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Tapas Catering
Tapas is an exciting and social way to serve food, perfect for both small and large gatherings. With a wide variety of small, tasty dishes, tapas is a versatile and entertaining dining experience that suits all tastes and occasions. What kind of tapas should you choose? How much does it cost and what do you drink with tapas?
Here you’ll find the answers you need to successfully serve tapas. You can also get a free, no-obligation quote for tapas catering from an operator near you.
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What does tapas catering cost?
The price of tapas catering varies depending on the number of dishes, type of ingredients and number of guests. You can expect to pay between NOK 200 and 500 per person for a standard tapas event.
At the lower end of the price range, you’ll find simpler tapas buffets with 8-10 dishes, often focusing on classic Spanish snacks such as patatas bravas, tortillas, serrano ham, chorizo sausage, marinated olives and various cheeses. These can start at around NOK 200-250 per envelope.
If you want a larger tapas selection with more exclusive ingredients such as scampi, scallops, entrecote and specially imported cheeses, the price can reach NOK 400-500 per person. You’ll often get several dishes, typically 12-15 pieces, and often more advanced combinations.
For larger events, you may need help setting the table, serving food or hiring crockery. Many catering companies can also assist with this. However, these additional services will increase the cost per person considerably.
Whatever your budget, there are tapas solutions to suit. The best thing is to have an open dialog with the caterer about expectations, wishes and frameworks, so they can tailor an arrangement that matches both taste and wallet.
What’s common in tapas?
A good tapas menu has a mix of meat, fish, vegetables, cheese and accompaniments, with variation in taste, texture and preparation. Feel free to put together familiar and unfamiliar dishes, traditional and modern variations. Feel free to experiment but keep the dishes simple and the flavors distinct. This will create an exciting and memorable tapas experience for everyone around the table.
Traditional Spanish tapas dishes
- Patatas bravas: Fried potatoes with tomato sauce.
- Tortilla española: Spanish potato omelette
- Gambas al ajillo: Scampi in garlic and chili
- Croquetas: Deep-fried croquettes with ham or fish
- Jamón serrano: Spanish cured ham
- Albóndigas: Spanish meatballs in tomato sauce
- Chorizo: Spicy Spanish sausage
- Aceitunas: Marinated olives
- Pimientos de Padrón: Small peppers fried in olive oil
- Pan con tomate: Bread with grated tomato and olive oil
In addition, cheeses such as manchego and cabrales, cured meats such as lomo and salchichón, salads, grilled vegetables, bread and aioli are common.
But tapas doesn’t have to be limited to Spanish cuisine. The principle of small, tasty dishes can be adapted to many cuisines and occasions.
Norwegian-inspired tapas
- Smoked salmon on rye bread
- Prawns with lemon and dill
- Rack of lamb with thyme and garlic
- Moose stew with chanterelles
- Fried scallops with pea puree
- Fish soup with saffron
- Bacon ham with scrambled eggs
- Potato salad with sour cream and spring onions
- Marinated beetroot with chevre
- Herring with red onion and capers
Vegetarian and vegan tapas dishes
- Grilled vegetables with hummus
- Roasted padron peppers
- Manchego-like cheese made from almonds
- Tomato and bean salad
- Mushrooms in garlic and parsley
- Olive tapenade with bread
- Fried cauliflower with soy sauce
- Lentil soup with spinach and chili
- Falafel with tzatziki
- Baked sweet potato with caramelized onions
Tapas is an exciting and versatile food form that invites creativity and playfulness in the kitchen. Whether you stick to traditional Spanish dishes or explore new flavors and combinations, the possibilities are endless. Let your imagination run wild and create your own unique tapas experience tailored to the occasion and your guests’ tastes.
How many tapas per person?
How many tapas dishes to calculate per person depends on the occasion and whether tapas is served as a starter, snack or main course, and not least the size of the portions. A typical tapas portion weighs between 50-100 grams.
- As an appetizer or light meal: 3-4 tapas per person (typically 150-250 grams) This gives guests a taste and builds anticipation for the main course. Choose light dishes that are not too filling.
- As a snack or lunch: 4-7 tapas per person (typically 250-400 grams) This is like a light lunch or a larger snack. Combine cold and hot dishes and serve bread or other side dishes to make it more filling.
- As a main meal: 7-12 tapas per person (typically 400-600 grams)
Here you should have a good mix of meat, fish, vegetables and accompaniments, with enough variety and quantity to fill your guests up.
The quantity can easily be adjusted according to the guests’ preferences and appetites. If it’s mostly small children or the elderly, you may need a little less food than if the majority are hungry teenagers or adults with a good appetite.
A good rule of thumb is to serve the dishes in batches so that not everything is served at the same time. This makes it easier to adjust the quantity along the way and ensure that everyone is suitably full without wasting too much food.
What do you drink with tapas?
Drinks for tapas should be light, refreshing and match the many different flavors on the table. Here are some classic choices:
- Sangria: A fruit-based wine drink from Spain, perfect for tapas. It’s made from red wine, fruit, brandy and possibly a little soda. Serve in pitchers with ice cubes.
- Spanish beer: Light, dry beers such as Estrella Damm or Alhambra go well with salty and spicy tapas dishes.
- Sherry: A fortified wine from the Jerez region of Spain. Available in dry and sweet varieties. Goes particularly well with ham, cheese and olives.
- Cava: Spanish sparkling wine, made in the same way as Champagne. Perfect as an aperitif or with light tapas dishes.
