What Food to Serve at a Funeral Wake — A Thoughtful Guide
Organising catering for a funeral wake is one of the most emotionally difficult tasks a family faces. The right food provides comfort, brings people together, and allows mourners to focus on remembering their loved one rather than worrying about logistics.
What Makes Good Wake Catering?
Wake food should be:
- Easy to eat — finger foods and buffet items that guests can eat while standing and talking
- Comforting — warm, flavourful dishes that nourish and comfort
- Inclusive — catering for all dietary requirements without fuss
- Well-presented — respectful and dignified presentation
Why Indian Food Works for Wakes
Indian cuisine is inherently communal — it's designed to be shared. Dishes like biryani, korma, and tandoori are comforting, easy to serve buffet-style, and naturally accommodate vegetarian and halal dietary requirements. For Muslim funerals, having a halal-certified caterer is essential.
Recommended Wake Menu
- Chicken tikka and seekh kebab platter
- Vegetable samosas and onion bhajis
- Chicken korma (mild, comforting)
- Mixed vegetable curry
- Pilau rice and naan
- Tea and coffee service (arranged separately)
How Jaflong Helps
We understand the sensitivity of these occasions. Our team delivers quietly and efficiently, sets up the buffet, and can return to collect equipment at a time that suits you. No fuss, no stress. We cater funeral wakes across Richmond, Twickenham, Kingston, and South West London from £15 per head.
To arrange wake catering, call us directly on 020 8332 1339 or use our contact form. We respond within 2 hours.
Related resources
Planning an event in Richmond, Kingston, Twickenham or the wider South-West London area? These pages help you take the next step:
- Request a free catering quote — tell us your date, guest count and venue and we'll reply the same day.
- Compare our catering packages — Essential (from £15pp), Classic (from £22pp) and Premium (from £35pp).
- Browse the full menu — 80+ Indian and Bangladeshi dishes with clear halal, vegan and gluten-free markers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas do you cover?
Jaflong Catering is based in Richmond (TW10) and covers Richmond upon Thames, Kingston upon Thames, Twickenham, Teddington, Surbiton, Hampton, New Malden, Sheen and Wimbledon. Delivery is free within 10 miles; a small fee applies between 10 and 20 miles.
How much does catering cost per person?
Our packages start from £15 per head (Essential buffet), £22 per head (Classic) and £35 per head (Premium multi-course). Final pricing depends on guest count, menu choices and service style — request your bespoke catering quote for an exact figure.
Is your catering halal?
Yes. All our meat is sourced from trusted suppliers providing halal-certified products, and we can cater fully halal events including Nikah, Mehndi, Walimah, Eid and Aqiqah occasions. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are clearly marked on the explore our full Indian & Bangladeshi catering menu.
How far in advance should I book?
For weddings and events over 100 guests we recommend booking 6–12 weeks ahead. For smaller parties 2–3 weeks is usually enough, and we regularly accept last-minute bookings within 48 hours where capacity allows.
Do you offer tastings?
Yes — tastings are available by appointment for weddings and larger events. Ask about a tasting when you send us your event details for a personalised catering quote and we'll arrange a convenient slot at our Richmond kitchen.
