Corporate events serve a variety of purposes, tailored to meet specific goals and audiences. Client-focused events, such as product launches, business dinners, and appreciation events, aim to strengthen relationships, showcase new offerings, and are designed to impress and engage, often featuring high-end catering and sophisticated settings to leave a lasting positive impression.
On the other hand, events for internal company staff, such as team-building activities and training sessions focus on fostering camaraderie and boosting morale. These events are essential for maintaining a motivated and cohesive workforce. Internal events often emphasize a more relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, with catering that caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, ensuring that all employees feel valued and included.
Bento Services
Bento services have the food packed into a bento box which makes it convenient for delivery and consumption. Minimal set-up is required at the event, and the area can be easily cleaned up after the meal. This is preferable for informal events such as teambuildings, seminars or training sessions.
This is suitable for both large- and small-scale events, however most caterers typically have a minimum order requirement of 10 or 15 pax. Bento sets also typically feature dry foods so dishes such as Laksa or noodles cannot be served in a bento set.
| Caterer | Price Range Per Pax | Min. Order (Pax) | Delivery Fee |
| Chefscatering | $5.80-$10.80 | 12-19, depending on dish | $30, +$10 for CBD |
| Old Chang Kee | $7.20 – $9.50 | 30 | Not Stated |
| Express Bento | Value – $5.00 Express – $7.00 Deluxe – $8.50 Premium – $10.00 Executive – $11.50 Healthier Executive – $10.50 | Value – 100 Others – 60 | $50 if food bill is less than $1,500. |
| ChilliApi | Classic – $9.80 Executive – $13.80 Premium – $16.80 | Classic – 30 Executive – 20 Premium – 20 | Not Stated |
| Stamford | Bento – $15.50 Premium – $35-40 | Min 10 per menu | Not Stated |
Mini-Buffet Services
Source: Select Catering
Mini-Buffet Services is the ‘dabao’ version of a full buffet. In general, you get a large spread where everyone gets to take what they want unlike a bento set, but they will come in plastic containers. This is excellent for a small group of people and for a cosy gathering, especially since the setup and space required is minimal.
This does still mean that you have to set up on your own – opening the various boxes, and you are likely to get disposable cutlery. However, the menu options are wider, and it is possible to get different kinds of cuisine, including curry, gravy or even soup.
Many mini-buffet services stipulate a different minimum order quantity based upon the menu chosen.
| Caterer | Price Range Per Pax | Min. Order (Pax) |
| Stamford | Standard – $15 – 22 International – $21 – $30 Healthier – $16 – $18 | 10 – 15 |
| Orange Clove | $10 – $28 | 15 – 25 |
| Neo Garden | $10 – $27.99 | 10 – 25 |
| Select Catering | $18.50 – $23.50 | 10 – 15 |
| Katong Catering | $14.80 – $16.80 | Multiples of 10 Pax |
| Delihub Catering | $10.00 – $27.99 | 10 – 20 |
| FattyDaddyFattyMummy | $13.49 – $17.09 | 10-25 |
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Buffet Services
Buffet services will usually be for larger groups of people and will usually come with provided banquet tables and cutlery. Some buffets can cater to smaller groups of people; however, they will generally be more costly than Bento and Mini-Buffets. This option is generally more suitable for more formal events.
Many Buffet services stipulate a different minimum order based on the menu chosen.
| Caterer | Price Range Per Pax | Min. Order (Pax) |
| ChilliApi | $24.80 – $32.80 | 20 |
| Neo Garden | $15.99 – $36.99 | 30 – 50 |
| Hows Catering | $18.00 – $28.00 | 25 – 35 |
| Stamford | $17.00 – $23.00 | 20 – 30 |
| Delihub | $15.99 – $40.99 | 30 – 50 |
Considerations
The first consideration is the menu options to suit your guests. Most caterers on the list have options that are halal. Non-beef eaters will generally be happy to stay away from the beef dishes, however to play safe, it is generally a good idea to stick mainly to chicken-based dishes during ordering.
It is also important to ensure that you have dishes that can cater for vegeterians, especially if it might be possible to have vegeterians at your event.
Another consideration is the number of people who will be at the event. In general, for formal events, it may be advisable to ensure that there is more food available. This number will also affect the dishes and menus you can order, since caterers stipulate a minimum order quantity.
It is also important to consider the social aspects of the event. Bento sets will almost certainly guarantee that your guests will not move around to mingle much. Buffets are probably best, however they are also the most costly and generally need the highest minimum order. For cozy in-house events, a mini-buffet could tick all the boxes, providing a genuinely enjoyable feast, while also keeping within a relatively affordable budget.
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