The best menu (veg and non-veg) for a desi wedding

In a desi wedding, food isn’t just food—it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and love. Just as a beautifully crafted sherwani adds elegance to the groom’s attire, the right wedding menu elevates your event, bringing smiles to your guests and making your big day unforgettable. Whether you're planning a grand celebration with hundreds of guests or a smaller, more intimate affair, your menu should reflect the rich diversity of desi flavors and cater to different dietary preferences. Let’s explore the best vegetarian and non-vegetarian options for a desi wedding that will have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

Starters: Setting the stage with a flavorful welcome

The starters at a wedding are like the first impression of the event. They set the stage for what’s to come, creating excitement and anticipation for the rest of the meal Here are some options to start your feast on a delicious note:

Vegetarian starters

Starting your menu with the right appetizers is crucial to building up excitement. Here are some popular vegetarian starters that are sure to impress:

1. Paneer tikka

Marinated in spiced yogurt and cooked in a tandoor, paneer tikka is a favorite among vegetarians. It’s smoky, spicy, and creamy, making it the perfect choice to kick off the festivities.

2. Dahi puri

These crispy puris filled with yogurt, tangy chutneys, and crunchy sev provide a refreshing burst of flavor. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, sour, and spicy in one bite.

3. Hara bhara kebab

Made with spinach, peas, and spices, these green kebabs are crispy on the outside and soft inside. They pair wonderfully with mint chutney.

4. Mini Samosas

No desi wedding is complete without samosas. Opt for mini versions filled with spicy potatoes or paneer to keep things easy for guests to munch on.

Non-vegetarian starters

For guests who crave meat, these non-vegetarian starters are sure to be a hit:

1. Chicken seekh kebabs

Spiced minced chicken shaped into kebabs and cooked over a charcoal grill, giving them a deliciously smoky flavor. Serve them with a tangy green chutney for the perfect bite.

2. Fish amritsari

A Punjabi specialty, this deep-fried fish is coated in a spicy, crispy batter. It's tender, juicy, and perfect for seafood lovers.

3. Mutton shami kebab

Soft, melt-in-your-mouth kebabs made with minced mutton, lentils, and aromatic spices. These kebabs are a rich, protein-packed way to start the feast.

4. Chicken malai tikka

Marinated with cream, yogurt, and mild spices, chicken malai tikka is a creamy and succulent starter that pairs well with naan or roomali roti.

Main course: A culinary journey of flavors

For guests who crave meat, these non-vegetarian starters are sure to be a hit. These are timeless favorites that your guests will love:

Vegetarian delights

A vegetarian main course doesn’t have to be boring. Here are some classic dishes that will make your guests feel like they’ve entered food heaven:

1. Paneer butter masala

Creamy, mildly spiced, and filled with soft paneer chunks, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with naan or steamed basmati rice for the perfect pairing.

2. Dal makhani

A rich, buttery lentil dish slow-cooked to perfection, dal makhani is a staple in many North Indian weddings. It’s comforting, flavorful, and best enjoyed with garlic naan.

3. Baingan bharta

Smoked and mashed eggplant cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices. Its unique smoky flavor makes it a must-have on the menu.

4. Kashmiri dum aloo

Baby potatoes cooked in a yogurt-based gravy with Kashmiri spices. This dish has a rich, aromatic taste that pairs well with steamed rice or butter naan.

Non-vegetarian delights on a desi wedding

For the non-vegetarian main course, these dishes are sure to steal the show:

1. Butter chicken

A classic that needs no introduction. This creamy, tomato-based chicken curry is loved by all. Serve it with naan, and watch your guests fall in love with its rich, velvety texture.

2. Mutton rogan josh

A fragrant, slow-cooked mutton curry originating from Kashmir, this dish is known for its deep red color and aromatic spices. It pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice or naan.

3. Chicken biryani

No desi wedding is complete without a steaming pot of biryani. The perfect blend of fragrant basmati rice, tender chicken, and aromatic spices, it’s a feast in itself. 

4. Fish curry

A coastal delight, fish curry made with coconut milk, tamarind, and a blend of spices is perfect for seafood lovers. It’s light, tangy, and pairs well with rice.

Accompaniments: Side dishes that make a difference

No main course is complete without the perfect sides. These accompaniments add depth and variety to your desi wedding menu:

Tandoori rotis & naans

Soft, fluffy naans and whole wheat tandoori rotis are essential to soak up the rich curries. Garlic naan adds an extra burst of flavor.

Jeera rice

Lightly spiced with cumin seeds, jeera rice is a versatile side that pairs well with most curries. It’s simple yet flavorful.

Raita

Cooling raita made with yogurt, cucumber, and mint helps balance out the heat from the spicier dishes and is a refreshing side for biryani.

Desserts: Sweet treats to end the celebration

The desserts at a wedding add the perfect ending to an unforgettable experience. Here are some sweet treats to leave a lasting impression:

Traditional sweets

Desi weddings are synonymous with a wide array of sweet treats. Here are some timeless options to sweeten the end of your celebration:

1. Gulab jamun

Soft, syrupy, and melt-in-your-mouth, gulab jamuns are a wedding favorite. Serve them warm for that extra comfort factor.

2. Ras malai

Creamy, sweet, and soaked in saffron milk, ras malai is a delicate dessert that’s perfect after a heavy meal.

3. Jalebi with rabri

Crispy, deep-fried spirals of sweetness paired with thick, creamy rabri make for an irresistible combination.

4. Mango kulfi

Creamy mango-flavored kulfi is perfect for summer weddings. Its rich, dense texture is a refreshing end to the meal.

Modern desserts with a desi twist

Why not surprise your guests with a modern twist on classic flavors? Here are some fusion dessert ideas:

1. Gajar halwa cheesecake

This fusion dessert combines the rich flavors of gajar halwa with the creaminess of a cheesecake. It’s unique and unforgettable.

2. Motichoor ladoo parfait

Layers of crumbled motichoor ladoo, whipped cream, and nuts make for a delightful dessert that’s both traditional and modern.

Drinks: Sips to refresh and delight

A well-rounded wedding menu isn’t complete without the right drinks to wash it all down. Here are some crowd-pleasing beverage options:

1. Nimbu pani (lemonade)

Refreshing and tangy, nimbu pani is a great non-alcoholic option that guests of all ages can enjoy.

2. Masala chai

For winter weddings, a steaming cup of masala chai is perfect to keep guests warm and satisfied.

3. Mango lassi

Creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy, mango lassi is a delicious drink that pairs well with spicy food.

4. Mocktails

Add a touch of modernity with fruit-based mocktails like virgin mojitos, watermelon coolers, or rose lemonade.

Conclusion

Planning the perfect menu for a desi wedding is all about balancing tradition with taste, and making sure there’s something for everyone. Just like the elegance of a groom’s sherwani or the charm of a bridal lehenga, a thoughtfully curated menu leaves a lasting impression. With the right mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, refreshing drinks, and indulgent desserts, your guests will leave with full hearts and even fuller bellies. Remember, the key is to keep things simple yet delicious, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of your special day. So, whether it’s the spicy kick of a kebab or the creamy sweetness of a ras malai, your desi wedding menu is sure to be the talk of the town!