How to Choose the Best Takeaway Packaging for Indian Restaurants in the UK

Running an Indian restaurant or takeaway in the UK means serving a wide variety of delicious dishes, from creamy curries and fragrant biryani to freshly prepared rice, naan bread, samosas and chutneys. Choosing the right takeaway packaging helps you present these dishes professionally, protect food during transport and deliver a better customer experience.

But with so many food containers, takeaway boxes, portion pots and disposable trays available, how do you decide which packaging is right for your business?

In this guide, we explain how to choose takeaway packaging for Indian restaurants, what to consider when serving different dishes, and how to find practical catering supplies for your restaurant or takeaway.

At Thali Outlet, you can explore a range of takeaway packaging, food containers, Punjabi thali trays and catering essentials for food businesses across the UK.

1. Choose the Right Containers for Curries and Sauces

Curries are among the most popular takeaway dishes in Indian cuisine. From tikka masala and korma to madras, jalfrezi and dal, these meals often contain sauces that need secure packaging to reduce the risk of leaks and spills.

When choosing curry containers, consider the following:

• Secure lids: A well-fitting lid helps keep food contained during collection and delivery.

• Suitable capacity: Choose a container that accommodates your usual portion size without excessive empty space.

• Leak resistance: Packaging should be suitable for wet foods and sauces.

• Heat suitability: Check the manufacturer's product specifications to ensure the container is suitable for the temperature and intended use of your food.

• Stackability: Containers that stack securely can make storage and order preparation easier.

Thali Outlet stocks a range of food containers for takeaway businesses, including kraft, foil, plastic and bagasse options. Comparing different materials and sizes can help you find packaging that suits your menu and service requirements.

2. Find Suitable Packaging for Rice and Biryani

Rice dishes are a staple of many Indian takeaway menus. Plain rice, pilau rice, vegetable biryani and chicken biryani all need packaging that can accommodate the portion while remaining practical to carry.

When selecting containers for rice and biryani, look for:

• Enough capacity for the portion you serve.

• A shape that allows food to be packed and presented neatly.

• Lids that fit securely for transport.

• Materials suitable for the food's temperature and moisture.

• Sizes that work with your existing takeaway bags and delivery arrangements.

For restaurants offering both individual rice portions and complete biryani meals, keeping a small selection of container sizes can make portioning and order preparation more consistent.

Explore takeaway food containers at Thali Outlet to compare packaging options for different dishes and serving sizes.

3. Use Portion Pots for Chutneys, Dips and Sauces

Small accompaniments can make a big difference to an Indian takeaway meal. Mint chutney, tamarind sauce, mango chutney, raita and other dips are often served alongside starters, kebabs and main meals.

Using dedicated portion pots helps keep these accompaniments separate from the main dish and makes orders easier to organise.

When choosing portion pots, consider:

• The quantity of sauce or chutney served with each order.

• Whether a lid is included or needs to be purchased separately.

• The pot's compatibility with the food being served.

• Whether different sizes are needed for dips, dressings and larger sauce portions.

Thali Outlet offers portion pots and deli containers, including options for sauces, chutneys and dips.

Choosing the right size can also help your team maintain consistent portions and avoid using unnecessarily large containers for small accompaniments.

4. Consider Punjabi Thali Trays for Complete Meals

Thali meals bring together several dishes in one serving, making them popular for restaurants, events, celebrations and catering functions.

A compartmentalised thali tray allows rice, curries, vegetables and accompaniments to be presented separately. This can be particularly useful when serving set meals, buffet portions or large numbers of customers.

When choosing a thali tray, consider:

• The number of compartments required.

• The size of the complete meal.

• Whether the tray is intended for single-use service or repeated use.

• The suitability of the material for the foods being served.

• Storage space and the volume of meals you prepare.

Thali Outlet stocks 12 × 9 inch, six-compartment Punjabi thali trays in reusable plastic and bagasse options.

You can compare the available products in the Indian catering supplies range.

These trays may be useful for Indian restaurants, wedding caterers, festivals, community gatherings and other events where several dishes need to be served together.

5. Compare Kraft, Foil, Plastic and Bagasse Packaging

There is no single packaging material that suits every Indian takeaway dish. The right choice depends on the food, how it will be transported, the customer's requirements and your budget.

Here are some common options to consider.

Kraft and paper food containers

Kraft packaging is a popular option for food businesses looking for a paper-based presentation. Depending on the specific product, it can be suitable for rice dishes, sides, snacks and selected takeaway meals.

Check whether the container and lid are suitable for the food's temperature, moisture and oil content.

Aluminium foil containers

Foil containers are commonly used for takeaway meals, larger portions and catering. They can be a practical option for dishes that need a sturdy container, provided the product is suitable for the intended use.

Check the manufacturer's instructions before using any foil container in an oven or with particular heating equipment.

Plastic food containers

Plastic containers are available in different shapes and capacities. Some are designed for microwave use, while others are intended for cold food or different applications.

Always check the individual product's specifications rather than assuming that every plastic container is microwave-safe or suitable for hot food.

Bagasse food packaging

Bagasse is made from sugarcane fibre. Products made from this material include plates, bowls, meal boxes and trays.

Thali Outlet offers bagasse and other compostable packaging options for businesses looking to compare alternatives to conventional packaging.

