Whether you just need a mini buffet for an intimate family gathering, or you’re hosting a big birthday bash for the kiddos – these family-friendly catering services got your back!
Having planned birthday parties for two kids in the past four years, I can confidently say that party prep can be tiring. Whether it’s a small family gathering, or a high-energy affair with kids on bouncy castles – each scale comes with its own set of challenges. Personally, it’s the food prep that tires me (I’m not great at cooking, you see).
After having attended a few kids’ birthday parties where catering services were hired, I was convinced to try it out for one of my kids’ third birthday. And guess what – it was one of the best decisions, ever.
So here’s my tried-and-tested list of caterers, plus some recommended by friends, that serve delicious food and offer healthier options for kids. Some even specialise in buffet setups just for kids’ birthdays. Hopefully you’ll find it useful for your next party!
1. Stamford Catering: Mini buffet catering for 10 pax and up
Stamford Catering is one of the most popular caterers in town, and with good reason. This halal-certified caterer has over 20 years of experience in catering for a wide range of functions, from birthdays to corporate events, and even weddings and baby showers.
What does this caterer offer?
Whether it’s a small gathering with a group of 10, or a grand party for 30 pax and more – Stamford Catering has got you covered with mini and regular buffets serving up a variety of cuisines. Planning a barbecue? Check out its BBQ buffet menu that includes hearty meat dishes and fresh seafood. And yes, Stamford Catering’s services include setup and decor too!
Is there anything for the kids?
Not only does Stamford Catering have dedicated menus for kids’ and babies’ parties, it also offers a Disney-themed decoration package add-on to make your little ones’ celebrations a memorable one. You can’t go wrong with kid-friendly staples like drumlets and chicken bolognese; and the setup choice of Mickey, Minnie, or Frozen is bound to put a smile on any kids’ faces.
How to order: Stamford Catering, order online.
2. Grain: Halal buffet catering
Here’s one that keeps coming up when I first reached out to my mum village for kid-friendly catering recommendations. Grain is known for serving halal wholesome meals made from nutritious ingredients, so it’s not surprising to see that it’s one of the go-to caterers for kids’ parties.
What does this caterer offer?
Grain offers mini buffets for intimate gatherings with as little as 10 pax, as well as classic buffet catering to big parties of 30 pax and more. The butterfly blue pea rice is a must-try: we had it at a kid’s birthday party once and my son still remembers how tasty it was (and pretty too). If you’re looking for light bites like sandwiches and other finger food, Grain has high tea catering for all party sizes too.
Is there anything for the kids?
With dishes made from nutritious ingredients, it’s safe to say that most dishes by Grain are kid-friendly. However, do take note of allergens, and some dishes (eg. Grain curry chicken and nonya assam fish curry) may be too spicy for little ones.
How to order: Grain, order online.
3. All Things Delicious: Halal catering from a renowned bakery & cafe
As its name suggests, get ready for all things delicious with this halal family-friendly caterer! Operating as a bakery as well, All Things Delicious dishes some of the yummiest sandwiches and pastries in town. Perfect if you’re hosting a tea time party.
What does this caterer offer?
Looking for catering for less than 10 pax? All Things Delicious has platters for gatherings as small as eight people. I got this once for a (very) mini baby shower with close friends and absolutely love the smoked salmon crostini. There are also mini buffets, featuring pasta trays and sumptuous mains like roasted organic kampung chicken and a variety of sharing platters. And if you’re throwing a birthday bash, why not add a cake to your order too?
Is there anything for the kids?
Kids will love the refreshing mezze and fresh fruit platters, and not to mention the beautifully made mini cakes and pastries. You can also rest assured that these desserts are on the healthier side, as All Things Delicious doesn’t use refined sugar or artificial colours and sweeteners. Oh, and did we mention it’s halal-certified too?
How to order: All Things Delicious, order online.
4. Lush Platters: Grazing boards for parties
Lush Platters isn’t just known for its super Instagram-worthy grazing boards – it does catering too, with spreads that look just as fab. If you and your guests are fans of artisanal cheeses, dips, and charcuterie, then this should be top of your list.
What does this caterer offer?
Both of Lush Platters’ mini buffets (minimum 10 pax) and buffet table packages come with salads, sides, meat and vegetarian mains, as well as dessert. Mains include herb lemon rice, creamy Tuscan chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, baked salmon, and more. If you’re planning for a larger guest list, we recommend you get the buffet and grazing table bundle to enjoy Lush Platters’ signature cheese and charcuterie too.
Is there anything for the kids?
You can’t go wrong with cheese, fresh bread, fruits, and honey with the kiddos. If you want to make sure the little ones have a proper meal during the party, there are ‘kid-safe’ options like aglio olio pasta, roasted chicken (boneless – yay!), baked salmon, and baked seabass.
How to order: Lush Platters, order online.
5. Elsie’s Kitchen: Mini buffet catering serving local cuisine
Looking for a caterer that serves great local fare? I’ve personally tried Elsie’s Kitchen at a friend’s baby full moon and quite like it. This catering company specialises in Asian cuisine and has been in the business since the 50s! Just like the saying: it may be an oldie, but it’s a goldie.
What does this caterer offer?
We love that Elsie’s Kitchen has such a diverse range of catering menus to choose from: Thai, Indonesian, Peranakan, Indian, Chinese, fusion – you name it. This is available for both its mini party sets and buffet catering. Take note that the minimum number of guests required for its mini party sets is 15 pax.
Is there anything for the kids?
Go for variety (like the mini wok hei pantry set) instead of cuisine-specific menus so the kiddos will have more to choose from. Dishes like egg fu yong, Japanese garlic fried rice, baked fish with gula melaka and miso glaze are some kid-friendly options you can consider. Alternatively, there’s a healthier recipes buffet catering menu available as well. Plus, we heard you can request Elsie’s Kitchen to customise the setup according to your (or your kids’) dream theme.
How to order: Elsie’s Kitchen, order online.
6. Kim Paradise: High quality buffet catering at affordable prices
While I’ve not tried Kim Paradise’s dishes, a friend who had ordered its mini buffets for a family gathering recommended it to me. This caterer also does tingkat (home meal delivery) services, and is known for dishing out high quality food at affordable prices.
What does this caterer offer?
The mini buffets cater to small groups of 10 pax, while the regular buffets require a minimum guest count of 30. Based on the menu, Kim Paradise offers a mix of local and international dishes, as well as a dedicated Peranakan menu.
Is there anything for the kids?
What caught my attention about Kim Paradise is that its international mini buffet menu has a pizza option. Speaking as a mum of a preschooler, pizza is usually a sure-win even with picky eaters. You’ll also be pleased to know that all of its dishes are prepared with less oil and salt, and absolutely no MSG.
How to order: Kim Paradise, order online.
