What Is Fusion-Style Food?

Fusion-style food combines culinary traditions and ingredients from different cultures. It often brings together Eastern and Western recipes, creating exciting taste experiences with contrasting flavors and textures. 

There is no fixed list of recipes that define this cuisine. While there are long-standing favorites, fusion encourages experimentation and imagination, embracing global diversity as its inspiration.

Where Did Fusion Cuisine Come From?

The origins of fusion cuisine are ancient and mysterious. Perhaps for as long as people from different regions have interacted, they have exchanged ingredients, recipes and cooking methods. 

Some iconic recipes are fusion dishes. Arguably, the best-known example is spaghetti and meatballs. Pasta has been central to Italian cuisine for centuries — though historical evidence  â€”  but spaghetti and meatballs emerged thanks to Italian immigrants adapting their classic recipes upon arrival in the United States. Today, it’s a quintessential Italian-American dish. 

What Is Fusion Catering and Why Is It Popular?

Like musical mashups, the fusion food trend is a favorite for parties and events. Here are six reasons why fusion catering is popular for events and why you should consider it for yours:

Creativity: Fusion cuisine allows chefs to express creativity by drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and combining recipes to create new dishes.
Mashup trends: Fusion food resonates with Gen Z foodies who  and switches.
Inclusivity: Fusion dishes can help foster curiosity and appreciation for different cultures and nations.
Accessibility: Fusion cooking combines the familiar and the fresh in novel ways. This can make global cuisines more accessible and serve as a starting point for further exploration. 

Wide appeal: Fusion catering offers broader possibilities for ingredients and flavors than any one national cuisine could. It can delight every palate and adapt to fit every dietary preference at your gathering.
Share-friendliness: Fusion dishes are often memorable and visually appealing because of their contrasting elements. This inspires people to share about their meals and the events that served them on social media, fueling the cuisine’s popularity.

What Makes Fusion Cuisine Work?

There’s more to fusion cuisine than random mix-and-matches of international dishes. A professional catering service can help you craft a delectable menu. Here are four considerations in walking the fine line between fusion hits and misses:

Culinary skill: The fundamentals of good cooking apply to fusion as much as any other style. Choose a catering service with excellent chefs who prepare every dish to high standards. 
Quality ingredients: The best fusion dishes use fresh, authentic, appropriately sourced ingredients that represent the original elements well. 
Harmonious flavors: Though fusion dishes often lean into contrasting flavors, these should be complementary rather than clashing. Setting novelty aside, the food fusion has to taste great. 
Cultural sensitivity: The key to cultural sensitivity in fusion is to celebrate rather than exploit the origins of each element in a dish. Work with caterers and chefs who acknowledge where the original recipes come from and have put thought into their food fusions.

Popular Fusion Dishes to Try

If you’re looking for a few specific fusion recipe ideas to request from your caterer, here are five favorites, ranging from classic combos to today’s trends.

1. Korean Tacos

Korean tacos can refer to any tacos with Korean-inspired fillings. The most popular fillings are sumptuous bulgogi beef and kimchi. Beef alternatives include chicken, pork, turkey and stir-fried vegetables. Kimchi tends to be spicy, and the popular addition of sriracha mayo tops off these tacos with a delicious bite. Authentic Mexican corn tortillas make a tender vessel to hold this flavor explosion together. 

2. Pizza Tacos

This popular pick combines Mexican and Italian elements. It may not end the internet’s debate over whether pizzas or tacos are better, but it could be a superb best-of-both-worlds solution for your event. Pizza forms the base, with all your favorite taco trimmings serving as the toppings. Go-to topping ideas include ground beef, Mexican chorizo, beans, salsa, hot sauce, guacamole, onions and cabbage. 

3. Butter Chicken Pizza

In pizza, Italy has given the world one of its favorite foods. So, it’s no surprise that several delightful fusion dishes build on this classic concept. Along with pizza tacos, another is butter chicken pizza — an Indian-Italian extravaganza. 

Butter chicken pizza starts with a crispy Italian-inspired pizza crust and mozzarella cheese. The butter chicken itself is a spicy chicken dish cooked in a buttery, tomato-based sauce. The curry sauce replaces the usual pizza sauce, while the spicy chicken makes a tasty topping. 

4. Banh Mi Sandwich

This is one of the most iconic fusion dishes to emerge in the 20th century, and it remains popular today. France  during the French Colonial period during the mid-19th century. In the following century, the Vietnamese people created these delicious sandwiches by developing their own style of baguette and adding popular Vietnamese fillings. The traditional banh mi sandwich typically contains pork, chicken or beef, but tofu variations are also popular. The meat version often includes pâ​té, and most versions will have cheese and vegetables. 

