Indian catering: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What indian catering is

An Indian caterer prepares dishes such as curries, rice, breads and appetizers for your event, with vegetarian and meat options and spice levels you choose. Hosts hire one for weddings, birthdays, festivals and office lunches where a large, shared spread of food is the centerpiece.

Signs you need it

  • You want a range of curries, rice and breads that suits a large group
  • Your guests have mixed preferences, with vegetarian dishes and meat dishes on the same table
  • You want the spice level adjusted for children, older guests or guests who prefer milder food
  • The event needs a buffet or a family style spread that stays good for a long meal
  • You want appetizers served before the meal and sweets afterward

What the pro does

  • Takes the guest count, the dishes, the spice levels and the dietary needs
  • Plans the menu across the curries, rice, breads, appetizers and sweets
  • Cooks the dishes at a permitted kitchen and keeps them at a safe temperature
  • Sets up the buffet with serving spoons, warmers and clear labels
  • Refills the dishes and the breads through the service
  • Clears the buffet, packs leftovers as agreed and cleans the area

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Guest count and the number of curries, rice and bread dishes
  • Number of vegetarian and meat options
  • Appetizers, sweets and drinks added to the meal
  • Service style, such as buffet, family style or plated
  • Staffing for service, refills and cleanup
  • Equipment such as warmers, serving pans and disposable ware

What a written quote should spell out

  • Each curry, rice dish, bread, appetizer and sweet, with the portion size
  • Vegetarian and meat options and how they are kept separate
  • Spice levels for each dish and how they are labeled
  • Service style and the number of servers or refill staff
  • Equipment included and the setup, service and cleanup times

Questions to ask before you hire

  • How do you set the spice level for each dish, and can you make some milder?
  • Which dishes contain nuts, dairy, gluten or eggs?
  • Do you keep vegetarian dishes separate from meat dishes during cooking and serving?
  • How do you keep breads warm and fresh during a long buffet?
  • How many dishes do you bring, and how do you plan the portions?
  • Do you hold a health permit, and where is the food prepared?

Red flags

  • Cannot say what is in each curry or which allergens it contains
  • Will not adjust the spice level or give a mild option
  • Mixes vegetarian and meat dishes without a plan for separation
  • Serves breads that have been sitting out cold and dry
  • Has no refill plan for a long buffet

What you can do yourself

A host can make a simple dal and rice dinner at home with a pot, a few spices and store bought naan, and adjust the heat to suit the guests. Hire an Indian caterer for a large group, several curries and breads, or an event with many dietary needs and a buffet that must be held and refilled safely.

Licenses and permits

Food businesses commonly need a health permit or a food handler card from the local office that oversees food safety. Ask the caterer for its permit and staff cards, and check the rules for the kitchen and the site where the food is served.

Indian catering questions

Can the curries be made less spicy for children?

Usually yes. Ask the caterer to make a mild version of the main dishes, and label the spice level on each dish so families can choose.

How much food should I order for a buffet?

Ask the caterer for its portion guide, and tell them the age range and appetite of the crowd. Breads and rice are often the most filling items, so plan them carefully.

Are the vegetarian dishes cooked in the same pots as meat?

Ask the caterer. Some keep separate cookware for vegetarian dishes, and others do not. Tell the caterer if a guest needs strict separation.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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