Like the sound of top-tier sushi catering for your next party or gathering? You’re not alone. Thousands of Australians are searching “sushi catering near me” every single day. Sushi brings a touch of fun and flexibility to any get-together.
But finding the best sushi caterer can be tough. Each caterer will have their own style – not to mention, their own price tags (which can vary a lot). So there’s a lot that goes into finding the right match: taste, location, and of course, budget.
Relax. We’re here to help out. In this guide, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about sushi catering in Melbourne and beyond – and maybe even drop in a few great sushi catering ideas while we’re at it!
Ready?
Why Choose Sushi Catering For Your Next Party?
Sushi catering is more popular than ever in Australia. But what is it that draws so many people to sushi as a catering option? Here are a few things that only sushi can offer:
- Variety – sushi is a broad cuisine which pleases a huge variety of guests, including vegetarians and pescatarians.
- Health – sushi is widely regarded as a particularly healthy food type, with only the freshest ingredients.
- Theatre – few other catering options offer as much “razzmatazz” as sushi. Why not hire chefs to roll sushi on-site for added flair?
- Convenience – sushi isn’t just visually appealing, it also offers easy portion control, with light, bite-sized slices perfect for sharing.
All these factors (and more) make sushi catering the perfect solution for everything from corporate functions and weddings to birthdays and festivals!
Types of Sushi Catering For Parties
Every event is unique. That means your catering must be, too. Luckily, sushi is one of the most diverse catering options out there. Hosts can choose from:
- Pre-prepared platters – looking for something quick and easy? Platters are the go-to. Simply tell your sushi caterer what you’d like and get it pre-made and ready to rumble.
- On-site sushi chefs – everyone loves a dash of drama. Live sushi stations can bring just that. Hosts of premium/special events might enjoy an on-site spectacle as well as mouthwatering sushi.
- Buffet-style spreads – why not go all-out with a traditional sushi train offering sushi alongside other Japanese sides like edamame and gyoza?
What To Look For When Hiring a Sushi Caterer in Melbourne
Dazzling sushi isn’t the only thing to consider when hiring sushi catering in Melbourne )or beyond). There are several other factors that should go into your decision. Is the sushi caterer well-regarded, for instance? Do they specialize?
Here’s a handy checklist you can go through:
- Food safety – check the caterer meets all standards set out by FSANZ and Standard 3.2.2A. You don’t want anyone getting sick at your party!
- Reviews – read plenty of reviews both on and off the caterer’s own website. Ask around and see what other sushi-lovers are saying.
- Experience – has the caterer served other events of your size and type before? You want a caterer you can rely on to knock it out the park.
- Dietary inclusivity – do they cater to different dietary requirements, for example, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free?
- Cost transparency – finally, make sure the caterer is upfront about costs. Find out how they charge (per head, per platter, something else), and whether there are any other hidden costs before you hire them.
How The Sushi Catering Process Works
The process is different for every sushi caterer. However, most catering processes work more or less like this:
- Initial consultation – reach out to the caterer and tell them what you’re looking for. Most will arrange a consultation to discuss basics like dietary requirements, guest count, and budget.
- Menu selection – sit down with the caterer and pick out what you’d like. This might be nigiri, rolls, sashimi, or even fusion items!
- Service style – make it clear how you’d like your sushi to be served, either with DIY platters or full-service catering. You might even like a live sushi station.
- Cleanup and leftovers – plan what will happen once the event is over. Hopefully, your guests will eat up all the sushi. But that’s not always the case. If so, what happens to the leftovers? Find out if the catering company also includes cleanup!
How Much Does Sushi Catering Cost in Australia?
Costs vary when it comes to sushi catering. Most companies charge per platter and this can cost anything between $30 and $80 each. Most platters contain around 40-60 pieces of sushi and can feed around 4-6 people. These are handy ballpark figures.
However, costs go up when you’re looking at hiring a sushi chef or full-service catering. Chefs usually charge at least $350 for a session, with some charging thousands. Again, it depends on a few things.
The biggest factors in pricing come down to the size of your party (more people equals more platters) and where you’re located. Generally speaking, sushi catering in Melbourne is more expensive than sushi catering in Hobart, for instance.
Top Tips For a Fantastic Sushi-Catered Event
We’ll leave you with a few must-know tips that will take your next sushi party to the next level. Follow these for a night to remember:
- Order more than you think – sushi (especially good sushi) disappears fast!
- Balance sushi with other Japanese sides and non-seafood options.
- Sushi looks stunning, so think about presentation.
- Timing is key. Make sure delivery aligns with event flow.
Try The Best Sushi Catering in Melbourne
One thing no sushi-catered gathering can go without? Quality sushi. Luckily, that’s what Sushi Jiro does best. For us, it’s all about fresh ingredients and authentic cuisine. Our chefs are the best of the best when it comes to sushi dining in Australia.
Explore our handy take away menu for catered events, or stop by one of our stunning restaurants in Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth.
Ready to discover sushi on another level?