A Comprehensive Guide To Selecting Your Ideal Food Caterer

PART 1 – INTRODUCTION

Are you planning an HDB housewarming party or a baby shower? Regardless of the cause of your celebration, there is no denying the various responsibilities that come with being the host of a party. One of the most important tasks you have is to ensure your guests have a great time. 

And a critical element that contributes to this is food! In fact, we would suggest that food is the heart of every celebration. After all, the quality of your refreshments can make or break your party. So if you want your gathering to leave a lasting impression on your friends and family, food is the vital factor to get right. 

Furthermore, Singaporeans are foodies at heart – the long queues for our favourite hawker delights are a testament to our dedication to satisfying our taste buds. Naturally, you might find this adds extra pressure on you to meet the expectations of your guests and ensure their cravings are met. 

However, between figuring out what food you want to serve, the appropriate quantity required, as well as the preparation and clean up associated with arranging a party, you may find yourself overwhelmed by all the planning involved in pulling off a successful celebration.

So why not save yourself the hassle and stress by engaging the services of a food caterer? But if you are unsure of how to select your ideal catering company in Singapore, fret not. Let us help ease your workload by sharing a comprehensive guide to aid you in choosing the most suitable caterer for your party. 

PART 2 – WHAT DOES A FOOD CATERING COMPANY DO? 

What does a food caterer do? While the answer may seem straightforward, there is also a surprising amount of behind-the-scenes work that goes into preparing the sumptuous meal in front of you. 

Food catering services are responsible for preparing and creating the menus you peruse on their websites. Not only does the food have to taste good, but the presentation also plays a critical role in whetting the appetite of the diner. 

Think back to the times you are watching a cooking show. Doesn’t the presentation of the food delight your senses and make you hungry? Well, that is what many caterers have to consider when developing their menus – how to tempt their audience into trying their food.

Some catering companies may even offer additional services, such as the setting up and disposal of food for a self-serve buffet. Should you require such services for your party, you might want to inquire with your preferred caterer, as these services are usually applicable for large-scale catering events only. 

2.1. The three main types of food caterers

1. Delivery catering

Food delivery services like GrabFood and Foodpanda are now a common sight around Singapore, with many Singaporeans preferring to order and consume their meals from the comfort of their home or office. 

But food delivery is certainly not a new concept to locals. Many food catering companies in Singapore have offered such services to Singaporeans for several years now. In fact, we even have a local term to describe this service – tingkat. 

Such services offer well-balanced and nutritious made-to-order meals, with customers choosing from a selection of menus that best cater to their needs. They are often a cheaper and hassle-free alternative to modern food delivery services as customers only need to decide on a predetermined menu and the arrangement of the food delivery. 

2. Hotel/restaurant caterers

Specific food caterers serve a niche audience, providing catering and event services for a hotel or restaurant. These service crews are typically a part of the hotel’s or restaurant’s staff. When a client wishes to hold an event – like a wedding – at the hotel or restaurant, they usually liaise with the caterer about their requirements. 

The caterer will function as an intermediary between the kitchen staff and the client, ensuring everything is in order for an in-house event. Their responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, the design and preparation of the menu, the setting up of the table and banquet arrangement, and the sourcing and coordinating of staff for the event. 

3. Private full-service catering

Private caterers are likely to be the catering services that Singaporeans are most familiar with. They are often hired for business and personal celebrations – including birthday parties, Christmas celebrations, housewarming parties, and many more events. 

Such catering services are usually responsible for every aspect of the event planning that pertains to food. This includes coordinating with the customer on the timing and date of the delivery, creation and presentation of the dishes, setting up the buffet spread, and arranging for a clean-up crew to collect the equipment at the end of the party. 

2.2. Types of catering services available in Singapore

Understanding the various services provided by food caterers is critical to planning and hosting a successful celebration. By familiarising yourself with the available options and how each service differs from the others, you can make a more informed decision for your party.

Wedding catering

No wedding reception is complete without a delightful spread of dishes to satisfy the taste buds of your guests. After all, wedding dinners have always been the tradition for many a wedding ceremony in Singapore, with invitees expecting sumptuous dishes and an enchanting ambience on this special day.

Depending on the scale of your wedding, the cost of your wedding catering can have a significant impact on your budget. Naturally, a fancy ceremony with waiters moving around to serve your guests will be more expensive than a buffet spread where invitees serve themselves the dishes of their choice.

Corporate catering

Companies often engage the services of a caterer to provide refreshments during a corporate meeting or training session. As these events are meant for attendees to mingle around and facilitate discussions, the dishes served at such functions are typically finger food, making it easy for guests to consume their food on the go.

