Planning a Hari Raya buffet for a business gathering isn’t just about the food—it’s about bringing people together, celebrating tradition, and fostering stronger relationships within your team. Whether you're organizing a small team lunch or a grand company-wide feast, careful planning ensures an event that’s both festive and seamless. Here’s your ultimate guide to making it happen.
1. Set a Budget
Before you start picking out dishes and decorations, determine how much you’re willing to spend. A well-planned budget helps you make smart choices without overspending.
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Factor in costs for catering, decorations, and additional activities.
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Calculate the cost per head and set a guest limit accordingly.
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Keep a buffer for last-minute expenses—things always come up!
2. Choose the Right Catering Service
Food is the heart of any Hari Raya buffet, so choosing the right caterer is crucial. Look for one that specializes in festive cuisines and understands the significance of the celebration.
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Halal-certified options: Ensure the caterer provides halal meals to accommodate all dietary needs.
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Reputation matters: Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and sample their offerings if possible.
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Customization is key: Some guests may have dietary restrictions—vegetarian, gluten-free, or even allergy-specific meals should be available.
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Delivery & setup: Check if the caterer provides a full setup, including chafing dishes, table décor, and serving utensils.
3. Menu Selection: What Should You Serve?
A great Hari Raya buffet balances tradition with variety. Your menu should have a mix of flavors, textures, and dishes that cater to different preferences.
Classic Hari Raya Must-Haves:
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Rendang – Slow-cooked beef or chicken in rich coconut gravy.
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Satay – Skewered, grilled meats with peanut sauce.
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Nasi Ambeng – A shared platter of rice, meats, and vegetables.
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Kuih Raya – Traditional sweet treats like ondeh-ondeh and kueh lapis.
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Bandung & Teh Tarik – Refreshing pink rose syrup drink and frothy milk tea.
Buffet Style Options:
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Mini Buffets – Ideal for smaller teams, offering a curated selection of appetizers and mains.
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Bento Boxes – Individually packed meals for convenience and hygiene.
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Full Buffet Spread – For larger groups, offering a variety of starters, mains, desserts, and beverages.
4. Plan the Setup
The right buffet setup makes a difference in how smoothly the event runs. Keep these in mind:
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Space flow: Ensure guests can move freely between food stations without crowding.
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Aesthetic appeal: Use elegant serving ware, tablecloths, and floral accents.
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Festive touches: Incorporate Hari Raya décor—batik table runners, ketupat displays, and fairy lights.
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Seating arrangement: Provide both standing and seated areas to accommodate all preferences.
5. Engage Your Team
Hari Raya is about more than just food—it’s about togetherness. Make your buffet more engaging with interactive elements.
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Dress the part: Encourage attendees to wear traditional Malay attire like Baju Kurung or Baju Melayu.
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Learn & share: Have a short sharing session about Hari Raya traditions to foster cultural appreciation.
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Music & ambiance: Play festive Malay tunes in the background to set the mood.
6. Add Fun Activities
A Hari Raya buffet isn’t just about eating—it’s about bonding. Here are a few ideas to add some excitement:
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Duit Raya Exchange – Distribute green packets to symbolize prosperity and blessings.
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Trivia Games – Test attendees’ knowledge on Hari Raya customs with small prizes.
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Photo Booth – Set up a themed backdrop for guests to capture the moment.
7. Confirm All Details in Advance
Nothing kills a great event faster than last-minute mishaps. Avoid surprises by double-checking everything:
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Guest count: Confirm RSVPs at least five days in advance.
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Catering details: Ensure the menu is finalized, and special requests are accommodated.
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Logistics: Check delivery times, setup arrangements, and food presentation.
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Weather backup: If your event is outdoors, have a Plan B in case of rain.
Why Choose Shiok Kitchen Catering for Your Hari Raya Buffet?
At Shiok Kitchen Catering, we bring flavors to life with our expertly crafted, halal-certified catering options. From our humble beginnings specializing in Thai cuisine, we’ve expanded to become one of Singapore’s most trusted names in catering, offering diverse menus from local, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and Western cuisines.
Why book with us?
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Wide variety of menus to suit any dietary preference.
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Expert chefs who prepare fresh, authentic, and delicious meals.
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Professional service staff to ensure a seamless event experience.
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Hassle-free setup & delivery so you can focus on celebrating.
Let us take care of your Hari Raya buffet while you enjoy the company of your colleagues and friends. Book your Hari Raya catering with Shiok Kitchen today!