Quick answer: For 50 guests, the Most Popular package is usually enough. For 100 guests, Crowd Pleaser gives the best balance of variety and value. For 200 guests, such as a wedding or valima, choose Crowd Pleaser or VIP, so a large, mixed crowd has plenty to choose from. Match the package to your event type, not just your headcount.
Choosing a catering package for 50, 100, or 200 guests is easier when you know how much variety each group size needs. At Shahi Nihari & Chopsticks, we have served halal catering in Villa Park, Lombard, and the greater Chicago area for 26 years. This guide shows which package fits your guest count and which mistakes to avoid. For current pricing, request a quote, and we will send exact numbers for your event.
Which Catering Package Fits 50, 100 or 200 Guests?
Catering for 50 Guests
With 50 guests, six well-chosen dishes are enough. This size suits an office lunch, birthday, baby shower or small mehndi.
Best Package for 50 Guests
The Most Popular package is a practical choice for office catering and family parties. Move up to Crowd Pleaser if you want a second appetizer and two desserts.
Sample Menu for 50 Guests
Aloo Samosa, Chicken Biryani, Butter Chicken, BBQ Chicken Tikka Boti, Palak Paneer, and Gulab Jamun.
Catering for 100 Guests
With 100 guests, tastes get more mixed, so variety matters. This size suits corporate catering, engagements, and Eid gatherings.
Best Package for 100 Guests
Crowd Pleaser adds a premium appetizer and a premium rice dish, such as Hyderabadi Mutton Dum Biryani, which makes the buffet feel generous without moving to the top package.
Sample Menu for 100 Guests
Aloo Samosa, Chicken Lollipop, Hyderabadi Mutton Dum Biryani, Butter Chicken, Chicken Reshmi Kebab, Daal Tadka, Gulab Jamun and Kheer.
Tip for 100 Guests
Add one Indo-Chinese item, such as Chicken Manchurian or Chili Garlic Fried Rice, to please guests who prefer milder food. See our Indo-Chinese catering menu for ideas.
Catering for 200 Guests
With 200 guests, such as a wedding, valima or large community event, variety and service flow become the priority.
Best Package for 200 Guests
Choose VIP for the premium curry, second grilled entrée and second dessert, or choose Crowd Pleaser with selected upgrades. Plan two buffet lines so guests are not waiting in one long queue.
Sample Menu for 200 Guests
Chicken Samosa, Aloo Samosa Chaat, Mutton Biryani, Beef Nihari, Chicken Tikka, Beef Seekh Kebab, Daal Palak, Gulab Jamun and Falooda. Ask about carving stations and a whole lamb roast as a showpiece.
Venue and Planning Help for 200 Guests
Our wedding catering checklist covers the planning steps. For the space and setup, see our party hall in Villa Park and our event management services.
Our Three Catering Packages Explained
Every package includes naan, salad, raita and chutney. Each is built from standard and premium selections across Pakistani catering, BBQ, and Indo-Chinese menus.
Most Popular Package
Six dishes, all from our standard selections: 1 appetizer, 1 rice entrée, 1 vegetable entrée, 1 curry entrée, 1 grilled entrée, and 1 dessert. It is simple, balanced, and ideal for smaller events.
Crowd Pleaser Package
Eight dishes with more variety: 2 appetizers (1 standard and 1 premium), 1 premium rice entrée, 1 standard vegetable entrée, 1 standard curry entrée, 1 standard grilled entrée and 2 standard desserts. This is our best fit for mid-size events.
VIP Package
Nine dishes for premium celebrations: 2 appetizers (1 standard and 1 premium), 1 premium rice entrée, 1 standard vegetable entrée, 1 premium curry entrée, 2 grilled entrées (1 standard and 1 premium) and 2 desserts (1 standard and 1 premium). It suits weddings, valimas and large gatherings.
Add-Ons and Premium Upgrades
You can customize any package with extra vegetable, chicken, beef, mutton, fish, or shrimp items, or an additional dessert. Premium selections such as Hyderabadi Mutton Dum Biryani, Beef Nihari and Peri Peri Chicken can be included in higher packages or added as an upgrade. If biryani is your priority, explore our Hyderabadi biryani catering. Add-on pricing is confirmed in your quote.
5 Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Catering Package
1. What Is Your Final Headcount?
Confirm your numbers early and allow a small buffer for late RSVPs. Ordering for the confirmed number, not the invited number, avoids waste.
2. What Are Your Guests’ Dietary Needs?
Every package includes a vegetable entrée, but tell us about allergies and special requests in advance.
3. What Type of Event Is It?
A wedding needs more variety than a team lunch. A corporate lunch needs speed and easy serving. Not sure what to pick? Read what to order for Pakistani catering.
4. How Will the Food Be Served?
Buffet, trays, or boxed meals change the staffing and equipment you need, so decide this before you finalize the package.
5. What Is Your Total Budget?
Remember to include tax, delivery, staffing, equipment, and service charges, which are quoted separately where applicable.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Catering Package
Choosing by Price Alone
The right package depends on your event type and guest mix, not only the cheapest option.
Skipping Vegetarian Dishes
Without a vegetable entrée, some guests are left with little to eat.
Forgetting Extra Charges
Ask what is included and what is billed separately, so the final total has no surprises.
Why Choose Shahi Nihari & Chopsticks for Catering
Our menu is 100% halal, and our catering menu displays Halal Food Standards Alliance of America (HFSAA) certification. We bring 26 years of experience, one kitchen for Pakistani, BBQ and Indo-Chinese menus, and clear package options for guests in Villa Park, Lombard and the Chicago area. Browse our full restaurant menu or explore all of our halal catering options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Catering Packages
Which catering package is best for 50 guests?
The Most Popular package works well for 50 guests. It includes an appetizer, rice, curry, grilled entrée, vegetable entrée and dessert. Choose Crowd Pleaser if you want more variety.
Which catering package is best for 100 guests?
Crowd Pleaser is the best fit for 100 guests. It adds a premium appetizer, a premium rice entrée and a second dessert.
Is the VIP package worth it for 200 guests?
Yes, for weddings, valimas, and large celebrations where variety matters. VIP adds a premium curry, a second grilled entrée and a second dessert.
How much does catering cost?
Pricing depends on the package, your guest count, and any add-ons. Tax, delivery, staffing, equipment and service charges are separate where applicable. Request a quote for current pricing.
Is your catering halal?
Yes. Our catering is 100% halal, and our catering menu displays HFSAA certification.
What is included in every catering package?
Every package includes naan, salad, raita, and chutney.
