10 Raksha Bandhan Menu Recipes (Rakhi Recipes for Lunch / Dinner)

There are no specific rakhi recipes that are made as a Raksha Bandhan menu. But here I am sharing few lunch/dinner ideas that can be adapted as per your liking and preference.

Raksha Bandhan Menu Recipes (Lunch/Dinner Ideas)

You already know that Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi festival is the celebration of love, bond between brothers and sisters. And this celebration is incomplete without delicious food.

Here I am sharing 10 Raksha Bandhan menu ideas that can be made as a lunch or dinner.

Tips for Planning Raksha Bandhan Menu Recipes:

You don’t have to make exact same Raksha Badhan menu I have shared below.
Get some ideas, replace the recipe as per your/guests liking. E.g. one menu have malai kofta and you don’t like or don’t want to make. Then make any other similar rich gravy dish like palak paneer, veg kadai. Another example, I mentioned dal fry. You can make any other dal like chana dal, moong dal, simple toor dal.
So my point is, take some inspiration for Raksha Bandhan recipes. Browse the site to find similar recipes to replace. If have any confusion, comment below your question, suggestions.
You don’t have to make everything on the same day. You can prepare a few things a day before like sweets, chutneys. You can chop up the veggies and prep some other stuff a day before.

If you are looking for only sweet recipes then check out the list of easy 10 Raksha Bandhan sweets recipes or check out this complete list of (85+) Indian sweets recipes.

Hope these Raksha Bandhan recipes are helpful to you. And wishing you very happy rakhi this year.

10 Raksha Bandhan Menu Recipes (Rakhi Recipes)

1) Gujarati thali

This is the pretty basic full thali which my mom always makes whenever there are guests coming over. It contains nylon khaman as farsan, bharwa bhindi and sukhi bhaji as main sabji with sookhi moong dal, Gujarati kadhi, and rice. These are served with poori. Shrikhand is served as a sweet along with the meal. And masala chaas is served on the side, that is optional though.

Khaman dhokla in a plate with napkin on the side.

Khaman Dhokla Recipe (Nylon Khaman)

This is the BEST khaman dhokla recipe you’ll ever try! This nylon khaman turned out super soft, spongy, light and juicy with a balanced flavor of sweet, tangy, and salty.

Stuffed Okra (Bharwa Bhindi Recipe)

This bharwa bhindi is medium spicy, and nutty with a balance of sweet and tangy taste. This Gujarati style of making stuffed okra goes well with roti, paratha or as a side with dal-rice.

farali sukhi bhaji served with 3 rajgira puri

Sukhi Bhaji (Farali Potato Recipe)

Make this flavorful sukhi bhaji on regular day or during vrat (upvas) and enjoy with puri.

Sookhi Moong Dal

Sookhi moong dal recipe - a dry preparation of yellow lentils. In gujarati language it is called mag ni chutti dal.

Gujarati kadhi in a balti serving dish with a garnish of cilantro leaf.

Gujarati Kadhi Recipe

The most amazing Gujarati Kadhi you will ever have! It has a combination of a sweet and sour taste. Never suffer through separated (curdled) yogurt in your kadhi again - This recipe is a Keeper!

stack of 3 pooris in a plate with batata bhaji in the back.

Puri Recipe (Poori)

The only poori recipe you’ll ever need! The puri turns out slightly crisp, soft and fluffy every time. Plus, they are not oily at all.

close up image of shrikhand served in a bowl with a garnish of chopped nuts.

Shrikhand Recipe (With Greek Yogurt + Traditional)

Shrikhand Recipe - it’s silky, smooth, creamy with a hint of saffron flavor and crunch of nuts. It gets ready in 5 minutes or less (when made with greek yogurt)!

masala chaas in two glasses on a wooden round board with napkin on side

Masala Chaas Recipe (Spiced Indian Buttermilk)

Masala chaas (also known as spiced Indian buttermilk) is a summertime staple! It is so refreshing and timeless.

2) Another Gujarati spread

This thali consists of khandvi, batata nu rasawalu shaak, mix kathol, Gujarati dal, and rice. It is served with poori and as a dessert basundi is served. Basundi goes well with poori so it is the right choice. On the side, you can serve mango pickle and pudina chaas.

Khandvi

Khandvi recipe - a popular snack from gujarat. It is made from besan and sour yogurt.

Rasawala Batata Nu Shaak

Batata nu rasawalu shaak recipe - It is nothing but the gujarati style of making potato curry. Very simple, quick and easy to make.

A bowl of mix kathol served with basmati rice on the side.

