5 Unique Office Catering Ideas to Impress Your Team

Are you tired of the same old convenience store sandwiches, pizzas, Banh Mis, and Com Tam that everyone has had countless times? I know we are.

So, we’ve come up with 5 unique lunch catering ideas that will wow your teammates at the office (and boost their morale by surprising them and getting them something new, of course). The proposed options below are ideal for any occasion, whether it's a casual corporate lunch, a celebration, or a retreat. Let’s dive right into the different catering ideas that will excite and satiate your teams.

Source: Mrs Grazen Catering

Banh Mi Charcuterie Board

No, charcuterie board does not have to be an appetizer or reside only at fancy events. This Banh Mi Charcuterie concept has taken TikTok and Instagram users by storm in the last year. It combines all the beloved elements of a classic banh mi sandwich, presented in an eye-catching, bite-sized format that’s perfect for sharing.

Here’s a glimpse of how the board comes together:

• Proteins: Grilled Lemongrass Chicken, Char Siu Pork, Giò (Vietnamese Sausages), Tofu (Marinated in Soy and Ginger), Pâté (Pork or Chicken Liver), or Foie Gras

• Sliced Vietnamese Banh Mi

• Vegetables and Herbs: Pickled Carrots and Daikon, Cucumber Slices, Fresh Cilantro, Red/Green Chili Pepper

• Spreads and Sauces: Room-temp Margarine or Butter, Mayo, Soy Sauce

Presentation Tips

• Arrange the Board: Use a large, flat wooden board or platter. Place small bowls for sauces and spreads around the board.

• Layer the Ingredients: Start with larger items like proteins and bread slices. Arrange them in sections to create visual appeal.

• Add Vegetables: Fill in the gaps with colorful vegetables, put watery pickled veggies in a container to prevent the juice from soaking the bread.

• Garnish and Serve: Provide small plates and napkins for easy eating.

Source: Facebook

American-Chinese Buffet

Want to know what appeals to the hungry offices of both Asians and Westerners? American Chinese food. Though American-Chinese food might be a little different from what you can get at the dumpling stalls in District 5 of Saigon, its charm comes from the Chinese migrants’ pragmatic utilization of American staple crops like broccoli, tomato, and oranges, paired with household proteins like chicken and beef to yield a product reminiscent of Chinese flavor. This spread brings together beloved takeout favorites like Lo Mien, Sweet and Sour Chicken,... perfect for satisfying diverse palates and encouraging team bonding over a delicious meal.

Here’s what a Chinese-American buffet would look like for your office lunch:

• Main: General Tso's Chicken, Beef and Broccoli, Sweet and Sour Pork, Kung Pao Shrimp

• Sides: Vegetable Lo Mein, Egg Rolls, Crab Rangoon, Fried Rice, Steamed Dumplings

• Salads and Cold Dishes: Asian Cucumber Salad, Seaweed Salad

• Desserts: Fortune Cookies, Almond Pudding, Sesame Rice Balls

• Drinks: Green Tea, Lemon Water

Presentation tips:

• Buffet Setup: Arrange the dishes on a long table, keeping hot foods warm with chafing dishes or warmers.

• Serving Utensils: Provide plenty of serving spoons and tongs for easy self-service.

• Decor: Add a touch of Asian-inspired decor, such as bamboo mats, lanterns, and chopstick holders, to enhance the dining experience.

Looking for American-Chinese for your next office event? Make it happen with Saigon Social, your office foodie friend connecting you with 100+ vetted caterers and venues for events in Vietnam

Source: Flacos Tacos

Build-Your-Own Taco Bar

There's something uniquely enjoyable about a "Build-Your-Own" taco bar. The concept, originating from the vibrant street food culture of Mexico, has become a beloved staple in social gatherings for its interactive and customizable nature. A taco bar allows everyone to craft their perfect taco, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences effortlessly. It's a fun and engaging way to bring colleagues together, promoting teamwork and conversation in a relaxed setting. Perfect for breaking the monotony of routine office lunches, a build-your-own taco bar can transform an ordinary meal into a memorable event, fostering a sense of community and boosting team morale.

Presentation Tips

• Arrange the Bar: Use a long table or counter to set up the taco bar. Place all ingredients in separate bowls or containers for easy access.

• Layer the Ingredients: Start with the taco shells on one end, followed by the proteins, and then the toppings and sauces.

• Keep It Neat: Use serving utensils for each ingredient to keep the bar tidy and to prevent cross-contamination.

• Garnish and Serve: Provide small plates and napkins, as well as taco holders if available,

Want to save time organizing? Contact Saigon Social for an effortless taco office lunch from the most sought-after taco place in town!

Source: Pizza and Go

DIY Pizza Party

Few things bring people together quite like pizza. The DIY pizza party takes this universally loved food to the next level by making it an interactive, fun, and customizable experience. Originating from Italy, pizza has become a global favorite, adapting to various tastes and cultures. Hosting a DIY pizza party in the office is a fantastic way to foster creativity, collaboration, and camaraderie among team members. It allows everyone to personalize their own pizzas with their favorite ingredients, ensuring a meal that satisfies all dietary preferences and cravings. Think the classic tangy and mellow tomato sauce, or the herb-filled basil pesto with a pungent punch of garlic, accompanied by the variety of cheese that contributes to both the texture and flavor; or the ability to opt for plant-based protein and gluten-free options. 

Presentation Tips

• Layer the Ingredients: Start with the pizza bases on one end, followed by the sauces, cheeses, proteins, vegetables, and finally the herbs and spices.

• Cooking: Provide a few small ovens or countertop pizza makers if available, or prepare to cook pizzas in batches in the office kitchen oven.

• Serve: Provide pizza cutters, plates, and napkins

Source: Crowded Kitchen

Healthy Power Bowls

Power bowls are perfect snacks as they cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences. These bowls are often referred to as "Buddha bowls" or "grain bowls," offering versatile and customizable way to enjoy balanced mix of proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, helping to maintain energy levels and focus throughout the workday. Setting up a build-your-own power bowl station can turn an ordinary lunch into a healthful and interactive experience, promoting wellness and camaraderie among team members.

A glance at a customizable power bowl bar:

• Bases: Quinoa, Brown Rice, Mixed Greens, Cauliflower Rice

• Proteins: Grilled Chicken, Tofu, Chickpeas, Hard-Boiled Eggs

• Vegetables: Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, Bell Peppers, Avocado

• Toppings: Nuts, Seeds, Dried Fruits, Hummus

• Dressings: Lemon Tahini, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Green Goddess Dressing

Saigon Social is your go-to destination for all your corporate catering needs. Visit our website to discover the town's most beloved restaurant and share the experience with your team.

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