Food is an integral part of every special occasion in India and if it a marriage then the feasting is arranged in its extravagance. Indian weddings are mostly about fun, merrymaking and tradition. This merry making is incomplete without high-quality, lip-smacking food. Food is served in different styles in Indian weddings, mainly depending on the region the couple is from. India is a land of varied cultures and this has a direct impact on the food. For weddings, special food is prepared. One cannot enjoy the absolute experience of an Indian wedding without the majestic Indian wedding feasts.
Types of Wedding Feast
Festivals and feasts are the either side of the coin. Weddings are no less than festivals in India. The food that is served at the wedding depends to a great extent on the region the wedding is held in. Just like the rituals are kept in mind while Indian weddings, the kind of feast and its variety also depends on the culture and region, so does the food and its delicious dishes. For example, the food served in a Maharashtrian wedding comprises delicacies based on coconut gravy. The Indian Wedding Feast is different to the other ones in terms of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes depending on the traditions and ethnicity of the groom and the bride. The cooks use all their culinary skills to prepare these meals of gastronomical delight.
Special Features of Indian marriage feasts
At times, the wedding is marked on the basis of the standard, quality and taste of the food that was served. In early times, each guest was served individually, however, in today`s times the buffet system is quite popular at most of the weddings. However, it`s true that, one cannot enjoy the complete experience of an Indian wedding without the Indian Wedding Feast.
Indian marriages are vibrant affairs of fun and frolic. Good and quality food is a significant aspect of any wedding ceremony. As a rule, wedding cuisines usually reflect the religion and the environmental location people are hailing from. All the best dishes of that particular religion, cult or tribe are cooked to make the event memorable and lavish. Wedding Cuisines have changed a lot with the change of time. Continental dishes and multi-cultural cuisines and dishes have gained immense importance in present day`s wedding feasts.
Cuisines of wedding have changed a lot with the passage of time. Continental dishes have received immense popularity among today`s crowd. There are many catering services that serve yummy continental dishes for wedding parties and other events also. There is an elaborate wedding feast for all the family and friends who are invited. After the main day function is over there are various pre wedding rituals to be done and feasting plays a major role there too.
The moment people are invited for a wedding, they get excited and the first thing that comes to mind is about the relishing food they will perhaps have at the wedding. Wedding and good food has been inevitably associated since ages. Most guests pronounce a wedding to be good, if they had great food. Hence the wedding feast has to be given meticulous care and attention. As the catering bill constitutes one of the largest expenses of a wedding budget, the role of the wedding caterer is very important one during the marriage.
While deciding upon the caterer, one should always catch hold of the reputation. Verifying with people who have already hired that particular wedding caterer`s services should be done. Another important aspect to be noticed is the dinnerware being used by the caterer; they should not be chipped, scratched or worn out. The Indian food preparations include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes that would be cherished by the all the guests attending the wedding party. Some of the popular food dishes of Indian wedding feasts-
Breads - Indian breads including the naan and kulcha are the more glamorous and scrumptious forms of the plain old chappatti that can be consumed with the spicy curries, tandoori chicken and other preparations that consist of gravy. Naan and Kulchas come in different flavors such as Garlic, Keema and Chicken Naan to name just a few.
Starters & Entrees - Indian weddings serve a variety of tempting starters and entrees, the very thought of which makes one`s mouth water. Samosas and pakoras are the most common ones. Kebabs such as Paneer Kebab, Boti Kebab, Barra Kebab and Seekh Kebab are actually barbequed chicken. Tandoori mushrooms, prawns and chicken are also some of the delectable appetizers.
Main Course in Indian Wedding feasts
Non-Vegetarian Preparations
Chicken and Lamb are the two prominent sections in the various main course food preparations. Chicken/Lamb Vindaloo cooked with vinegar, capsicum and spices is a famous Goan dish. The Murg Mumtaz is popularly known as butter chicken, Kadai Chicken, Shahi Korma, Bhuna Chicken, Rogan Josh, Chicken Korma and Chicken Tikka Masala that are the core of a typical Indian Feast.
Vegetarian Delights
Matar Paneer, Palak Panner, Sag and Shahi Paneer are the firm favorites for the vegetarians in a wedding feast. Subzi Bhaji, Ganga Jamuna Subzi, Stuffed tomato curry and Vegetable Kofta Curry are also some of the favorites of the guests. The Malai Kofta, Daal Makhani and Tadka Daal are also some delicacies to gorge on.
Rice Dishes
Rice has played conventionally a major part in Bengali weddings but now one can expect to come across rice dishes in all types of weddings. Some of the loved rice preparations are the Chicken/Lamb/ Shrimp Biryani, Mughlai Pulao and Kashmiri Pulao, the last one is a vegetarian dish.
More on Indian Wedding Accessories
More on Indian Religious Weddings
More on Types of Marriages
See also
(Last Updated on : 15/12/2012)