Remember that compostability depends on the specific product and the facilities available for waste collection and processing. Check product claims and local disposal arrangements before describing packaging as compostable in your customer communications.

6. Don't Forget Takeaway Bags and Order Presentation

Choosing the right food container is only part of preparing an order for collection or delivery. Your packaging also needs to work together as a complete system.

For example, an order containing two curries, rice, naan, poppadoms and several chutneys may require multiple containers and a suitable carrier bag.

When selecting takeaway bags and supporting packaging, consider:

• Whether the bag can accommodate the complete order.

• Whether the containers can be placed upright.

• Whether the bag is strong enough for the intended load.

• Whether separate bags are needed for hot and cold items.

• Whether the packaging makes orders easier for staff to organise.

Thali Outlet stocks takeaway packaging and bags alongside food containers and other catering supplies.

Choosing compatible products can simplify packing and help staff prepare orders more efficiently during busy service periods.

7. Calculate the Cost of Packaging Per Order

Packaging costs can add up when your takeaway serves dozens or hundreds of orders each day. Comparing prices alone is not always enough; it is also useful to calculate the packaging cost for a typical meal.

For example, imagine a takeaway order requires:

These figures are illustrative only and are not Thali Outlet's current product prices.

If a restaurant uses this combination for 100 orders per day, the packaging cost would be £30 per day. Actual costs will depend on the products selected, the number of items used per order and the purchase price.

To manage your packaging budget:

1. List the packaging items used for your most popular meals.

2. Calculate the cost of each item based on the quantity purchased.

3. Add together the packaging costs for a typical order.

4. Compare alternative container sizes and materials.

5. Review packaging usage regularly to identify unnecessary waste.

Buying larger quantities may reduce the unit price on some products, but consider storage space, cash flow and how quickly your business uses each item before ordering in bulk.

8. Consider Food Safety and UK Packaging Requirements

Packaging must be appropriate for the food it contacts and the conditions in which it will be used.

Before purchasing a product for your restaurant, check that it is intended for food contact and suitable for the food type, temperature and handling conditions involved.

You should also review current UK requirements relating to food-contact materials, single-use items and waste disposal. Rules can differ across the UK, so businesses should check the guidance applicable to their location.

Avoid assuming that a product is suitable for every type of food simply because it is marketed as takeaway packaging.

For a restaurant, selecting packaging that meets the intended use is just as important as considering its price and appearance.

9. Create a Practical Packaging Checklist for Your Indian Takeaway

If you're reviewing your current packaging supplies, this checklist can help you identify the essentials for your menu.

• Curry containers with suitable lids.

• Rice and biryani containers in appropriate sizes.

• Portion pots for chutneys, dips and sauces.

• Meal trays or thali trays for set meals.

• Packaging for starters, snacks and side dishes.

• Takeaway bags suitable for your typical orders.

• Napkins and disposable cutlery where required.

• Suitable cups and lids if you sell drinks.

• Additional packaging for catering orders and larger functions.

You may not need every item on this list. Start with the products that match your menu and sales volume, then expand your range as your business grows.

For a wider selection of products, visit Thali Outlet's Indian catering supplies.

10. Buy Indian Takeaway Packaging Online from Thali Outlet

Finding a suitable supplier can simplify the process of purchasing the packaging and catering essentials your business needs.

Thali Outlet is a Leeds-based supplier serving restaurants, takeaways, caterers and other food businesses across the UK. Its online range includes takeaway containers, kraft food packaging, foil containers, portion pots, Punjabi thali trays, bagasse tableware, cups and other catering supplies.

Whether you're opening a new Indian takeaway, reviewing your existing packaging costs or sourcing supplies for a busy restaurant, comparing the available products can help you identify options suited to your menu and budget.

Browse the full takeaway packaging range or explore Indian catering supplies to find products for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best takeaway packaging for Indian food?

The best option depends on the dish. Curries need suitable containers and secure lids, rice dishes need appropriate capacity, and chutneys are often easier to serve in portion pots. Always check that the chosen packaging is suitable for the food and its intended temperature.

Which containers are suitable for curry and biryani?

Suitable options may include kraft containers, plastic food containers, foil containers and other foodservice packaging. Choose the capacity and material based on the dish, portion size, transport requirements and manufacturer specifications.

What are bagasse thali trays?

Bagasse thali trays are made from sugarcane fibre and feature compartments for serving multiple dishes together. They can be used for suitable restaurant meals, catering events and functions. Check the individual product's intended use and disposal guidance.

How can an Indian takeaway reduce packaging costs?

Calculate packaging costs per order, compare suitable container sizes, minimise unnecessary packaging and review purchasing quantities. Buying in bulk may help reduce unit costs, but only when the quantities purchased suit your usage and storage capacity.

Where can I buy Indian catering supplies in the UK?

Thali Outlet offers a range of Indian catering supplies and takeaway packaging online, including Punjabi thali trays, food containers, portion pots and catering essentials.

Explore the Indian catering supplies collection to view the available products.

Find the Right Takeaway Packaging for Your Business

The right takeaway packaging helps Indian restaurants serve food conveniently, organise orders efficiently and choose supplies that fit their menu and budget.

From curry containers and rice boxes to chutney pots and Punjabi thali trays, reviewing your packaging requirements can help you make more informed purchasing decisions.

Explore Thali Outlet's takeaway packaging and Indian catering supplies to find options for your restaurant or takeaway.