Unplanned guests are part of Indian life. A phone call comes late, or a doorbell rings early, and suddenly there are more people in the living room than expected. In those moments, nobody wants to step into the kitchen and start planning a full meal. The instinct is to order food on App like Zomato that arrives fast, feels familiar and can be shared without explanation. Over time, certain dishes have become the default response to such situations. They are not chosen for novelty but for how easily they fit into a table that was not prepared in advance.
Paneer Butter Masala and Butter Chicken
When guests arrive without notice, gravies that work with bread become an easy anchor. Paneer butter masala and butter chicken are often the first dishes added to the cart. They suit mixed tastes, travel well and do not depend on precise timing.
Both dishes pair easily with naan or roti, which makes them suitable for groups. They also feel complete, even when ordered in limited quantities. For hosts, these dishes remove uncertainty. Nobody asks questions about spice or texture.
Biryani
Biryani solves multiple problems at once. It works as a single-dish meal, feeds many people, and does not require planning sides. When guests arrive unexpectedly, biryani often becomes the centre of the table.
Chicken biryani is the most common choice, but vegetable and egg versions also appear when preferences vary. The dish arrives ready to serve, usually with raita included. For hosts, biryani buys time. Plates can be served while conversations continue, without the need to coordinate multiple items.
Starters That Can Be Shared
Starters are often ordered first, even before deciding the full meal. Paneer tikka, chicken tikka, spring rolls and chilli chicken appear often in these situations. They arrive quickly and keep guests occupied while the rest of the order is placed.
Dal, Rajma, or Chole With Rice
For guests who arrive around meal time, simple combinations like dal-chawal, rajma-chawal, or chole-chawal become reliable options. These dishes feel like proper meals without being elaborate. Older guests and children often prefer these familiar plates along withh curd.
Fried Rice and Noodles
Indo-Chinese dishes are often the go to choiuce when the group includes younger guests or when the mood is informal. Fried rice, Hakka noodles and gravy-based sides like Manchurian or chilli paneer are the top picks.
These dishes do not require breads or accompaniments. They arrive ready to eat and work well when space or serving utensils are limited. For many hosts, Indo-Chinese food becomes the fallback when quick decisions are needed.
Sweets or Desserts
If the gathering stretches longer, a dessert often follows. Gulab jamun, rasmalai or ice cream are common choices because they require no preparation. They signal closure without effort.
Desserts also help when the main meal has been light or pieced together quickly. A small sweet dish rounds off the evening and makes the hosting feel complete.
Ordering when time is short
On Zomato, combination meals and family packs are easy to find. Filters help narrow down options based on cuisin and portion size. Add to it, new users can enjoy upto 60% off and free delivery.
When ordering for unexpected guests, hosts often prioritise dishes that travel well and arrive ready to serve. Breads are added in excess, starters are ordered in halves, and one main dish is chosen as a backup. Once the food arrives, the focus shifts back to the guests.
In the end, the food ordered during unplanned visits is less about choice and more about ease.
