A Complete Guide to Indian Wedding Food & Drinks
An Indian woman’s hands holding leaves with a ball inside. Image by Vaibhav Nagare.
Indian weddings are impressive celebrations that honor the bride and groom, as well as Indian culture. From amazing outfits and unforgettable ceremonies, each wedding lasts several days as the happy couple performs time-honored rituals.
So it’s no surprise that food plays an important role in the joyful event. Whether you are celebrating your culture with an Indian wedding or looking to incorporate traditional Indian foods into your reception feast, here are the top Indian wedding foods and drinks.
The Cultural Significance of Indian Wedding Food
Food is an important component of any gathering. However, it takes center stage during an Indian wedding celebration. Since the festivities take place over several days, serving guests delicious traditional meals is important to keep them full and energized.
Every dish served represents the couple’s love and the union of two families. The food expresses each set of parents' hopes and dreams for their children as they move on to the next stage of their lives. For example, sweet dishes are served to encourage a sweet married life.
Sitting down to a traditional meal also provides guests with the opportunity to socialize and make memories. It’s also easy to accommodate dietary needs since many dishes are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian!
Let’s look at some of the most popular and meaningful dishes served at an Indian wedding.
Traditional Indian Appetizers
A white plate of Indian Chaat appetizers. Image by Manuela Zangara.
Samosas
Samosas are delicious pastries that make the perfect appetizer. They consist of a special dough and a warm filling of potato, onions, peas, and other vegetables.
Since they are bite-sized, guests can easily grab them off of trays or add them to their dinner plates at a buffet. They are also super customizable!
Chaat
Chaat comes in many forms. The base is a crisp, fried dough. Toppings range from chickpeas to potatoes to sev, which is a type of fried noodle. To add a creamy note, many people add yogurt or tamarind sauce.
You can easily offer multiple varieties of chaat to streamline your menu while still offering variety. Or, if you are offering a buffet, you can set up a chaat station for guests to build their own!
Amritsari Paneer Tikka
This popular vegetarian dish is easy to eat during a cocktail hour or standing reception. Amritsari Paneer Tikka is made from fried paneer cheese and sometimes layered with vegetables.
It’s served with delicious spiced gravy and works well served on a skewer or a plate. It’s a great, hearty alternative to the chicken version of this dish.
Main Courses
Butter Chicken
Arguably one of the most popular Indian dishes, butter chicken is a surefire crowd-pleaser! Sauteed chicken is coated in a creamy tomato-based sauce and enhanced with luxurious spices.
This dish is easy to make vegetarian as well- simply request the chicken be swapped for chickpeas! Either way, it’s amazing served over Basmati rice or with naan.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Traditional chicken tikka masala is made with yogurt-marinated chicken that’s then grilled or charbroiled. It’s then sauteed in a creamy tomato-based sauce punctuated with notes of ginger.
This is another hearty and popular dish often served with rice or naan. It can be made spicy or milder for sensitive palettes.
Daal Makhani
Daal makhani is made from slow-cooked lentils. It also includes butter and cream to thicken the base and enhance the flavor.
It’s a great option for winter weddings because it is sure to keep the guests warm!
Shahi Paneer
Shani paneer translates to “royal paneer” and that’s no understatement! The base of nuts, onions, and yogurt create a luxurious texture.
And of course, you can’t forget the spices! The colors are also vibrant, especially when enhanced with a green garnish!
Biryani
Biryani is more than just tasty. It also has special meaning when served at an Indian wedding. It represents unity and togetherness. When served as the first meal eaten as husband and wife, it’s believed to bring good luck to the happy couple!
This traditional Indian dish is comprised of rice, spices, and a protein, such as chicken, fish, or tofu. The ingredients are mixed to create a filling and delicious meal.
Side Dishes
A fluffy stack of Naan on a black dining plate. Image by Budget Bytes.
Tawa Mixed Vegetable
Vegetables are a huge staple in Indian cuisine, especially since many Indians choose a vegetarian diet.