A cocktail reception or high-tea catering is often the best option for these events, as there is a greater emphasis placed on delectable finger food. Attendees can easily select the dishes they wish to sample while socialising and meeting with the other guests. 

Sit-down catering

However, high-tea catering may not always be the most suitable option for every corporate event. Occasionally, conglomerates may opt to host a large-scale gathering to celebrate the company’s achievement – like a dinner and dance event. 

On these occasions, a sit-down catering service will be ideal, delivering a more elegant ambience befitting the event. Guests can remain seated while attendants move around the event floor with trays of food or drinks to wait on them. 

Buffet catering

As the host, it is natural for you to want your guests to indulge in a hearty meal and feel satisfied at the end of your celebration. This includes providing the invitees with a comprehensive selection of dishes that cater to everyone’s tastes. 

If that is the case, a buffet catering is the perfect choice for those looking to offer big portions of food during their social gathering. Guests have the freedom to select from a wide variety of dishes and determine the quantity they require. 

Additionally, the food is generally placed in chafing dishes – a metallic serving pan with a burner containing chafing fuel below it. This storage method allows you to keep the food warm until the end of your party, ensuring the food is fresh and served piping hot to attendees.

Mini take-away buffet catering

Do you prefer a more intimate gathering with a small group of close friends and relatives? In that case, you will wish to avoid over-ordering to prevent food wastage. But this does not mean you can’t offer your guests a healthy selection of dishes to sample. 

Mini-buffet catering is the perfect option in such scenarios, as the food portions are generally smaller. Furthermore, they are packed in disposable, microwavable containers, allowing you to heat up the food only when your guests are ready to eat. Once the party is over, you can easily clean up and dispose of these wares in a garbage chute. 

It is advisable to take note of the dietary restrictions of your guest when placing an order for a mini-buffet spread. Do not hesitate to enquire with your preferred mini-catering service to check if they offer vegetarian or halal mini-buffet selections should an attendee have any dietary concerns. 

Bento catering

Bento is the Japanese iteration of a single-portion packed meal, consisting of an appetiser, a main course, and dessert served in a box-shaped container. The term is derived from the Chinese word ‘便當’, which loosely translates to convenience. 

If convenience is what you seek, then bento catering is the ideal catering service you are looking for! Moreover, the bento sets offered by caterers are typically plated and arranged in an attractive fashion, offering your guests a feast for their senses. 

Lastly, food wastage is not a cause for concern as the individual compartments found in a bento container generally hold only a single portion, helping to limit the amount of food one can pack into a bento set. 

This catering service is not only suitable for intimate social gatherings but also for corporate functions and events. But before placing your order, it is best to look for a food caterer that offers a varied selection – including vegetarian and halal bento catering – to ensure the dietary needs of your guests or employees are met.

PART 3 – WHY YOU SHOULD TURN TO FOOD CATERING SERVICES FOR YOUR SOCIAL AND CORPORATE EVENTS

Engaging the services of a caterer for a party or event goes beyond easing your workload. There are a host of other benefits this service offers. If you are still on the fence, let us share the additional perks you can enjoy when hiring a catering company. 

Benefit #1: Save you time and money

Do not underestimate the amount of preparation involved in planning a celebration. From planning out your guest list to deciding on the party games, the coordination of every aspect can be time-consuming. By hiring a caterer, you can remove certain tasks from your to-do list. This decision provides you with more time to perfect the more important elements of your celebration. 

Furthermore, hiring a catering service may be cheaper than preparing your own refreshments, much to the surprise of many. Food caterers are familiar with preparing large quantities of food for an event, knowing the exact portion to make once they are informed of the number of guests.

Conversely, for those who are used to cooking for a limited number of people, chances are you might misjudge the quantity you need. In your eagerness to ensure your guests are satisfied, you may prepare more food than required, leading to food wastage.

Benefit #2: Ensure the quality and hygiene of the food

Hiring a professional catering company lets you rest easy, knowing that every aspect of food hygiene and safety is held to the highest standards. Proper measures are taken to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene standards of the kitchen to eliminate the risk of food contamination.

Additionally, food caterers have the responsibility of making sure customers’ expectations are met to safeguard their reputations. Therefore, you can generally expect high-quality food that will leave your guests impressed and satisfied.

Benefit #3: Varied options

Are you looking to offer your guests a wide array of food choices to whet their appetite? Not sure how you can go about preparing them? Fortunately, a food caterer can address those needs!

