Chao Catering

Pro

Pricing: From $21.50 per personCategory: CaterersLocation: Sydney-wide

Highlights

Run by the team behind I Love Pho in Crows Nest and LaSen in Randwick
Shared party packs feed ten, from $28.50 per person in lots of ten
Gold licence and HACCP certified, with vegan, gluten-free and Halal dishes labelled separately

About Chao Catering

Chao Catering is the events arm of two Vietnamese restaurants, I Love Pho in Crows Nest and LaSen in Randwick, and it caters private parties and corporate functions across Sydney. The kitchen cooks to order rather than reheating, and the menu is built around Vietnamese finger food: crispy spring rolls, fresh rice paper rolls, bao buns with crispy pork belly, satay skewers, sugarcane prawn lollipops and vermicelli bowls. Most dishes are gluten-free and there is a full vegan range. Food comes three ways. Individual boxes suit smaller gatherings, with tea time boxes from $21.50 per person and lunch boxes from $25.50, both ordered online. Shared packs feed ten and go up in lots of ten, starting at $28.50 per person for Light and Easy and running to $46.50 for The Winner. Single-dish platters, from prawn crackers to salt and pepper calamari, can be added to either. For larger events the team delivers, sets up and staffs the service, and a private chef can cook on site for 30 guests or more. Orders arrive in disposable boxes ready to serve, with dietary items packed separately and labelled. Delivery runs seven days a week from 11am to 8pm, including public holidays, and is free on orders over $300 within 10km of either kitchen; under $300 it is $15, and Chao quotes for addresses further out. A 50 per cent deposit holds the date, the menu is confirmed two weeks before the event, quantities can move by 10 per cent up to seven days out, and the balance is due then. It suits office functions, engagement parties, weddings and family celebrations where the food needs to land ready to eat.

Inclusions & amenities

Service

Caterers

Cuisine type (caterers)

Vietnamese

Catering style (caterers)

CanapesBuffet

Dietary support (caterers)

VeganVegetarianGluten-FreeHalal

Budget

$$ (Average)

Pricing

Individual tea time boxes start at $21.50 per person with a minimum of five, and lunch boxes start at $25.50 per person with a minimum of three. Shared party packs feed ten and increase in lots of ten: Light and Easy is $28.50 per person, Noodle Soup Combo $30.50, Warm Me Up $36.50, Favourite Feast $38.50, Chao's Signature $40.00, Super Flavours $40.50 and The Winner $46.50. Single-dish platters are priced separately, from $35 for prawn crackers and $48 for ten homemade crispy spring rolls up to $220 for seafood XO with egg noodle. Delivery is free on orders over $300 within 10km of the Crows Nest or Randwick kitchens and $15 on smaller orders inside that radius, with quotes given for addresses further out. A 50 per cent deposit confirms a booking and the balance is due seven days before the event.

Service Details

Chao works three ways. Easy Delivery covers delivery and setup, with the food presented and labelled by dietary requirement. The Catering and Service Team adds serving staff, with three food and service staff plus an optional drinks person suggested for up to 50 guests across three hours, and four staff for 50 to 100 guests across four hours. Chao Private Chef cooks on site for a minimum of 30 guests and includes equipment, preparation, setup, service and clean-up, working cocktail or buffet style. Ordering runs online for menu items, or by phone and email for a tailored quote. Menus are reviewed two weeks before the event, quantities can shift by 10 per cent up to seven days out, and payment is by card, EFTPOS, bank transfer or cash. Operating hours are 11am to 8pm, seven days a week, including public holidays. Special diets are accommodated with advance notice in writing and those items are plated separately and labelled.

Frequently asked questions

What is included when Chao Catering delivers?

Food arrives cooked, plated in disposable boxes and ready to serve, with sauces and condiments included and dietary items packed separately and labelled as meat, seafood, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or Halal. The team delivers and sets the food up. Serving staff and a private chef are separate services you can add.

How far ahead should I order?

Online menu orders can be placed close to the date, but for a catered event Chao confirms the booking with a 50 per cent deposit, locks the menu two weeks before the event and allows quantities to move by 10 per cent up to seven days out. Final payment is due seven days before. Cancelling at least 31 days ahead refunds the deposit in full.

How much does Chao Catering cost?

Tea time boxes start at $21.50 per person with a minimum of five and lunch boxes at $25.50 with a minimum of three. Shared packs for ten start at $28.50 per person for Light and Easy, with Favourite Feast at $38.50, Chao's Signature at $40.00 and The Winner at $46.50. Platters start at $35.

Which parts of Sydney do you deliver to?

Chao delivers from its Crows Nest and Randwick kitchens. Delivery is free on orders over $300 within 10km of either location, and $15 on orders under $300 inside that radius. For addresses beyond 10km, contact the team for a quote. There is no delivery to PO boxes.

Can you cook at my venue and provide staff?

Yes. The Catering and Service Team option adds delivery, setup and serving staff, with three staff plus an optional drinks person suggested for up to 50 guests over three hours, and four staff for 50 to 100 guests over four hours. Chao Private Chef cooks on site for 30 guests or more and includes equipment, setup, service and clean-up.

Areas we service

Northern BeachesInner WestMacarthurSutherland ShireNorth ShoreEastern SuburbsSouth West SydneyHawkesburySouthern SydneyWestern SydneyHills DistrictSydney CBD & Surrounds

Suitable occasions

Anniversary Party Birthday Party Christmas Party Corporate Event Engagement Party Wedding Reception

Reviews

See all reviews for Chao Catering on Google

Jane Langof

2 years ago

I hired Chao Catering for a recent home birthday party, and I couldn't be more thrilled with their service. My guests were so impressed with the beautiful Vietnamese food, with many compliments that it was the best cater…

Stuart Black

3 years ago

Chao Catering looked after us at the launch of my new novel, The Signatory. They did a brilliant job - the food and the service both wonderful.

Emily

3 years ago

We recently used Chao Catering for our wedding dinner and they were absolutely amazing! Jessica assisted me from start to finish in planning a two course buffet style banquet for 100+ guests. She was quick to respond to…

Kani Shan

3 years ago

We have used Chao Catering for our wedding, and it was such a wonderful experience! Emma and Jessica have been so lovely and helpful! 1. The food is great! I had many feedbacks from my guests that the food was amazing,…

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