Planning an event and unsure whether bowl food catering is the best option for you? In this post, we will take you through everything you need to know about hosting a successful bowl food party. From the benefits of bowl food to tips on how to make it work for different types of events, we will address any doubts you may have.
Opting for bowl food instead of canapés or a sit-down 3-course meal usually depends on the type of event, the formality, and the experience you are aiming to provide. Here are some key factors to consider.
CASUAL SETTING
Bowl food is often a better choice for more relaxed, informal events where guests are mingling, as it allows them to eat comfortably while socialising. It works well for less formal cocktail parties, networking events, private celebrations or events where guests might be standing or moving around a lot.
MORE FILLING ANF HEARTY MEAL
Bowl food tends to be more substantial compared to canapés, which are usually bite-sized and lighter. If you’re looking to provide guests with a heartier meal or something that offers a range of textures and flavours, bowl food is a great choice. It’s especially good for events that happen during lunch or dinner time, where guests may expect something more than just finger food.
We recommend 5 savoury and 1 dessert bowl per person for a 2-hour service.
VARIETY
If you want to provide guests with a more diverse selection of food and let them try several exciting dishes, bowls are an easy way to offer variety without overcomplicating the service.
Our chefs can effortlessly create a well-balanced selection of bowl food, tailored to various tastes and dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more. Upon request, we can also include additional bowl food options to align with the specific theme of your event or occasion.
Here’s an example of the menu our chef created specifically for a client’s Christmas party last year.
SERVING LOGISTICS
There are two ways to serve bowl food.
The buffet style format involves displaying the food on a main table, allowing guests to walk up and pick up bowls as they wish. This works well for larger events where passing trays with bowls might be challenging or time-consuming.
On the other hand, tray service format has waiting staff circulate with trays of bowls, offering them to guests and clearing them as needed. This option is ideal for smaller events and ensures guests can fully enjoy their meal without having to pause conversations to get food. It also guarantees that hot dishes are served at the perfect temperature.
CATERING EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
Every bowl food event will need a chef on site for preparation and setup, along with kitchen facilities like a hob and an oven. If your venue lacks these facilities, don’t worry – our chefs can bring all the necessary equipment with them.
Small bowls and cutlery can be rented separately through us. It’s important to have enough bowls to match the number of meals you are planning to serve, as there won’t be time to wash them during the event. Alternatively, you can opt for bamboo disposable bowls and cutlery, which our chefs can supply.
If you have selected tray service, you will also need trays for our staff to serve the food and handle cleaning. These can be rented through us.
In conclusion, bowl food offers a versatile, convenient, and stylish catering option. It provides a wide range of flavours and customisation to suit your guests’ tastes and dietary preferences. With easy serving options and minimal waste, it’s the perfect choice for creating a memorable and enjoyable dining experience. So, if you are planning your next event, consider bowl food for a fun and innovative twist on traditional catering!