Group Dinners and Celebrations: Indian Feasting in Estepona

Indian food was made for groups. Everything arrives in the middle of the table, nobody is stuck with one plate, and a table of eight with mixed tastes — spice lovers, vegetarians, children, cautious eaters — can all eat well from the same order. HOW MUCH TO ORDER PER PERSON A reliable formula for a shared table: one starter per person, one curry per two people, one rice per two people, one bread per person, and one or two raitas for the table. For eight people that means roughly eight starters, four curries, four rice dishes, eight breads and two raitas. Order in one round, then add a curry or extra bread if the table wants more. BUILDING A BALANCED ORDER Pick contrast rather than repetition. One creamy dish such as butter chicken or passanda, one aromatic masala, one dish with real heat such as garlic chilli or a jalfrezi, and one vegetarian centrepiece such as chana masala, dal tadka or a paneer dish. Add one biryani for the table — it always disappears. Mix tandoori starters with fried ones so there is both smoke and crunch. VEGETARIANS, VEGANS AND SPICE LEVELS Every curry can be prepared mild, medium or hot, so a group never has to compromise on one level. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are a full section of the menu rather than an afterthought, and dairy in most vegetable curries can be adjusted — mention it when you book. CHILDREN AND FAMILY TABLES Families do well with butter chicken, plain naan, basmati rice and a plate of chicken tikka to share. Portions are generous, so children often eat from the shared dishes rather than needing their own. BOOKING A GROUP TABLE For six or more, book ahead — especially Friday and Saturday evenings and throughout the summer. Tell us the number of guests, the time, and anything we should know: a birthday, a food allergy, a table that needs to be together, or a group that wants to eat quickly before an event. Reservations by phone on +34 952 325 620 or +34 620 161 703, or by WhatsApp, which is usually fastest. CELEBRATING AT HOME INSTEAD If the celebration is at home, order a group takeaway. Curries, rice and dals travel very well; tandoori starters and breads should be eaten straight away. Delivery is available in and around Estepona centre, and a starred note applies: a delivery charge may apply — contact the restaurant for details. Sabor India, Calle Miguel de María Luque 7, 29680 Estepona. Open daily 14:00 to 00:00.