Catering Ideas: Food Suggestions For North Indian Weddings

Jeeva R -

Last time, I explored the food options for a South Indian Wedding. (If you haven't read it, here is the link - Catering Ideas: Food Suggestions For South Indian Weddings).

Today, I'll list the "minimum-guarantee" food items to satisfy your guests and elevate their overall experience in a North Indian Wedding. Like the previous time, I'll divide the food items into Veg and Non-Veg. Let's get into it:

A) Veg

1) Poori

We can use the term "deep-fried bread" for Poori. But we won't. Because Poori is an emotion. Especially for those who love hot foods. Due to its popularity, Poori is an easy choice to add to your food menu.

2) White Rice

White rice is a popular choice among Indians. Although the reasons are plenty, this healthy item can be served to all age groups, and that is why having this in your cuisine will be an ideal choice to satisfy your guests.

3) Paneer Curry

Paneer Curry is a preferred food by both Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians. It is popular mainly due to its aroma and appetizing taste. This delicious curry also goes well with Poori, Chapati, and Naan. Need I say more?

4) Butter Naan

A perfect blend of texture and taste, Butter Naan is yet another popular choice, especially in North Indian Weddings. It is a comfort food for many and is preferred by people who don't eat rice foods. The key is to serve Naan with the right curry combination, like Paneer Curry or Dal Makhni.

5) Mix-Veg Curry

Mix-veg curry is a healthy and nutritious item to include in your food menu. It's also a good combination with Chapati, Butter Naan, or White Rice. Having this one item can almost satisfy everyone on your guest list.

6) Dal Makhani

Although Dal Makhani originated in Punjab, this creamy curry is famous among North Indians. Since it goes well with Naan, Chapati, White Rice, Vegetable Biriyani, and Roti, it is clever to add Dal Makhani to your food menu.

7) Manchurian

By Manchurian, I mean the flavourful Indo-Chinese fast food that is widely popular among us Indians. Although there are varieties like Gobi Manchurian, Mushroom Manchurian, and Baby Corn Manchurian, it is up to your preference to add either of them or everything to the cuisine.

8) Pakora

It is a myth that Pakora is famous only in South India. We Indians share the same love for this crunchy, spicy, and flavourful snack throughout the country. Although adding this to the food menu is unconventional, never underestimate the cravings for crispy items. To cater for this need, Pakora is an ideal choice for your guests.

9) Vegetable Biriyani

The non-vegetarian in me wants to scream, "It is Pulao and not Vegetable Biriyani", but let's focus here. Apart from being flavourful and spicy, Vegetable Biriyani's speciality is that it can be eaten with or without curries, depending on people's preferences. The trick is to serve it with tasty side dishes like Manchurian or Paneer Masala.

10) Sweet

Most of us Indians have sweet tooths. We cannot stay away from sweets, even if we try to. There are hundreds of varieties in sweets, but keeping the context in mind, here are some sweet recommendations for your vegetarian guests to eat post-meal:

  • Gajar Ka Halwa
  • Rasgulla
  • Kheer
  • Jalebi
  • Peda

B) Non-Veg

1) Biriyani

No matter how much I write, it won't be enough to describe the beauty of Biriyani. Almost every non-veg lover's first choice is Biriyani. Although there are varieties within Biriyani, like Chicken Biriyani, Mutton Biriyani, Prawns Biriyani, and Fish Biriyani,. But a safe bet would be Chicken due to its immense popularity among Indians.

2) White Rice

White Rice is a staple choice and will not be taken off Indian cuisines in the near future. Since adults of all age groups prefer white rice on their plates, this item is here to stay. So, for the last time, Do not forget to include White Rice in your cuisine.

3) Chicken Curry

Chicken Curry is famous throughout India and suits well in a North-Indian cuisine. Since it is a superb combination with White Rice and blends well with Biriyani, including Chicken Curry on the food menu would be a safe option since the goal is to satisfy every guest.

4) Mutton Curry

There is no difference in preference throughout the country for this spicy and appetizing dish. Since Mutton Curry's taste elevates when slow-cooked, most people refrain from regularly cooking at their homes. It is at restaurants and weddings where they love to have this. So, it is up to you to ensure their taste buds are satisfied.

5) Fish Fry

For all the fish lovers out there, I heard you! Although fish is popular in regions like Kerala, Goa and Bengal, people from other parts of India love fish but seldom find tasty fish foods. Imagine surprising them with a crunch and spicy Fish Fry. Since the goal is to satisfy everyone at the wedding, let's not leave a chance for fish lovers to complain.

6) Kebab

Like I said, never underestimate the cravings for crispy items. For non-vegetarians, a Manchurian or a Pakora will not satisfy as much as a fried meat food. And what better than Kebab to cater for that need? Like Biriyani, Kebab is yet another famous dish throughout the country.

7) Raita

The perfect side dish for dishes like Biriyani and Pulao, It is one of the popular preferences of Indians. Raita has the ability to dilute the spice in Biriyani, if more, and is healthy for people in providing a cooling effect to their bodies.

8) Chicken Pakora

The non-veg version of Pakora is as tasty as Pakora. Since your non-veg food menu contains only two fried items (Fish Fry and Kebab), Chicken Pakora can be a great alternative to ensure people who don't like Fish Fry or Kebab can still try something crunchy and tasty.

9) Sweet

As I said, although there are several varieties of sweets, I'm considering the context and suggesting these for you:

  • Kaju Katli
  • Sheer Khurma
  • Badam Halwa
  • Rasmalai
  • Malai Peda

Footnote

People can have preferences, and these items are solely based on mine. However, these dishes have a high chance of satisfying your guests. You can, of course, customize them according to your convenience.