The number-one question our catering team gets: “how much food do I actually need?” Order too little and the biryani runs out before the toasts; order too much and you’re eating korma for a week (not the worst fate). After catering hundreds of events across Chatham and Morris County, here’s the math we use.
The Golden Rules of Indian Catering Portions
- Appetizers: 2–3 pieces per person (samosas, pakoras, tikka bites).
- Entrees: one full tray per 10–12 guests (a half tray serves 5–6), spread across 1 curry per 4–5 guests for variety.
- Protein-to-vegetarian split: 60/40 for a typical crowd, and always at least one vegan dish.
- Rice: one large tray of biryani or basmati per 10–12 guests.
- Naan/bread: 1.5 pieces per person (it disappears faster than you think).
- Dessert: 1–2 pieces of gulab jamun or a small kheer cup each.
Quick Reference by Party Size
Dinner for 10–15 (home gathering)
Two appetizer platters, three entree half trays (one chicken, one paneer, one vegan: say Butter Chicken, Paneer Tikka Masala, Chana Masala), one large rice tray, 20 naan, and a dessert tray. This is the most common “Diwali at home” order we prepare for families from Short Hills to Florham Park.
Office lunch for 25–50
Three to five full entree trays across four to six different dishes, spanning mild to hot, with each tray’s spice level marked for the buffet line. Add two rice trays, samosa platters, raita, and naan cut in halves. Corporate crowds skew heavier on vegetarian than hosts expect, so bump the split to 50/50.
Wedding or celebration for 100–200+
This is full custom-menu territory: multiple courses, live stations, regional specialties, and dietary accommodations planned weeks ahead. Talk to our catering team; we’ve served celebrations well past the 200-guest mark.
Don’t Forget These
- Spice labeling: we mark every tray mild / medium / hot so guests self-select.
- Dietary coverage: vegan and gluten-free options cost nothing to plan but everything to forget. All our meat is halal by default.
- Raita and chutneys: the unsung heroes that make a buffet feel complete.
- Chafing dishes: Indian food must be served hot; ask us about setup and serving staff.
Get an Exact Quote
Every event is different: headcount, appetites, and menus vary. Call or email us with your date and guest count via our catering page and we’ll build a custom menu and per-person quote for your event anywhere around Chatham, Livingston, Morristown, and greater Morris County.