Catering companies understand the importance of variety. As such, they usually develop a comprehensive selection of menus for customers to peruse. Most services also offer vegetarian and halal catering options to accommodate the diet restrictions of their customers. 

Benefit #4: Reduce stress on the organiser

Cooking for a large group can be stressful for any chef. Preparing the ingredients alone will take up a significant portion of your time. Factor in cooking the actual dishes, and you will understand why this task can be a hectic experience. 

So why not save yourself the hassle by engaging the services of a catering service? Doing so can free you up to relax and socialise at your party instead of having to worry about the refreshments. After all, isn’t that the aim of your celebration? To mingle and catch up with your friends and family. 

Benefit #5: Leave a positive impression on your guests

Whether you are organising a social or corporate event, you will want to impress your guests. A catering company typically offers a professional setup for the refreshments. This attention to detail will make an indelible impression on the attendees and demonstrate the time and care you spent on creating a memorable celebration.

PART 4 – HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT FOOD CATERER

Planning and preparing for a party can be an exciting affair. And one of the tasks on your to-do list is undoubtedly to contact a food caterer to enquire about their menu and service. However, before you begin shortlisting your ideal catering company, there are several factors you should keep in mind. 

At the end of the day, you will want your guests to leave the party satisfied. So we advise you to dedicate some time and thought when it comes to selecting a caterer for your celebration. Here are several tips to help you make an informed decision. 

Tip #1: Make sure to check on the availability of your preferred caterer

It is essential to ensure your preferred caterer is available on the day of your celebration. Catering companies are often booked up months in advance, especially during the holiday season. Therefore, once you have an ideal candidate in mind, reserve your date with the caterer as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

Tip #2: Inform your caterer about the number of guests attending your party

Caterers offer different menus and pricing structures based on the number of people they need to serve. Therefore, you should be specific regarding the number of attendees at your celebration so your caterer can provide you with the best recommendation that fits your needs. 

A reliable caterer will also take the time to inquire about the event, as well as any dietary restrictions or food allergies your guests may have. If such concerns should arise, they can work with you to tailor the menu to accommodate your guests’ requirements. 

Tip #3: Be upfront about your budget

Costs can add up quickly, especially if you are planning a large-scale celebration like a wedding. Hence, it is vital to create a catering budget to keep your expenses under control. 

Be upfront about your budget when you are enquiring about the services of a food catering company. Let them know the amount you are working with so that they have a clear idea of whether your expectations are in line with your budget. 

A reliable and experienced caterer will work with you to design a menu that fits your budget. If your budget is not feasible, they will be honest with you and suggest other alternatives that better match your requirements. 

Tip #4: Consider your event venue

There are various logistical factors involved in the planning of any celebration. The size, location, and accessibility of your event venue can impact the type of service and menu that are feasible for your party. As such, you should consider walking through the details with your preferred caterer beforehand so that they can advise you accordingly.

Tip #5: Ask around for referrals or read online reviews

While it may be tempting to hire the cheapest food catering service that you can find, this decision may not always be the best option for you. Sub-par food and an unprofessional attitude are aspects you might have to deal with. Therefore, you should consider conducting thorough research before making your decision. 

Online reviews are a helpful resource for you to shortlist the ideal caterers to work with for your party. Pay special attention to the positive traits used to describe the caterer’s services. Do the food and beverage provided meet the expectations of the customer? Is the caterer responsive and punctual? These factors can help you decide on the most suitable option. 

Alternatively, you can consider asking a friend or relative for a recommendation. Do not hesitate to enquire about their experience with the company and whether they are satisfied with the food supplied. An honest assessment from someone you trust can often be more reliable than an online review. 

Tip #6: Consider the caterer’s experience

Working with a caterer who has experience with the kind of celebration you are planning is crucial. Do not simply rehire a caterer that you have used previously for a different type of event just because you are familiar with their services. For example, a catering company that specialises in black-tie events may not be ideal for a casual, outdoor corporate retreat. 

PART 5 – CONCLUSION

We hope our comprehensive guide has proven to be beneficial in answering your burning questions and aiding you in your search for the most suitable food caterer. The best piece of advice we can offer you when it comes to hiring the right catering company is to do your homework. By doing your due diligence, your guests are sure to have a great time at your party, further enhancing your reputation as an excellent event organiser.

At Stamford Catering, we are one of the best catering services in Singapore. Our team possesses years of experience catering to a wide variety of social and corporate events. Additionally, we offer a vast selection of menu options for you to choose from – ideal for gatherings of any size! Do not hesitate to contact us today for your catering needs if you have an upcoming celebration lined up.