Event catering in London, Essex, and Middlesex; Turkish catering in London; and Mediterranean catering in London-full of tradition, not only fresh, plentiful Mediterranean catering in London, UK. Mediterranean food is one of the most popular catering options for UK events. It is fresh, varied, and generous; healthy; and, most of all, not difficult to mix up most of the dishes on the table.
With 30 years behind us at a lot of Events, in UK catering and a healthy knowledge of Mediterranean catering, here is what makes a good Mediterranean catering near you.
What “Mediterranean” actually covers
The Mediterranean is not one cuisine-it is many. It is a diverse, expansive band of cultures and cuisines, united around a sea and united by ingredients: lots of fresh vegetables, pulses and grains, olive oil, herbs, grilled fish, and meats. A good Mediterranean catering company will have access to that wide range, not just an overly specific menu.
Why Mediterranean catering suits diverse UK events
As such, this is why, in our view, all our food-grilled meat, rice and pulses, salad, dips, and grilled vegetables- are all complete food that is prepared to be put on the table, to be eaten by everyone at any type of event, including halal, veggie, vegetarian, gluten free friends! And indeed, this makes the Middle Eastern style way of catering ideal for any event across the UK, because it simply doesn’t need to be set up and you don’t have to do anything to it-it is an ideal table spread! Simply put, at many mixed events across the UK, nobody gets a special meal, and everyone just eats together!
A healthy choice too that the clients will love – the Mediterranean diet is actually one of the most popular diets in the world. It’s light but filling and based on vegetables, olive oil, pulses and lean proteins, which is perhaps why it’s become so trendy – both at weddings and corporate days, and generally for its inclusive and healthy feel.
How to choose a Mediterranean caterer near you
For them, it’s near me-good for tastings, logistics, and delivery of fresh (not frozen), but weak in quality and authentic taste. How can you find who the most authentic Mediterranean caterer is? It needs to be someone close enough, yet authentic enough to know how to do the cuisine; look for the signs, and then find the real credentials.
The credentials to verify, whatever the cuisine
It’s the authenticity that counts, but the fundamentals are no less important. All food businesses in the UK need to register with the local authority, and you can search for any caterer’s food hygiene rating on the FSA rating search. It’s equally important to verify public liability insurance for your event and to understand the allergen process to ensure the 14 key allergens are declared under legislation such as Natasha’s law, as described in the FSA allergen guidance. A true professional caterer will have all of this well in hand.
Case study: a corporate summer party that fed everyone
Here’s an example from the book (definitely hard to see but very familiar all the same) as if dozens of different people had bought their own version of one Mediterranean dish. There would be no two samples 300 (a section so diverse that they couldn’t handle a fancy buffet where everyone just grabbed a tray in the back and chugged down their first helping of whatever came first.)
We set out a wonderfully inclusive choice: char-grilled halal meat, a broad selection of mezze, dips, charred vegetables, rice and grain salads, warm flatbreads & labels. The dietary needs weren’t relegated to the sidelines; they were equally prominent on the main table, the natural, celebratory feast. The whole congregation was well fed, together. We were told afterwards by staff that the comment that struck them most was that “for once everyone was eating the same exciting food”!
The takeaway: a true Mediterranean banquet catering for all addresses the trickiest of events catering dilemmas: how to feed a lively crowd well and equally.
Why EMA Catering is an authentic Mediterranean choice
Authentic homemade-inspired Mediterranean catering supplied in London and across the UK. The owner-family established in 1995 provides catering services and total event management throughout the United Kingdom. Authentic heritage and fresh, prepared-on-demand food as your guide is urging you to find-that is exactly what we do, really tapping into the full spectrum of Mediterranean cuisine and not just the few select dishes that feature on most buffets!
We have a ‘good’ food hygiene rating, are fully insured, and have a transparent allergen procedure. We buy HMC halal-certified meat, and our natural, inclusive menu features grilled and cooked meats, mezze, salads, grilled veg, pulses, and dips, all designed to nourish those halal, veg, and GF guests alongside everyone else, with one rainbow spread. At EMA catering, everyone enjoys the same colorful, exciting feast, the same.
Questions to ask a Mediterranean caterer
Take this list to any company you are considering. The answers reveal the genuine from the generic.
- What is your heritage or training in Mediterranean cuisine?
- Do you cook fresh at the event, or serve pre-made food?
- How varied is your menu across the Mediterranean traditions?
- How do you cater to halal, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free needs?
- Where do you source your key ingredients?
- What is your current Food Hygiene Rating, and can I see it on the FSA register?
- Can I see your public liability insurance certificate?
- Which similar events have you catered, and can you provide references?
If you’d like an authentic Mediterranean feast from a family that have been preparing it for 40 years, that is what we do. View our mediterranean catering, view some of the events we cater for, or give us a date, numbers and dietary requirements, and we’ll get back to you in a working day.
The bottom line
The best Mediterranean catering service near you needs to be your authentic mediterranean kitchen, able to ensure you can experience true Mediterranean cuisine, and should leverage the wholesome and inclusive qualities of Mediterranean cuisine to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Food safety, food hygiene, insurance and allergy information and background and preparation should be checked.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mediterranean event catering?
Typical Mediterranean event caterers usually serve grilled meat or fish, mezze, salads, vegetables, dishes based on rice or grains, dips, bread, and many other things, depending on what the catering company offers on its menu. Just be sure that EMA shows only the dishes that they prepare themselves.
Does Mediterranean catering work for corporate events?
Yes. Typical Mediterranean menus are suitable for corporate lunches, networking events, conferences and parties as they are suited to buffet, sharing or other service styles.
Can I order halal with Mediterranean catering?
Yes. EMA Catering advertises their Turkish and Mediterranean menus can include HMC certified halal meat. Please check with your caterer about the menu options and exact halal specifications.
Will the Mediterranean catering be appropriate for vegetarian and vegan guests?
A number of Mediterranean dishes are suitable for vegetarian and vegan guests and this should be discussed with the caterer.
Can it work for large numbers of guests?
Yes. Mediterranean can be used for large numbers subject to the venue, guest numbers, format and menu. We should confirm the best set up for the event.
What is the cost of Mediterranean event catering?
Costs will vary based on the size of the event, menu choices, staff requirements, travel, venue and service style. EMA will offer a custom price quote once the event details have been supplied.