Organizing a family get-together or corporate event is a time-consuming task. From sending the invitations, choosing a venue, and creating a menu, most just do not have the time to juggle all of these duties and more that are bound to pop up.
Catering is a very convenient option for removing the added stress that comes with food preparation, serving, and of course, the dreaded clean-up. When you are hosting a group, take one thing off of your to-do list by choosing to cater to Indian food. With so many delectable menu items to choose from, it will be a snap to delight your hungry guest. Find some great tips and the tastiest and most popular Indian dishes below.
Choosing a Restaurant
If your event is for someone who loves Indian food going with their favorite restaurant is a no-brainer. But if you are new to town or do not have a local spot in your area, it can get a bit trickier. Talk with co-workers and neighbors to find out their top picks and recommendations.
Once you have narrowed down your choices, make sure to check out any social media platforms they are on and Google reviews to see what customers have to say about their food and services. Try a to-go or delivery order and taste some of the menu items.
Next, visit their website and look over the catering section. Take into account whether or not you can customize your menu with the Indian dishes of your choice. Finally, reach out to the restaurant manager to check on availability and ask any additional questions you may have.
Selecting Your Menu
When you cater Indian food, consider the following questions.
- Are you serving appetizers?
- How many entrees do you need?
- Will you offer any dessert?
If you choose to serve appetizers, some popular Indian dishes are:
- Samosa Chat – This chickpea curry has onions, tomatoes, seasoned yogurt, mint sauce, and tamarind, all topped off with crunchy samosas. A tasty choice for any special occasion!
- Vegetable Pakora – Ramp up your guest’s appetites with these little veggie fritters packed with flavor served with yummy dipping sauces.
- Samosas – You can never go wrong with an order of samosas. They are a perfect handheld snack seasoned with just the right amount of spice and deep-fried for lovely crispy bites.
Ask about serving sizes for your appetizer. For instance, do the Samosas feed up to a certain amount of people, or do you get so many pieces per tray? When in doubt, follow up with the restaurant to ensure your order meets expectations.
The entrees are the star of the meal. Deciding on which and how many you will serve depends on your personal taste, all the while keeping the preferences of your guests in mind when choosing the final menu. If you need some inspiration, take a peek at the following Indian food:
- Biryani – Any meal is more memorable with the spicy goodness of a Biryani. In most cases, you can choose a protein, goat, chicken, etc., or cater to the vegetarians in your life by selecting a veg option.
- Chicken Tikka – Served straight from the Tandoor, who can pass up some delicious Chicken Tikka?
- Chana Masala – Treat your hungry friends or co-workers to this chickpea dish with authentic herbs and spices, tomatoes, onions, ginger, and garlic.
After you pick the best entrees for your gathering, consider adding a tray or two of buttered or garlic naan as a tasty accompaniment.
Ask your caterer how the entrees will be served and whether or not they offer table linens, silverware, dishes, and glassware.
Now we are on to the sweet grand finale of the meal, desserts. For some, this last course is the finest of the meal. Here is a couple that won’t disappoint:
- Gulab Jamun – This genuine Indian dish has soft deep-fried cheese balls surrounded by flavored syrup that just might have guests asking for seconds!
- Kheer – For those that enjoy a great rice pudding, this dessert has a Basmati rice pudding with raisins and almonds to add to the texture and flavor.
The final step when catering Indian food is deciding to order a delicious lassi, or perhaps your restaurant serves a special tea that would suit your event better. This job probably calls for a taste test just to make sure which option you like best!
A superb Indian food meal is a sure way to delight your guests and make life a little bit easier to handle with all the other hosting responsibilities. Cheers to a great event and happy eating!
Indian Delight serves up the best Indian food in Cleveland. We invite you to dine in, takeout, or try convenient delivery. Visit our website to view our menu and learn about our catering services. Contact us with any concerns and questions or for more information today!
