Starting a catering service business in Nepal can be a great way to turn your cooking passion into a profitable venture. With increasing demand for events, parties, and corporate gatherings, catering services are becoming more popular every year. If you love food, organization, and customer service, this business can be both fun and rewarding.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to start your own catering business in Nepal.
1. Do Market Research
Before starting, take time to understand the catering market in your area.
Ask yourself:
- What type of events need catering services (weddings, birthdays, offices, etc.)?
- What kind of food do people prefer?
- Who are your competitors and what do they charge?
Good market research helps you find your niche — for example, you can focus on traditional Nepali dishes, corporate catering, or vegetarian meals.
2. Register Your Company
To operate legally in Nepal, you must register your catering business with the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR).
If you’re new to the process, we’ve explained everything in detail in our guide — How to Register a Company in Nepal — which walks you through each step clearly.
Here’s a quick overview of the process:
- Choose a Business Name – Pick a unique name that reflects your catering brand and check its availability on the OCR website.
- Prepare Required Documents – Gather necessary documents such as citizenship copies of shareholders, Memorandum and Articles of Association, and address verification.
- Submit Application Online – Fill out the online form and upload all documents on the OCR portal.
- Pay Registration Fees – Pay the applicable registration fee online or through a designated bank.
- Get Your Registration Certificate – Once approved, the OCR will issue your company registration certificate, making your business official.
3. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits
- Register with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for a PAN/VAT number.
- Register with the local ward office.
4. Set Up Your Kitchen and Equipment
Depending on your scale, you can start from a home kitchen or rent a commercial kitchen space.
You’ll need basic items such as:
- Cooking utensils and ovens
- Serving dishes and cutlery
- Refrigerators and storage
- Delivery equipment and packaging
Invest in good-quality tools to ensure food safety and smooth service.
5. Build a Menu and Pricing Strategy
Design a menu that reflects your style and target market. Offer a mix of popular dishes and special items. Keep your prices competitive but also cover your costs. You can create different packages — for example, wedding packages, office lunch sets, or event buffets.
6. Hire and Train Staff
As your business grows, you’ll need skilled chefs, servers, and helpers. Train them on hygiene, time management, and customer service. Your staff represents your brand — professional behavior can win repeat customers.
7. Promote Your Catering Service
Use both online and offline marketing to attract clients.
- Create a website and social media pages.
- Share photos of events and customer testimonials.
- Partner with event planners and hotels.
- Offer discounts for referrals or first-time clients.
Good marketing builds trust and helps you grow faster.
8. Manage Finances and Taxes
Keep clear records of income and expenses. Pay taxes on time to stay compliant.
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