How to Order Catering: Spicy Foods at Sales Meetings

Spicing things up at your next sales meeting can be tricky. Different people have different palates. So knowing how to order catering can be challenging. But actually, according to a study by Kalsec have, 43 percent of people choose hot and spicy food options when ordering food. That means nearly half of the new clients you meet with could be interested in something that excites the tastebuds beyond the normal sandwich tray. You can always play it safe, of course. But why not try something new? Here are some tips for ordering spicy foods for sales meetings and some dishes worth considering.

How to Order Catering for Your Next Meeting

When planning your meeting, start by asking your contact what attendees would like to eat. If they answer with something like “anything goes,” you’ll know right away you have a little leeway. That could be your in for ordering something a little spicier.

The sweet spot is to offer something for every tolerance of spicy foods. In most cases, it’s simply about making sure there are appetizers and entrees that suit every taste. Most cuisines and restaurants will have something to fit everyone. With sushi, for example, you can order a mix of spicy and non-spicy rolls, vegetarian rolls, and lots of wasabi for those who want to spice everything up.

So, when choosing party packs and trays, pay attention to the balance between spicy and non-spicy dishes. Look for the spicy logo on menu items to determine if they are going to be hot or not. But always confirm the spice-level with your caterer if you see words like red, hot, chili, chipotle, cajun, or other descriptors. It’s important to know what you’re ordering before it shows up for your meeting. Some chilis aren’t hot, and some cajun foods are spicier than curry.

Know Your Spicy Cuisines and Food

To ensure a productive sales meeting, and so you know how to order catering for your meeting, you have to know the types of foods to try. Although there are spicy items on menus from different varieties of foods, here are some tips for ordering from Indian, Thai, and Mexican menus.

• Indian: A common misconception about Indian dishes is that they’re all super-hot. That’s just not true. But they are always spicy, in that every dish is made with a delicate array of spices. Chicken or lamb vindaloo is always a crowd favorite. It’s made both spicy and hot. But it’s usually served with rice as a nice base. For balance, add chicken tikka masala, which is tomato-based, and not as hot. Samosas and curry can be made in many different varieties and, usually, as wild or as mild as you’d like.
• Thai: Chili peppers are responsible for a lot of the heat in Thai cuisine. You can add or subtract to make sure you get the right spice-level for you and your group. Pad Thai is always a safe choice for a crowd. But why not branch out a little? Try pad kee mao (Drunken Noodles) for a delightfully spicy treat. A spicy basil stir-fry can be customized with vegetables and tofu for vegetarians, or with pork, shrimp, chicken, beef, or duck for your meat lovers.
• Mexican: On Mexican menus, it’s usually the jalapenos bringing the heat. Sometimes they’re included on a dish, like nachos. And other times they’re cooked into the sauces. Tamales are great for a meeting. And you can pick your fillings. Try chicken and beef. But for that added kick, try them with poblano peppers in a spicy adobado sauce. A nice mole sauce is another perfect complement.

Just remember that people can react to spicy foods in different ways. Be sure to have a few remedies on hand if anyone has a bit too much heat. Junior Mints, honey, and milk can alleviate a burning mouth. You may even want to stick some ice cream in the freezer. And it can’t hurt to have an antacid with you, just in case.