5. Fajitas

Fajitas are a classic Tex-Mex fusion dish. The traditional fajita uses skirt steak, but alternatives include other beef cuts, chicken or vegetables. The filling is marinated, then grilled on a barbecue and served on a hot Mexican tortilla. Along with the main filling, tortillas usually have cheddar, onions and peppers.

Get Custom Fusion Catering With ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Ú

If you want to bring a fantastic fusion experience to your next North Carolina event, ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Ú is your premier partner. Our menus draw from decades of culinary experience and diverse cuisines, including:

American
Caribbean
East Asian
Italian
Mediterranean
Mexican
And more!

We provide custom catering solutions on request, so reach out to our friendly team to discuss the fusion delights we can deliver for your event. You’ll get a free consultation to create your ideal menu. Our full catering service includes food preparation, delivery, presentation and cleanup, so all you need to do with the food for your event is order and enjoy!

Contact us for a free catering consultation to create your dream event menu.

Consider Common Dietary Restrictions

Before looking into catering options for your event, consider the most common dietary requirements, including:

Vegetarian
Vegan
Kosher
Lactose intolerance
Gluten free
Food allergies

Some dietary requirements are due to health reasons, like food allergies. There are : milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, soybeans and wheat. Guests might also have cultural or religious preferences where they avoid alcoholic drinks or certain types of meat, like pork or beef.

Gather Dietary Information From Guests

Another way to assist with planning your event catering is to gather dietary information from guests ahead of time. When you have the details before the event, you can plan around specific requirements rather than guessing. For a formal event like a wedding, you might send out RSVPs with questions about dietary restrictions. 

If you are hosting a work event, you can send a company-wide email with a survey to ask each employee about any applicable dietary needs. You can then keep this information on file for future events. 

Plan Your Menu

Once you have an idea of your guests’ dietary requirements, you can begin planning the menu. When choosing a caterer, ask questions about menu customization and how they manage dietary restrictions to discover whether they’re the right fit. Some options that a catering company may offer to account for special requirements include: 

Preparing food with separate utensils to avoid cross-contamination
Setting up a buffet with labeled dishes for dietary restrictions

You can also explore a caterer’s existing menus to see typical options for different diets. Some catering services even offer tasting sessions to give you a better idea of the menu and its flavorful choices for all guests.

Choose an Expert Catering Company

ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Ú offers upscale catering services for any event across the Raleigh-Durham area. We have a selection of customizable menus that allow you to account for any dietary restrictions at your event. Contact us today to start planning your event menu.

Planning a big event can understandably be very stressful. Whether it’s a wedding, large corporate lunch or holiday party, we’ve all been there. There are the usual things to consider — like the guest list and the venue — and then there’s the food. Event food should be delicious, and you’ll want to consider various preferences, allergies and food restrictions. 

At the same time, you don’t want to go way over budget by ordering too much food or getting the most expensive choices. But never fear! You can still throw the event of the year with cheap catering options. After all, just because the meals are more affordable doesn’t mean they’re any less tasty. Here are some of our top ideas and tips for sticking to your catering budget for your upcoming event. 

General Tips for Catering on a Budget

Before we dive into some inexpensive catering menu ideas, here are some budget-related catering tips.

1. Opt for a Buffet Style

Catering a plated dinner service is often more expensive than offering a buffet. A buffet may be the perfect solution for your event, as it can keep costs lower and allow guests to choose from a wider variety of foods. Picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions or allergies will love being able to choose exactly what they want. 

Buffets also encourage your guests to interact with one another and allow you to forgo hiring servers for your event. This way, guests can help themselves to whatever amount of food they wish.

2. Choose Cheaper Alternatives

Whether hosting a black-tie wedding or a casual corporate lunch, you can offer guests delicious food without serving top-dollar filet mignon. Beef, chicken, shrimp and burgers are examples of more affordable protein options that are just as mouthwatering as an expensive steak. Serving some vegetarian options also caters to a more diverse crowd and helps keep costs low. 

3. Control the Duration of the Event

Some catering businesses charge by the hour, especially if servers are included. In this case, it’s best to watch the clock and consider how long the dining portion of the event will last. For example, you can save costs by trimming your four-hour corporate lunch to two hours. If you’re planning a wedding, discuss your needs with your catering company to prevent paying for the time after everyone has finished eating. 

4. Consider the Alcohol 

Serving alcohol — such as via an open bar — can increase your catering price. If you want to offer alcohol to your guests but are looking to keep catering costs low, consider serving only wine and beer. Liquor is often much more expensive, and you’ll have to find a caterer with a license to serve alcohol. Limiting alcohol to wine and beer can help you keep costs under control. 