- White wine: Light, dry white wines such as Albariño, Rueda or Verdejo are good matches for fish, shellfish and vegetable dishes.
- Rosé wine: Light, fruit-driven rosé wines are a good all-round wine for a variety of tapas dishes, especially in summer.
- Red wine: Medium-bodied red wines such as Rioja or Ribera del Duero go well with meat dishes and mature cheeses.
- Water: Both with and without bubbles. Important for balancing salty and spicy flavors. Make sure there is plenty of water on the table.
- Non-alcoholic: Non-alcoholic sangria, beer, or sparkling wine are great options. Homemade lemonade or iced tea also works well.
- Coffee: Many people like a cup of coffee to finish off a tapas meal, preferably a cortado (espresso with a little milk) or carajillo (espresso with brandy or liqueur).
Be creative and think about the flavors that complement the food. Spanish drinks are a natural choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment. And remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the food and the company. Take time to taste, chat and enjoy – that’s the whole point of tapas!
How to order tapas catering?
Through our service, you can easily get in touch with the best tapas catering companies, so you get exactly the menu and experience you dream of for your event.
Fill out the form with some information about your event, such as the date, number of guests, occasion and any special requests or needs. We’ll forward your request to the tapas catering company that best matches your criteria. The catering company in question will then contact you directly, where they can provide you with a non-binding offer.
We save you time and effort by finding the best options for you, so that you can focus on everything else that needs to go right for your event.
How early should I book catering?
How early you should book tapas catering depends on the size of the event, the season and how flexible you are on the menu and supplier.
- For large events such as weddings, big anniversaries or company parties, it is recommended to book at least 3-6 months in advance. This gives you the best chance of securing the desired date, menu and equipment. The more special requests you have, the earlier you should book.
- For medium-sized events such as confirmations, christenings, etc., 1-2 months’ notice is often enough.
- Smaller, informal gatherings can often be booked 2-4 weeks in advance. But be prepared that it may be more difficult to get exactly the menu and table setting you want.
In general, it’s a good idea to book catering as early as possible, especially if you’re holding an event in the high season from May to September or during popular periods such as Christmas and New Year. This is when demand is at its highest and the best suppliers get booked up quickly.
Flexibility on dates and times can give you a little more leeway. If you’re able to schedule your event during quieter periods, you can often wait a little longer to book.
Either way, it pays to be early. This gives you the widest choice of menus, suppliers and equipment, as well as plenty of time to plan all the details of the event. With good planning and good margins, the catering experience will be better for both guests and hosts, regardless of the size of the company.
How to order tapas catering?
Through our service, you can easily get in touch with the best tapas catering companies, so you get exactly the menu and experience you dream of for your event.
Fill out the form with some information about your event, such as the date, number of guests, occasion and any special requests or needs. We’ll forward your request to the tapas catering company that best matches your criteria. The catering company in question will then contact you directly, where they can provide you with a non-binding offer.
We save you time and effort by finding the best options for you, so that you can focus on everything else that needs to go right for your event.
Tapas for confirmation
Tapas is an exciting and informal alternative to traditional confirmation food. It’s perfect for confirmands who want something a little out of the ordinary, and for parties where you want your guests to mingle and enjoy themselves.
For a successful tapas confirmation, go for a mix of classic Spanish dishes and local Norwegian flavors. Meatballs, tortillas, salmon, cold cuts and cheese are always a hit. Also have a good selection of vegetables, bread and dips, so there’s something for everyone.
Tapas makes it easy to customize the menu according to the confirmand’s wishes and the guests’ preferences. Most caterers allow you to pick freely from their selection. This allows you to create a personal and memorable menu that matches the confirmand’s style.
If you choose tapas in the form of finger food, you don’t need to think about table placement and serving. Guests can help themselves and sit wherever they like, creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Perfect for mingling before and after the ceremony.
Tapas for weddings
Tapas can be an exciting and unconventional choice for your wedding dinner. It provides a playful and social atmosphere that is perfect for couples who want an informal celebration with good food and drink at the center.
At a tapas wedding, you can choose between small plates, finger food or buffet service. Regardless of the serving method, guests get to taste a wide range of flavors and textures, and the menu can easily be adapted to the season, theme and the bride and groom’s personal tastes.
For an elegant touch, choose delicate dishes such as scallops, cheeses, cured meats and exotic fruits. For a more rustic and earthy look, go for heart-warming tapas favorites like albondigas (meatballs), croquetas and tortillas.
Tapas are also great as finger food during a welcome drink or as a late-night snack. Small, inviting mouths are perfect for satisfying late-night guests without weighing them down.
Ask your caterer if they have their own wedding menu or can put together a customized tapas menu for your big day. With a little creativity and planning, tapas can take your wedding party to new, tasty heights!
Tapas for Christmas
Christmas is a time for traditions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add something new and exciting to your menu. Tapas can be a fun and tasty twist on your Christmas celebrations, either as an addition to or replacement for the classic Christmas food.
A good Christmas tapas combines the best of the Norwegian and Spanish Christmas table. Think mince pies, Christmas sausage and herring meets Manchego, serrano ham and olives. Add some nuts, dates and figs for a real Christmas atmosphere.
Serve tapas as an inviting tapas table where guests can help themselves. This creates a relaxed and social setting for the meal and is perfect for long, lazy Christmas days with the family. Good tapas suppliers can often tailor a Christmas menu to your wishes.