Most Popular Catering Foods for Any Event

 

As a seasoned catering equipment supplier, I have seen firsthand the dynamic landscape of the catering industry. The demand for diverse catering options is bigger now than ever before. However, navigating the myriad choices can be a bit daunting when trying to decide which foods will satisfy and please your guests the most. 

So, I have put together this guide of the most popular catering foods. This post will equip everyone from event planners to officer administrators (for corporate events) with the knowledge to navigate the world of catering options and it will ensure that your event is top class and a hit with your guests!

This guide will include: 

• A detailed breakdown of the most popular catering foods
• Tips for selecting the perfect catering options for your event
• Insights on catering trends and dietary considerations
• Expert advice on guaranteeing your catered event is a resounding success

Without further ado, let us embark on the journey through the delicious world of catering!

 

Popular Catering Foods

 

Sandwich Catering: A Versatile Classic

Sandwiches are a timeless favourite in the catering world. I have attended many events where sandwiches were the star of the show. They have always been (and probably shall always be) an enduring crowd-pleaser. Who doesn’t like a ham sambo? Or for our American friends, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Sandwiches please all ages for their versatility and simplicity. 

 

Best Sandwiches for Catering

In my experience, the most popular sandwiches for events are the following:

1. Classic Club Sandwiches: This includes bacon, turkey, lettuce and tomato (can’t beat a classic!)
2. Vegetarian Wraps: Can be packed with all different vegetables and  hummus (great for vegetarian guests!)
3. Gourmet Grilled Cheese: Elevated versions of this staple favourite always please the crowds (Who doesn’t like grilled cheese?!)
4. Mini Sliders: Bite-sized burgers or pulled pork sandwiches (even writing about them makes my mouth water)

I once attended a corporate lunch and there was a build-your-own sandwich bar. This was a huge hit with the guests who could customize their meals fostering engagement and enjoyment. 

In fact, a study found that 62% of consumers consider customization important when choosing a restaurant, a trend that extends to catering as well.

 

Mexican Catering: Fiesta of Flavors

Next is a fan favourite: Mexican cuisine. Mexican cuisine is even found in small towns in Ireland it is so popular. So, in catering too, Mexican cuisine is common. The vibrant flavours and the build-your-own nature of Mexican dishes make them ideal for large events. 

 

Popular Mexican Dishes for Events

Some of the most frequently asked for Mexican catering options I have encountered have been: 

1. Taco Bars: Guests enjoy this particularly because they can build their own tacos
2. Fajita Stations: Meats and veg with an array of toppings? Can’t go wrong!
3. Quesadillas: Want a cheesy delight? This has you covered.
4. Enchiladas: Pre-made enchiladas are a great option for seated dinners.

I remember attending a catered event where the company was celebrating Cinco de Mayo and a full Mexican street food station was set up. Between the aroma of grilled meats and the assortment of salsas and toppings - many guests said that they felt as if they had been transported to Mexico (a compliment of the highest order!).

 

Italian Catering: Comfort Food at Its Finest

Next; Italian cuisine! It is synonymous with comfort and satisfaction which of course, makes it a brilliant choice for catering events of all sorts of sizes.

 

Best Italian Dishes for Catering

From my own experience, the Italian dishes that are the most popular are as follows:

1. Pasta stations: These offer a variety of pastas and sauces and are always a big hit.
2. Chicken Parmesan: This is a classic that tends to be requested a lot.
3. Antipasto Platters: Great for cocktail hours or as a starter.
4. Tiramisu: A beloved dessert that is a big crowd pleaser.

I remember specifically, a wedding I attended, where the caterer created a Tour of Italy buffet. Guests were thrilled - they raved about the variety of the dishes and their authenticity - from hand-tossed pizzas to creamy risottos. Get creative -  your guests will appreciate it. 

A survey found that 86% of Americans eat pasta at least once a week, underscoring its popularity as a catering option.

 

BBQ Catering: Bringing the Cookout to You

The smoky, savoury flavours of BBQ can really bring people together. It is a catering option that never goes out of style!

 

Popular BBQ Dishes for Events

If you’re wondering which BBQ catering dishes are the most popular - these are the ones that consistently impress:

1. Pulled Pork: Oh so tender, melt in your mouth flavourful and perfect for sandwiches - or on its own. 
2. Smoked Brisket: A Texas favourite that is gaining popularity all over the world.
3. BBQ Chicken: A light but flavourful dish. 
4. Corn on the Cob: Great as a side that complements any BBQ spread. 

I once attended a company picnic where they set up several BBQ stations, each featuring a different regional style of BBQ. It was a smashing success and guests sampled all of the different BBQ foods comparing the flavours and techniques. 

 

Mediterranean Catering: Healthy and Flavorful

Mediterranean cuisine has seen  a huge increase in popularity. This is largely due to its health benefits and zesty flavours. It is particularly popular at more health-conscious events. 

 

Best Mediterranean Dishes for Events

The Mediterranean dishes that tend to be the most popular are: 

1. Mezze Platters: A variety of dips, spreads and small bites.
2. Greek Salad: So refreshing and incredibly delicious. 
3. Grilled Kebabs: Perfect for both meat-eaters and vegetarians
4. Baklava: A greek sweet that ends the meal on a high note!

I attended a memorable culinary experience once that was a Mediterranean-themed wedding. The catering team created a stunning display of colorful dishes that looked beautiful and tasted delicious. The bride and groom were delighted and said that it was one of the reasons their wedding day was so wonderful.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of heart disease by 30%, which has contributed to its growing popularity in catering.

 

Pizza Catering: Universally Loved

Pizza is loved by so many people all over the world. It is a universal favourite that works perfectly for casual events as well as formal events. 

 

Best Pizza Options for Catering

When it comes to pizza, variety is always key. Popular options are:

1. Classic Margherita: Simple yet delicious - a real crowd pleaser.
2. Vegetarian Supreme: Perfect for all the vegetarians out there - nutritious and delicious.
3. Meat Lover’s: Hearty meat eaters love this!
4. Gourmet Specialties: Truffle oil, arugula, prosciutto for upscale events.

I attended a catered event before where the caterer brought a mobile wood-fired pizza oven. The sight and smell of the pizzas being made fresh created a buzz for the entire event - a great idea out there for caterers who are looking for a stand-out event.

 

Sushi Catering: Elegant and Exotic

Sushi has become more popular in recent years as a sophisticated and visually stunning option for events. 

 

Popular Sushi Dishes for Catering

The following options are the most popular. 

1. Assorted Maki Rolls: A variety of rolls cater to every taste
2. Nigiri platters: More hardcore sushi eaters can order these 
3. Poke Bowls: Trendy option that allows for customization
4. Vegetarian sushi: This caters to the vegetarians in the crowd. 

A catering experience I remember vividly was for a high end corporate event that had a sushi and sake pairing station. It was interactive and got all of the guests involved. They were thrilled at the end result and there were even some converts to sushi eating!

Research and Markets predicts that the global sushi restaurant market will reach $22.5 billion by 2030, indicating the growing popularity of sushi in Western countries.

 

Breakfast Catering: Start the Day Right

Breakfast catering can be held for morning meetings and weekend events. 

 

Best Breakfast Options for Catering

Most popular breakfast dishes are:

1. Build-Your-Own-Parfait-Bar: Acai bowls, granola, yoghurt etc. 
2. Breakfast burritos: Egg, bacon, hashbrowns - a heartier option
3. Mini Quiches: Perfect for brunch events
4. Pastries: Warm croissants? Yes, please! Who can resist?

I attended a weekend corporate event where they served a gourmet breakfast buffet every morning. This set them up to have a productive, motivated day and the attendees all really enjoyed the variety. 

 

Vegan-Friendly Catering: Inclusive and Delicious

Vegan friendly catering is becoming not just popular but essential for events. 

 

Popular Vegan Options for Catering

Popular vegan dishes include: 

1. Jackfruit Pulled Pork: A great meat alternative - almost tastes like the real thing.
2. Cauliflower Wings: A popular appetizer
3. Buddha Bowls: Nutritious and can be customized
4. Vegan Dessert Bar: Because no matter what diet you’re on, there should always be room for dessert!

I was at a wedding recently where the couple in question had requested an entirely vegan menu. Even though many of the guests were not vegan, they really enjoyed the food as it was creative and flavourful. The guests were delighted and the couple’s special day was a huge success. 

A report predicts that the global plant-based food market will reach $74.2 billion by 2027, indicating the growing importance of vegan options in catering.

