Joe Differentiators
What is your favourite thing about Indian weddings? For us, it's undoubtedly the food! Yummy, mouth-watering delicacies, finger-licking appetisers – so rich and so decadent that we're drooling, just thinking of wedding food. Come on, admit it! You would have attended at least one (or a dozen) weddings where you couldn't wait for the ceremonies to get over so that you can tuck into the yummy dishes.
Speaking of wedding food, most of your guests are looking forward to the starters, aka the finger foods and appetisers, more than the main course. Here, in this post, we have curated some of the most creative and yummy appetisers that you must include on your Indian wedding starters menu.
Before you finalise your starter list, here are a few points to keep in mind:
- Serve starters on small paper plates and not on the main course plate. Since small paper plates are handy, your guests are likely to enjoy munching on these dishes while interacting and enjoying the event.
- Make sure to provide paper napkins along with the plates to your guests. After all, you don’t want your guests to ruin their grand party wear.
- Serve dips and chutneys alongside the starters, so that guests can pick and choose what they like.
- Include a few vegetarian starters as well, as a large number of guests have dietary restrictions.
- Provide your guests with plenty of variety – hot, cold, baked and healthy, crispy, and fried, so that they can pick and choose whatever they fancy.
Best Vegetarian Starters
1. Paneer Tikka
Who doesn’t love the smokey and roasted flavour of tandoor? Paired with paneer's soft gooey goodness, this dish will make even the hard-core non-vegetarians fall in love with it.
2. Samosas with a Healthy Twist
Generally, samosas are deep-fried in oil. But, with health consciousness on the rise, more and more guests are staying away from traditional deep-fried foods laden with calories. Baked samosas let your guests enjoy the flavour of samosas but without messing their diets.
3. Street-style Chaats
Dahi puri, aloo channa, samosa channa, pani puri – street-style chaats are a hit among guests of all ages. It's an explosion of flavours – tangy, sweet, and a bit spicy, this dish will keep your guests asking for more.
4. Cheese Balls
Bursting with the delicious flavor of the cheese in every bite, these small balls are bite-sized and easy to handle. Pair them with a spicy chilli sauce to add that crunch and zatpata to your wedding menu list.
5. South-Indian Mini Sambhar Idlis
Doused in sambhar and oodles of ghee, this dish is a hit among guests of all ages. The best part – it's rich, flavourful, and filling without feeling overwhelming.
Best Non-Vegetarian Starters
1. Chicken Manchurian
The classic desi-Chinese dish. Chicken cubes are coated in a tasty batter until golden brown and then stir-fried with soy sauce. It’s finally sauteed with onion and capsicum to add that crunchiness. It’s a must on all wedding menus.
2. Chicken Sheekh Kebabs
From the kitchens of the Mughals, this is another classic dish that has become a staple at Indian weddings. Marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce, this mouth-watering dish will keep your guests coming back for seconds and thirds.
3. Chicken Momos
Add a dash of exoticness to your wedding menu. Momos are popular in the north-east and generally served with a spicy red-chilli sauce or peanut chutney. You can serve them steamed or pan-fried, depending on the taste preferences of your guests.
4. Fish Fingers
Had enough of chicken? Then you need to include this fish starter on your wedding menu. The fish is fried to a crisp and served in bite-sized pieces. Dip it with mayo for the complete experience.
5. Chicken Lollipop
An instant hit among your little guests, it is a popular Indian starter that never falls out of trend. The chicken is deep-fried and served in the form of lollipops for easy eating.
For more inspiration, check out our complete wedding menu online. Captain Joe offers the most affordable and tasty wedding catering menus in Gurgaon. Our prices start at just Rs. 350 per head. Give us a ring, and let's start planning your unique and creative wedding menu in Gurgaon.
Have we missed a favourite wedding starter? Do let us know in the comments below!
