Best Non-Veg Caterer in Lucknow with Price | Wedding & Corporate Guide
If you have ever hosted a daawat in Lucknow, you know one truth very well: the success of the event is judged not by the décor, not by the speeches, but by the food on the dastarkhwan. In our part of the world, especially across North India’s Hindi belt, non-vegetarian delicacies are not just dishes – they are an emotion, a family tradition, and in many cases, a symbol of pride.
Be it a lavish wedding at a heritage venue, a corporate gala meant to impress clients, or a simple get-together of old friends, the question inevitably comes up: “Which is the best non-veg caterer in Lucknow, and how much will it cost?”
As someone who has written about food and culture for more than a decade, I can tell you there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best caterer for you depends on your event type, budget, and above all, your expectations. But Lucknow – being the royal city of Awadhi cuisine – has its own benchmarks. Let me take you through them.
The Heritage of Non-Veg Cuisine in Lucknow
Before we talk about caterers and prices, let us pause to understand why non-veg catering in Lucknow is such a serious affair. As a very famous poet of Lucknow, Mr Tahir Jamal Sahab rightly said “It is not just about feeding guests. It is about preserving the legacy of the Nawabs, where galawat kebabs melted in the mouth without effort, biryanis carried the fragrance of saffron and Laung-Elaichi, and Qormas were slow-cooked till the marrow infused the gravy”.
When families in Lucknow book a caterer, they are not merely looking for food—they are seeking a continuation of that Nawabi tehzeeb. A plate of kebabs at a shaadi should whisper the same charm that once floated through the courtly kitchens of Kaiserbagh. That is the emotional weight behind your decision.
What Defines the Best Non-Veg Caterer?
Over the years, I have attended countless weddings and corporate functions, and one thing has become clear: the best caterer is not the one with the longest menu, but the one who understands balance.
Here are the principles that truly define excellence in non-veg catering in Lucknow:
- Authenticity of Flavour
The galawat must carry the right balance of spices, the biryani must never be oily, and the qorma must taste like home yet feel royal. - Presentation with Nawabi Touch
Guests today click pictures before they take the first bite. The caterer must know how to present food in a way that feels elegant, festive, and inviting. - Professional Service
From uniformed staff to continued refilling, the grace of service matters. A late-arriving dish can spoil even the richest menu. - Hygiene and Safety
In today’s times, families want not just taste but also trust. The kitchen practices, freshness of meat, and cleanliness of serving counters matter as much as flavour. - Adaptability
Weddings need grandeur, corporates want efficiency, and food lovers crave experimentation. The best caterer adapts without losing essence.
These five principles are what make a caterer stand out. And in Lucknow, there are only a handful who embody all of them consistently.
Understanding the Price Ranges
Now let’s address the practical side: pricing.
Weddings (₹600 – ₹2500 per plate)
- Budget-friendly (₹600 – ₹1000 per plate): Basic but delicious menus, usually including 1-2 kebabs, biryani, a qorma or korma, traditional breads, and some desserts. Perfect for medium-scale weddings where the family wants typical age old flavours without extravagance.
- Mid-range (₹1200 – ₹1800 per plate): Adds more variety, such as multiple kebabs, richer gravies, Chinese and Italian options for GenZ, and live counters. Presentation is also more polished.
- Premium (₹2000 – ₹2500 per plate): This is where the Nawabi daawat truly comes alive – elaborate menus with “you name it, you get it” kind of menu. Lots of kebab varieties, multiple exotic Salan and Shorba, Lucknow’s signature biryani along with some more popular options, curated desserts, and royal-style service. Best suited for large weddings where food is meant to be the highlight.
Corporate Events (₹400 – ₹800 per plate)
Corporates often look for balance – the food must impress but also be efficient to serve.
- At ₹400 – ₹600 per plate, expect a concise yet satisfying spread (Chicken and Paneer Gravies, Veg and Chicken kebabs and similar with biryani, breads and a dessert).
- At ₹700 – ₹800 per plate, the menu expands with more options, live counters, and slightly more indulgence. Perfect for annual meets, conferences, or client dinners.
These price ranges are approximate but fairly consistent across reputable caterers in Lucknow.
Weddings vs. Corporates: The Difference in Expectation
Families hosting a wedding want legacy and memory. They want their guests to say “wah, kya Mezban hain!” even years later. This is why wedding caterers must lean on tradition and detail.
Corporate managers, on the other hand, want efficiency and elegance. The biryani should not be so heavy that employees feel sleepy during sessions, and the service must run like clockwork. For them, professional reliability matters slightly more than slow-cooked romance.
The best caterers in Lucknow know how to walk this fine line.
Why Principles Matter More Than Names
In every city, people often ask: “Bas naam bata dijiye, kaun best hai?” But in my experience, names keep changing. A caterer who shines in one wedding may falter in another. What remains constant are principles.
The truly refined caterers in Lucknow are those who:
- Protect the authenticity of Awadhi cuisine.
- Carry a Nawabi sense of elegance in service.
- Deliver professional, punctual, and hygienic execution.
- Offer transparent pricing without hidden shocks.
If you keep these benchmarks in mind while choosing, you will automatically gravitate towards the right name. And yes, Lucknow does have a few who embody these values so gracefully that guests remember not just the food, but the overall mehmaan-nawazi.
How to Choose the Right Caterer for Your Event
- Decide Your Budget First
Narrowing down between ₹600, ₹1200, or ₹2500 per plate makes your search realistic. - Match Caterer Strength with Event Type
Some shine in weddings, others in corporates. Don’t assume one-size-fits-all. - Taste Before You Trust
Always ask for a tasting session. The proof of a caterer is in the kebab! - Observe Service Style
Visit one of their ongoing events if possible. Notice how staff handles guests. - Seek Word-of-Mouth Reviews
Last but not the least, In Lucknow, nothing beats recommendations from relatives, colleagues, or trusted locals.
Final Thoughts
Lucknow is not just another city when it comes to non-veg catering – it is the beating heart of Awadhi cuisine. That’s why the question of “best non-veg caterer in Lucknow with price” deserves a thoughtful answer.
Your ideal caterer will not simply fill plates; they will create an experience where tradition meets professionalism, where kebabs melt like silk, where biryanis are fragrant yet light, and where every guest feels truly honoured.
Whether your budget is ₹600 per plate or ₹2500, whether you’re planning a wedding daawat or a corporate gala, the principles remain the same: authentic taste, Nawabi presentation, professional service, and hygienic trust.
Choose a caterer who lives by these values, and your guests will remember that Shaam, not just for some another meal, but as a story worth retelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the average cost of a non-veg caterer in Lucknow for weddings?
The cost usually ranges from ₹600 to ₹2500 per plate, depending on the menu variety, presentation, and service style. Budget weddings go for simpler menus, while premium shaadis prefer elaborate spreads with multiple kebabs, qormas, and royal-style service.
Q2. How much does non-veg catering cost for corporate events in Lucknow?
Corporate catering is comparatively lighter on the pocket, starting around ₹400 per plate for compact menus and going up to ₹800 per plate for more variety and live counters.
Q3. Which non-veg dishes are most popular in Lucknow weddings?
The must-haves include Galawat Kebab, Kakori Kebab, Chicken/Mutton Biryani, Nihari, Qorma, and Sheermal or Roomali Roti. Many families also add Mughlai desserts like Shahi Tukda or Kheer.
Q4. How do I choose the right non-veg caterer in Lucknow?
Decide your budget first, shortlist caterers who specialize in weddings or corporates, and always ask for a tasting session. Reviews from friends and relatives in Lucknow also help in finalising the right choice.