By Sharmila Chand
Next time you go to a wedding party and you are told to give your preference for the kind of salad you will like to have, don’t be surprised. Because there are no readymade salads lined up at the buffet, instead there is ‘DIY Salad Bar’ with several ingredients, veggies and sauces for you to choose and mix. Now this is the kind of trend we are witnessing these days in weddings’ banquets. Highly personalised with plenty of fun tweaks!
Indian Wedding catering has gone through a major shift, moving away from generic, standard platters to more personalized, creative approaches. When guests take over the serving stations, there is not only vibrancy in the whole environment but also a sense of camaraderie and inclusivity which elevates the fun and celebration.
Here is a sneak peek into the hottest trends in wedding food menu:
DIY Food Stations: Interactive and Fun
DIY stations at salad counters or chaat preparations, let guests personalize their meals encouraging enjoyment and participation.
Tailored Menus
Customised menus following dietary preferences is one of the key trends. The menus are curated keeping in mind options for vegans, vegetarians, allergies and other specific dietary needs, making sure every guest relishes the meals without any health issues.
Parthip Thyagarajan, Co-Founder and CEO of WeddingSutra.com points out, “Don’t forget the couple’s favorite childhood dishes as they are also being woven into the menu in an elevated way—whether it’s an heirloom recipe reinterpreted by a top chef or a beloved roadside staple presented with premium ingredients. The result is a wedding feast that feels both deeply personal and indulgently immersive.”
Fusion Cuisine: A Playful Twist
Wedding food with creative flair is trending big. The guests are taken on a gastronomy ride at a different level. Dishes like Gulab Jamun Cheesecake, Paneer Tikka Quesadillas are meant to bring in some fun and excitement to otherwise standard ones. Chefs are loving in crafting menus that centre traditional Indian flavours, with a contemporary twist.
Nostalgic Comfort Food – Elevating Late Night Parties
There are parties after parties hence you need feast followed by midnight feast. How does one ensure the dishes do not get repeated and boring. Hence there is a careful selection of another menu which is as exciting as the party going on. Maggie Noodles, Rolls n Frankies, Anda Paratha, Sliders, rank on top as crowd pleasers.
International Street Food Counters: A Culinary Voyage
Street food counters showcasing global delicacies is the best way to satiate the palettes of the globe-trotting guests. Hence, let them go through a global culinary adventure, enjoying real delicacies from the Middle East – shawarmas, Thailand -Dim Sums, Japan -Sushi rolls, and Mexico-Tacos.
Thyagarajan points out, “There has been an expansion in the kinds of cuisines we’re seeing at weddings. Japanese has been a favourite for a while, and Korean food is also making its way in. Kimchi pancakes, Korean barbecue stations, and small plates are appearing alongside the usual North Indian, Chinese, and continental menus.”
Regional Cuisine Stations: Celebrating Indian Diversity
Highlighting India’s rich culinary heritage, regional food stations are on top of the trend. What better way to highlight the diverse range of Indian flavours than through regional cuisine counters. Enjoy the finest of Indian regional cuisines by indulging in treats like Rajasthani Dal Baati Churma, Bengali Puchkas, and Southern Dosas and Appams.
“At Radisson Blu Pune Kharadi, we take great pride in serving Regional Indian Cuisine showcasing the diversity of Indian cuisine with live counters dedicated to specific regions like a counter serving freshly fried Kothimbari wadi, a Maharashtrian delicacy, or a Marwadi counter featuring the iconic Daal Baati,” tells Pankaj Saxena, Area General Manager, West India, Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia & General Manager, Radisson Blu Pune Kharadi.
Eco-Friendly Catering: Sustainable Celebrations
Thyagarajan emphasizes how Sustainability is also a key talking point these days. Ethnic and more eco-friendly choices are now very big with the younger generation. Some couples are opting not only for biodegradable serveware but also for locally sourced ingredients, and minimizing food waste. This shows the couple’s commitment to sustainability and aligns well with the growing trend of green weddings. No wonder, Sukesh Krishnan, Executive Chef, Gateway Bekal, mentions, “Our signature hit during recent weddings was Kerala Sadhya, in traditional sit-down style with food served on banana leaf.”
Multicultural Menus: A Global Fusion
As the world becomes more interconnected, multicultural menus are gaining popularity. As says Sukesh Krishnan, Executive Chef, Gateway Bekal, “Melange of Regional and Global Cuisine is what we enjoy curating. These menus offer a mix of international flavours blended with traditional Indian cuisines. Here interactive stations like contemporary chaat variety, modern kichadi counters, Indo-Mex cuisine, reimagined Indian breads, etc., showcase a popular trend.”
Likewise, Pankaj Saxena, adds, “Modern Chaat Concepts is a great idea with Deconstructed chaats, chaat shots, and fusion chaats, in elegant plating, elevate this classic street food to a refined dining experience. Think miniature raj kachori served in shot glasses or a deconstructed sev puri presented as a culinary sculpture.
Fusion Tacos & Quesadillas: Paneer tikka tacos with mint-coriander chutney and vegetable quesadillas with spicy schezwan sauce offer a delightful blend of Indian and global flavors.”
Grazing Tables Steal The Show!
Parthip Thyagarajan, Co-Founder and CEO of WeddingSutra.com says, “Grazing tables have become the focal point of food setups, re-imagined in an Indian context—elaborate spreads of local cheeses, spiced nuts, artisanal papads, chutneys, and fresh fruits that is beautifully displayed, allowing guests to explore flavors at their own pace.” Besides letting guests pick and taste what they like, these tables are also photogenic like art installations, just perfect for couples’ instagram hashtags.
How Best to Curate Great Menus
Pankaj Shinde, FnB Manager, Double Tree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad points out, “Weddings today are more than just grand feasts—they are personalized culinary journeys that reflect the couple’s values, culture, and preferences.
Wedding menu curation is a meticulous process that considers each guest’s dietary preferences and cultural expectations. We ensure a balanced selection of indulgent and health-conscious options. Also focus on inclusion of Jain, vegetarian, vegan, sugar-free and allergen-free alternatives; customization opportunities through live counters and bespoke plating. By blending tradition with innovation, we craft menus that leave a lasting impression while meeting modern dietary needs.”
Parthip sums up well when he says, “Personalisation is the most crucial trend to follow. F&B accessories are getting the personalisation treatment too—straws, coasters, and even tablecloths. One wedding even had an oversized newspaper as a tablecloth at a cocktail party, filled with fun stories about the couple, lighthearted anecdotes, and a crossword based on their journey. It was a great conversation starter, and guests could engage with it if they wanted, but it was just as much a décor element as it was an interactive touch.”
