The most popular catering dishes in South Delhi
Biryani, paneer tikka, butter chicken, chole bhature — the four dishes that show up on almost every catering menu in South Delhi.
South Delhi catering menus look surprisingly similar once you strip out the presentation. Four dishes show up almost everywhere — one Mughlai, two North Indian, and one North Indian street classic. Here is a working shortlist and why each one earns its place on the table.
Biryani — the centrepiece
No serious gathering in South Delhi skips biryani. It scales easily, it holds temperature under a dough seal, and it does the job of both a main course and a rice side. Our contribution is sealed-handi Awadhi biryani — chicken, veg or kathal — cooked long and low so the pot is opened at the table, not in the van.
Paneer tikka — the vegetarian workhorse
Paneer tikka is on almost every event menu because it handles buffet warmers well and reads as celebratory without being fussy. Marinate paneer in yoghurt and spice, tandoor it until the edges are just charred, serve with green chutney and lemon. Pairs with both naan and rice, so a guest can build almost any plate around it.
Butter chicken — the classic
Rich, creamy, tomato-forward, tandoor smoke through the gravy — butter chicken is South Delhi’s comfort default. It is the one dish nobody argues with. Served with naan or laccha paratha, it earns its space on any main-course spread.
Chole bhature — the surprising crowd-pleaser
Not every event needs a starched main course. A chole bhature station — spiced chickpeas, freshly-fried bhature, raw onion and lemon — brings warmth and a Punjabi home-lunch energy to a room. It is a great fit for daytime events and casual family gatherings.
Frequently asked
- What makes biryani so popular for catering?
- One pot feeds a lot of people, it holds temperature well when sealed, and it does the work of both a main and a side. It also travels — an Awadhi handi that leaves the kitchen at noon still tastes right at half past one.
- Why is sealed-handi cooking preferred for biryani?
- The dough seal traps aromatics inside the pot instead of losing them to the air, so the biryani tastes the way it did in the kitchen even after the drive to the venue.
- Is paneer tikka suitable for all dietary preferences?
- It is vegetarian by default, egg-free, and can be made without garlic or onion on request for guests with restrictions. It is also gluten-free if served without the naan.
- Can butter chicken be made less spicy?
- Yes — the classic Delhi recipe is already mild, but the spice level is easy to dial down further. Ask on WhatsApp when you order.
- What is the best pairing for chole bhature?
- A quick raw onion, a wedge of lemon, and a spoon of the caterer’s achar. A cold lassi is the ideal drink pairing on a warm afternoon.
Sealed-handi biryani, chicken or vegetarian.
Chicken, veg and kathal handis in 1 kg, 2 kg and 4 kg sizes. Free delivery within 10 km of Sangam Vihar. Four hours’ notice.
Order on WhatsApp