Indian cuisine is known worldwide for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and aromatic spices. Catering Indian food for events adds a delightful and exotic touch to any occasion.
Whether you are planning a wedding, corporate event, birthday party, or any special gathering, an Indian catering menu offers a variety of options to satisfy your guests’ palates.
This comprehensive Indian catering menu covers appetizers, main courses, breads, rice dishes, desserts, and beverages, along with their typical prices. The prices may vary depending on the city, restaurant, and quantity ordered, but a realistic price range suitable for most catering services.
“A great Indian meal is like a symphony of spices and textures that dance on your tongue.” – Anonymous
Appetizers & Starters
Starting the meal with traditional Indian appetizers is a great way to introduce your guests to the variety of flavors that Indian cuisine offers. These dishes are perfect for cocktail hours or pre-meal snacks.
| Dish | Description | Price (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Samosa | Crispy triangular pastries stuffed with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. | $2.50 |
| Paneer Tikka | Grilled cubes of marinated cottage cheese, flavored with yogurt and spices. | $4.00 |
| Chicken Tikka | Boneless chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled to perfection. | $4.50 |
| Pakoras | Deep-fried fritters made with vegetables or chicken dipped in chickpea flour batter. | $3.00 |
| Vegetable Spring Rolls | Crunchy rolls filled with spiced mixed vegetables, fried until golden. | $3.50 |
| Seekh Kebab | Minced meat skewers seasoned with herbs and spices, grilled to perfection. | $5.00 |
Main Course Entrees
The main course is the heart of any Indian catering menu. These entrees typically include a choice of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes featuring various meats, legumes, and vegetables cooked in rich sauces or dry preparations.
| Dish | Description | Price (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Butter Chicken | Tender chicken pieces cooked in a creamy tomato-based gravy, mildly spiced. | $9.00 |
| Paneer Butter Masala | Cottage cheese cubes simmered in a rich buttery tomato sauce. | $8.00 |
| Chole Masala | Spicy chickpea curry cooked with onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. | $7.00 |
| Lamb Rogan Josh | Slow-cooked lamb in a flavorful Kashmiri curry full of spices and yogurt. | $12.00 |
| Dal Makhani | Black lentils slow-cooked in a creamy tomato and butter sauce. | $7.50 |
| Fish Curry | Fresh fish cooked in a tangy and spicy coconut-based curry. | $11.00 |
| Aloo Gobi | Classic dry curry made with potatoes and cauliflower, seasoned with turmeric and cumin. | $6.50 |
| Chicken Korma | Chicken cooked in a mild, creamy sauce with nuts and aromatic spices. | $10.00 |
Indian Breads
Indian breads are an essential part of the meal and complement the rich gravies and dry dishes perfectly. Offering a variety of breads ensures your guests can enjoy the full experience of an Indian feast.
| Bread | Description | Price (per piece) |
|---|---|---|
| Naan | Soft, fluffy leavened flatbread baked in a tandoor oven. | $1.50 |
| Garlic Naan | Naan topped with fresh garlic and coriander, baked to golden perfection. | $1.75 |
| Roti | Unleavened whole wheat flatbread cooked on a tava (flat griddle). | $1.00 |
| Paratha | Layered and flaky whole wheat bread, often stuffed with spiced potatoes or vegetables. | $2.00 |
| Bhatura | Deep-fried leavened bread, typically served with chole. | $2.50 |
Rice & Biryani
Rice dishes are a staple in Indian meals and come in many forms, from simple steamed rice to elaborate biryanis. These dishes bring a hearty balance to the meal and are often the highlight of Indian catering menus.
| Dish | Description | Price (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Steamed Basmati Rice | Fragrant long-grain rice perfectly steamed to accompany any curry. | $2.50 |
| Jeera Rice | Basmati rice cooked with cumin seeds and mild spices. | $3.00 |
| Vegetable Biryani | Layered basmati rice cooked with mixed vegetables and aromatic spices. | $8.00 |
| Chicken Biryani | Spiced chicken layered with saffron-flavored basmati rice and cooked slowly. | $10.00 |
| Lamb Biryani | Fragrant basmati rice cooked with tender lamb and rich spices. | $12.00 |
Desserts
Indian desserts are often rich, sweet, and made with ingredients like milk, nuts, and sugar. These treats provide a perfect end to an Indian meal and can be served individually or in buffet style.
