Michelin-star Indian chef Vikas Khanna has shared his elevated dahi kebab recipe ahead of Holi 2026, featuring a creative fusion of crispy kataifi, spiced yoghurt-based kebabs, purple cabbage purée and a spicy mango gel — blending Indian tradition with global culinary flair in a gourmet, restaurant-style celebration dish.
Michelin-star chef Vikas Khanna, celebrated worldwide for his innovative Indian cuisine, has unveiled a refined version of the classic dahi kebab to mark Holi 2026. This recipe transforms humble hung yoghurt into a visually striking, flavour-packed dish perfect for festive entertaining. His take blends tradition, technique and global ingredients to elevate the festival menu.
Key Highlights And Insights
Vikas Khanna’s Vision For A Modern Holi Classic
Chef Khanna draws on memories of enjoying dahi kebabs in India and reimagines them for a contemporary palate, combining textures that surprise and delight. His approach celebrates the beloved festival through a dish that is both nostalgic and refined.
The recipe debuted as part of his showcase of gourmet dishes perfect for the Holi season, appealing to home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients That Stand Out
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Thick hung yoghurt or labneh forms the creamy base, seasoned with traditional spices and herbs to build depth of flavour.
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Kataifi (shredded pastry similar to kunafa) provides an unexpected and luxurious crunchy exterior, creating contrast with the soft curd centre.
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Purple cabbage purée, fermented lightly and seasoned, introduces tang and colour that reflect vibrant Holi hues.
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A spicy mango gel adds sweet-heat balance, reinforcing the seasonal mango theme while boosting flavour complexity.
Crafting The Dish At Home
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Mix and shape the seasoned yoghurt into portions before wrapping in kataifi for frying.
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The cabbage puree is prepared by lightly fermenting and blending with aromatics.
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Mango gel is gently cooked to a thick, spoonable consistency.
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Assemble on plates with puree underneath and gel to finish.
Celebratory And Social Appeal
This dahi kebab recipe serves as an impressive Holi centrepiece, demonstrating how traditional Indian snacks can be reinvented with chef-level detail and presentation.
Source: Hindustan Times News