If 2025 had a middle name, it would be “Excess.” Fashion, home décor and entertainment are all heading in that direction, according to lifestyle pundits.
Nothing screams excess quite like a grazing table, however. Ambani bahu Radhika Merchant's bachelorette party featured a decadent one from Apero By Malvika. There were starters and dips galore at the pink-themed slumber party. The desserts included rows of cupcakes, macarons and cookies in every pastel shade possible.
Having this at your function makes a statement: “I’ve got taste, I’ve got time, and I’m not afraid to show it.” But pulling one off without losing your mind? That takes strategy.
What Is A Grazing Table?
Think of it as the lovechild of a buffet and a Pinterest board, but with more flair. A grazing table is a sprawling arrangement of styled finger foods, designed for both aesthetic appeal and group enjoyment. It’s a modern twist on the traditional buffet, where every ingredient is arranged with an artist’s touch.
Chef Arokiya Doss, Head Chef of The Malabar Coast, calls it “a wonderful fusion of visual artistry and culinary craftsmanship. It transforms a gathering into an immersive celebration.” In 2025, he predicts that grazing tables in India won't be just for weddings or chic corporate events anymore. They will be the new way to say, “Come for the food, stay for the Instagram.”
Think apples, berries, and bell peppers lounging next to brie, cheddar, and a dollop of guacamole. Top it all off with nuts, dried fruits, and a drizzle of honey, and you’ve got a spread so beautiful it could double as art.
Why Grazing Tables Are Catching On In India
With our love for community and food, Indians are embracing them faster than you can say “cheese.” In a country that takes its hospitality seriously, these tables are the ultimate flex. Gone are the days of chafing dishes and standard curries.
“Creating a grazing table is like curating a feast for the eyes and the palate,” says Chef Amit Sharma, Co-founder and Head Chef of Poetry by Love & Cheesecake. “It’s about taking simple ingredients like seasonal fruits, cheeses, and crackers and elevating them to something extraordinary.”
Even better, they allow for customization. Whether it’s a teddy bear-shaped cheese wedge for a kid’s party or star-shaped fruits for a celestial-themed event, the options are endless.
Make It Instagram-Worthy
If you’re the type of host who wants your guests to feel like they’ve stepped into a Food Network set, you’ll need more than just snacks. Presentation is everything. “Start with a clean board or tray and arrange items in clusters to group colourful fruits, crunchy veggies, and textured crackers together to create visual harmony,” Chef Sharma suggests. Empty spaces can ruin the aesthetic. Use greenery or small snacks to make the table feel abundant.
Chef Doss adds, “The charm of grazing tables lies in their ability to cater to diverse palates while celebrating creativity and inclusivity.” “Use small bowls or stands to add height and fill empty spaces with fresh herbs or edible flowers for that pop of elegance.” Translation: Make it so pretty your guests feel guilty for eating it.
Whether it’s spiced prawns for your seafood-loving friends or gluten-free crackers for the health-conscious ones, your table should have something for everyone. “Adding a regional twist (like banana leaf platters with spiced prawns, jackfruit chips, or tangy pickles) marries global appeal with local flavours,” adds Chef Doss.
Basically, you can take this trend and make it your own. Want to showcase your Goan roots? Toss in some bebinca and cashew feni. Feeling extra? Throw in truffle oil and imported olives. Your table, your rules.
Grazing Boards As Affordable Alternatives
Instead of splurging on multiple dishes for an entire table, you can create a grazing board that offers a bit of everything elegantly arranged on a large tray. For the budding home chef, grazing boards are an accessible way to impress guests without breaking the bank. You can keep it simple with items sourced from your local market or go all-out with artisanal additions. They are perfect for house parties with a limited number of guests.
Chef Sharma keeps it simple and practical. “The ingredients don’t need to be exotic. Seasonal fruits like grapes and apples work just as well as artisanal cheeses. It’s about how you arrange them.”
For a burst of flavour, add everyday favourites like hummus or a tangy mint chutney. Hit the local bakery for crusty bread and breadsticks. They're wallet-friendly and instantly elevate the spread.
Layer in visual appeal with some fresh herbs or small bowls to create height. A grazing board takes minimal prep, offers maximum variety, and ensures that even the pickiest eater at your party finds something to nibble on. Chef Manpreet Dhody offers pre-recorded sessions to take home chefs through the process.
The bottomline is, a grazing table is the conversation starter, the Instagram hero, and the centrepiece of any gathering. Remember this: your grazing table isn’t just feeding your guests. It’s feeding their envy. And isn’t that what hospitality is all about?
Read more:
