London's Top 5 Caribbean Catering Companies for Your Special Event
Planning an event in London? Want to serve your guests authentic Caribbean cuisine that takes them on a tropical taste journey? Look no further - London boasts some fantastic Caribbean caterers that can provide mouthwatering island flavours for your wedding, corporate function, birthday, or any special occasion.
In this blog post, we'll highlight the top places to find London caterers specializing in Caribbean food. You'll discover the island food vibes and the beautiful tasting foods these companies offer to help you host a flavorful Caribbean-inspired event. Whether you want to go classic or modern fusion, these top Caribbean caterers have the skills and menus to wow your guests.
Overview of Top Caribbean Catering in London
The Caribbean catering scene is thriving in London. With a large Caribbean population and proximity to the West Indies, London has developed a robust network of catering companies offering island cuisine. From small operations to large event caterers, you can find expert teams to prepare everything from Jerk chicken to curried goat, ackee and saltfish to rice and Peas.
Ingredients From Islands
London's Caribbean caterers source many ingredients directly from the islands. Chefs infuse traditional dishes with local British flair for unique fusion twists. You can have classic Caribbean flavours along with modern presentation and service to impress all your guests.
Popular Caribbean dishes served by Aunty Madge Caribbean Caterers include:
- Jerk chicken and pork - Smoky, spicy, and flavorful meat rubbed with Jamaican jerk seasoning and grilled. A classic!
- Curry goat - Jamaican curried goat makes for a delicious stew, perfect over rice. Rich and savoury.
- Ackee and saltfish - Jamaica's national dish featuring salty ackee fruit and cod. Usually served with fried dumplings.
- Oxtail stew - Braised oxtails in a rich gravy with carrots and scotch bonnet peppers. Served over rice.
More Dishes from Aunty Madge
- Pigeon peas and rice - Smooth pigeon pea stew ladled over coconut rice. A traditional Caribbean comfort food.
- Escoveitch fish - Snapper, mahi mahi or other white fish fried up and topped with a pickled onion and pepper sauce.
- Jamaican patties - Flaky pastries stuffed with spicy beef or other fillings make the perfect handheld appetizer.
- Fried plantains - Ripe plantain slices fried up crispy and sweet, often served as a side dish.
- Festivals - Sweet fried bread commonly served with fish dishes. Similar to a funnel cake.
How to Choose a Caribbean Caterer in London
When selecting a Caribbean caterer for your London event, here are some key factors to consider:
Cuisine Style
What type of Caribbean food do you want to serve? Menu specialities can range from Cuban to Jamaican to Trinidadian. Discuss your preferences with caterers to find one that excels in your desired regional cuisine.
Popular regional styles include:
- Jamaican - Favorites like jerks, curries, fried dumplings, and rum cakes.
- Trinidadian - Known for curries, roti flatbreads, callaloo greens, and doubles sandwiches.
- Cuban - Empanadas, ropa vieja beef, mojo chicken, and classic Cuban sandwiches.
- Puerto Rican - Mofongo mashed plantains, alcapurria fritters, and sweet coconut pudding.
- Bahamian - Conch fritters, conch salad, peel-and-eat shrimp, guava duff dessert.
Budgeting For Your Event
Know your budget upfront. Caribbean catering prices in London vary greatly depending on ingredients, service style, staffing, rentals, etc. Get quotes from a few companies.
High-end event caterers cost more for lavish presentations and service while smaller companies provide homestyle dishes at lower prices. Buffet service is generally cheaper than plated dinners as well.
Guest Count
Consider the number of guests you'll have. Some Caribbean caterers specialize in small intimate events while others have the capacity for large parties.
Know that larger guest counts (150+) will require more staffing and coordination. Reach out to caterers who have experience with events your size.
Service Style
Caribbean catering can range from passed appetizers and stationed buffets to family-style platters or plated dinners. Decide how formal you want the service.
Some popular service styles:
- Passed appetizers like patties and rum punch during cocktails
- Buffet lines with a variety of hot dishes and sides
- Individual platters served family-style for sharing
- Plated multi-course dinners for formal service
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Reviews/References
Look for caterers with outstanding online reviews. And ask for client references to learn about their experience. This helps verify quality.
Contact 2-3 previous clients to get their feedback on:
- Quality of food and service
- Value for money spent
- Responsiveness and professionalism
- Ability to accommodate requests and dietary needs
- Overall event execution
5 Top Places To Find Caribbean Caterers in London
Ready to choose your Caribbean caterer? Here are 5 highly recommended companies in London to consider for your event:
With rave reviews for authentic Caribbean flavours, Island Vibes Catering tops our list. Their talented chefs have roots throughout the West Indies so they excel at various regional cuisines from Jamaican to Bajan. Island Vibes can accommodate events from 15 to 2000 guests.
Signature Dishes:
- Jerk chicken
- Curry goat
- Escoveitch fish
- Jamaican patties
- Fried plantains
- Rice and peas
Togather is a premier catering company in London, providing delicious cuisine including Caribbean cuisine for events of all sizes. They have a list of talented catering companies you can choose from. Feast-it offers a variety of service styles to suit any event, from passed appetizers and lavish buffets to family-style platters and formal plated dinners.
A great place to find Caribbean caterers is Add to Event, Step into a world where planning an event is not just hassle-free, but downright delightful with Add to Event! Wave goodbye to the endless search for the perfect suppliers, as this ingenious platform transforms your event planning journey into a joyous adventure. Whether you’re throwing a whimsical birthday bash or orchestrating a grand corporate gala, Add to Event is your trusted companion, ready to connect you with a vibrant tapestry of over 20,000 independent suppliers across the UK.
Bring the flavours of the Caribbean to your next event with Trini Caribbean Catering. This family-owned business prides itself on providing guests with quality, great-tasting food inspired by the islands. Based in Waltham Abbey, Trini Caribbean Catering serves clients across Essex and surrounding counties including Kent, Surrey, Hertfordshire, London, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire.
Ahoy, event planners! Embark on an exhilarating adventure with Poptop UK, your whimsical compass to navigating the bountiful sea of event planning! With Poptop, you're not just planning an event; you're crafting a saga of unforgettable memories. Their platform is a treasure trove where a mere click unveils a realm bursting with delectable food and drink options, melodious musical enchantments, and mystifying magicians ready to sprinkle magic on your celebration. Whether it’s a quaint garden soirée or a grandiose gala, Poptop has a trove of eccentric entertainers and sumptuous suppliers at the ready.
Final Tips for Booking Your Caribbean Caterer
- Book early as popular caterers fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Leave at least a few months if possible.
- Provide an estimated guest count but know this can be adjusted later. Give your best guesstimate.
- Discuss menu options and pricing - build a custom menu that fits your budget. Mix and match dishes.
- Inquire about rentals for a full-service experience. Get plates, cutlery, decor, etc.
- Ask about staffing - you may need servers, bartenders etc. based on the event style.
- Request tastings or samples if possible to try dishes before committing.
- Provide details on allergies or dietary restrictions you're accommodating.
- Read the contract thoroughly and clarify anything unclear before signing.
- Arrange timeline, deliveries, setup process, and breakdown.
- Add final guest count, menu tweaks, and payment typically 1-2 weeks before the event.
