It's Chapatti...
Indian food, with its rich flavours and diverse dishes, is not just a meal but a shared experience that brings people together. So, if you are planning an Indian-themed party, the food is not just something to look forward to but a way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere at your table.
Planning is key, and one of the most essential aspects is considering your guests' preferences. Gather some information from them before the party to show that their tastes and needs are important to you, whilst ensuring that your vision and budget for the event fares well.
Confirm your guest list.
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Number of guests
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Would your non-vegetarian guests prefer chicken, lamb or seafood?
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What are your vegetarian's preference
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Any dietary restrictions (gluten-free, dairy-free, allergies)
Indian meals are always balanced; a few curries, dhal, rotis, and rice make a great selection. Create a menu that offers variety whilst all the flavours work on one plate.
Samosas, poppadoms, and chutneys are the perfect way to start the party. They allow guests to settle in, break the ice and allows you time to welcome guests before service.
Choose a selection of sides that elevate the meal and add texture and freshness to the dining experience. Pickles, chutneys, sambals, raita, or salad will add a final touch.
Consider that guests may go for seconds, a sign of their enjoyment and a testament to your success as a host. It means they love the food and that you have gone the extra mile to ensure a memorable dining experience.
Finally, nothing completes an Indian meal like something sweet.
The Good Guide to Portions
Selecting portions for your guests can be tricky. A good place to start is to consider the theme of your party, such as tapas, thali, or buffet service. We recommend the following portions.
Curry serving options per person
Buffet Service | 350 to 500 grams
Tapas or Thalis | 250 to 350 grams
Rice & Roti servings per person
Basmati Rice | 200 to 300 grams
Rotis | A roti per person and a few additions to allow guests to enjoy seconds
Potluck Club!
Pretty pots or serving bowls, laid out in a row, make for a true homestyle buffet station.
Your range of pots and serving dishes, such as Le Creuset, AMC, stainless steel, copper, cast-iron, ceramic or stoneware serving dishes, will infuse your buffet station with a vibrant, earthy aesthetic and take control of your event planning. This approach empowers you to save on hiring flashy chafing servers while ensuring your food station's intimate and festive set-up.
Strive for a fuss-free affair, where heating just before service is a breeze. Hot trays, low casserole pots, or dishes allow for easy dishing and clear visibility of your dishes. This straightforward approach ensures a smooth event and instils confidence in executing a successful buffet-style event.
Rosys Hiring Service in Wynberg, Cape Town, has a vast selection of Indian table decorations, Thalis, food servers, chafing servers, hot trays, crockery and cutlery. They also offer delivery and pickup services, making your event planning needs convenient. Contact Rosys at +27 21 761 8771 or email them at orders@rosys.co.za.
The Feast-on-a-Plate Thali
Thali is a Hindi word that means "a large plate." As a meal, it simply translates to a large plate or platter with various Indian dishes.
Creating a thali is not just about the food; it's about your creativity and personal touch. You don't need to purchase specific thali plates; you can use your best platters and bowls to craft your unique thali, reflecting your taste and style.
When assembling your thali, remember the key is balance. Aim for a harmonious blend of flavours, textures, and colours. For instance, a mix of curries, dhal, samosas, and poppadoms with chutneys and rice. A bread basket or platter is ideal for serving rotis and poppadoms. And don't forget the cooling raita to counterbalance the spices.
Setting up your thalis is not just a task; it's a delightful and communal experience. Arrange the dishes in a way that invites everyone to partake in the delicious variety, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared enjoyment.
Add little bowls of chutneys, pickles, some fresh-cut lime or lemons, sliced onions or cucumbers, and a cooling raita that makes the meal go around for those who love heat and those who don't.