Food is an integral part of every special occasion in India and if it is 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 and 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 Wedding 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 the present days 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 the 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 relishing the food they will perhaps have at the wedding. Wedding and good food have 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 all the guests attending the wedding party. Some of the popular food dishes of Indian wedding feasts are as follows:
Starters and Entrees
In India the wedding menu starts with the starters. 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. Various kebab preparations and Tandoori mushroom preparations are also some of the delectable appetizers.
Main Course Meal
The main course meal comprises of various preparations based on bread and rice. Indian breads including the naan and the kulcha are the most glamorous and scrumptious forms of the plain old chappatti that can be consumed with the spicy curries and other preparations that consist of gravy. Naan and Kulchas come in different flavors such as Garlic, Keema etc. 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 Biryani, Fried Rice and Kashmiri Pulao.
Both bread and rice are accompanied with different side dishes. Matar Paneer, Palak Panner, Sag and Shahi Paneer are the firm favorite side dishes 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.
Dessert
Without dessert a wedding feat in India is just incomplete. The list of desserts served in Indian wedding is also long. Desserts like Gulab Jamun, Sandesh, Kulfi, Kheer, Jelebi, Roshogolla, Gulab Kheer, ice cream and many others are served to the guests.
