Once defined by cookie-cutter buffets and conventional fare, wedding food in India is undergoing a quiet revolution. Today’s couples are rewriting the culinary script — moving beyond generic menus to tell deeply personal stories through thoughtfully curated dishes. From heirloom recipes and regional delicacies to chef-led live stations and vegan innovations, modern wedding catering is no longer just about feeding guests — it’s about forging emotional connections, one plate at a time.
Chefpreneur and hospitality experience designer Gautam Kumhar, who has served as Executive and Corporate Chef at several prestigious Indian properties, shares his insights into how wedding food trends are evolving in 2025.
Main Course Reinvented: Fusion, Flair, and Familiarity
Q: What are the most popular main course dishes couples are requesting for Indian weddings this season?
“High-end Indian weddings are seeing a remarkable shift in main course trends,” shares Chef Kumhar. “Couples are moving towards regional fusion cuisine, often influenced by international flavors, while also elevating presentation standards.”
Key preferences include:
- Live interactive food stations
- Artistic plating styles
- High-quality vegetarian and vegan options
Timeless dishes like biryani, kormas, and dal makhani still rule the menu — but with modern reinterpretations. The emphasis, Chef Kumhar explains, is on curated menus that reflect the couple’s tastes and offer an unforgettable culinary journey.
Desserts: Where Tradition Meets Trend
Q: Have you noticed a shift in dessert trends for weddings? Are fusion or traditional Indian sweets more in demand?
“Absolutely,” says Chef Kumhar. “Desserts are evolving just as much as the main course.” One key shift is toward pre-plated desserts, which combine portion control with elegant presentation.
Fusion sweets are also on the rise — think rasmalai tiramisu, gulab jamun cheesecakes, or mango mousse in mithai shells. Yet, traditional Indian desserts remain as beloved as ever, especially for older guests.
Couples often opt for a hybrid approach — fusing tradition with innovation to cater to a wide range of palates.
Regional Cuisines Take Center Stage
Q: How are regional cuisines influencing wedding menus? Are couples opting for diverse dishes from different parts of India?
“Regional diversity is being celebrated like never before,” notes Chef Kumhar. Today’s wedding menus proudly feature flavors from across the subcontinent — from Kashmiri rogan josh to Rajasthani gatte ki sabzi, and coastal curries to northeastern delicacies.
There’s also a growing spotlight on underrepresented regional cuisines such as:
- Santhali dishes from Jharkhand
- Assamese delicacies
- Bihari specialties
“These rich, authentic flavors allow couples to pay homage to their roots and present guests with a one-of-a-kind experience,” says the chef.
Live Food Stations: Theatre on a Plate
Q: What’s the role of live food stations in Indian weddings now? Any creative concepts gaining popularity?
Live food stations are no longer a novelty — they’re a focal point at modern Indian weddings. “Guests love the energy, interaction, and customization,” explains Chef Kumhar. Popular concepts include:
- Live chaat counters
- Regional tandoor stations
- International cuisines prepared à la minute
- Dessert flambé stations
Celebrity-chef-led restaurant-style live kitchens are gaining popularity too. These setups allow guests to enjoy fine-dining experiences right at the wedding venue, complete with personal chef interactions and live plating.
Plant-Based Menus: A Growing Priority
Q: Are plant-based or vegan options becoming more common in Indian wedding menus? How are they being incorporated?
“Yes, plant-based dining has gone mainstream,” confirms Chef Kumhar. As dietary awareness grows, caterers are embracing plant-based menus with creativity and flair.
“Innovative substitutes like jackfruit, tofu, and almond milk-based desserts are making it easy to adapt traditional recipes,” he explains. Dedicated vegan stations or full vegan menus are now part of many weddings, ensuring inclusivity without compromising on taste or authenticity.
Menus with Meaning: Personalization at Its Heart
Q: How do couples customize their wedding menus to reflect personal or cultural significance?
Modern couples are making menu personalization a priority — not just for variety, but for emotional and cultural storytelling.
“From incorporating grandma’s signature recipe to recreating a dish shared on a first date,” says Chef Kumhar, “food has become a canvas for memory and meaning.” Some couples even align their menu themes with décor, music, and attire, creating a truly immersive and cohesive wedding experience.
Regional or ethnic cuisines often reflect the couple’s heritage, while fusion elements symbolize their unique journey together — bridging backgrounds, tastes, and stories.
Conclusion: A New Era of Culinary Celebration
As weddings become more experiential, food is no longer just a side note — it’s the centerpiece. Today’s wedding menus are as diverse and dynamic as the couples themselves, drawing from family traditions, global trends, dietary shifts, and personal milestones.
“Wedding food is evolving into an emotionally resonant, deeply personal experience,” says Chef Kumhar. “It’s not just about what’s on the plate — it’s about the memories behind every bite.”
