Flying Buffet - what is it and what does it go with?

For receptions and events, the flying buffet is an attractive alternative or supplement to conventional buffet catering. In this article, we provide you with inspiration for catering with flying service and present you with exemplary dishes.

The flying buffet, also known as flying finger food or flying dinner, is a type of catering in which small portions of food are served on bar tables or trays by service staff. Unlike a stationary buffet, guests do not provide themselves with food; the food is brought to the guests without the formal atmosphere of a menu served at the seat.

The flying buffet can replace the conventional buffet or the classic menu, but it can also be a good addition. For example, at the reception, the first starter could be served as flying finger food before the guests gather at their tables for the formal dinner.

Basically, the Flying Buffet is a very informal flexible way of serving catering. Wherever guest communication and a casual atmosphere are to be supported, serving small portions with flying service is suitable.

One advantage of this type of catering is that guests have the opportunity to try different dishes, as well as that you need less space than if you were to seat all guests at tables. Standing receptions, for example, are predestined for flying buffets, for example at a business or exhibition opening, as is catering at a trade fair stand or feeding guests at a concert. Company celebrations or summer parties, where the focus is on exchange between employees, also benefit from the dynamic character of the flying buffet.

Finger food catering is the latest trend. With "flying finger food", you combine small, attractively arranged delicacies with the service of having your guests served the food by trained staff. And you can do this in a mobile and relaxed atmosphere, so that the communicative character of your event is supported.

Finger food lends itself like no other food to a flying menu, whether as antipasti bites, skewers, canapés or sushi. Perhaps your event has a theme that can be picked up on in the flying finger food. In principle, however, all dishes that can be served in small bite-sized portions are possible. It is served in small glasses, on small plates or platters or appetiser spoons.

The flying buffet does not describe the type of food that is delivered, but the form in which the food is served. This means that basically everything from rustic home cooking to exclusive gourmet creations is possible. The focus of the flying buffet is generally on very decoratively presented dishes that are not only delicious but also an experience for the eye.

Cold appetisers are often served, but small portions of hot food are also possible. From appetisers on small plates or skewers to soups in small glasses and small salad portions to traditional meatballs or fancy desserts, the possibilities are almost limitless. Flying buffets can be ordered with meat and fish, with vegetarian alternatives or even complete with vegan dishes.

As indicated, a flying buffet is very versatile and can consist of a variety of different dishes. To give you some initial ideas, here are a few dishes that a flying dinner could include:

Are you interested in a flying buffet? The event and catering experts at heycater! will be happy to advise you on menus, obtain suitable offers from caterers for you or even support you with the complete event planning. Contact us and we will put together a flying menu that suits your company, the occasion and your budget. The quotation is free of charge and without obligation and saves you the time-consuming comparison of different caterers. We will be happy to support you and provide you with the perfect flying buffet for your event!