Sushis, noodles, pastas, falafel and enchiladas which were quite popular a few years ago are a passe now. People are more into fusion food these days, with some Indian dishes like chaats and tikkis as permanent fixtures, as they generally balance the bland taste of continental food with their piquancy and tang. According to celebrity wedding planner and MD of Tranquiil Weddings, Pooja Ghai Rawal, 'Food has acquired absolutely new overtones these days and instead of gulping down tasteless continental food, people are loving fusion dishes with exciting blend of flavours.

Before finalizing the menu it's also important to study the nature of the guest. says Pooja. If it's a Marwari client then the food is spicy and chatpata, whereas a Sindhi guest list demands more alcohol and non-veg dishes.

However the top 7 dishes which never fail at any wedding function include

Delhi Chaat or Calcutta Chaat
Prepared hygienically, these chaat varieties include all kinds of spicy and tangy chutneys. Served both hot and cold they include fruit chaat, dahi bhalle, papadi chaat, kacha aloo, chutney chaat, gol gappe etc.

Puranpoli
Mostly a live station is set where hot puran polis are served with ghee. These puranpolis have different fillings, from plain to coconut based filling, depending on what the guest likes.

Pan
As many as twenty different varieties of paans are served as post meal appetizer. Chocolate Paan, Ice Paan, Strawberry Paan & Vanilla Pan are among the popular ones.

Risottos
Italian staple risottos have replaced pizzas and pastas in the popularity index. They are light and bland, and hence hugely compensate for the spicy Indian flavour.

Wasabi Aloo Tikki
Boiled potatoes with wasabi cream layered on it.

Nanza
Stuffed vegetable naan. The stuffing has a Mexican flavour to it.

Oregano Peppery Paneer Tikka
Paneer tikka cooked in Mexican spice which includes oregano, herbs &mustard oil

Idli Cup cake
Idli in shape of a cup cake with whipped chocolate cream on top.

Live Masala Khakhra
Khakhra cooked with different vegetables and masalas. The guest selects the masala and vegetables which is then cooked in olive oil with the khakhra.

DIY Dessert -Chocolate Fondue
Cheese and chocolate melted together served with apple slices, bananas, brownies, cookies and waffles. The best part about this counter is decorating the dessert platter on your own.

Source: Times of India

BDST: 1644 HRS, AUG 22, 2015
Edited by:  Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor