Catering costs in Hyderabad typically range from ₹120 to ₹2,500+ per person, depending on the event type, menu complexity, and service style. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what you’ll pay for different occasions, explains the factors affecting prices, and helps you budget correctly for your event with MS Cooking and Catering Services.
Understanding Catering Costs Per Person in Hyderabad
The catering industry in Hyderabad has evolved significantly, offering solutions for every budget and event type. Whether you’re planning a simple birthday celebration, an elegant wedding reception, or a corporate function, understanding the cost structure is essential for making informed decisions and avoiding unexpected expenses.
The cost per person isn’t just about food—it includes labor, transportation, service staff, equipment, and presentation. Most caterers in Hyderabad operate on a transparent pricing model, but hidden costs often surprise clients if they aren’t careful. By understanding what determines these costs upfront, you can negotiate better rates and get exceptional value for your money.
Catering Costs by Event Type in Hyderabad
Small Gatherings & Birthday Parties
For intimate gatherings and birthday celebrations, catering costs are the most budget-friendly. A basic menu featuring simple dishes like dal tadka, vegetable curries, rice, bread, and basic sweets typically costs between ₹200–₹400 per person for vegetarian options and ₹350–₹550 for non-vegetarian menus.
These packages usually include basic buffet setup, simple service, and disposable plates. If you want something more elaborate—such as live counters for pani puri or chaat stations—expect to add an additional ₹50–₹150 per person.
Corporate Lunch & Office Catering
Corporate clients have unique requirements: punctuality, professional presentation, and quality that reflects well on the organization. Corporate catering in Hyderabad ranges from ₹180–₹450 per person, depending on the meal type.
A typical corporate lunch package includes:
- Tea & Snacks Package: ₹80–₹120 per person
- Lunch Box (Single meal): ₹150–₹250 per person
- Full Buffet Meal: ₹250–₹400 per person
Companies often book caterers for long-term partnerships, locking in better rates by committing to regular orders. Daytime events are generally cheaper than evening affairs because staff wages and logistics costs are lower during daylight hours.
Engagement & Wedding Catering
Wedding catering is the premium category, where caterers showcase their best menus and service standards. Costs range significantly based on the type of wedding you’re planning:
| Wedding Type | Vegetarian Cost | Non-Veg Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Wedding Menu | ₹550–₹750 | ₹700–₹1,000 | Simple multi-course buffet, limited sides |
| Premium Wedding Menu | ₹850–₹1,200 | ₹1,200–₹1,500 | Multi-course with live counters, dessert bar |
| Luxury Wedding Menu | ₹1,300–₹2,000 | ₹1,500–₹2,500+ | Customized themes, premium ingredients, fine dining service |
Wedding menus often include multiple meals—Tiffin (breakfast), Lunch, and Dinner services—plus special stations like the Bride/Groom special menu, sweet stalls, and fruit counters. Caterers also include elaborate service staff, specialized plating, and premium tableware in these packages.
Hyderabadi Specialty Catering (Biryani & Haleem)
Hyderabad is world-famous for its authentic biryani and haleem—dishes that require specialized preparation and premium ingredients. These specialty services are popular for weddings, large gatherings, and cultural events:
- Chicken Biryani Handi (10 persons): ₹5,500 per handi
- Mutton Biryani Handi (10 persons): ₹2,500 per handi
- Biryani Combo with Haleem: ₹280–₹330 per person
The per-person cost for biryani catering drops significantly with larger orders—50-person orders reduce per-plate costs by 15–20% compared to smaller gatherings.
Factors Affecting Catering Costs in Hyderabad
1. Menu Type & Cuisine Selection
The menu is the biggest cost determinant. Here’s how different options impact pricing:
- Single Cuisine (Vegetarian only): ₹250–₹500 per plate
- Multi-Cuisine Buffet (Veg + Non-Veg): ₹450–₹700 per plate
- Premium/Gourmet Menus: ₹800–₹1,500+ per plate
Vegetarian menus are typically more affordable because they use staple ingredients like paneer, lentils, and seasonal vegetables. Non-vegetarian menus cost more due to meat sourcing, marination processes, and specialized cooking techniques.
Exotic or themed menus—such as Mediterranean, Thai, or Continental—require specialized chefs and imported ingredients, pushing costs significantly higher.
2. Service Style & Presentation
How food is served dramatically affects the final per-person cost:
| Service Type | Per-Person Impact | Why It Costs More |
|---|---|---|
| Buffet Service | Base cost (₹250–₹400) | Minimal labor; self-service format |
| Plated/Sit-Down Service | +₹100–₹200 | Higher staff count; personalized plating; premium tableware |
| Live Counters (Tandoor, Pasta, Grill, Chaat) | +₹50–₹150 | Specialized chefs; interactive experience; equipment rental |
Live counters—such as tandoor stations, dosa counters, or pasta bars—add significant value and create a memorable dining experience, making them popular for premium events.
3. Guest Count & Bulk Discounts
Larger orders almost always qualify for bulk discounts. The catering industry operates on economies of scale:
- 25–50 guests: Standard rate
- 50–100 guests: 5–10% discount
- 100–300 guests: 10–15% discount
- 300+ guests: 15–25% discount
A ₹500 per-plate menu for 100 guests might become ₹425–₹450 per plate if you’re catering for 500 guests.
4. Location & Geographic Logistics
Different areas of Hyderabad have varying catering rates based on infrastructure, demand, and vendor density:
| Zone | Veg Cost | Non-Veg Cost | Typical Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kukatpally & Miyapur | ₹300–₹600 | ₹400–₹800 | Local weddings, family functions |
| Madhapur & Gachibowli | ₹500–₹900 | ₹700–₹1,200 | Corporate events, high-end affairs |
| Uppal & LB Nagar | ₹250–₹500 | ₹350–₹700 | Community events, temple functions |
| Jubilee Hills & Banjara Hills | ₹800–₹1,500 | ₹1,000–₹2,000+ | Luxury weddings, premium events |
Venue distance and terrain complexity also matter—outdoor events or venues far from the caterer’s kitchen incur additional transportation charges of ₹2,000–₹10,000 depending on distance.
5. Seasonal Demand & Timing
Peak wedding seasons (November–February) see inflated rates due to high demand across Hyderabad. Caterers often charge 15–25% more during this period. Conversely, off-season bookings (May–July) attract 10–20% discounts.
Special occasions like Sankranti, Diwali, and Eid also command premium pricing because of ingredient sourcing challenges and increased demand.
6. Menu Customization & Dietary Restrictions
Customized menus—featuring Jain, vegan, keto, or regional delicacies—require special ingredient sourcing and careful food preparation, increasing costs by 10–20% per plate.
Brahmin vegetarian menus (like those offered by MS Cooking and Catering Services) with traditional Andhra/Telangana dishes typically cost ₹280–₹360 per plate, reflecting the complexity of traditional preparation methods.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Many clients are surprised by additional charges that weren’t mentioned in initial quotes. Here are the most common hidden costs:
Service Staff & Labor
- Waiters/Service staff: ₹1,000–₹3,000 per 25 guests
- Overtime charges: If service extends beyond standard hours, expect ₹500–₹1,000 additional per hour
- Chef/Specialized staff: For live counters, add ₹2,000–₹5,000
Logistics & Transportation
- Base delivery charge: ₹500–₹2,000
- Outstation/Long-distance charge: ₹1–₹2 per kilometer plus vehicle charges
- Fuel surcharge: ₹500–₹1,500 during fuel price spikes
Equipment & Décor
- Cutlery, crockery, glassware rental: ₹20–₹50 per plate
- Hot/Cold serving equipment: ₹2,000–₹5,000
- Decorative counters or themed setups: ₹5,000–₹15,000
Taxes & Regulatory Compliance
- GST (18%): Applied to catering bills; often added after quoting the base rate
- FSSAI compliance fees: Food safety license ensures quality (usually included, but verify)
How to Get Transparent Pricing from Your Caterer
To avoid billing surprises, request a detailed, itemized quotation that includes:
✓ Per-plate cost with exact menu items
✓ Taxes (GST) separately mentioned
✓ Staff and transport charges listed
✓ Optional add-ons (live counters, extra sides, desserts)
✓ Equipment rental fees (if applicable)
✓ Cancellation/modification policy
Pro Tip: Always schedule a food tasting session before finalizing your caterer. This ensures quality, confirms menu items, and prevents disappointments on event day.
Budget Optimization Tips for Hyderabad Catering
1. Book During Off-Season
If your event dates are flexible, planning for May–July (off-season) can save 10–20% on catering costs.
