If you’ve been tasked with overseeing the catering for an upcoming event, dietary restrictions are a factor you need to incorporate into planning. From severe food allergies to personal eating philosophies, there are many reasons why diners may need to avoid certain foods. With some careful consideration, you can meet all guests’ needs and preferences at your gathering. 

3 Tips for Accommodating Dietary Restrictions With Catering

1. Identify Restrictions in Advance

If possible, gather information from your guests to identify any dietary restrictions. Don’t forget to factor in additional causes for restriction, like personal beliefs, medical conditions, and pregnancy. Vegetarians, vegans, and diners with soy, lactose, or gluten allergies are a few examples of populations who may need special menus.

2. Keep Your Caterer Informed

Once you’ve established which dietary restrictions your guests have, keep your caterers in the loop. This information will help them make menu recommendations to suit your event and plan for an appropriate amount of food to accommodate all guests. They may also offer alternative dining arrangements such as catering stations or buffets to give attendees the freedom to choose food items that fit their needs. This is especially helpful if a dietary restriction goes unmentioned, which might cause a delay with traditional plated table service.

3. Provide a Range of Options

The most effective way to ensure all of your guests have options they can enjoy is to provide a range of dishes. Most caterers offer prix fixe menus featuring a variety of foods, which may include a combination of seafood, poultry, meat, vegetables, sides, and desserts. A flexible team will work with you to add or omit options to create a customized experience fit for all of your attendees. For example, if you know you’ll have multiple vegetarians in attendance, you might order an extra vegetable dish to give your diners more choices.

If you have an event approaching in the Honolulu, HI, area, allow Natsunoya Tea House to provide catering services customized to your unique needs. Featuring an exquisite sushi menu along with banquet selections like teriyaki steak, shrimp and vegetable tempura, and miso soup, this experienced team blends Japanese and local cuisines for a rich dining experience that will please every palate. In addition to exquisite banquet room rentals, they offer catering at locations of your choice. Browse through their menu options online, or call (808) 595-4488 to start planning your event.