Plan Your Event: Everything You Need to Know Before Booking a Catering Service in Mumbai
Mumbai is known as the ‘Food Lover’s Paradise’, and for all the right reasons too. This city is a hub of cuisines from all across the country and the world. As they say, ‘if you want it, Mumbai has got it. ’ Catering has an together a different meaning when it comes to Mumbai city; it implies food, being on time and also being taken care of. This is where a reliable food catering service comes into the picture. As you are busy with the hustle and bustle of the city, food is an aspect you wish you did not have to worry about. But, with multiple options available, one needs to be all the more careful. So, let us take a look at some of the factors to consider when booking a food catering service in Mumbai:
Food Catering Service: What to Watch Out For
Here are some aspects to consider when booking your caterer:
- Your Catering Requirements
The technical aspect of your food catering services is termed as the ‘requirements’.
The event type: Sit-down meal/ Cocktail Party/ Buffet/ Food stall setup
The Cuisine Type: North Indian/ Mediterrairian/ Chinease/ Continental/ Local
The Guest Count: This is the number of people for whom you are planning the event.
The Budget: This is one of the most important aspects to consider before you book. How much are you willing to shell out on food?
Be sure to ask yourself these ‘technical questions’ on priority before you zero in on a catering service. Now let us get on to the next important aspect.
- Your Options: The Perfect Caterer
As mentioned earlier, Mumbai is a ‘global city’ where people from all across the world come for various reasons. Here, you might discover a delicious Paasta on a roadside stall or a Paani-Puri in a 5-star setup! So, how do you make your selection?
The Top Options: These are the food-catering services that are well reviewed and popular across the city. Some of these include Aswad, The Bohri Kitchen, and Taj Catering.
The Specials: Most times there are special requirements when it comes to your food preferences: Halaal, Jain, Vegan, Keto. Be sure to take a look at these considerations.
The Budget: As always, the budget falls in all aspects of the food catering service and you need to look into it when deciding on one.
- The Taste
After all, it is all about ‘stimulating your taste buds’ at the end of the day. After you have paid a reasonable amount, you expect your food to make you happy. This is where food sampling and customization come into pthe icture.
The Quality: This is the prime aspect to consider when sampling from a food catering service.
- Are they fresh?
- What are the hygienic protocols followed by the service?
- What is the quality of the ingredients selected?
The Variety: How well is your food catering service with the varieties they are offering? Also be sure to ask them if they provide ‘specific food preferences’ like Jain, Gluten-free and Halaal.
The Presentation: Do they understand your presentation needs for food catering? Do you want in in a box-meal type, plate service, tiffin or Buffet? Overall, your meal should also appear appealing.
- The Price-Tag and Hidden Costs
This is by-far the most important part of selecting a food catering service:
Service charges: Whats Included: the staff, the utensils, and the setup?
Packaging Costs Vs Per Plate: Do they provide pay per plate per person or is it a fixed packaging.
Extra Fee: Be sure to clear out if they charge extra for outdoor services, late night or last-minute changes.
- Delivery And Logistics
What is included in their services?
The Set-up: Do they require a kitchen setup? Do they get their own equipment?
The Timings: How is their event scheduling like:
- Are the catering services you have opted for ready to handle multiple servings?
- Do they serve: starters, main course and dessert separately?
The Leftovers: Will you be given charge of the food leftover?
The Experience: In case of an important event be sure to opt for a food catering service which is well-experienced in weddings and corporate events.
- The Safety Standards
Safety standards have grown in priority specially post-COVID. Also, for most of us, ‘food handling’ is quite important. Be sure to clarify if:
- It is FSSAI compliant
- Follows the HACCP guidelines
- Follows safety protocols: Sanitized kitchen, contactless serving, PPE for kitchen staff.
- The Backup Plan and Cancellations
Once you have decided on the Menu, the budget and the safety standards; you need to take care of the cancellation policies:
- What is their Refund policy like?
- Are there any backup arrangements in case of emergencies?
- What are the arrangements in case the caterer cancels last minute?
- The Contract
Now, that you have undergone all the details of the menu, catering and cancellations; what does your contract looks like? Be sure to check the following:
- The Final Menu with the pricing
- Setup and Breakdown timings
- Satffing Details: the number of staff and chefs for the event.
- Payment Terms: The balance payment deadline and the Advance amount.
- Feedback Time
The party is over. But there is a lot you can still get done post-event. Be sure to:
- Take the guest feedback after the event for food and services
- Keep the contract and the contact for later events if you like their services
- Share your reviews with the food catering service for further improvement.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Mumbai is one such city that boasts of some of the best food catering services. The best part is that you can enjoy any food item you desire; probably in any range aswell! However when planning an event, you need to take care of various aspects as there are other people (the guests) also involved. Hence, safety, hygiene, food preferences are just as important as the taste-apsect. Lastly, early planning and giving enough time for the final decision is a wise move to make.
