Introduction
In a city as diverse and vibrant as San Francisco, food means more than energy; it celebrates culture and community. The food you serve at a special event, business meeting, or private party may enhance or ruin the experience for your attendees.
Indian cuisine is one of the most requested food styles for catering events. It's rich in flavor, highly customizable, and offers something for everyone, from hearty meat lovers to dedicated vegans. Kanteen Catering offers traditional Indian catering in San Francisco, curating menus that elevate every event with delicious taste and professional service.
In this post, we'll share the most-loved Indian dishes and how to build a food experience your guests won't forget.
Why Choose Indian Cuisine for Your Event?
Indian food is all about variety. From creamy curries to crispy starters and vibrant vegetarian dishes, it's a cuisine that satisfies all kinds of eaters. Here's why Indian catering works so well at events:
Diverse menu options for all dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, non-vegetarian, gluten-free).
Comfort food appeals to bold, warm spices and aromatic ingredients
Customizable presentations—from buffets and plated meals to food stations
Cultural relevance for multicultural gatherings, weddings, or festive events
It's not just about feeding people—it's about offering a shared experience that feels joyful, comforting, and flavorful.
Appetizers That Start the Party
Indian starters are flavorful, finger-friendly, and suitable for sit-down and standing events. Some of my top picks include:
Garlic Dill Aioli – Creamy sauce with fresh garlic and dill
Chicken Spinach Bhurani Raita – Smoky yogurt with chicken and spinach.
Chipotle Paneer Tikka – Grilled paneer with smoky chipotle spice.
Corn-Potato Chaat Phyllo Cups – Crispy cups filled with tasty corn-potato chaat.
Offer vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to keep everyone happy from the start.
Entrees That Win Everyone Over
Your main course should include rich, filling dishes that balance variety and taste. Crowd favourites include:
Paneer Dum Biryani – Fragrant rice layered with spiced paneer and herbs.
Mushroom Kadai Paneer – Stir-fried paneer and mushrooms in bold kadai spices.
Karavali Shrimp Curry – Fresh seafood in a tangy coconut curry.
Sunehre Murg – This chicken dish is grilled to golden char in a mild marinade.
Pair mains with freshly made naan, parathas, and basmati rice or jeera rice for a satisfying and balanced plate.
Bread, Rice & Sides: The Perfect Support
Indian meals aren't complete without the right accompaniments.
Plain or Garlic Naan – Always a hit for soaking up curries
Jeera Rice – Long-grain basmati rice with cumin for flavour and aroma
Vegetable Biryani – A one-pot rice dish with layers of spices and vegetables
Mixed Raita – Yogurt with grated cucumber and herbs to cool the palate
Including a mix of bread and rice allows your guests to build a meal that fits their taste.
Sweet endings: Indian desserts
End the event on a high note with traditional Indian desserts.
Gulab Jamun – Soft milk-based dumplings soaked in saffron syrup
Rasmalai – Soft cheese soaked in flavoured milk with cardamom and pistachio
Honey Creameux – Silky smooth honey-infused dessert cream.
Mango Lassi Shots – A modern dessert twist in a chilled, fruity form
Sweet dishes also provide a beautiful visual touch and work well in buffet and plate catering.
Regional Indian cuisine options
Want to get creative? Consider highlighting specific regional flavours:
South Indian: Dosa stations, idli with sambar, coconut chutneys
North Indian: Rich curries, tandoori dishes, buttery dals
Gujarati: Light, sweet-savoury dishes like khaman, thepla, and kadhi
Indian-Chinese: Young people like Manchurian, which is a tasty dish full of noodles and spices
You can customize your catering menu based on the heritage of your guests, their backgrounds, or based on the theme of your event.
Catering Styles for Every Event
We understand that every event is different, which is why we offer multiple catering formats:
Buffet Style – Self-serve and suitable for weddings, parties, or office lunches
Plated Service – Perfect for formal dinners or seated events
Boxed Meals – Individual packaging, ideal for corporate meetings or socially distanced setups
Live Stations – For dosas, chaats, or kebabs prepared on-site—great for engagement parties or receptions
We help you choose the right service style depending on your guest list, venue, and schedule.
Conclusion
Indian food is a top choice for events because it's more than just a meal—it's an experience. With its colourful presentation, bold flavours, and endless customization options, Indian cuisine makes every celebration memorable.
Kanteen Catering brings Indian catering to San Francisco events with precision and heart. Our staff can design a meal according to your tastes. If you are planning a wedding, a private party, or a company event, we'll create a menu that reflects your taste. This menu will delight your guests.
From small home parties to corporate,we ensure your food is the day's highlight.