 

Local Food Truck Catering: Trendy and Unique

Food truck catering is another option that has exploded onto the scene. It offers a unique and trendy option. 

 

Best Food Truck Options for Catering

Some popular options include:

1. Gourmet Burger Trucks: Offers a unique flavour combination
2. International Cuisine Trucks: Everything from Japanese Street food to Korean tacos
3. Dessert Trucks: (The best - in my opinion) Offers ice-cream, donuts, crepes - you name it.
4. Craft Cocktail Trucks: Perfect for events that want a mobile bar. 

I once observed a food truck festival for a large corporate event. There was a huge variety of cuisines and the atmosphere was casual and fun. It created a memorable experience that employees raved about. Success!

The projected growth of the food truck market indicates an increase from $19.4 billion in 2022 to a forecasted $26.3 billion by 2027.

 

Tips for Choosing Catering Foods

 

Meeting Dietary Needs: Inclusive Catering

Catering in today’s world means that including diverse dietary needs is so important for an event’s success. 

 

Catering for Dietary Restrictions

Here are some tips I've learned over the years:

1. You must always have vegetarian and vegan options
2. It is essential to label dishes with allergen information
3. You should try and have some gluten-free options also
4. Provide an array of different options to suit different cultural and religious dietary requirements. 

I once attended a catered international conference where the caterers had to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs. The caterers had to work closely with the event organizers and labelled all the dishes so that none of the guests needed to worry about their meals and could just enjoy them instead.

According to Allergy Ireland, approximately 29 per cent of Irish people suffer from an allergy and that number is rising. 

 

Reducing Food Waste: Sustainable Catering

Sustainability is becoming so important in every industry and catering is no different. It is important for both environmental reasons and cost-effectiveness. 

 

Eco-Friendly Catering Tips

Some strategies to reduce food waste are:

1. Portion control - this prevents over-serving.
2. Offer chef’s choice options to use up leftover ingredients.
3. Give leftover ingredients or food to food banks
4. Use compostable or recyclable serving ware. 

At a recent corporate event I attended, there was a zero-waste policy. They carefully planned the portions and used eco-friendly materials. The result was that they managed to reduce waste by over 90 per cent compared to previous events. Quite an achievement. 

The World Wildlife Fund reports that food waste is responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the importance of sustainable catering practices.

 

Encouraging Engagement: Interactive Catering

Interactive food stations can add an extra layer of excitement to your event.

 

Engaging Catering Options

Some ideas for interactive catering include:

1. Live cooking stations where guests can see the chefs prepare the dishes
2. DIY bars are perfect for make-your-own ice creams, tacos etc. 
3. Food and wine pairing
4. Cultural food demonstrations

 One of my favourite events was a corporate team-building day where the caterers set up interactive cooking stations. Teams worked together to create dishes which was a great team-building exercise but also served as a meal for the event.

Final Thoughts

 

Ensuring Event Success: The Power of Great Catering

Choosing the right catering options can make or break an event. It's not just about the food; it's about creating an experience.

 

Catering Tips for Success

Here are some tips for making sure your catering event is a success:

1. Know your audience! You above anyone know your guests - cater to their preferences and yours. 
2. Consider the event type and choose appropriate foods
3. Presentation is so important
4. Always have a backup plan

Concentrate on the experience, not just filling bellies. This will mean a more successful and enjoyable event for guests. It’s all about the bigger picture. 

A study by Eventbrite found that 78% of millennials would choose to spend money on a desirable experience or event over buying something desirable, highlighting the importance of creating memorable experiences through catering.

 

Exploring Options: The Joy of Culinary Diversity

The world of catering is vast and exciting, with new trends emerging all the time.

 

Embracing Catering Variety

Some advice: 

1. Be open to trying new flavours
2. Mix and match catering styles for a unique experience
3. Customize menus to fit your specific needs
4. Prioritize quality and freshness over quantity. 

Catering is not just about food. It is an experience - from the presentation and decorations to that build-your-own taco station that you just had to have. Concentrate on the little things like personalization because they are what will make your event memorable to your guests. From catering corporate lunches, to wedding receptions, the right catering choices can elevate your event from good to unforgettable. 

As we wrap up this guide, I hope you feel inspired and equipped to make informed decisions about catering for your next event. From classic favorites to trending options, the world of catering is full of delicious possibilities! Happy catering!