When you think of catering for work, does Indian cooking come to mind? It should. Indian dishes are flavorful, easy to serve, and deeply satisfying. Plus, they are often food allergy-friendly and accommodating to vegetarian and vegan diets. All that makes Indian food a tasty and inclusive pick for energizing lunch breaks.
And yet, Indian catering is still something of a hidden gem in the United States. Indian restaurants account for just 7% of all Asian eateries — but maybe not for long. Diners want diverse culinary experiences and they’re seeking out popular Indian dishes. As a result, more and more food spots are opening up and sharing a love for spice-laden cooking.
Embrace this flavor renaissance by bringing Indian food into your workplace. Encourage your employees to take a much-needed lunch break and wow them with the smell of fresh aromatics and spices.
The most popular Indian dishes for catering
Ordering can be intimidating at first. After all, most menus feature food ordering lingo you may not recognize. Tandoori, masala, tikka — how do you know what to get? If you’re feeling lost, these popular Indian dishes are a great place to start.
Indian appetizers
1. Samosas
Samosas are a quintessential appetizer in Indian cuisine. These triangular-shaped pastries are stuffed with spiced veggies and then fried until golden. Enjoy them on their own or dip them into chutney.
2. Onion bhaji
Onion bhajis are made with simple ingredients: thinly sliced onions, chickpea flour, spices, and herbs. Savory and crunchy, these fritters are naturally gluten-free and vegan.
3. Aloo tikki
Aloo tikki is the last appetizer on our list. It’s a unique potato dumpling that’s shallow-fried. Plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free, it’s a treat for everyone.
Indian main courses
4. Chicken tikka masala
Moving on to main courses, chicken tikka masala is one of the most popular Indian dishes in the United States. It features roasted chicken chunks cooked in a creamy sauce. It’s only mildly spicy, which makes it a great introduction to Indian curries.
5. Tandoori chicken
If you’re a fan of rotisserie chicken, you’ll probably like this dish. The meat is marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices before being roasted in a special clay oven. It’s deliciously smoky and juicy.
6. Butter chicken
Butter chicken, also known as Murg Makhni, is a curry made with marinated chicken chunks and a tomato-based gravy sauce. It’s sweeter and milder than tikka masala.
7. Pork vindaloo
Pork vindaloo is by far the spiciest dish on our list. It has roots in Goan cuisine and draws inspiration from Portuguese cooking. You’ll taste strong notes of garlic, chiles, and vinegar.
8. Lamb biriyani
This Indian delicacy combines long-grain rice with chunks of meat, curry spices, veggies, and fresh herbs. It’s warm, fragrant, and typically mild.
9. Shrimp korma
Speaking of mild, shrimp korma is a must-try for anyone who doesn’t love spicy food. The shrimp is slowly braised in a rich and creamy sauce made with yogurt and aromatic spices. It packs a nutty punch but no heat.
10. Chana masala
Indian cuisine is known for being vegan-friendly, and chana masala is probably the most popular plant-based dish on the menu. It’s a chickpea curry with a kick of heat perfect for Meatless Mondays.
11. Saag paneer
Saag paneer is a vegetarian dish that makes eating more greens fun. It features fried cubes of firm Indian cheese cooked in a creamy and mild bright-green sauce. Packed with folate and calcium, it’s a healthy lunch pick.
Indian side dishes
12. Basmati rice
Don’t forget to order rice! It’s the most common gluten-free side you’ll find at Indian restaurants. Whether plain or spiced, basmati rice is light, fluffy, and great for pairing with popular Indian dishes.
13. Naan
Another popular side dish, naan is a leavened oven-baked flatbread. It’s chewy in the best way possible. Use it to sop up creamy gravies and sauces so you don’t waste one flavorful drop.
Indian desserts
14. Gulab jamun
Gulab jamun is a comforting dessert perfect for work lunches. These fried dough balls are so tender they nearly melt in your mouth. And since they’re drenched in a sticky-sweet syrup, they’ll satisfy any sweet tooth cravings.
15. Rasmalai
Rasmalai is a more delicate dessert with roots in East Indian cuisine. It’s made with small cottage cheese balls, warming spices, and thickened milk. Often served chilled, this sweet treat is a refreshing pick for summer catering events.
How to serve Indian catering in the workplace
Once you have your menu all figured out, you’ll need to decide how to serve it. Individually packaged meals are always an option when you order on ezCater. But if you want to reap all the team-building perks of work lunches, opt for a buffet-style spread instead. It’s surprisingly easy to set up, even in an office. Here’s how.
Place the rice and naan at the front
Most popular Indian dishes taste better served with a side, so place your rice and naan containers at the start of the buffet line. This way, no one forgets to grab some — and it’s easier to scoop portions on top.
Have food warmers ready
Keep hot foods at an internal temperature of at least 140ºF for food safety reasons. Good-quality food warmers and a meat thermometer will help you keep everyone safe from food poisoning.
Label all the food
48% of Americans have never tried Indian food, and that surely includes some of your employees. Make their experience better by displaying ID cards next to each serving tray. Include the name of the dish, potential allergens (like peanuts and gluten), and the spice level (not hot, mild, spicy, and super hot).
Switch things up with Indian catering
Employees love free meals at work — especially when they’re delicious, nourishing, and comforting. Indian food checks off all those boxes, and now you know exactly how to order it. Browse local Indian catering menus and treat your hard-working teams to something delicious.
