No Catering, No Problem: Here Are Potluck Recommendations for Your Office Christmas Party

Christmas is different this time around. We’re now vaccinated (and boosted) and most establishments are back to normal so we can shop ‘til we drop for presents for our loved ones. Many of us have also said our goodbyes to our work-from-home setup and have returned to the office, which means Christmas and year-end parties won’t be virtual anymore. If your company (sadly) didn’t book a catering service and instead agreed to do a potluck, there’s no need to fret! We’ve listed below some party tray ideas and where you can get them in Metro Manila.

Go Traditional With Amber’s Signature Dishes

If you’re looking for potluck ideas that won’t disappoint, go the traditional route with Amber’s signature menu. Order their Original Pancit Malabon (P620 for 10 pax), Spaghetti with Meat Sauce (P750 for 10 pax), Pichi-Pichi with Cheese (P260 for 40 pieces), or Fried Lumpiang Shanghai (P600 for 40 pieces) for Filipino favorites that suit everybody’s palate. If you’re splitting the costs with someone, you might want to get their Pancit Otso (P1,350) or Pancit Trio (P1,050) for noodle variety.

Check out their website for the complete menu. For Metro Manila deliveries, call 8884-8888. You can also download their app on Google Play and App Store to get P65 delivery discount on your first order (until Dec. 15, 2022, only).

Location: Multiple branches

Say Eat-tadakimasu With Japanese Food From Salmon HQ

Feeling Japanese? Salmon HQ has a variety of fresh dishes you can order! Get different types of maki such as California Maki, Spicy Tuna Maki, and Spicy Salmon Maki with their selection of platters (starts at P1,350) to show how you roll. If your colleagues haven’t tried the Japanese-inspired casserole food trend yet, Salmon HQ’s Crunchy California Bake (starts at P600) and Aburi Scallop, Salmon, and Ebi Sushi Bake (starts at P800) are good choices. If you need more options, various salmon sashimi and seafood dishes are also available on their menu.

To order, send a message to their Instagram and Facebook accounts and pick up your orders via Grab.

Location: Online only

Bring Authentic Middle East to the Table With Meshwe

Bring a taste of the Middle East to the table with Meshwe’s freshly prepared menu! Order one of their 14-piece shawarma boxes, such as Mini Shawarma Chicken (P900), Mini Shawarma Beef (P1,150), and Mini Shawarma Falafel (P750), to give your colleagues an explosion of Lebanese flavors. If you think the wraps aren’t going to be enough, you can pair them with a fulfilling pastry like Mixed Sambousak (P650 for 30 pieces) dipped in garlic sauce.

Check out Meshwe’s food trays and boxes menu on Facebook and send a message to order. You can also reach them on Instagram.

Location: Regalado Highway, North Fairview, Quezon City

Say ‘Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!’ With Conti’s

Conti’s may be known for their mouthwatering desserts, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have anything else to offer. Try bringing their Buffalo Wings (P785 for 24 pieces), Chicken Lollies (P765 for 24 pieces), Chicken ala Kiev (starts at P795), Boneless Chicken Barbeque (starts at P695), and Chicken Pastel (starts at P715) for your potluck to discover chicken recipes that everyone will love.

If you’re in charge of pastries, don’t miss out on the crumbly and savory Chicken Pie (P540 for 12 pieces) from their Take Out Nook! Other pastries you can bring are their bite-sized version of mamon called Mamonitos (P195 for 25 pieces) and ensaymada called Ensaimaditas (P228 for 16 pieces).

To order, visit Conti’s website or book on GrabFood. You can also visit their Facebook and Instagram accounts for more details.

Location: Multiple branches

Serve Proudly Pinoy Dishes With Manam

What’s a Filipino feast without rice and our favorite ulam? If you want to give your colleagues a delicious and fulfilling meal, ordering Manam’s Super Benta Box of House Crispy Sisig (starts at P935), Crunchy Salt and Pepper Squid (starts at P890), Sizzling Corned Beef Belly Kansi (starts at P1,400), and Sizzling Crispy Sinigang (starts at P1,400) will do the trick. And if you think plain rice is boring, you can also bring a Super Benta Box of their Garlic Rice (P295), Bagoong Rice (P365), or Tinapa Rice (P375). For vegetarians, there’s Fresh Lumpiang Ubod (P495) on the menu so they won’t feel out of place.

Visit Manam’s website to order. You can also book on Grab, foodpanda, and Pick-A-Roo with no minimum order required. For more information, visit their Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Location: Multiple branches