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.

1. Are you serving appetizers?
2. How many entrees do you need?
3. 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!

With all the fantastic options, let’s look at which Indian dishes are the most popular that you might want to try your next evening out.

Biryani –

Biryani recipes come in a variety of preparations. Different meats such as lamb, chicken, beef, or even goat can be incorporated into this Indian dish. Vegetarians can also count on this staple by choosing one made with ingredients like carrots, cauliflower, potatoes, and peas. 

The hallmark of Biryani has to be the spicy blends and basmati rice. What makes it so remarkable is its universal appeal. Serve it on any special occasion or order an average Thursday for a truly exceptional meal.

Fun Fact – Swiggy, a well-known food delivery service in India, reported that in 2021 Chicken Biryani was the most ordered meal!

Samosas –

As any Indian food lover can attest, Samosas are undeniably tasty. Their iconic triangle shape and crisp exterior are just about irresistible.

Our favorite recipe is a taste sensation of spices, potatoes, and peas. Samosas make the perfect appetizer for your meal or snack at any time of the day.

Interestingly Samosas are also known by a couple of different names. Here are just a few:

• Samsa
• Samuza
• Sambosa
• Singada

Butter Chicken –

Tender chicken, herbs & seasonings, tomato, onion, and garlic come together in one of the most popular Indian dishes in the world – Butter Chicken.

Talented home cooks and restaurant chefs alike know that serving this dish leaves friends, family, and customers with full bellies and complete satisfaction.

The next time you eat Butter Chicken, keep these facts in mind:

• Butter Chicken is traditionally prepared in a clay oven known as a tandoor.
• Compared to some other Indian dishes, Butter Chicken is relatively young. It was first made in the nineteen-fifties.
• Its country of origin is Delhi, in North India.
• Butter Chicken is also known as Murgh Makhani.

Rogan Josh –

For an authentic taste of Indian cuisine, look no further than Rogan Josh. Juicy lamb, fresh garlic, spicy ginger, and onion give this aromatic curry true zest.

Order a side of rice, Naan, or Tandoori Roti to make this a fantastic lunch or dinner. 

Here is the answer if you have ever wondered how Rogan Josh got its name. First, this Indian food can also be spelled, Roghan Josh. Roghan is oil in Persian, and Josh means to heat or boil.

Chicken Tikka Masala –

The key to any delicious Chicken Tikka Masala begins before cooking. This Indian cuisine recipe is most commonly marinated in yogurt and a blend of rich spices to make it tender and flavorful.

Every restaurant recipe may vary to some extent, but this curry is famously good wherever it is served.

Chicken Tikka Masala is a global phenomenon for sure, but no one enjoys it more than the British. Some even claim that it was first made in Glasgow, Scotland, but this is now mostly dispelled.

Final Thoughts –

We hope you enjoyed learning more facts about some of the famous Indian food served at kitchen tables and restaurant booths near and far. These tasty dishes are sure to be devoured at your next family function, work event, or quiet evening.

Stay tuned for more yummy articles, facts, and tips on Indian food!

Indian Delight serves up the best Indian dishes in Cleveland, Ohio. Visit our website, www.idcleveland.com, to browse our menu or reserve a table today. 

Do you have a special event coming up? Don’t forget to check out our Catering Services!