Stress-free Christmas potlucks: 10 places where you can order party trays
With Christmas fast-approaching, we’re sure your calendar is getting booked with parties, reunions, and get-togethers.
Whether you’re hosting one or attending a potluck feast or two, you can eliminate the stress of cooking, especially if you’re busy with work and other tasks!
The solution? Ordering party trays that stand out in any spread. From Filipino favorites and hearty dishes to healthy choices and sweet surprises, you have a wide array of options to satisfy every palate.
We've compiled a list of 10 places where you can order party trays for a stress-free holiday celebration below. Note that the prices included in this article may change, so make sure you inquire ahead before placing an order.
1. FOODTRAY2GO
FOODTRAY2GO, a family-owned business established in 1956, offers an extensive menu featuring over 200 food items to ensure you never run out of choices. The food tray options are conveniently categorized into beef, chicken, pork, fish, seafood, vegetables, and more, making it easy for you to place your order.
And yes, they also offer a delectable selection of desserts and cakes! Prices vary based on the number of people you're ordering for, ranging from P600 to P2,600.
Dishes to check out: Lechon Kawali Kare-Kare, Pancit Canton, and Buko Pandan with Sago
2. Illo's Party Trays
Taking pride in its party trays that are meticulously crafted, Illo’s is a celebrity-favorite, as seen on the local stars on their Instagram feed who often place orders.
The party trays menu features selections for appetizers, cakes, bagnet, international flavors, and platters. Prices range from P1,350 to P2,400 for appetizers while items from the bagnet series can cost up to P2,100.
Dishes to check out: Gambas Al Ajillo, Classic Bagnet, and Prime Roast Beef
3. The Sugar-Free Bakery
While the holiday season is the best time to indulge in the flavors we love, there are those who want just the right balance between delicious and healthy.
The Sugar-Free Bakery, known for its – you guessed it: sugar-free desserts – also have healthy food trays perfect for the occasion. They just released a holiday collection ideal for gatherings with friends and officemates, with prices ranging from P750 (Maple & Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Soup) to P2,000 (Native Pork Belly Lechon Roll).
Dishes to check out: Trio Vegetable Gratin, Rosemary-Peppercorn Crusted Roast Beef, and Keto Carrot Cake
4. Carlito’s Catering
Positioning itself as "Manila's foremost food tray and catering provider," Carlito’s Catering has been delighting patrons with elevated comfort food since 2003. A glance at its menu is bound to captivate anyone seeking to order trays – in the best way possible, as each dish appears irresistibly enticing.
Prices begin at P500 for the Bopis and P800 for the Baked Spaghetti, while the 8-hour slow-roasted beef belly with red wine sauce starts at P1,300.
Dishes to check out: Baked Salmon with Spinach Cream, Beef and Ox Tripe Kare-Kare, Hickory Pork Belly
5. 8Spoons
There’s nothing like a homecooked meal to cozy up the jolly season! 8Spoons’ party trays are certified hits to customers and comments on their social media platforms prove just that.
Prices range from P900 to P1,900, depending on the dish. They have chicken, pork, beef, and fish selections, allowing you to choose which ones to bring to your next party.
Dishes to check out: Pica Pica Platter, Grilled Chicken Teriyaki, Braised Beef Shanks and Radish
6. MNL Pink Kitchen
As early as now, MNL Pink Kitchen is already accepting reservations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties. Avoid the stress and make sure you’re among the first in line!
From salads and soups to main dishes and desserts, trays are sized small (good for five to six pax) and medium (good for eight to 10 pax). MNL Pink Kitchen requires a 50 percent deposit to confirm the order.
Dishes to check out: Seafood Paella, Aburi Cheese Salmon, Honey Pepper Beef
7. Bizu
With Bizu, you can always indulge in festive dining, with its creations that never fail to satisfy customers. Price of pasta party trays starts at P1,165 while main entrees start at P965.
If you have the budget for it, you can also check out Bizu’s Family Sets which include a Cochinillo Set priced at P24,395.
Dishes to check out: Porchetta with Paella Rice, 10-Hour Roast Beef, Paella ala Valenciana
8. Slow Burn MNL
Let Chef Chryso Morales help you make this Christmas one to remember with party trays from Slow Burn MNL.
Here, you can treat yourself and loved ones to smokin’ ribs, shrimps, salmon, and truffle rice. The price of the party trays depend on the order you’re getting: whole (for 4-5 pax) or half (for 2-3 pax). A whole order of “The Mix” can go as high as P2,949 which already gives you smokin’ ribs, garlic shrimps, and truffle umami rice, among many others.
Dishes to check out: Truffle Baked Mac, Chef’s Choice, Turf & Surf
9. Maguro Prime
Who can say no to Japanese food, especially when it’s served fresh like Maguro Prime’s cuts of Bluefin Tuna and Salmon?
Treat yourself and your guests to high-quality sashimi, sushi, and more with prices ranging from P800 to P5,888, depending on the inclusions.
Dishes to check out: Sashimi Mora Awase Premium Set, 3 Sushi Set of Hon Maguro
10. Mimi & Bros.
Meat lovers would enjoy Mimi & Bros.' enticing menu, with a selection of dishes you’d love to have on your Christmas spread.
According to a post on Instagram, you can rest easy knowing your guests will keep coming back for seconds because of how satisfying each dish is. Prices of party trays depend on the size, from P1,350 to P2,900.
Dishes to check out: Crispy Lechon Belly with Chicken and Chorizo Paella, Lola’s Ragu, Porchetta with Truffle Mushroom Paella