How to Plan an Indian Party Menu for a Group

Building a Menu the Whole Table Will Love

Ordering Indian food for a group can feel daunting. There are a lot of dishes, a range of spice levels and the usual worry that you will order too much or too little. The good news is that Indian cooking is made for sharing, so a little planning goes a long way.

Start With a Spread of Starters

Starters set the tone, so pick a mix of textures and styles. A few from the tandoor, something crisp and fried, a paneer or vegetable option and a chaat or two will give the table variety before the mains arrive. Aim for enough that everyone can try several without filling up.

Balance Your Mains

For the main event, balance is everything:

• A creamy, mild curry such as a butter chicken or korma for the crowd-pleasers
• A richer, spicier dish for those who like heat
• A standout vegetarian main so plant-based guests eat just as well
• A biryani to anchor the table
• Dal and a vegetable side to round things out

Do Not Forget the Bread and Rice

Naan, rice, raita and chutneys tie a meal together and stretch the spread. A generous bread basket is always welcome, and raita cools the palate between spicier bites.

How Much to Order

As a rough guide, plan for two to three starters and two to three mains shared between every four guests, plus breads, rice and sides. Sharing menus and set packages take the maths out of it entirely, which is why they work so well for parties.

Let Us Do the Planning

At Masakali we plan group menus every week. In Reading our set party packages start from £23.99 per person, and at both branches we can build a sharing menu around your group, your tastes and any dietary needs. Tell us your numbers and we will take it from there.