When it comes to all beverages, you might just want to supply your own. Most guests will be happy with simple soft drinks, water and assorted teas!

5. Consider the Time of Day 

When catering to large groups, the time of day can also influence your bill. Depending on the caterer you choose, you might find that their dinnertime offerings are pricier than their daytime menus. Breakfast and lunch options are generally cheaper than dinner. Lighter fares or finger foods can also be more affordable than a full-course meal, and these snacky options are perfect for happy hour events. Most caterers also have seasonal menus, which may include more affordable in-season items.  

Budget-Friendly Catering Ideas

Affordable meals can make just as much of an impression as pricier options. Here are our top recommendations for the cheapest catering options. 

1. Breakfast for Dinner 

Breakfast foods tend to be less expensive than dinner menu items. For instance, catering a party with a breakfast buffet, yogurt bar and fresh fruit may help you save on costs compared to a steak and shrimp plated dinner. Choosing a “breakfast for lunch” or “breakfast for dinner” theme can also be a fun way to get people to engage with your event and make it unique. A corporate gathering where everyone eats scrambled eggs and cheesy grits or a daytime wedding with waffles on the menu will keep people talking. 

2. Brunch

If a full-on breakfast doesn’t seem like the vibe of the event, you can compromise and save money by serving brunch. Brunch is perfect for events like bridal showers, baby showers, graduation parties, birthday parties and much more. It’s also a cheaper alternative to serving dinner. As the name suggests, a typical brunch menu includes breakfast and lunch foods that your guests can enjoy and that are relatively easy to prepare. Eggs, bacon, fruit, biscuits, oatmeal, scones, sandwiches and bakery goods are just some of the options you can have at your event. 

Serving brunch also creates a more casual and relaxed atmosphere. The laid-back catering menu may encourage your guests to mingle and enjoy each other’s company even more. 

3. Boxed Lunches

A top concern with catering for any event is food waste. It’s a delicate balance: You don’t want a bunch of leftovers, but you also don’t want to run out of food before everyone has eaten. So, if you’re hosting a large social event, avoid excess food and try catering specialty boxed lunches to keep costs low and ensure every guest gets a delicious meal. Boxed lunches are perfect for work meetings or special events where employees can enjoy their meals together and feel more productive. 

This is one of the best cheap lunch catering ideas because it offers a personalization solution. Each person can choose from a limited menu or mix and match items to get exactly what they want. Usually, sides and desserts are the same for everyone, but your guests can choose from various flavorful entrees that meet their tastes and dietary restrictions. For instance, they might choose a classic turkey avocado BLT or a spinach avocado cheddar sandwich if they’re vegetarian. This option removes the issues of food waste while ensuring everyone gets to choose from a handful of items. 

4. Classic BBQ

Who doesn’t love a good barbecue? Catering delectable Southern dishes can make any event feel more personable and inviting. This menu choice could be perfect for your backyard wedding or family reunion over the holidays. Some common Southern BBQ items include:

Macaroni and cheese
Beef brisket
BBQ chicken 
Baked ham 
Green beans
Cornbread
Bread rolls
Salads
Corn on the cob
Strawberry shortcake 

You can find many caterers who offer BBQ options and work with them to find the perfect menu that fits your needs. Though this option is cheaper, it will leave your guests feeling just as satisfied. 

5. Build-Your-Own Soup and Salad Bar

Similar to a buffet, a soup and salad bar is one of the most budget-friendly catering options out there. Generally, meats and specialty items tend to be more expensive. Sticking to simpler foods like salad and soup can prevent you from overspending while providing plenty of choice. Your guests can choose from several classic mouthwatering soups, such as: 

Chicken tortilla 
Chicken noodle
 Broccoli cheddar
Tomato bisque
Vegetable soup

After that, they can create a salad of their choice from a limited menu. This type of catering is perfect for a business lunch or early morning meeting that is shorter in duration or falls outside of regular meal times. This build-your-own menu gives guests just what they need to feel full and satisfied without needing a three-course meal. 

6. Functional Finger Foods 

Catering finger foods like sandwiches, pigs in a blanket and buffalo chicken dip is a great way to offer plenty of variety on a budget. Fingers foods are easy to eat, so you usually won’t need utensils. Like the other casual options we mentioned, having a spread of finger foods also makes it easier for guests to mingle at your event without being tied to a table. 

With finger foods, you promote more socialization and engagement while providing a large selection of delicious options. Finger foods can be well-suited for large sports gatherings, birthday parties, pool parties or even cocktail hour at your wedding. Other examples of finger foods might include sliders, meatballs, spring rolls, crab cakes and hummus. 