Gujarati Mix Kathol Recipe (Jain)

This Gujarati style mix kathol recipe is protein-packed, healthy and delicious curry made with a combination of 4 beans, cooked in thick tomato gravy.

A bowl of gujarati dal with side of papad & rice with napkin and spoons on the side with few cilantro & curry leaves

Gujarati Dal Recipe

This Gujarati dal is one of our family favorite recipes that I make multiple times a week. It’s healthy, it’s comforting and full of flavors that is so easy to make.

Basundi in a serving bowl with garnish of chopped nuts

Basundi Recipe (Traditional Method)

This is the BEST basundi recipe you’ll get around the internet. It is super creamy, rich, perfectly sweet with the crunch of nuts in every spoon.

2 glasses of pudina chaas garnished with a mint leaf.

Pudina Chaas Recipe (Mint Chaas)

This super refreshing, cooling pudina chaas is a summertime staple drink

Methia keri mango pickle in a glass jar with more pickle in background.

Mango Pickle Recipe (Gujarati Methia Keri Athanu)

Mango pickle is the staple delicacy for Indian cuisine. This Gujarati methia keri nu khatu athanu is very easy to make and will jazz up your any boring, bland meal.

3) North Indian spread

As a starter, you can go with baked samosa with green chutney and meethi chutney. In the main course, you can make shahi paneer and aloo gobi with garlic naan, dal fry with jeera rice. On the side, you can serve urad papad, pickle, and salted lassi. Phirni is a good choice to serve as a dessert.

Baked Samosa

Baked samosa recipe - Let's take the healthy route to popular punjabi samosa. Instead of deep frying, we will be baking then oven.

close up top view of shahi paneer in a serving wok on a wooden board

Punjabi Shahi Paneer (Restaurant Style)

The best Punjabi shahi paneer recipe! Deliciously flavorful, aromatic, rich, creamy, and restaurant-style paneer gravy.

Aloo gobi masala served in an oval platter and garnished with cilantro.

Aloo Gobi Recipe

Aloo Gobi - A must-make Indian recipe! Cauliflower and potatoes are cooked in flavorful, Indian spiced onion tomato masala.

3 garlic naan on a parchment paper with garlic ghee bowl on the side.

Garlic Naan Recipe (Indian Bread)

Perfect Homemade Garlic Naan Bread! This restaurant style easy garlic naan recipe is a must-try recipe! Plus, you don’t need a tandoor (clay oven) to make it at home. You will get soft, fluffy texture with the right amount of garlic flavor.

A spoon ful of dal fry is taking away from the serving kadai.

Dal Fry Recipe (Restaurant Style)

A super easy, super delicious restaurant style dal fry! You’ll never need another dal fry recipe again! This has been my go-to recipe for years, it’s definitely a family favorite. We make it almost every week. It’s a staple recipe.

Jeera rice plate with a bowl of dal in the back.

Jeera Rice Recipe

This jeera rice recipe is PERFECT, Non-sticky, fluffy and flavored with cumin seeds.

2 glasses of salted lassi on a wooden tray with napkin underneath.

Salted Lassi Recipe

This salted lassi is savory, creamy, rich and smooth yogurt-based North Indian drink. This recipe will give you the same taste and texture as your favorite Indian restaurant.

phirni in individual serving bowl garnish with sliced nuts and saffron.

Phirni Recipe

This rice phirni is the traditional Indian dessert and is nothing but ground rice sweet pudding garnished with almonds, pistachios and saffron.

4) Another North Indian spread

In this, I have included hotel style tomato soup and masala papad as a starter. In the main dishes, I have included malai kofta, aloo methi with tandoori roti and veg briyani with boondi raita. As a dessert, I have included everyone’s favorite kaju katli.

2 bowls of creamy Indian tomato soup topped with croutons and cream.

Indian Tomato Soup Recipe (Instant Pot)

This is the classic Indian tomato soup recipe that tastes just like your favorite Indian restaurant. This tomato soup is made from scratch in under 30 minutes using instant pot.

Masala Papad

Masala papad recipe - Crispy papad topped with spiced onion-tomato mixture. It is a starter that is served in many Punjabi restaurants.

Malai kofta garnished with cilantro leaves.

Malai Kofta Recipe {Restaurant Style}

This malai kofta recipe is just like what you get at your favorite Indian restaurant but it’s made at home with a healthier option (no-fry kofta).

Aloo Methi

Aloo methi recipe - a dry vegetable dish aka sabzi made with potatoes and fenugreek leaves. This sabzi goes well with roti or paratha.

Tandoori Roti

Tandoori Roti Recipe - As the name says, it should be made into the tandoor (clay oven). But at home because of unavailability of the tandoor, we are making these Tandoori Roti on Tawa.

