Group dinners aren't just for eating; they're for making memories and enjoying good times with friends, colleagues, or family. Indian food and its way of eating is built for sharing: curries, rice, and warm bread land in the middle of your table, and everyone digs in.
As one of the best foods in the world, you’ll find Indian restaurants in every corner of the world; even in Richardson, you'll find Indian restaurants using recipes handed down from generation to generation.
If you're in North Texas and hosting an Indian dinner for family, friends, or colleagues, this guide is built for you. We'll walk through what to order, how much to plan for, and how to curate a menu that brings together the best Indian food in Richardson, so everyone at your table leaves satisfied.
Indian food covers a huge range of flavors, so it helps to know what fits your group. Here's a breakdown by category.
Indian vegetarian cuisine is never an afterthought. It's rich, layered, and often the table favorite.
Kadai Paneer is a strong pick: soft paneer cooked in a spiced tomato base that pairs perfectly with rice and breads.
If you're craving something creamy with a slightly sweet gravy that pairs well with rice and breads, Malai Kofta is your go-to option.
Saag Chana, made with chickpeas and greens, adds an earthy option and is a good, protein-rich dish.
Round it out with Chole Bhature for something hearty, plus Garlic Naan and Vegetable Biryani. Steamed rice also works well alongside any of these dishes.
For meat lovers, many options are available for an Indian dinner. From creamy to fiery, chicken to lamb and fish, you can have anything.
Chicken Tikka Masala, or Chicken Lollipop, is always a preferred appetizer.
For mains, every Indian’s first choice is butter chicken or lamb kadai. They’re mild, comforting, and a perfect match for rice and breads.
If your group likes bold heat, Chicken Vindaloo, Chili Chicken, or Goat Vindaloo delivers a serious kick.
Seafood fans should try Shrimp Kadai or Fish Curry, both packed with coastal-style spice. Pair any of these with chicken biryani and warm garlic naan to round out the plate.
Vegan diners don't have to miss out. Several dishes on a good Himalayan and Indian menu work well without dairy or meat.
Saag Chana without cream is a plant-protein-loaded dish that perfectly hits everyone’s taste buds. You can also try Chili Gobhi, Chili Manchurian, Aloo Saag, and Aloo Gobi.
Vegetable steamed momos (light but satisfying) or veg samosas are classic vegan starters.
Steamed rice and breads are naturally vegan and pair with almost anything on the table.
Before you place an order, you need to understand how Indian meals usually work. Indian food is not about one big plate; it’s a mix of small and large dishes meant to share. For example, a momo plate includes 10-12 pieces that 4-5 people can easily share. The same goes for other dishes; you can order butter chicken and share it with 2-3 people, along with rice and bread.
A good Indian food order usually includes a starter like Paneer Tikka or Chicken Tikka, or Momos, a protein (Paneer for vegetarians and Chicken dishes for non-vegetarians), a lentil or vegetable dish, and rice and bread.
Spice level also matters in Indian food, as some dishes, like chili paneer and Chili Chicken, can be too spicy for you. So before ordering anything, ask your group what spice level they can handle, since most places will adjust the heat.
If you’re ordering for a group for the first time, don’t get confused; order one or two vegetarian mains, one or two non-vegetarian mains, one rice, and a couple of breads. This combo will cover most appetites.
When ordering for a group, quantities are where most people struggle: order too little and everyone will be hungry; order too much, and you’ll be eating leftovers for your next meal.
Here is a breakdown of quantities to order Indian food in Richardson by group size:
For four people, plan on two main dishes, one rice option, and two to three breads. A starter like Chili Momo or Chicken 65 is a nice add-on.
Think one curry, one vegetarian dish, a chicken biryani, and a few garlic naan on the side. That's usually enough for everyone to feel full.
For six people, go with up to three main dishes and two rice or bread options. This is where you can start mixing veg and non-veg more evenly.
For vegetarians, you can order Kadai Paneer and Paneer Makhani, paired with Garlic Naan and fried rice. Start with a round of veg samosas or steamed momos.
For non-vegetarians, go with the butter chicken and lamb saag, paired with Chicken Biryani and garlic naan. Start with steamed momo or chicken lollipops.
For eight people, you usually need to order four main dishes, plus rice, breads, and one or two starters to share.
For vegetarians, go with Paneer Tikka Masala and Steamed Momo for a starter. Order Malai Kofta, Dal Makhani, Paneer Makhani, and Kadai Paneer. Pair them with 2 sides of biryani (Paneer or vegetable) or plain rice and 10-12 naans.
Non-vegetarians can order chicken lollipops and chili chicken as an appetizer. Order Lamb Tikka Masala, Fish Curry, Butter Chicken, and Goat Rogan Josh for mains. Pair them with plain bread and bread sides. This keeps the table varied without repeating flavors.
For ten or more, go with five to six main dishes, two rice options, and a generous bread order. This is close to a mini feast.
Round it out with a few starters like Jhol Momo and Chili Momo, so guests have something to nibble on before the mains arrive. This size works well for birthdays or family get-togethers, and it's the kind of order many people choose when picking an Indian restaurant in Richardson for a private celebration.
If you're in North Texas and want to skip the guesswork, Himalayan Corner brings together the best of Nepali and Indian cuisine under one roof. From momos to tandoori classics, their menu is built for exactly this kind of group dinner, and their catering team can help you plan a spread for a gathering of any size.
Ordering Indian food for a group can be complicated, especially when you have vegetarians, non-vegetarians, and vegans. However, Indian food is meant to be shared, and each dish can easily serve 2-3 people. Rice and breads are the common dishes that everyone can eat, and the rest depends on your choice.
One thing is for sure: whether it's a small family dinner or a big celebration, the right combination of dishes keeps everyone at the table happy. And with a solid Indian restaurant in Richardson nearby, a great group meal is easier to pull together than you might think.
Founded by Umesh Adhikari, Himalayan Corner brings true Indian and Himalayan flavors to Richardson. With years of experience in the food industry, Umesh combines traditional recipes, quality ingredients, and warm hospitality to create a memorable dining experience.
