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Best Non veg Catering per plate Cost – Ultimate Guide For Hyderabadies
1. Understanding the Non-Veg Catering Price Spectrum (2025-2026)
In Hyderabad, catering prices are generally categorized into four tiers. Whether you are looking for a simple chicken biryani meal or a lavish spread with mutton, prawns, and fish, here is what you can expect to pay per head.
The Standard Tier: ₹350 – ₹550 Per Plate
Ideal for birthdays, small housewarmings, or intimate family gatherings (50–100 guests).
- Menu Profile: 1 Non-veg starter (Chicken 65/Majestic), 1 Non-veg main (Chicken Curry), 1 Flavored Rice (Chicken Dum Biryani), plus basic veg sides, 1 dessert, and water.
- Service: Standard buffet setup with basic staff.
The Mid-Range Tier: ₹600 – ₹950 Per Plate
The most popular choice for engagements, corporate events, and medium-scale weddings (200–500 guests).
- Menu Profile: 2 Non-veg starters (Chicken & Fish), 2 Non-veg mains (Mutton & Chicken), Specialty rice, Rumali Roti/Naan, 2 desserts (Qubani ka Meetha with Ice cream).
- Service: Professional uniformed staff, enhanced buffet decor, and better quality cutlery.
The Premium Tier: ₹1,000 – ₹1,800 Per Plate
Designed for grand weddings and high-profile celebrations.
- Menu Profile: 3-4 Non-veg starters (Mutton Seekh Kebab, Loose Prawns, Apollo Fish), Premium mains (Mutton Marag, Natu Kodi Kura), Live Counters (Tandoor/Dosa), and exotic desserts.
- Service: High-end ceramic crockery, elaborate thematic setups, and premium service-to-guest ratios.
The Luxury Tier: ₹2,000+ Per Plate
Reserved for elite destination weddings or corporate galas.
- Menu Profile: International cuisines (Lebanese/Italian), premium seafood (Crabs/Salmon), bespoke live stations, and artisanal desserts.
- Service: Fine-dining protocols, designer buffet lounges, and personalized guest assistance.
2. Real-World Cost Comparison by Locality
Location plays a silent but significant role in your catering per plate cost. Logistics, venue access, and local market rates in Hyderabad create subtle price variations.
| Locality | Standard Veg (Starting) | Standard Non-Veg (Starting) | Why the Difference? |
| Kukatpally & Miyapur | ₹300 | ₹450 | Competitive local market, high density. |
| Gachibowli & Madhapur | ₹500 | ₹700 | Higher logistics and premium service demands. |
| Banjara & Jubilee Hills | ₹800 | ₹1,000 | Luxury expectations and high-end venue fees. |
| Uppal & LB Nagar | ₹250 | ₹350 | Value-driven market with traditional menus. |
3. Anatomy of a Non-Veg Plate: What Drives the Price?
To understand why one caterer quotes ₹500 while another quotes ₹800 for the “same” menu, you must look at the hidden cost drivers.
A. The Protein Choice (Mutton vs. Chicken vs. Seafood)
The type of meat is the single largest variable.
- Chicken-based menus are the most economical.
- Mutton adds a significant premium (often ₹150–₹250 extra per plate) due to high market rates and cleaning losses.
- Seafood (Prawns/Fish) prices fluctuate seasonally, often making them “Market Price” items in luxury menus.
B. Live Counters & Manpower
A buffet where food is kept in warmers is cheaper than having a chef toss Tala Hua Gosht or grill Kebabs live. Each live counter requires specialized manpower and equipment, adding ₹50–₹100 to the per-plate cost.
C. Ingredient Quality & Sourcing
Trust is built on what’s under the masala. Premium caterers use:
- Branded Sunflower Oil (vs. loose palm oil).
- Aged Basmati Rice (vs. broken or Sella rice).
- Fresh, Non-frozen Meat (sourced on the day of the event).
4. How to Calculate Your Total Catering Budget
Don’t just look at the per-plate price. Use this formula to avoid “Bill Shock” at the end of your event:
$$Total\ Budget = (Price\ Per\ Plate \times Guest\ Count) + Taxes + Logistics + Add-ons$$
Common Hidden Add-ons:
- Water Management: Are you providing 200ml bottles or 20L dispensers? (Adds ₹10–₹30 per head).
- Wait Staff: Does the plate price include servers, or is it a “Drop-off” service?
- GST: Standard catering GST is 5% in India, which can add up on large bills.
- Transport: For remote locations like Shankarpally farmhouses, expect a flat transport fee.
5. Non-Veg Menu Ideas for Different Budgets
Option A: The “Hyderabadi Classic” (Budget: ₹450 – ₹550)
- Starter: Chicken 65
- Main: Authentic Chicken Dum Biryani
- Sides: Mirchi ka Salan, Dahi ki Chutney
- Dessert: Double ka Meetha
Option B: The “Royal Celebration” (Budget: ₹800 – ₹950)
- Starters: Mutton Seekh Kebab & Apollo Fish
- Main 1: Mutton Marag with Sheermal
- Main 2: Chicken Masala Curry with Naan/Rumali Roti
- Rice: Mutton Dum Biryani
- Dessert: Qubani ka Meetha with Vanilla Ice Cream
6. The 5-Step Checklist to Finding a Trusted Non-Veg Caterer
- Kitchen Tour: A caterer who refuses a kitchen visit is a red flag. Check for hygiene and FSSAI certifications.
- Tasting Session: Always taste the Biryani and Mutton before signing. Meat tenderness is the ultimate test of skill.
- Staff Grooming: Check photos of their previous events. Are the servers wearing clean uniforms and gloves?
- Reference Check: Look for Google Reviews specifically mentioning their non-veg quality.
- Menu Specificity: Ensure the contract specifies meat quantities (e.g., “70% meat to 30% bone ratio”).
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Catering Costs
1. Why is mutton catering so much more expensive than chicken?
Mutton has a higher raw purchase price and a higher “wastage” percentage after cleaning compared to chicken, leading to a ₹200+ difference in per-plate rates.
2. Is it cheaper to buy the meat myself and give it to the caterer?
Usually, no. Professional caterers buy in bulk and have established supply chains. “Labour-only” catering often results in higher overall costs and more logistical headaches for the host.
3. What is the minimum guest count for these prices?
Most caterers in Hyderabad offer their best per-plate rates for 100+ guests. For smaller groups (below 50), expect a “Small Party Premium” of 20-30%.
4. How do I save money on non-veg catering?
Limit the number of starters and focus on one high-quality Biryani. Overloading a menu with 5 starters leads to food waste and higher costs.
5. Does Aadhya Caterers serve all of Hyderabad?
Yes! From our hubs in Uppal and Kukatpally, we serve the entire Hyderabad and Secunderabad region, including nearby farmhouse areas.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
The best non-veg catering per plate cost isn’t the lowest number—it’s the one that offers the highest “Value-to-Taste” ratio. At Aadhya Caterers, we combine the heritage of Hyderabadi cooking with modern hygiene standards to ensure your guests talk about the food for years to come.
Ready to get a customized quote for your event?
Contact Sumanth Kanigiri at 9398183297 today for a transparent, itemized menu that fits your budget and exceeds your expectations.
Would you like me to create a specialized “Mutton-Only Premium Menu” guide for high-end wedding receptions next?
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