani, Chicken Biryani, Shrimp Biryani and Veggie Biryani (Vegan).
Q: What should I serve with biryani for Diwali?
A: Pair it with a curry such as Butter Chicken or Lamb Korma, Garlic Naan, Raita and Gulab Jamun (2 Pc) for dessert.
Q: Is Royal Kitchen halal?
A: Royal Kitchen’s own blog describes its Indian food as 100% halal certified.
Q: Is there a vegan biryani?
A: Yes. Veggie Biryani (Vegan) is on Royal Kitchen’s All Vegan menu.
Put biryani at the center
Goat Biryani for the feast, a curry and naan beside it, and Gulab Jamun to finish: order your Diwali dinner straight from the restaurant.
