Planning an event in Patna—whether it’s a grand wedding, a corporate lunch, or even a cozy Chhathi gathering at home—requires one thing to be spot-on: the food. As someone who’s been in the catering industry for over a decade, let me tell you something straight up—the success of your event depends heavily on choosing the right catering style.
Now, I’m not just talking about the taste (although that’s non-negotiable); I’m talking about the type of catering service you choose. Each occasion demands a different setup, from full-service plated dinners for weddings to smartly packed snack boxes for office seminars.
So, in this blog, I’m walking you through 10 real-world catering services—the ones I’ve personally seen work for hundreds of events across Patna, Danapur, Phulwari Sharif, and Kankarbagh. This is not theory. This is from the kitchen trenches.
1. Full-Service Catering
This is the granddaddy of catering setups—ideal for weddings, receptions, and high-end private parties.
As a chef, I love full-service catering because it gives me complete control over the guest experience—from plating to presentation. We handle everything: menu planning, live counters, trained staff, decor sync, and even waste management. Guests are seated and served course-by-course, creating a luxurious dining experience.
This works best for:
- Weddings with 300+ guests
- Anniversary celebrations at banquet halls
- Premium destination events where presentation matters
We usually design menus here that feature starters, main courses, desserts, and beverages with optional live stations like chaats, pasta, or tandoori kebabs. You can sit back and relax—we do the heavy lifting.
2. Buffet Catering
A buffet setup is the most common and budget-friendly format for both personal and professional events.
Guests serve themselves from pre-set counters, which means you save on manpower but still offer a diverse menu. Buffets work great when you have a mix of age groups and preferences because people love choosing what (and how much) they eat.
We usually recommend:
- 8–12 items on the buffet (3 starters, 2 mains, 2 sides, 2 desserts)
- Modular counters for veg/non-veg separation
- Servers for portion control in premium packages
Ideal for:
- Wedding lunches
- Birthday parties
- Society functions
- Corporate dinners
Pro tip: Always include at least one kid-friendly option (like noodles or fried rice) in buffet setups.
3. Plated Service Catering
If your event calls for elegance, plated service catering is the answer.
Each guest is served a pre-arranged plate by servers at their table. This style works perfectly for sit-down corporate meetings, product launches, and intimate wedding dinners where formality and timing matter.
Here’s what I usually design:
- Fixed 3–5 course meal
- Synchronised plating to ensure everyone is served together
- Pre-event tasting session for approval
This format avoids long lines, reduces food waste, and keeps service clean and controlled. You’ll need proper seating and more manpower—but the impact is worth it.
4. Live Counter Catering
If you want entertainment with your food, live counters are the showstoppers.
From tandoori rotis made on the spot to pasta tossed live in cheese wheels, live stations create energy at your event. Guests love interacting with the chefs—and I’ll be honest, I love showing off my skills too!
Best options for live stations:
- Tandoor (roti, paneer tikka, kebabs)
- Pasta bar
- Dosa counter
- Chaat bazaar
- Chinese stir-fry
Ideal for:
- Mehendi and Haldi functions
- Wedding receptions
- College fests and youth events
- Outdoor garden parties
Just ensure your venue permits open-flame cooking or live gas burners, especially for indoor halls.
5. Corporate Catering
Corporate events need food that’s punctual, professional, and mess-free.
We’ve served everything from boardroom lunches for 15 executives to conferences with 1000+ attendees. The key is portion control, hygienic packaging, and timely delivery.
Top formats:
- Buffet lunch/dinner with minimal fuss
- Packed executive thalis or meal boxes
- High tea with snacks (samosa, paneer roll, pastries, juice)
- Breakfast catering for seminars and bootcamps
Corporate catering is in high demand during annual meetings, product launches, investor presentations, and team-building retreats in Patna and its business hubs. Always customize based on dietary preferences (veg-only, Jain meals, no onion/garlic).
6. Cloud Kitchen Meal Box Catering
This is the new-age solution for small-scale events or remote office setups.
Our cloud kitchen offers fresh, chef-designed meal boxes delivered directly to your location—perfect for team lunches, training sessions, and small functions where buffet isn’t feasible.
We customize:
- North Indian thalis
- Biryani combos
- Pasta meal boxes
- South Indian combos
- Jain/Gluten-Free/Vegan options
Meal boxes are sealed, hygienic, travel well, and start at very affordable pricing per head. Many corporate clients in Patna now prefer this over bulk catering for internal office events.
7. Cocktail Reception Catering
Planning an evening party with drinks and dancing? You need catering that complements the mood.
Cocktail catering is less about heavy meals and more about gourmet starters, finger foods, and mocktail bars. I recommend:
- 5–7 rounds of passed starters
- Cheese platters and dips
- Canapés and tandoori bites
- Mocktails, infused water, fresh juices
- Small dessert portions like mousse cups or brownies
Perfect for:
- Engagement parties
- Corporate networking events
- Anniversary celebrations
You’ll need serving staff with bar etiquette, and the food needs to be bite-sized and quick to eat. Presentation matters here—everything should look Instagram-worthy.
8. Outdoor/BBQ Catering
Got a farmhouse venue or terrace party planned? Outdoor catering with BBQ is a game-changer.
We bring the grills, marinated meats/veggies, and set up everything under the stars. Think:
- Live BBQ stations (chicken, paneer, corn)
- Tandoor for roti/naan
- Chilled drinks counter
- Rustic salad and dessert bars
Great for:
- Bachelor/bachelorette parties
- Lohri or winter gatherings
- Anniversary night dinners
- Evening poolside events
You’ll need space, ventilation, and power supply—our team handles logistics to ensure smooth execution.
9. Snack Box Catering
Perfect for school events, office training sessions, and spiritual gatherings like Satyanarayan katha or Chhath pooja.
Snack boxes are pre-packed with:
- 1–2 savory items (kathi roll, samosa, sandwich)
- 1 dessert (gulab jamun, barfi, muffin)
- Beverage (tetra pack juice or bottled water)
These are hygienic, portioned well, and great for events where people need to eat quickly and without a formal setup. We also offer eco-friendly packaging options.
10. Social Event Catering
These are the heart of our catering calendar—baby naming ceremonies, Chhathi, birthdays, housewarmings, and community functions.
We customize the menu based on:
- Cultural preferences (Bihari, Bengali, South Indian, Jain)
- Venue space (home terrace vs. banquet hall)
- Guest count (20 to 500)
From litti chokha to navratri special thalis, we bring regional flavors alive—while ensuring top-tier hygiene and chef-level quality.
Final Thoughts
When planning your next event, whether it’s a corporate luncheon or a wedding celebration, choosing the right type of catering service is as important as choosing the venue itself. Each format has its own purpose, presentation, and logistics—so it’s best to work with a team that understands the nuances.
At FoodAddiction, we bring over a decade of professional catering expertise in Patna. From live cooking to custom meal boxes, chef-driven menus, and multi-cuisine spreads, we’re here to make your event unforgettable—and tasty!
📞 Call or WhatsApp us now to discuss your event and get a personalized quote.
