How much biryani, curry, starters and bread to order per guest for an Indian party or event, plus tips for vegetarians and spice levels.
Ordering food for a party is part maths, part guesswork. Indian food adds a few extra questions: how much rice, how many curries, how hot, and how much for the vegetarians? Here is a simple way to plan.
Start with the shape of the meal
Most Indian party menus follow the same pattern:
- One or two starters, such as samosa, pakora or a kebab
- A biryani as the centrepiece
- One or two curries, at least one vegetarian
- Bread or plain rice, raita and salad
- A dessert
The more dishes you serve, the less you need of each.
Rough quantities per adult
When biryani is the main dish alongside one curry and a starter:
| Dish | Per adult |
|---|---|
| Biryani | about 1 cup cooked (roughly ⅓ lb) |
| Curry | about ¾ cup |
| Starters | 3 to 4 pieces |
| Naan or roti | 1 to 1½ pieces |
| Raita | about ¼ cup |
| Dessert | 1 small portion |
Children usually eat about half. If your guests are big eaters, or the party runs long, add 10 to 15 percent.
Vegetarians and spice
At many Indian gatherings a large share of guests are vegetarian. Ask ahead, keep vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes clearly apart, and use separate serving spoons.
For mixed crowds, keep most dishes medium and offer one hot dish for the chilli lovers. Raita on the table helps everyone.
Biryani for a crowd
Biryani is ideal for events: it travels well, holds its heat and feeds a lot of people from one tray. Order a vegetable biryani alongside chicken or goat so everyone can share the centrepiece.
Ordering catering in Chandler
Biryani Pot caters for 20 to 200+ guests across Chandler, Gilbert and Ahwatukee, from poojas and birthdays to office lunches and weddings. Tell us your date, guest count and dietary needs and we’ll help you plan. See Gatherings & catering.