Chinese New Year Party Catering in Oxford
At Pearl Lemon Café, we know how important Chinese New Year is to you and your loved ones. It’s not just another celebration—it’s a moment to honour traditions, connect with family, and welcome prosperity for the year ahead. That’s why we bring our expertise in authentic Chinese cuisine and event planning right here to Oxford, creating unforgettable celebrations that are rich in flavour and meaning.
From private family dinners in Headington to large-scale corporate gatherings in the heart of Oxford, we handle every detail with care. With our team managing your catering, you can focus on enjoying the festivities while we deliver impeccable service and dishes that taste as good as they look.
Why Choose Us for Chinese New Year Catering in Oxford?
At Pearl Lemon Café, we pride ourselves on understanding the unique needs of the Oxford community. From managing historic venues like the Oxford Town Hall to setting up in more contemporary spaces like The Jam Factory, we’ve got the local knowledge and expertise to make your event stress-free and memorable.
Authentic Menus Crafted with Expertise
We specialise in creating menus steeped in Chinese tradition. You’ll find classic favourites like:
- Steamed Fish for abundance.
- Longevity Noodles served uncut to symbolise a long life.
- Spring Rolls, golden and crisp to represent prosperity.
Our chefs work with ingredients sourced from local suppliers like the Gloucester Green Market while maintaining the authentic preparation techniques passed down through generations.
We don’t just serve food; we bring a cultural experience to your event, ensuring every dish is both meaningful and delicious.
Catering with Cultural Significance
Chinese New Year carries centuries of tradition, and we reflect that in every dish and detail of our catering. Whether it’s symbolic dishes or festive décor, we understand what it takes to make your event truly special.
Menus Rooted in Tradition
Our menus feature dishes like:
- Sweet Rice Cakes (Nian Gao): Representing progress and success in the coming year.
- Mandarin Oranges: Symbols of good luck and prosperity, often served as part of dessert courses.
- Lion’s Head Meatballs: Rich and hearty, symbolising strength and family unity.
We use traditional techniques like double steaming and wok cooking to achieve authentic flavours. Our dumplings are hand-wrapped, and our sauces are freshly made in-house, giving you that true homemade taste.
Our Catering Services
Planning a Chinese New Year event in Oxford requires expertise in both cultural traditions and event logistics. At Pearl Lemon Café, we offer a detailed range of services designed to meet your specific needs while ensuring a memorable celebration.
Menu Design and Culinary Expertise
Our chefs craft authentic menus rooted in Chinese New Year traditions, with options to suit every preference and dietary need.
- Authentic dishes such as steamed fish, dumplings, and glutinous rice cakes.
- Customisable menus for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Halal diets.
- Tasting sessions to perfect menu choices ahead of your event.
Full-Service Event Catering
From intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations, we provide flexible catering setups customized to your event.
- Buffet-style catering with interactive food stations for a festive atmosphere.
- Formal plated service for structured sit-down dinners.
- Live cooking stations featuring dishes like stir-fried noodles and dim sum.
Corporate Catering Packages
We specialise in creating unique experiences for Oxford’s businesses, ensuring a cultural touch that aligns with your brand.
- Custom-branded desserts, including fortune cookies and dessert tables.
- Themed décor and entertainment reflect Chinese New Year traditions.
- Dedicated coordination to prioritise VIP guests and event timelines.
Beverage Services
Complement your menu with carefully selected drink options that add to the experience.
- Traditional Chinese teas such as jasmine, oolong, and chrysanthemum.
- Alcoholic offerings, including plum wine and curated pairings.
- Non-alcoholic options like mocktails inspired by traditional flavours.
Event Staffing and Coordination
Our team ensures your event runs smoothly from start to finish, allowing you to relax and enjoy.
- Professional waitstaff providing attentive and respectful service.
- Event coordinators manage logistics, timing, and guest flow.
- On-site chefs deliver fresh dishes and accommodate real-time adjustments.
Décor and Cultural Additions
Increase the atmosphere of your event with festive décor and traditional entertainment options.
- Chinese New Year-themed decorations like red lanterns and prosperity scrolls.
- Live performances, including Lion Dance, shows and traditional music.
- Cultural activity stations such as calligraphy and tea ceremonies.
Specialised Logistics for Oxford Venues
We are experienced in catering to Oxford’s unique venues, ensuring a smooth and stress-free event.
- Expertise in historic locations like Blenheim Palace and modern spaces like The Oxford Foundry.
- Portable kitchen solutions for outdoor or unconventional venues.
- Custom layouts to adapt to venue-specific guidelines and space constraints.
How We Work: Ensuring a Flawless Chinese New Year Celebration
At Pearl Lemon Café, we believe that exceptional catering is about more than just great food. It’s about seamless coordination, clear communication, and a deep understanding of what makes an event successful. Here’s how we ensure everything is done to perfection:
Detailed Event Planning
We start by understanding your vision. Whether it’s a large-scale celebration at the Oxford Town Hall or a private dinner in North Hinksey, we take the time to learn about your event’s goals, guest list, and venue requirements. From there, we build a step-by-step plan that covers every detail, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Meticulous Menu Preparation
Our chefs meticulously prepare your dishes using authentic Chinese recipes and the finest ingredients. We handle everything, from sourcing Oxfordshire produce to creating traditional delicacies like glutinous rice cakes and hand-folded dumplings. Dishes are tested and refined during tasting sessions to ensure they meet your expectations.
Seamless Logistics and Setup
With years of experience catering events in Oxford, we know the ins and outs of local venues. Our team arrives early to handle setup, ensuring the layout flows smoothly, whether it’s a buffet arrangement, plated service, or live food stations. We also coordinate with venue staff to meet all guidelines, including those specific to historic sites.
Real-Time Event Management
During the event, our team oversees every aspect, from food service to timing. For larger gatherings, we assign dedicated coordinators to manage service stations and address any on-the-spot adjustments. This proactive approach ensures your guests are served promptly and with professionalism.
FAQs
Our Chinese New Year catering service stands out due to our commitment to using fresh, authentic ingredients and offering customizable menus that reflect both tradition and modern flavors. We ensure every dish is made with care and attention to detail, creating a unique dining experience for your event.
Yes, our menu covers a full range of dishes, from flavorful appetizers like dumplings and spring rolls to hearty mains like sweet and sour chicken and Peking duck. We also offer traditional Chinese desserts like red bean paste buns and sticky rice cakes to complete your celebration.
Absolutely! We offer a range of gluten-free and dairy-free dishes, such as stir-fried vegetables, tofu dishes, and rice-based meals. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll customize the menu to accommodate dietary needs.
Our team prepares every dish fresh on the day of your event and delivers it to your location promptly. We use professional-grade equipment to maintain the ideal temperature of each dish, ensuring everything stays fresh and flavorful.
Yes, we allow you to select dishes that best fit your event. You can choose from a variety of options, including appetizers, mains, and desserts. We’ll help you create a menu that reflects your preferences and your guests’ tastes.
Yes, we offer traditional Chinese teas and can provide other beverages such as soft drinks or mocktails to complement the meal. Our drink offerings are carefully selected to pair well with the flavors of the food.
Ready to Host an Unforgettable Chinese New Year Event?
Planning your Chinese New Year celebration in Oxford? Let’s make it a feast to remember with dishes, décor, and experiences that honour tradition and delight your guests. Speak with us today to start organising your event and ensure it’s an unforgettable success!