Hiring an Indian wedding caterer 101

Shaadi Bazaar Team

16 Jun 2014

Get the best Indian caterer

After hearing story after story of Indian wedding events that had subpar food, it has really bothered our team that brides have to experience this. After all it’s not their fault, the bride and her family are the victim of cost cutting by the wedding caterer or poor Indian catering practices.

While there isn’t a guaranteed way to ensure that you are able to have exquisite food for all your Indian wedding events. After several conversations with brides, we have compiled a master list of items to do.

If you are invested, your Indian caterer will be invested. When a vendor, any wedding vendor senses your enthusiasm and it should drive them & encourage them too. Don’t cut corners with food. Set a budget first then ask the Indian caterer what can be done with that dollar amount with good quality.
Notice if they take pride in their work, are they concerned about the numbers or trying to figure out how to maintain the quality of the food. You may need to compromise in order to ensure the quality i.e. one less meat dish.

VISIT THE RESTAURANT (If Applicable)

Visit their Indian restaurant “under cover” before you make your first appointment.
Try different items and visit the restaurant at least 2-3 different nights to get a full understanding of their dedication to providing quality food.
Notice the presentation of food. If you see something take a picture and bring it to the first meeting, so they know you’ve done your homework.

DISCUSS THE FOOD PREP PLAN

Don’t just assume the Indian caterer will figure it out and do what’s best for you. Ask for the world first and then see what they can offer you. Never hurts to ask, what’s the worse they will say – no? Tell them you want fresh naan and fresh fried items. Then ask if they can prepare onsite if there is kitchen access. HINT: Ask for kitchen access and work in the timings before you sign your contract with your venue! If they charge you a few hundred – pay for it! Worth it in the long run.

What items will be prepped off site
What items will be finished on site (typically frying and reheating items)
When will the items be cooked? The day of? The day before? (taste the food accordingly, if you guests are going to eat an item that was prepared the day before you should take the item home and taste it the next day)
What items will be brought ready made to the site

i. For these items ask for your caterer to prepare them for you at your tasting and let it sit until the end of your meal for at least 1 ½ hours before you try it to see what your guests will experience (if they are going to bring kati rolls ready made for your wedding reception, let the order sit to see if it will hold up or if it will be soggy by the time your guests eat it

FOOD TASTING VISITS

Send them the items that you would like to try ahead of time and and specifications
Keep in mind that your food needs to satisfy a majority of your guests (order items with them in mind)
Bring people that you know are critical of food and will be able to help you make the right choices
Remember the restaurant may not have the flavors the way you want the first time, but you can come back for a second or even third tasting so that they can get it right.
If there are items you want, but you don’t see on the menu, just ask, many restaurants can customize for you.

If after the tastings the caterer is just not quite getting how you want the spice to taste then bring them a sample to try.

Meet the chefs, ask about their culinary experience.

Bring someone older in your family with you that is well experience with the restaurant or food business if you have that available. Or bring a family member that knows a lot of people!

Read our article on Questions to ask your caterer for more help and advice.

Looking for Indian and Halal caterers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island? Check out these caterers on our vendor directory.