Indian weddings are grand, vibrant, and most importantly packed with mouthwatering snacks. From crispy fried delights to spicy finger foods, the wedding menu is a treat for the taste buds. While these snacks are usually reserved for large gatherings, many of them are easy to recreate at home.
1.Crispy paneer tikka – A vegetarian favorite at Indian weddings
Paneer tikka is a crowd-puller at every Indian wedding. Chunks of paneer (cottage cheese) are marinated in a mix of yogurt, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, ginger-garlic paste, and lemon juice. Skewered with onions and capsicums, they are traditionally cooked in a tandoor but can be grilled or baked at home. Serve with green chutney for that authentic wedding-style experience.
2. Mini samosas with spiced potato filling – A snack table essential
No Indian wedding is complete without mini samosas. These bite-sized triangular snacks are filled with a spiced potato mixture including boiled potatoes, peas, cumin, coriander powder, and green chilies. The mini version is especially popular for its perfect fit with a cup of masala chai or welcome drinks. You can fry them or bake them for a slightly healthier twist at home.
3.Chaat counter special – Dahi puri with tangy chutneys
Dahi puri is a typical item found at the chaat counter in Indian weddings. These hollow puris are filled with mashed potatoes, sweet tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and thick sweetened yogurt, then topped with sev and coriander. It’s a flavor explosion sweet, spicy, tangy, and crunchy all at once. You can assemble these easily at home using store-bought puris.
4.Kathi rolls with spicy fillings – A handheld delight
Often served during evening wedding functions or mehndi ceremonies, kathi rolls are portable snacks made from flaky parathas rolled with spicy fillings. Popular options include chicken kathi rolls, paneer tikka rolls, or even soya chaap rolls. The key is to marinate the filling well and wrap it in freshly cooked parathas. A dash of mint chutney and onions inside the roll brings the street-style flavor alive.
5.Hara bhara kabab – The go-to green appetizer
Hara bhara kababs are green-colored patties made with spinach, peas, and potatoes. Often served on a platter with chutney, these are popular for being both healthy and tasty. At weddings, they are shallow-fried and served hot. To try them at home, simply steam and mash the vegetables, add breadcrumbs and spices, shape into rounds, and cook on a tawa.
6.Chicken malai tikka – The creamy non-veg indulgence
For non-vegetarians, chicken malai tikka is a wedding favorite. The chicken is marinated in fresh cream, cheese, ginger-garlic paste, cardamom powder, and a hint of green chili, then grilled to perfection. It’s softer and milder in flavor compared to spicy tandoori chicken, making it a hit at weddings. At home, you can grill them in an oven or on a pan with some butter for a similar effect.
7.Mini vegetable cutlets – Bite-sized crispy treats
Vegetable cutlets are usually shaped into ovals or rounds and deep-fried till golden. They include a mixture of mashed vegetables like carrots, beans, potatoes, and peas with spices and breadcrumbs. Their crisp texture and mildly spiced flavor make them a perfect tea-time wedding snack. Prepare a batch in advance and fry them fresh when guests arrive.
8.Cheese corn balls – A modern touch to wedding menus
Cheese corn balls have recently become a regular part of modern Indian wedding menus. Made with boiled corn, grated cheese, mashed potatoes, and herbs, these balls are coated with breadcrumbs and fried until golden. They melt in the mouth and offer a break from traditional Indian flavors. These are kid-friendly and easy to replicate at home.
9.Mini idli skewers – A South Indian fusion snack
A creative addition to wedding menus, mini idli skewers involve steamed mini idlis tossed in South Indian-style podi (spice powder) or sambar masala, skewered with vegetables like bell peppers or onions. These are often seen at weddings with a South Indian touch. You can prepare these in minutes using leftover idlis and serve with coconut chutney.
10.Dry fruit kachoris – A rich and flaky wedding delight
This snack is common in North Indian weddings and is filled with a sweet-savory mixture of dry fruits, nuts, and spices. The outer crust is flaky, similar to khasta kachori. While it’s a bit time-consuming, it’s worth the effort for special occasions at home. You can make them ahead of time and serve as an evening tea snack.
Relive the wedding feast at home
Indian wedding snacks are diverse, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving something spicy, tangy, or sweet, there’s a snack to suit every palate. These wedding-style snacks can add a festive touch to family gatherings or weekend treats, letting you enjoy a bit of wedding magic anytime.