cuisine
Caribbean catering
Caribbean catering costs £12 to £25 per head in the UK for a buffet of jerk chicken, curry goat, rice and peas, fried plantain and macaroni pie, with staffed events at the upper end. Most Caribbean caterers cook in their own kitchen and deliver the food hot, and some also bring a grill to cook jerk on site.
What this covers
What it costs. A delivered Caribbean buffet costs £12 to £20 per head with two meats, rice and peas, plantain and salad. Full cost breakdown.
What the job covers
- Jerk chicken, curry goat and rice and peas for a 50th birthday
- A Caribbean buffet for a nine night gathering
- A live jerk grill at a summer garden party
- A staffed Caribbean menu for a wedding reception of 120
- Patties and fried dumplings for an office celebration
What is involved
Menus draw on Jamaican, Trinidadian, Guyanese and other island cooking: jerk chicken or pork, curry goat, brown stew chicken, oxtail, ackee and saltfish, escovitch fish, rice and peas, fried plantain, macaroni pie, festival and fried dumplings, with coleslaw and salads. Drinks such as sorrel and punch are sometimes offered. Occasions range from birthdays, christenings and weddings to nine nights and wakes, and many Caribbean caterers are used to catering for large family gatherings at short notice.
Food is usually cooked in the caterer's kitchen and delivered hot in chafing dishes, then served by staff or left for guests to help themselves. Hot food should stay at 63°C or above, or be served within two hours, so ask how the caterer keeps it hot at the venue. Oxtail and goat cost the caterer more than chicken, which shows in the price, and curry goat is usually served on the bone. Heat varies, so say if the food needs to suit children or guests who prefer it mild.
The practical check is the menu per head. Ask which dishes are in the price and which are extras, and check the hygiene rating of the business that cooks the food. caterers.trade lists only caterers rated 3 or above, or Pass in Scotland.
Choosing someone for the job
Ask which dishes are included per head and which cost extra. Ask how the food is kept hot at the venue, and whether they serve or deliver and leave. Ask how they adjust the heat for children and mild palates. Ask what vegetarian or vegan dishes they offer, such as ital stew or callaloo. And ask how soon they can cater, if the event is a nine night or wake.
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Common questions
How much does Caribbean catering cost per head?
£12 to £20 per head for a delivered buffet with two meats, rice and peas, plantain and salad. Staffed events with more dishes run £18 to £26 per head, and weddings with crockery more.
What food is served at a Caribbean party?
Jerk chicken, curry goat, rice and peas, fried plantain, macaroni pie and coleslaw are the most common. Oxtail, brown stew chicken, fish, festival and fried dumplings are frequent additions.
Can Caribbean caterers make the food less spicy?
Yes. Most can cook jerk and curries milder, or serve hot pepper sauce on the side. Say so when you order, especially if children are eating.
Do Caribbean caterers cater for nine nights and wakes?
Many do, often at short notice. Delivered buffets are common for nine nights, which can be long gatherings at home, so ask how the food will be kept hot or served in batches.