Veg Biryani

Veg Biryani Recipe - authentic method of making Hyderabadi dum biryani

Boondi raita recipe

US measuring cups are used (1 cup = 240 ml)

Kaju Katli Recipe {No-Fail Recipe!}

This is the BEST kaju katli recipe around the web! You get a soft, smooth and melt-in-your-mouth texture with of course full of cashew flavor.

5) Indo chinese menu:

If your guests (family members) are fond of Indian Chinese food then make chilli paneer and spring rolls for an appetizer. Also, make veg manchurian gravy, veg fried rice, and schezwan noodles as the main course. And enjoy the simple vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce as a dessert.

Chilli Paneer Dry

Chilli paneer dry recipe - A popular indo-chinese starter dish that is made from paneer, onion and capsicum.

Spring Rolls

Veg Spring Rolls Recipe - One of the popular starter recipes from Indo Chinese cuisine. You will find them in every Indian chinese restaurant menu.

Veg manchurian recipe (How to make vegetable manchurian gravy recipe)

Veg Manchurian (Gravy)

Indo Chinese style veg manchurian gravy recipe - here mixed vegetables balls are deep fried and added into spicy, sour gravy.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable fried rice recipe - Most popular fried rice recipe from Indo-Chinese cuisine. Very simple yet delicious veg fried rice.

Schezwan noodles served in a bowl with more noodles in the pan in the back.

Schezwan Noodles Recipe

This veg schezwan noodles recipe is just like what you get at your favorite Indian-Chinese restaurant but it’s made at home in under 30 minutes!

Vanilla ice cream recipe

easy to make basic and eggless ice cream recipe. This homemade vanilla ice cream made without ice cream maker.

6) Maharashtrian thali

In this thali, sabudana vada and kanda bhaji are served with mint chutney as a starter. In the main course, batatyachi bhaji, bharli bhendi, varan bhaat and roti (poli) are served. Papad and pickle are served on the side. Besan ladoo are made for dessert.

Sabudana vada in an oval plate with garnish of cilantro on a wooden board.

Sabudana Vada Recipe

The BEST, perfectly fried and crispy sabudana vada recipe ever! These are the perfect snack for vrat (Hindu fasting).

Onion Pakoda Recipe | Kanda bhaji recipe | Onion fritters

Onion Pakoda (Kanda Bhaji)

Onion pakoda recipe or kanda bhaji - deep-fried onion fritters made with gram flour and spices. I have added some rice flour which helps to make it crispy.

Top view of batata bhaji in a bowl with side of puran poli, katachi amti and rice.

Batata Bhaji Recipe (Maharashtrian Potato Bhaji)

Maharashtrian favorite batata bhaji or potato bhaji. Easy to make and deliciously flavorful! Here you will get mildly spiced boiled potato stir-fry flavored with curry leaves and garnished with fresh cilantro. YUM!

Bharli Bhendi

Bharli bhendi chi bhaji recipe - This name may confuse you as it is in marathi language. If you translate it word by word, bharli=stuffed, bhendi=okra, bhaji=sabzi (dry vegetable preparation).

A stack of phulka roti in a plate with napkin under the plate and rolling pin in the back.

Roti Recipe (Rotli / Phulka)

Learn how to make roti at home with this easy recipe. Also known as rotli (In Gujarati) or phulka roti. It is a staple Indian bread, made fresh every day in most Indian homes.

Varan in a black bowl with rice in another bowl and varan bhaat in a plate.

Varan Bhaat Recipe

Varan bhaat is a comforting and satisfying Maharashtrian dish and makes a perfect lunch or dinner. This instant pot varan recipe is incredibly easy and quick to make.

5 besan ladoo garnished with almonds arranged on rectangle plate with decorative napkin underneath

Besan Ladoo Recipe

The BEST Besan Ladoo Recipe! Easy to make and deliciously sweet! These ladoos are soft, creamy yet you can taste the granular feel from the besan.

7) Simple Punjabi Dinner

In this menu, Chole bhature are served and sliced onion w/ lemon wedge, pickle, and papad are served on the side. As a dessert, Gulab jamun are served.

A plate of chole bhature with green chilies on the side.

Chole Bhature Recipe

The easiest, tastiest chole bhature recipe! A classic North Indian combo where spicy, tangy chickpea curry topped with tangy potatoes served with puffy, soft, and fluffy bhature. This recipe is a Delhi street-style chole bhature recipe.

Gulab jamun in a bowl with one jamun cut open with a spoon

Gulab Jamun Recipe (With khoya)

The popular Indian sweet, gulab jamun made with khoya. This traditional method is a no-fail recipe, give it a try.