7. Tea Sandwiches and Cheese Boards 

Not all events necessarily require a sit-down formal dinner. If you’re hosting a business lunch with the goal of getting employees and partners to socialize, having tea sandwiches and cheese boards can inspire more mingling. While charcuterie boards are certainly popular and delicious, having a wide variety of meats may be a bit more expensive. 

Not to mention, menus heavily relying on charcuterie meat can exclude vegetarian or vegan guests. With a lighter afternoon tea menu, you can save money on the cured meats. For example, your social event menu could include a pimento cheese tea sandwich, cheese and crackers, or chicken salad croissants. 

8. Appetizers Instead of Entrees

Like finger foods and cheese boards, catering assorted snack items can also be a cost-effective way of feeding your guests. Some caterers offer sides or snack options that you can pick and choose from to create a simple lunch. In some cases, you can find a “light” menu that has simpler items, such as hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, fruit and bread. 

If you want more of an afternoon appetizer theme, combining several snack items can give you a flavorful yet cheaper menu. Some examples of snack items or appetizers you can offer include:

Chips and salsa
Cheese and crackers
Assorted fruit
Assorted nuts
Vegetable or artichoke dip
Potato chips 
Granola bars 
Trail mix
Cookies and brownies 
Popcorn
Assorted mini candy bars 

These items would be perfect for a celebratory lunch in the office, a movie night event or a social hour for new employees. 

9. Cost-Conscious Options 

No matter what event you’re planning, be sure to ask around to see what budget-friendly alternatives caterers offer. Some will have specific inexpensive catering menus or cost-conscious options for this purpose. Working with a caterer that offers cheaper alternatives means you can worry less and focus on other event priorities. Budget-friendly lunch or dinner menus may offer classic items like chicken marsala, potatoes, grilled veggies and dinner rolls. To reduce costs even further, ask about making your menu into a buffet-style. 

When in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask your caterer what they offer. They’ll be happy to work with you and customize the menu to meet your budget and guests’ needs. 

10. Family Style Meals

Hosting a family reunion, birthday party or holiday event? Catering an event with your closest loved ones is the perfect opportunity to choose a family-style menu. You can enjoy all the classic foods you love around the holidays, such as a juicy carved turkey or Virginia baked ham, without overspending. 

Family style encourages everyone to share and serve themselves on big platters of food, making everyone feel like they’re part of one big family. Talk to your caterer about their family-style options and see if they offer additional upgrades. 

Cheaper Catering Alternatives FAQ

Have other questions about keeping your catering costs low? We’ve rounded up a few questions and answers for you below. 

What Are Some Affordable Dessert Options?

Depending on the type of event, you might be able to offer various desserts in large quantities that still fit your budget, including:

Cookies 
Brownies
Cake squares
Various cheesecake slices 
Miniature desserts
Dessert shooters

How Else Can I Save on Catering for an Event?

To save extra money, consider cutting back on beverages or desserts. Usually, daytime events won’t necessarily need desserts, and you can provide self-serve drinks stations for guests if needed. You might consider setting up a DIY beverage bar where guests can mix their drinks to their liking without having to pay for individual drinks or an open bar. 

To minimize costs, the most effective thing you can do is start with a simple menu. Depending on the size of your event, you probably won’t need to offer five or six sides. You can also use disposable dinnerware and utensils to save money and time on cleanup. Finally, consider your portions. If you have a plated dinner, stick to smaller plate sizes to prevent guests from feeling overly full and limit food waste. 

Cater Your Next Budget-Friendly Event With ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Ú 

Whether you’re planning your wedding day or a corporate lunch to raise employee morale, food is at the heart of what brings people together. However, that doesn’t mean you have to overspend to feed your entire party. If you want quality food for your upcoming event without breaking the bank, ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Ú can help you find a menu that fits your needs. 

For over 20 years, we’ve offered friendly, professional catering services in the Raleigh-Durham “Research Triangle” area. We provide preparation, delivery, presentation and cleanup options. We also make it easy to customize our made-to-order menu options so you can create something truly unique. We’d be happy to work with you to make your day as stress-free as possible. Contact us today to plan your next catering event or view our menusÌý´Ç²Ô±ô¾±²Ô±ð.Ìý

Are you thinking of hiring a professional caterer for your next event? When determining how to find a caterer, you should consider a few important factors, such as the type of service required for your event and things to look for in a catering company. Keep reading for plenty of useful information so you can hire the best caterer for your event.

What Is Catering?