2. Choose Strategic Menu Options
- Opt for traditional South Indian or Hyderabadi menus instead of exotic cuisines—they’re more affordable and locally sourced
- Combine vegetarian with non-veg options rather than choosing pure non-veg—blended menus cost less than single-cuisine buffets
- Limit live counters to 1–2 stations instead of 5–6 to save ₹3,000–₹10,000
3. Negotiate with Guest Count
- Aim for 100+ guests to unlock bulk discounts
- If your guest list is smaller, consider combining plates (e.g., inviting fewer but closer friends) to get discounts
4. Book Early & Lock Rates
Caterers who book 4–6 weeks in advance often secure better rates and guarantee slot availability during peak seasons.
Real Cost Breakdown: Examples
Example 1: Small Birthday Party (50 Guests, Vegetarian)
- Base menu (₹300/plate): ₹15,000
- Service staff (2 people): ₹1,500
- Transportation & setup: ₹1,000
- GST (18%): ₹3,015
- Total: ₹20,515 (₹410 per person)
Example 2: Corporate Lunch (100 Guests, Buffet)
- Buffet menu (₹350/plate): ₹35,000
- Service staff (3 people): ₹2,000
- Transportation: ₹1,500
- GST (18%): ₹6,885
- Total: ₹45,385 (₹454 per person)
Example 3: Premium Wedding (300 Guests, Multi-Cuisine)
- Premium menu (₹1,000/plate): ₹3,00,000
- Service staff (8 people for 3 meals): ₹20,000
- Transportation, décor, live counter setup: ₹30,000
- GST (18%): ₹57,600
- Total: ₹4,07,600 (₹1,359 per person with all inclusions)
MS Cooking and Catering Services – Your Trusted Partner
With a legacy dating back to 1970, MS Cooking and Catering Services has been Hyderabad’s trusted name for authentic, high-quality catering. Whether you’re planning a Brahmin wedding feast, corporate lunch, or community gathering, we specialize in:
- Traditional Hyderabadi & Andhra cuisine
- Customizable veg and non-veg menus
- Transparent, itemized pricing
- Professional service staff
- Food quality backed by FSSAI compliance
Our experience serving thousands of families means we understand Hyderabad’s diverse culinary preferences and budget requirements. We offer catering for all guest counts—from intimate 20-person dinners to large-scale 1,000+ person events.
Key Takeaways
- Catering costs range from ₹120–₹2,500+ per person depending on event type and menu complexity
- Vegetarian menus (₹250–₹500) are more affordable than non-vegetarian (₹350–₹900)
- Bulk discounts apply from 100+ guests—saving 10–25% on per-plate costs
- Hidden costs (staff, transport, taxes) often account for 20–30% of total catering bill
- Off-season bookings (May–July) offer 10–20% discounts compared to wedding season rates
- Request detailed quotations to avoid billing surprises
- Schedule a food tasting before finalizing your caterer to ensure quality
Planning a catering event in Hyderabad requires balancing quality, quantity, and budget. By understanding these cost factors, you can make smarter decisions and ensure your guests enjoy an unforgettable meal at a fair price. For MS Cooking and Catering Services, we’re committed to providing exceptional food experiences without breaking your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Catering Costs in Hyderabad
Q: What is the cheapest catering option in Hyderabad?
A: The most budget-friendly option is basic vegetarian buffet catering at ₹200–₹300 per plate, typically featuring traditional South Indian or Hyderabadi dishes. For corporate lunches with packed meals, costs start as low as ₹120–₹150 per person.
Q: Does catering cost less for afternoon events than evening?
A: Yes. Afternoon events typically cost 10–15% less than evening catering because staff wages are lower and logistics are simpler.
Q: Are there package deals for large weddings (500+ guests)?
A: Absolutely. Large weddings qualify for significant bulk discounts—typically 20–25% off the standard per-plate rate. Many caterers also offer multi-meal packages (Tiffin, Lunch, Dinner) at discounted rates.
Q: What’s included in the per-plate cost?
A: The base per-plate cost typically includes only food and basic service. Transportation, staff wages, equipment rental, decorations, and taxes are usually charged separately.
Q: How can I reduce catering costs without compromising quality?
A: Choose traditional Hyderabadi menus (they’re locally sourced), limit live counters to 1–2 stations, book during off-season, and negotiate based on guest count. These strategies can save ₹5,000–₹25,000 on mid-sized events.
Q: Do caterers charge extra for vegetarian-only menus?
A: Interestingly, pure vegetarian menus sometimes cost more than blended veg-non-veg menus because single-cuisine buffets require more dishes to create variety. Blended menus (₹450–₹600) are often cheaper than pure non-veg (₹500–₹900).
Contact MS Cooking and Catering Services for a personalized quote tailored to your event and budget. With transparent pricing and decades of catering excellence, we ensure your event is both memorable and affordable.