8) Rajasthani meal:

This is the very popular Rajasthani dish which is dal bati with churma. On the side, spicy garlic chutney or pickle is served.

Dal Bati

Dal Bati Recipe - This is the traditional and popular Rajasthani recipe. Here bati or baati is made from whole wheat flour and cooked over coal. But at home we will be baking into the oven.

Churma Recipe

Rajasthani Churma Recipe - When we serve dal bati, a side of this is the best accompaniment. Hence it is called dal bati churma.

9) Again punjabi style menu:

In this lunch or dinner menu, Paneer tikka is served with mint chutney as a starter. In the main, dum aloo, veg makhanwala are served with lachha paratha. And dal makhani and peas pulao are also served. You can have mango lassi or sweet lassi on the side or as a dessert.

3 skewers of paneer tikka on a plate with lemon wedges and mint leaves in the plate, mint chutney in a bowl on side.

Paneer Tikka Recipe (Oven & Stovetop)

Everyone loves this paneer tikka as a starter! Make this at home with the same charred flavor you get in the restaurants.

Punjabi Dum Aloo

Making restaurant style gravy at home is easy. Try this punjabi dum aloo gravy recipe at home, I am sure you will love it

Veg Makhanwala Recipe | How to make Vegetable makhani recipe

Veg Makhanwala (Vegetable Makhani)

Veg makhanwala recipe - Mixed vegetables are simmered in creamy, buttery tomato gravy. It is also called vegetable makhani.

Lachha paratha recipe (How to make BEST lachha paratha)

Lachha paratha recipe (How to make lachha paratha recipe)

US measuring cups are used (1 cup = 240 ml)

Dal makhani served in handi on a wooden board.

Dal Makhani Recipe

This is the ultimate restaurant-style dal makhani recipe! It’s rich, creamy, delicious with a subtle smokiness and that pairs well with jeera rice.

Close up of peas pulao in an oval white bowl.

Peas Pulao Recipe (Instant Pot Matar Pulao)

A perfectly delicious, aromatic peas pulao recipe! You’ll fall in love with the mild flavors of this matar pulao.

A glass of mango lassi garnished with saffron the pistachios.

Mango Lassi Recipe

This thick, creamy, delicious Indian mango lassi will quickly become your new go-to. Make your Indian restaurant favorite at home in under 10 minutes.

10. Chaat station:

Arrange below all the elements on the table and let people help themselves.
- Three chutneys (green chutney, tamarind date chutney, red garlic chutney),
- Aloo tikki, Chole (masala gravy), Ragda recipe, Papdi, Khasta kachori
- Sev, boiled cubed potatoes, chopped onion, tomato, cilantro, Yogurt (spiced with roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, salt)

You can prepare three chutneys, kachoris, papdi a day before. You can even make ragda and chole gravy, store in the fridge.

Now with this spread on table, you can make
ragda patties (using ragda and aloo tikki)
Chole tikki chaat (using chole gravy and aloo tikki)
Simple tikki chaat (aloo tikki topped with three chutneys, yogurt and sprinkle of onion, sev)
Papdi chaat or Sev puri
Kachori chaat

Ragda pattice recipe | ragda patties | how to make ragda pattice

Ragda Pattice Recipe (Ragda Patties) Instant pot Ragda Recipe

This ragda pattice is the popular Mumabi street food where potato patties are topped with dried green peas gravy, two chutneys (green coriander chutney and tamarind date chutney), onions and sev.

Chole tikki chaat | Aloo tikki chaat recipe | Aloo tikki chole recipe

Aloo Tikki Chole Chaat

Aloo tikki chole recipe - This is North Indian chaat recipe. shallow fried potato patties topped with spicy chickpea gravy, green chutney, sweet chutney, yogurt and sev.

A plate of papdi chaat with napkin under the plate and a bowl of sev on the side.

Papdi Chaat Recipe (Dahi Papri Chaat)

Papdi chaat is one of my favorite North Indian street food recipes. Dahi papri chaat is unbelievably easy to make, it’s jam-packed with combinations of flavors and everyone loves it.

A plate of sev puri with 3 bowls of chutney in the back.

Sev Puri Recipe (Sev Batata Puri)

Making the popular Mumbai street food sev puri recipe at home is super easy. A single bite of it will leave ‘a party in your mouth' as it has a perfect combination of different flavors and textures.

Khasta Kachori (Chaat)

Khasta kachori recipe - it is deep fried, puffed pastry stuffed with spicy moong dal stuffing. It is topped with chutneys, onion, tomato, yogurt and sev to make the khasta kachori chaat.

What is your menu for this day, please comment below and I would love to know.