A catering service makes and provides food and drinks for gatherings such as parties, weddings and business events. The business will prepare a selection of refreshments — whether it’s hors d’oeuvres or a three-course meal — for the party’s guests. This menu is pre-approved by the person hiring the catering business.

What Services Do Caterers Provide?

A professional caterer can tailor your event’s menu to meet your exact specifications while fulfilling any special food requests. Some catering companies will simply prepare the food and drop it off at a designated location. A full-service catering business often includes additional services such as setting up and tending to the buffet, refilling beverages and cleaning up afterward.

4 Types of Catering to Consider

Below are the four common types of event catering to help you decide which one suits your gathering the best:

1. Corporate Catering

If you work in administration, you may have been tasked with ordering food for your office at some point. The service of providing food for a company’s employees is referred to as corporate catering.

This kind of catering extends to a range of small and large gatherings — private office meetings, employee trainings, regional events and more. Popular choices for business events are boxed lunches, dinner buffets and continental breakfasts.

Per the company’s request, a catering business can provide corporate catering services on a regular basis or for one-time events.

2. Wedding Catering

There’s no denying that food and drinks are a major part of a wedding, making wedding catering a critical service to consider. It’s important to plan a menu that ties in with your wedding theme and the season while accommodating any special dietary needs of your guests.

Hiring a wedding caterer takes a considerable amount of stress off any couple as they plan out the other details of their wedding and it allows for amazing food and beverage options to make their special day even more memorable.

3. Social Event Catering

Life is full of exciting achievements and milestones that call for celebration — what better way to commemorate a special moment than with food? A social event caterer provides food and drinks for birthday parties, holiday parties, graduation parties, retirement parties and other social events. Whether it’s a summertime barbecue or a Christmas party, a skilled catering company can fulfill the needs of any seasonal celebration.

4. Concession Catering

When you attend a large public event such as a sports game or concert, you’ll more than likely find catered food such as hotdogs, burgers, nachos, fries and soft drinks. That kind of catering is known as concession catering. Because a concession caterer will be tasked with whipping up large amounts of food to accommodate big crowds, it’s crucial to hire a pro.

What Should You Look for in a Catering Company?

Below are some important points to consider before selecting and hiring a catering company for your next event:

1. Flexibility

Though most caterers will have standard menu items to choose from, they’ll often allow some level of flexibility to accommodate special requests for your event. If you wish to substitute or customize a specific item in some way, or you need to provide options for guests with special dietary needs, speak with the caterer to see whether they can make the necessary menu accommodations.

2. Communication

A reliable caterer will regularly communicate with their clients throughout the entire process to ensure both parties are on the same page. Ideally, they’ll schedule meetings with you leading up to the event, discuss what’s expected of you on your end and allow you to sample menu items. The caterer will also answer any questions you may have regarding the process and clear up any points of confusion. Like any other type of business, strong communication skills are essential for caterers.

3. Reviews and References

Generally speaking, positive reviews and feedback from references indicate that the caterer is trustworthy and can perform the job well.

Before choosing a catering service, read online reviews and testimonials from previous clients. Then, when you contact the caterer, consider asking for some references so you can speak directly with someone who has worked with them in the past. This can give you a better idea of their experience, professionalism and ability to work with others.

Additionally, you can ask the caterer questions regarding their certifications. Of course, food safety is extremely important to consider, so knowing that your caterer is fully competent in that regard may help you feel more comfortable about hiring them.

Why Should You Hire a Catering Company?

Next are some reasons to consider hiring a catering company for your corporate event, wedding, public or social event:

1. High-Quality Foods and Beverages

One of the most clear-cut reasons to hire a professional caterer is that they can provide high-quality food and beverages for your event. With careful attention to detail and an impeccable level of skill devoted to every dish, a catering service can provide amazing food and drinks guaranteed to wow your guests. Treat your guests to a wonderful dining experience to take your event to another level.

2. Great Presentation

In addition to how the food tastes, presentation is an equally important factor to consider. Fortunately, a caterer will ensure each dish tastes as good as it looks. The catering service will accommodate the theme and nature of your event by providing a beautiful and picturesque plate and table presentation.

3. Reduces Stress

With extensive menu planning, ingredient shopping, setup and cleanup, providing your own food for an event can be a headache — especially when you already have so many other aspects to plan. By letting someone else handle that responsibility, you can focus on other details of the event and save yourself considerable amounts of time, stress and energy.

Contact ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Ú for Your Next Event

If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced caterer to handle your next event, ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Ú is your professional solution. Whether you’re planning a corporate meeting, wedding or social event, we provide reasonably-priced full catering services with exceptional service and quality food.

We’re devoted to meeting the needs of every client with individualized attention. To learn more about what ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Ú can do for your next event, contact us today!