We’ve all been there. Catered events that include some sort of baked chicken, potatoes or rice, and a handful of green beans. There’s a boring old salad to start and maybe chocolate cake for dessert. It’s not very interesting but, hey, it’s what’s available so you eat it.
But catered meals don’t need to be boring and they don’t need to be the same old, same old. A creative caterer can provide you with numerous options including incorporating flavours from different countries into your next catered event.
So many of us enjoy sampling cuisine from different countries and cultures, either because we’re part of those cultures or simply because we’re adventurous eaters. Eating is one of the true joys of life and the opportunity to expand one’s palate is a delight. So, why shouldn’t these diverse offerings be available when using a caterer?
The good news is that many caterers are eager to step out of the box and away from the chicken, pasta, and other traditional party foods. Find a caterer with a chef who loves to try his/her hand at different recipes and it’s likely that the sky’s the limit as far as crafting a menu that incorporates international favorites.
Consider some of these for your next corporate event, family gathering, or wedding reception.
African Adventure
- Cucumber and mango salad (East Africa)
- Piri Piri chicken (Mozambique)
- Jollof rice (Nigeria)
- “Bunny Chow” curry (South Africa)
- Biryanis (Zanzibar)
Mexican Fiesta
- Tequila lime grilled chicken
- Stuffed poblano peppers
- A taco bar with fixings
- Red rice
- Refried beans
- Fried ice cream, sopapilla, or dessert empanadas
Greek Island Delights
- Gyros – lamb, chicken, or pork, with tzatziki sauce
- Chicken skewers with Greek yogurt dipping sauce
- Greek salad
- Hummus and pitas
- Baklava
Idyllic Italian
- Caprese salad
- Antipasto
- Risotto
- Chicken or eggplant parmesan
- Lasagna
- Cannoli or tiramisu
Caribbean Cuisine
- Tropical fruit salad
- Jamaican jerk chicken
- Grilled fish with mango salsa
- Yuca fries or yuca mashed potatoes
- Conch salad
- Coco bread
- Fruity bread pudding or rice pudding
So, if you’re interested in adding some international flair to your next catered event, by all means, take some time to jot down your ideas and present them to the caterers you’re considering. If you’re met with resistance, move on to the next caterer on your list.
Remember, a truly good caterer may not necessary embrace all of your ideas (sometimes certain dishes are just not practical for large group events) but will review your suggestions, latch on to some of them, and also make recommendations of their own to enhance your ideas and provide a wonderful international meal for your guests.