When these veggies are cooked in a tawa, or Indian griddle, they absorb a smokey, earthy flavor. This elevates even the most humble vegetable, especially when topped with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Naan
Naan, or Indian bread, is a fluffy vessel that works with most meals. It can be eaten on its own or dipped in one of the many creamy dishes.
Naan is usually toasted and can be topped with garlic to enhance flavors. However, it manages to retain its soft texture, making it a staple on any Indian wedding table.
Roti
Much like naan, roti is meant to act as a vessel for sauce-based dishes. It’s made from whole wheat flour and water and cooks up into a thin, flexible flatbread.
Since it doesn’t rise, it has a stretchy texture and compliments any dish.
Desserts
A photo of Jalebi on a black plate with dipping sauce. Image by Sinfully Spicy.
Gulab Jamun
This classic Indian dessert is made with sugar, rose water, milk solids, and cardamom powder. These melt-in-your-mouth spheres are doused with sugar syrup and served warm.
They have a flavor reminiscent of raisin bread and are a surefire show-stopper!
Jalebi
If you’re looking for a crunchy dessert to add to your sweets table, Jalebi is a great option. It's made from deep-fried flour. Then these fun shapes are soaked in sweet syrup. You can dip them in yogurt or another sweet, creamy dip or eat them plain!
Pineapple Raita
With so much spice and heat packed into delectable Indian cuisine, you’ll need a dish with a cooling effect. Pineapple raita is a yogurt based dish infused with pineapple and small drops of fried dough.
The dessert version can be eaten straight in individual shot glasses or offered as a dip for other sweets.
Malpua
Malpua is similar to pancakes. Instead of maple syrup, they are coated in a sweet simple syrup and topped with sliced nuts.
Crispy on the outside, but soft and fluffy inside, they can be served on their own or dipped in a sweet, fruity raita.
Traditional Indian Wedding Drinks
It’s important to remember that traditional Indian wedding celebrations do not serve alcohol. However, if you are looking to blend modern customs with time-honored traditions, be sure to clearly label which wedding drinks are alcohol-free so your guests can make an informed choice!
Piyush
If you are planning the menu for a summer wedding, you’ll need something refreshing on your drink menu. Piyush is made with yogurt and milk, much like a smoothie.
This cooling drink is popular with guests of all ages and can be customized with any fruit flavoring you enjoy.
Jil Jil Jigarthanda
Jil jil jigarthanda translates in English to “cold liver” because it’s said to cool the body right down to the liver! This means it’s a great option for warm-weather wedding festivities.
It’s made with ice cream, yogurt, sarsaparilla root syrup, and almond gum. This means it’s flavorful and refreshing!
Noon Chai
Also known as sheer chai or pink tea, noon chai is a comforting tea known for its rich pink hue, which is created with the addition of baking soda.
It can be served warm or cool, meaning you can choose the style based on your wedding season. Noon chai is known for its calming properties and gut health benefits as well.
Gondhoraj Ghol
If you are a fan of citrus notes, you’ll enjoy gondhoraj ghol. This frothy, refreshing beverage is made with yogurt, ginger, and salt. Then, it’s placed in a blender with ice, lime juice, and lime zest and blended until it has a light, airy texture. It’s a great option for a not-too-sweet beverage.
Imlu Ka Amalana
This beverage has a juice-like consistency and is made with tamarind pulp. The addition of cardamom, black pepper, and mint make it a spicy, aromatic drink.
You can serve it with creamy dishes to help cut the richness or as an after-dinner option.
Sharbat
Also known as Indian sherbert, sharbat can be served as a dessert and eaten with a spoon or watered down and served as a beverage.
Either way, this cold, refreshing drink is made from fruit or flower petals, meaning you can customize the colors to match your own wedding theme. It has a very intense flavor, so your guests will appreciate its boldness!
Conclusion
Whether you are celebrating a full traditional Indian wedding or looking to bring in food elements to honor the culture, Indian food is unforgettable and brings so much to the table. Plus, it’s a pretty affordable reception food theme as well!
The air of your reception will fill with enticing aromas and draw your guests back to their plates to sample all of the Indian delicacies you have on the menu.