Birthday Catering in San Mateo That Goes Beyond the Usual

The Short Version

A San Mateo birthday table pulls in everyone: the friend who eats halal, the vegan cousin, the kids and the guest who has never had Indian food. Curry Up Now caters from its own kitchen at 129 South B Street in downtown San Mateo, open daily from 11:30 AM (until 10:30 PM Friday and Saturday, 9 PM other nights). Indian street food, Indian born and California raised. 100% of the meat is halal, every chicken, lamb and meat dish, and vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are labeled, so one order covers the whole room. Catering runs from 10 to 1,000 guests. Call the catering team at 650-239-6625 or email catering@curryupnow.com; quotes come back within two hours during business hours.

What to Order for a Party

A party package is the easy answer for most birthdays. A spread that works for 20 to 40 people:

• Samosa chaat or mini samosas with chutneys to start.
• Chicken tikka masala and butter chicken, both halal.
• Butter paneer or saag paneer for vegetarian guests.
• Chana masala or aloo gobi for vegan guests.
• Turmeric rice, butter naan and garlic cheese naan.
• Sexy Fries, the Indian take on poutine.
• Gulab jamun for dessert.

For the Kids

The kids menu has the Bunty Burrito, Tia's Quesadilla and the Kids Bowl, mild butter chicken or paneer with fryums and cookies. The chicken is halal like everything else, so kids order from the same kitchen as the adults.

Backyard or Venue

Trays work for a backyard or a party room. For a bigger milestone birthday of 50 guests or more, book the food truck, which cooks on site. Smaller orders under 20 people can often be placed the same day for pickup.

Three Ways to Order

• Individual boxes. One labeled meal per guest, protein and dietary choice picked ahead. From $15 per person for 15 to 50 guests, $200 minimum.
• Party packages and the Biryani Buffet. A shared spread of entrées, rice, naan, starters and chutneys in covered trays. $300 minimum.
• A la carte trays. Two or three dishes to add to what you already have. No minimum.

Every order comes with serving spoons, utensils and napkins, and the food arrives hot in covered trays. Chafing dishes, plates, setup, live stations and staffed stations cost extra; ask when you book. Tax and gratuity are not included.

Lead Time and Delivery

Under 50 guests, next-day notice usually works. 50 guests or more, live stations and the food truck need two to three days. Delivery covers San Mateo, Burlingame, Foster City, Belmont, Hillsborough, Millbrae and Redwood City. A deposit holds the date, with the balance due before the event.

How to Book

1. Send the date, headcount and format to catering@curryupnow.com, call 650-239-6625, or use the form on the San Mateo catering page.
2. A quote with menu suggestions comes back within two hours during business hours.
3. The B Street kitchen cooks it and delivers it hot.

You can also build the order yourself on the San Mateo catering menu. Store hours and directions are on the Curry Up Now San Mateo page, and the allergen guide covers dairy, wheat, eggs, nuts, sesame and soy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far ahead should I order birthday catering?

Next day usually works under 50 guests. Same day is possible for pickup orders under 20, depending on the kitchen.

Do you have food for kids?

Yes: the Kids Bowl, Bunty Burrito and Tia's Quesadilla.

Is the food halal?

Yes. 100% of the meat is halal.

Is anything vegan?

Yes. Chana masala, aloo gobi and the Hella Vegan Bowl are vegan, and vegan dishes are labeled.

How do I get a quote?

Call 650-239-6625 or email catering@curryupnow.com with the date and headcount.