How to Plan a Kosher Shawarma Catering Order for a Group
Planning shawarma catering for a group starts with knowing how many people you’re feeding and how much food you’ll need. Grill Point has been serving Glatt Kosher Mediterranean food in NYC since 2003, with locations in Queens and the Upper East Side. From office lunches to family celebrations, here’s how to plan a kosher catering order that keeps everyone happy and well fed.
How Much Shawarma Catering to Order
The amount of food you’ll need depends on your guest count and what else you’re serving. A lunch meeting with sandwiches and salads will need less food than an evening celebration where shawarma is the main attraction.
Estimating Portions per Person
For a full meal, start with about 5–7 ounces of cooked shawarma per adult. Adjust based on the sides and other proteins included. This is a useful starting point when calculating how much catering per person you’ll need.
Here’s a simple planning guide:
| 10 people | 3–4.5 lb | 2–3 varieties |
| 20 people | 6–9 lb | 3–4 varieties |
| 30 people | 9–13 lb | 4 varieties |
| 50 people | 16–22 lb | 4–5 varieties |
These are general estimates, not Grill Point’s official catering portions. Check the available package sizes and serving recommendations before placing your order.
Tray Sizes & What They Cover
Catering trays aren’t always the same size. A tray filled with shawarma will feed a different number of people than one containing rice or falafel.
Grill Point’s Upper East Side menu lists a Mezze 1 package for approximately 5–8 people and Mezze 2 for 8–12. Both include meat, sides, and bread.
For larger groups, ask which packages or trays you can combine to cover your guest count.
Adjusting for Mixed Diets & Appetites
Don’t assume everyone will eat the same amount. Some guests will load up on shawarma, while others may prefer salads and falafel.
Ask about dietary requirements before ordering, particularly food allergies and vegetarian meals. Also confirm any specific kosher supervision requirements. It’s also worth checking whether children will be attending, as they generally need smaller portions.
Best Proteins & Platters for Groups
Chicken shawarma and lamb-and-turkey shawarma are two of Grill Point’s signature options. For a larger Mediterranean catering spread, consider adding grilled chicken or schnitzel.
Chicken Shawarma Platters
Chicken shawarma is a good starting point for group catering. It pairs easily with rice and chopped salads, with warm bread on the side.
For a simple shawarma platter, serve the meat separately and let guests build their own plates. Everyone can choose their preferred sides and sauces.
Lamb & Turkey Shawarma Options
Grill Point’s lamb and turkey shawarma brings a richer, more savory flavor to the table. It’s a good option for guests who enjoy something a little heartier.
Pair it with Israeli salad or pickled vegetables to balance the seasoned meat. Tahini sauce also works well alongside it.
Mixed Protein Trays for Larger Groups
For 20 or more people, consider offering two protein choices instead of one large batch of the same thing.
Chicken shawarma and lamb-and-turkey shawarma make a sensible combination. You could also ask about adding grilled chicken or chicken schnitzel for guests who prefer something different.
Grill Point offers mixed grill platters, but be sure to confirm the exact combinations and catering quantities with the restaurant.
Sides, Salads & Falafel
The sides are what turn a tray of meat into a proper group meal. A good Mediterranean spread should balance fresh salads with filling accompaniments. Serve dips and sauces separately so everyone can help themselves.
Salads: Israeli Salad, Tabbouleh & Fattoush
Israeli salad pairs naturally with shawarma, with chopped tomatoes and cucumbers giving it a fresh, crisp bite.
Grill Point’s Queens menu also includes tabbouleh salad, listed as tabouli. If you’re interested in fattoush, ask about availability rather than assuming it’s included in the catering menu.
For bigger groups, two different salads should give guests enough variety without leaving you with endless half-finished containers.
Meze: Hummus, Tahini & Pickled Vegetables
Hummus is always useful for dipping bread or adding to a shawarma plate. Tahini works as a sauce, while pickled vegetables add some acidity to the meal.
If you’re arranging a buffet-style lunch, serve these separately so guests can help themselves.
Falafel as a Vegetarian Option
Consider a falafel platter if your group includes vegetarians. Serve falafel with hummus and salads, and add rice for a more substantial vegetarian option.
Grill Point’s Upper East Side catering menu also lists vegetarian Mezze packages, including combinations of falafel and vegetable sides.
Just make sure you’ve ordered enough vegetarian food for the people who need it. A few falafel balls on a meat-heavy table won’t go very far!
Pita & Laffa for the Table
Pita bread works well for small sandwiches and dipping into hummus. Laffa bread is a larger, softer flatbread that works well for wrapping shawarma and salad.
For a build-your-own shawarma meal, ask how much bread your catering package includes and whether you should add extra.
When to Contact Grill Point Catering
Once you have a guest count and a rough idea of what you’d like to serve, get in touch with Grill Point to discuss the available kosher catering packages and pricing.
Office Lunches & Corporate Events
For office catering, consider how people will eat. Individual meals may be easier for a short meeting, while trays work better for a shared lunch.
If you’re arranging corporate kosher catering, confirm the number of employees and meal time. You’ll also need to check the catering delivery arrangements before finalizing your order.
Private Parties & Simchas
For birthdays and family gatherings, including simchas, a mix of shawarma and grilled meats gives guests more freedom to choose what they like.
Grill Point also caters for Shabbat dinners and holiday events. If you have specific serving arrangements or religious requirements, discuss these with the team beforehand.
How Far in Advance to Order
Contact the restaurant as soon as you know your event date, especially for large orders or holidays.
Ask about catering preparation times and ordering deadlines. Confirm delivery availability separately. Both Grill Point locations are closed on Saturdays for Shabbat, so plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Shawarma Do I Need per Person?
Plan for approximately 5–7 ounces of cooked shawarma per adult when it’s the main protein. Adjust the quantity depending on the sides and other dishes you’re serving. Grill Point can advise on serving sizes for its available catering packages.
Does Grill Point Offer Kosher Catering in Manhattan?
Yes. Grill Point offers kosher catering in NYC through its Upper East Side location at 1215 Lexington Avenue. The restaurant is Glatt Kosher and OU certified. Contact the team to confirm catering options and delivery arrangements.
Can I Mix Proteins in a Catering Order?
Grill Point offers several meat options, including chicken shawarma and lamb-and-turkey shawarma. Grilled chicken and schnitzel are also available. Contact the restaurant to ask which proteins you can combine in your kosher group catering order.
How Do I Place a Catering Order With Grill Point?
Visit Grill Point’s catering page or contact the Queens or Upper East Side location directly. Have your guest count and preferred proteins ready, along with your event date and delivery details, so the team can help you plan.
Get a Kosher Shawarma Catering Quote From Grill Point
Grill Point can help you put together a catering menu for your next office lunch or celebration. Once you know how many people you’re feeding, contact the team to discuss the available options and get a catering quote.
Start by exploring our shawarma catering options, or browse the menus for kosher catering Queens and kosher catering NYC to see what’s available at each location.
Read our guide to kosher catering in Queens for more ideas.
As co-owner of Grill Point, Amy Peretz has spent over 10 years managing daily operations and preserving the same shawarma recipes locals have loved for 20+ years.
