General Questions
How much should I budget for my event?
Every event is different, but a good starting point is to think in “per‑person” pricing. Once we know your guest numbers, style of service (buffet, shared platters, grazing, lunch boxes, etc.) and menu choices, we’ll recommend options at different price points. Share your budget range and we’ll design a menu that makes the most of it without compromising on flavour or portion size.
What types of events do you cater for?
Ariab caters everything from intimate dinners and birthdays to weddings, corporate functions, church events and large community celebrations. If food brings people together, we probably cater it. Tell us what you’re celebrating and we’ll match the menu and service style to the vibe.
Do you only cook African food?
No – Ariab is rooted in African flavours, but our menu is proudly multicultural. You’ll find Zimbabwean staples like sadza nenyama alongside West African jollof, Asian‑inspired favourites like Chicken 65 and global comfort dishes. We love building menus that reflect your guests’ backgrounds while still showcasing our heritage.
Can you cater for dietary requirements and allergies?
Yes. We regularly cater for vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten‑free and dairy‑free guests, and we can design menus that are allergy‑aware. Share your requirements when you enquire and we’ll suggest safe, delicious options. While we take great care, please note that all food is prepared in the same kitchen.
Is your food very spicy?
Our food is all about flavour first. Some dishes bring a gentle heat, others are bold and fiery, but we can always adjust spice levels to suit your crowd. Let us know if your guests prefer mild, medium or hot and we’ll balance the menu accordingly.
Can you create a custom menu for my event?
Absolutely. Custom catering is at the heart of Ariab. Start with some of our signature dishes, then we’ll work with you to add favourites, adapt flavours for your culture, or design something completely new. From Zim‑inspired comfort food to Global fusions, we love collaborating on menus that feel personal.
Other Questions
How much notice do you need?
The more notice the better, especially for larger events and peak weekends. As a guide, we recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance for medium events and earlier for weddings or big celebrations. If your date is sooner, still reach out if the calendar allows, we’ll do our best to make it happen.
What is your minimum order / guest count?
We generally have a minimum spend or guest count for full catering to ensure we can staff and prepare properly. If you’re planning a smaller gathering, get in touch with your details, we can often suggest family‑style trays or boxed options that work beautifully for more intimate numbers.
How does delivery and setup work?
For most events, we deliver your food hot and ready to serve, then set up the buffet or food station as agreed. For larger functions, we can also provide on‑site staff to manage service and keep everything topped up. We’ll confirm all timing, access and setup details with you before the day so service runs smoothly.
Do you provide crockery, cutlery, glassware and serving equipment?
We can recommend options depending on your event. Some clients prefer to use venue crockery, hire their own, or keep things casual with eco‑friendly disposables. If you’d like us to organise serving dishes, chafing sets or disposables, let us know in your enquiry and we’ll include this in your quote.
How do I confirm my booking?
Once you’re happy with your custom menu and quote, we’ll send through a formal booking summary and payment details. A deposit secures your date in our calendar, with the balance due before your event. Until the deposit is paid, dates remain open to other enquiries.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept bank transfer and (if you like) PayID, and can arrange invoice payments for approved corporate and community clients. All payment details will be clearly listed on your quote and invoice.
Can I taste the food before I book a big event?
Where possible, we invite couples and organisers of larger events to sample a selection of key dishes or visit us at a public pop‑up/events. Let us know in your enquiry if you’re planning a wedding or major celebration and would like to discuss tasting options.
What happens to leftover food?
Our goal is to plan portions carefully so there’s plenty for everyone without excessive waste. Any safe leftovers at the end of service can be packed into your containers if you’d like to keep them. Once food leaves our care, safe storage and reheating is the host’s responsibility.