Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15 each year and honors the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States. It’s easy to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at work with catered meals from local Hispanic and Latinx-owned restaurants specializing in foods from South America, Central America, Mexico, Spain, and the Spanish Caribbean. Whether you’re planning a big company retreat or catering lunch for a small meeting, you can find plenty of authentic local options on ezCater.

Respectfully celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at work

Food is one of the best ways to celebrate different cultures in the workplace, because nothing brings people together quite like a delicious meal. It’s the perfect way for employees to taste new flavors, broaden their culinary horizons, and learn about cultural diversity in the process. Keep in mind, respectful celebration of any culture involves not playing into stereotypes or cliches.

Aim for cultural education during this month, not characterizations. Because National Hispanic Heritage Month isn’t a single specific day but a time period set aside to honor Hispanic culture, you can spread out your celebration over multiple weeks. You can even combine celebrations by creating a special in-office food experience for National Guacamole Day on September 16.

Sharing Hispanic culture through food in the office

Food is one of the best ways for employees to celebrate various cultures, and it’s never been easier to find convenient, authentic options everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re catering an in-office lunch or preparing an off-site event to celebrate Hispanic employees and customers, adding popular Hispanic food items to the menu gets everyone in a celebratory mood.

When it comes to choosing where to order catering from during Hispanic Heritage Month, consider one of the many authentic Latino-owned restaurants in your area. Mexican and Latin American restaurants can provide a wide range of options, including fully catered buffet lunches and convenient boxed lunches individually prepared for each member of your team. For a larger event, consider ordering full-service catering with food stations set up throughout the venue to accommodate multiple guests.

The best food options to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at work

There are plenty of great food options you can order to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Here are 10 food ideas you might consider when planning a lunch or event during this month-long celebration.

1. A taco bar

There’s a reason why tacos are one of the first things that come to mind when people think about Hispanic culture. They’re popular, versatile crowd pleasers. And a classic taco bar lets each employee or guest prepare their own tacos from a buffet-style spread of ingredients. Offering a variety of choices makes it easy to accommodate employees with specific dietary requirements. You can even include options such as fish and jackfruit as meat alternatives.

2. Elote

Also known as Mexican street corn, elote is a popular snack made of boiled corn coated in chili powder, crumbled cotija cheese, spices, and other toppings. 

3. Pozole

This hearty Mexican soup contains hominy along with chicken or pork and makes a great catered soup option for fall. Consider adding it to your next in-office Mexican buffet.

4. Tamales

Delicious fresh tamales filled with chicken, pork, or beef make a tasty addition to casual luncheon. Tamales originated in ancient Mesoamerica, making them a fun way to introduce guests or employees to information about this fascinating part of Latin American history.

5. Empanadas

These convenient hand pies come with a variety of filling options, and different regions of South and Central America have their own versions. Order a few different styles to let employees sample multiple flavors. You can even find dessert versions to satisfy your sweet tooth and complete your meal.

6. Ceviche

This raw fish dish popular in coastal Latin America makes a stylish presentation when served in individual glass dishes with tortillas and avocados.  

7. Paella

This traditional dish originated in Spain and includes meat or seafood along with saffron, rice, and vegetables. A large batch of paella feeds multiple people, making this a great item for a Hispanic Heritage Month buffet.

8. Pupusas

Popular in El Salvador and Honduras, pupusas are griddle cakes that can be filled with various ingredients to create a stuffed tortilla that’s easy to carry and eat.

9. Tres Leches Cake

Made with evaporated milk, condensed milk and heavy cream, this classic cake is often served at parties and celebratory events throughout Latin America. 

10. Churros

Coated in cinnamon sugar, these crispy fried dough sticks are an ideal in-office breakfast or dessert option.

Whether you’re planning a big celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month or simply want to honor Hispanic culture with a catered lunch from an authentic Hispanic or Latinx-owned restaurant, search for local Mexican restaurants on ezCater to have meals delivered right to your office.