| Dessert | Description | Price (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Gulab Jamun | Soft deep-fried dough balls soaked in rose-flavored sugar syrup. | $3.50 |
| Rasgulla | Spongy cheese balls soaked in light sugar syrup. | $3.00 |
| Kheer | Rice pudding made with milk, sugar, cardamom, and garnished with nuts. | $3.50 |
| Jalebi | Deep-fried pretzel-shaped sweets soaked in saffron syrup. | $3.00 |
| Rasmalai | Soft cheese patties soaked in thickened, flavored milk with saffron and pistachios. | $4.00 |
Beverages
To complement the meal, traditional Indian beverages can be served. These drinks refresh the palate and bring authentic flavors to the dining experience.
| Beverage | Description | Price (per glass) |
|---|---|---|
| Mango Lassi | A creamy yogurt-based drink blended with ripe mangoes and a touch of cardamom. | $3.50 |
| Masala Chai | Traditional spiced tea brewed with milk, tea leaves, and aromatic spices. | $2.50 |
| Sweet Lassi | A smooth, sweet yogurt drink flavored with rose water or saffron. | $3.00 |
| Buttermilk (Chaas) | A refreshing yogurt-based drink seasoned with cumin and herbs. | $2.50 |
| Jaljeera | A tangy and spicy cumin-flavored lemonade, perfect for hot days. | $3.00 |
Customizing Your Indian Catering Menu
When selecting dishes for your Indian catering menu, consider the preferences and dietary restrictions of your guests. Indian cuisine offers a vast selection of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and meat options that can cater to diverse needs.
For large events, it is common to offer a buffet-style service that includes a balanced mix of appetizers, main courses, breads, rice dishes, desserts, and beverages. This allows guests to sample a variety of dishes and ensures an enjoyable dining experience.
“Food is the ingredient that binds us together.” – Anonymous
Popular Indian Catering Packages
Many catering companies provide predefined packages based on the number of courses and variety. Below is an example of a typical three-course Indian catering package with prices:
| Package Type | Included Items | Price (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 2 Appetizers, 2 Main Courses (1 Veg, 1 Non-Veg), 2 Breads, Steamed Rice, 1 Dessert | $25.00 |
| Standard | 3 Appetizers, 3 Main Courses (2 Veg, 1 Non-Veg), 3 Breads, 2 Rice Dishes, 2 Desserts, 1 Beverage | $35.00 |
| Deluxe | 4 Appetizers, 4 Main Courses (2 Veg, 2 Non-Veg), 4 Breads, 2 Rice Dishes, 3 Desserts, 2 Beverages | $50.00 |
Tips for Ordering Indian Catering
Plan Ahead: Indian dishes often require preparation and marination time. Book your catering at least 2 weeks in advance to ensure availability.
Discuss Dietary Needs: Inform your caterer about any allergies, vegetarian or vegan preferences, and spice tolerance levels for your guests.
Request Tastings: Many catering services offer tasting sessions to help you finalize your menu and experience the flavors firsthand.
Portion Sizes: Indian meals can be rich and filling; consider portions carefully to avoid waste while keeping guests satisfied.
Ask About Service Style: Decide between buffet, plated service, or family-style serving based on your event type and space.
Conclusion
Choosing an Indian catering menu means embracing a world of bold spices, vibrant colors, and diverse textures. From savory appetizers to decadent desserts, Indian cuisine brings a memorable flavor to any event.
Understanding the menu options and price ranges allows you to tailor your catering to fit your budget while ensuring your guests enjoy an authentic and delicious experience. Whether you opt for classic dishes like Butter Chicken and Naan or regional specialties such as Lamb Rogan Josh and Jalebi, your event will be enriched with the essence of Indian culinary tradition.
Ready to plan your Indian catering? Reach out to local caterers to customize your menu and delight your guests with an unforgettable feast.
