Let your guests get astounded and awed with these top must-have Indian cuisines and show what a true, cultural Indian wedding in London feels like.
Your Indian wedding in London is a shining thread in the tapestry of Indian weddings, where festivities, traditions, and entertainment blend harmoniously, one element that weaves its way into the hearts of all is the exquisite taste of typical Indian food.
Food holds a profound significance in Indian weddings as every dish that adorns the wedding feast is meticulously prepared by skilled hands, with recipes passed down through generations.
As each flavour dances upon the taste buds, it carries with it the essence of family heritage within its rich taste. From the aromatic spices that waft through the air to the vibrant array of colours that decorate the plates, the food symbolizes the rich diversity and unity that is at the core of Indian culture.
But Indian food, like its culture is a diverse one. So, while planning your grand Indian wedding in London, you need to give extra attention to the culinary part and decide which ones to keep and which to cross out.
To make things a little easier for you, team Shenai has decided to list some of the top cuisines that are must-haves for your menu. The foods listed here will help you to bring out your country’s uniqueness while introducing your guests to the variety of Indian flavours. So let’s get started with it.
Chaat for that Burst of Flavors
Irrespective of vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, you need to include chaat, for it is symbol the vibrant and tangy street food of India. Chaat is going to be a delightful addition to any Indian wedding menu.
Pani Puri, Bhel Puri, Aloo Tikki Chaat – these savoury snacks offer a burst of flavours with their spicy, sweet, and sour chutneys and crunchy elements. Watching the live chaat stations in action will add an element of entertainment for your guests.
Chole Bhature for that Northern Touch
Chole Bhature, a typical North Indian favourite, has spicy chickpea curry served with deep-fried, fluffy bhature bread. Added along is a simple salad of onion and cucumber served along with pickles.
This hearty dish is a crowd-pleaser that adds a touch of comfort to the wedding feast. It’s also a great addition to a menu that’s strictly vegetarian.
Dosa for that South Indian Sensation
While going all vegetarian, why keep the South away if you’re bringing the North? And there’s nothing better to add a touch of South India to the wedding than a delightful plate of dosa, which is a versatile and beloved South Indian dish.
The thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter is served with coconut chutney and sambar (a lentil soup prepared with tangy tamarind and vegetables), providing a delightful change of pace from the usual wedding fare.
Tandoori Kebabs for that Grilled Perfection
If your menu is looking for some smoky yet yummy items, then Tandoori Kebabs, the marinated pieces of meat or vegetables cooked in the clay tandoor oven, are a must. From succulent chicken tikka to smoky paneer tikka, these skewered delights add a deliciously smoky touch to the celebrations.
A good thing is that Tandoori kebabs can have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preparations and hence is perfect for satiating the starter pang of both carnivorous and vegetarian guests alike.
Biryani to give Regal Rice Delight
Biryani is considered as one of the crown jewels of Indian cuisine. It’s a fragrant and flavourful rice dish that takes centre stage at maximum Indian weddings (especially for non-vegetarian menus).
Long-grained, Basmati rice is layered with succulent pieces of marinated meat, be it chicken, or goat, and fused with aromatic spices like saffron, cardamom, and cloves. Every spoonful of this dish is a journey through a symphony of flavours that leaves guests wanting more.
Rasmalai to Show the Milky Marvel
Rasmalai is a delectable Indian dessert that holds a special place in the hearts of those with a sweet tooth. It tastes heavenly, with the sweetness of the flavoured milk, and soft cottage cheese dumplings perfectly balanced along with the aroma of cardamom and the delicate fragrance of saffron.
Rasmalai is typically garnished with chopped nuts like pistachios, and almonds, and sometimes even a sprinkle of edible silver leaf for a touch of opulence. The result is an elegant dessert that delights both the eyes and the taste buds.
Gulab Jamun for the Sweet Bliss
Another must-add name to satiate the sweet tooth of your guests is Gulab Jamun. These soft, spongy and fried milk dumplings, soaked in sugar syrup, offer an exquisite taste of bliss that leaves guests with fond memories of the festivities. They are surely going to want more of it.
Paan for that Refreshing Finish
Paan, also known as betel leaf, is a popular traditional item in many South Asian countries, especially India. It is made by wrapping various ingredients in a betel leaf and often chewed as a mouth freshener or after-meal digestive. But once again, India has turned the simple Paan into a delicacy by adding different flavours to eat.
Some prefer it with only Areca nut (popularly known as supari) while some prefer it with a subtle touch of slaked line. Meanwhile, there are others who like it with sweet and savoury fillings. Nowadays, some experienced chefs are giving it an extra touch of chocolate.
Wrapping Up
Indian weddings are a time of celebration, and the food becomes an integral part of this joyous festivity. In Indian celebrations, it is a symbol of abundance, and hospitality.
As London embraces diverse cultures, hosting an Indian wedding in this vibrant city allows couples to share the richness of Indian cuisines with their guests. From the regal biryani to the tangy chaat and the sweet delights of Gulab Jamun to the refreshing Paan, each dish listed here and served at an Indian wedding in London is an ode to its shared culture.
So, as you plan your Indian wedding in London, remember that the flavours of India have the power to bring everyone together in an exquisite culinary journey like no other.
To add perfection to it, let Shenai Weddings help you out with the sweet and paan displays so that you can wow your guests and leave them with an unforgettable experience.