Table of Contents
Introduction
Whether it’s a wedding, corporate meeting, or family celebration, food is often the biggest highlight of any event in Hyderabad. But one of the first questions every host asks is: “What’s the average catering per plate cost in Hyderabad?”
Catering costs vary widely based on cuisine type, menu variety, event scale, and service style. In this detailed guide, we’ll help you understand current price trends, cost breakdowns, and practical tips to get the best value for your event.
🏷️ What Determines Catering Prices in Hyderabad?
- Type of Event – Weddings and corporate events cost more than birthdays or poojas because of menu scale and service manpower.
- Cuisine Choice – Multi-cuisine menus (Indian, Chinese, Continental) are pricier than single-cuisine packages.
- Veg vs Non-Veg – Non-veg menus usually cost ₹100–₹300 more per plate.
- Guest Count – Large orders (500+ plates) often get bulk discounts.
- Menu Variety – Live counters, desserts, and mocktail bars can raise per plate cost by 15–40%.
- Service Type – Buffet setups are cheaper than plated or fine-dining services.
- Venue Distance – Outstation or resort catering adds transport charges.
💰 Average Catering Per Plate Cost in Hyderabad (2025)
| Event Type | Veg Menu (₹) | Non-Veg Menu (₹) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birthday / Small Function | 250–400 | 350–550 | Simple menu with 5–7 items |
| Corporate Lunch | 400–700 | 500–850 | Buffet style with dessert |
| Wedding / Engagement | 600–1200 | 800–1500 | Multi-course menu & live counters |
| Premium / Luxury Event | 1000–2000+ | 1200–2500+ | Customized menus with decor |
| Home Pooja / Family Lunch | 250–500 | — | Traditional Andhra/Telangana meal |
💡 Tip: Always ask for a detailed quotation mentioning per plate cost, number of dishes, and service inclusions before finalizing a caterer.
🍛 Veg Catering Prices in Hyderabad
Vegetarian catering remains a popular choice for weddings, religious ceremonies, and corporate functions. The prices depend on the number of dishes and cuisines offered.
Typical Veg Menu (₹300–₹600 per plate)
- Starters: Paneer tikka, veg cutlet, corn cheese balls
- Main Course: Dal tadka, mixed veg curry, pulao, chapathi
- Rice: Veg biryani or fried rice
- Dessert: Gulab jamun or ice cream
- Beverages: Soft drink or fruit punch
Premium Veg Menu (₹700–₹1200 per plate)
Includes live counters, sweets, and regional dishes (Andhra, Tamil, Jain menus).
🍗 Non-Veg Catering Prices in Hyderabad
Non-veg menus are especially popular for weddings, sangeet events, and parties. They generally include 2–3 meat options with biryani as the main course.
Typical Non-Veg Menu (₹500–₹900 per plate)
- Starters: Chicken 65, fish fry, mutton seekh
- Main Course: Chicken curry, mutton biryani
- Sides: Salad, naan, curd rice
- Dessert: Qubani ka Meetha or double ka meetha
Luxury Non-Veg Menu (₹1000–₹1800 per plate)
Adds live tandoor counters, seafood, mocktails, and multi-dessert sections.
📋 Price Comparison by Locality
| Location | Veg (₹) | Non-Veg (₹) | Popular For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kukatpally & Miyapur | 300–600 | 400–800 | Family functions & local weddings |
| Madhapur & Gachibowli | 500–900 | 700–1200 | Corporate & high-end events |
| Uppal & LB Nagar | 250–500 | 350–700 | Community & temple events |
| Jubilee Hills & Banjara Hills | 800–1500 | 1000–2000+ | Luxury weddings & parties |
🧾 Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Even with a fixed per plate cost, some caterers may charge extra for:
- Transportation / Setup fees (₹1000–₹5000 based on distance)
- Waiter service (₹150–₹250 per head)
- Buffet table décor or floral setup (optional)
- GST (5–18%) depending on the total bill
🌿 How to Save on Catering Costs
- Book Early: Prices rise during wedding season.
- Finalize Menu Smartly: Limit main course to 2–3 varieties.
- Combine Dishes: Choose items that serve multiple preferences (e.g., mixed rice).
- Go Seasonal: Use seasonal vegetables and fruits for better pricing.
- Request a Buffet Plan: Reduces wastage and total cost.
- Discuss Reuse Policy: Some caterers offer discounts for reusable crockery setups.
🍴 Latest Catering Trends Influencing Pricing
- Live Food Counters – Dosa, pasta, chaat, and kebab stations are trending.
- Regional Menus – Telangana and Andhra cuisine themes gaining popularity.
- Compact Buffets – Mini buffets for 50–100 guests with budget control.
- Eco-friendly Serving – Using leaf plates, wooden cutlery, and zero-plastic policies.
📍 Local Catering Market Insights
Hyderabad’s catering market has evolved into a structured segment with options for every budget. Areas like Madhapur, Kukatpally, Uppal, and Gachibowli see the highest booking volumes year-round.
The per plate price in these localities reflects demand, logistics, and clientele type. For example:
- IT corridors prefer fusion and multi-cuisine buffets.
- Old City prefers traditional Telangana menus with authentic sweets.
- Kukatpally residents opt for mix-budget family events.
💡 Practical Checklist Before Finalizing a Caterer
✅ Get a detailed quotation mentioning dishes and serving size
✅ Ask for food tasting session
✅ Confirm manpower and equipment availability
✅ Verify hygiene and FSSAI license
✅ Read Google and Justdial reviews
✅ Ask for recent event photos
🥗 Conclusion
Catering prices in Hyderabad continue to be among the most competitive in India, thanks to local culinary diversity and event demand. Whether you’re hosting a family function or a corporate event, understanding the catering per plate cost in Hyderabad helps plan your budget wisely.
Compare local caterers, explore menu flexibility, and focus on quality and hygiene rather than just cost — that’s the real recipe for a successful event.
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