Why Charcuterie Boards Are the New Must‑Have on Singaporean Menus
In recent years, many catering crews have stepped into the world of charcuterie – those artfully arranged platters brimming with cured meats, cheeses, fruits and more. Whether you’re hitting the tastiest game‑menu for a bachelor party or craving that “meat‑and‑cheese” combo to straighten out the Friday slump, the choice is clear: lets get the board done right.
Why the Trend Matters
- Local ingredients, global flavour: From New Zealand lamb to French brie and Northern Italian salami, these catering squads report back to the world – and with it, a quality buzz rating.
- Picture‑perfect presentation: Think Instagram‑ready; fresh veggies cut to shape, cheeses swirled, and a garnish that makes you want to snap a pic before biting.
- Customisable for every event: Birthday bashes, corporate meet‑ups or a quick snack at a café – they’ve got you.
DIY or Delivered – Which Saves You Pennies?
If you’re gunning for a DIY board (no pun intended), we’ve broken down the typical cost of buying a ready‑made platter vs building your own. The numbers will help you decide if you’re whipping up a spread or letting professionals handle the hustle.
Ready‑Made Cost Breakdown
- Standard 4‑person platter – S$35 to S$90
- Premium 8‑person platter – S$70 to S$150
- Custom order (includes themed decorations, extra cheeses, and extra meat) – S$150 and up
DIY Cost Breakdown (estimates for 4 people)
- Grilled meats & rad roasted veggies – S$15 to S$30
- Cheese selection (brie, gouda, cheddar, etc.) – S$10 to S$25
- Assorted crackers and breads – S$8 to S$15
- Garnish & condiments (pickles, honey, olives) – S$5 to S$10
- Power‑charge your entire spread (tasting time, prep, transport) – S$5 to S$10 hours in your time & effort
What Does the Math Tell Us?
Grab the numbers above and do the quick sum‑it‑up. If you only need a tiny plate for a small group, the DIY route could end up under budget. Pile it up for a larger event, and the professional board may actually be cheaper when you factor in time, energy, and surprise quality.
The Bottom Line – Pick the Right Blend
If you’re planning a party and the kitchen is a mess you can’t spare, a ready‑made platter will hatch the perfect looking set of favourites without you swearing. On the flip side, if you want to go custom-again with signature meats and a fully curated layout, you’ll want to roll up your sleeves.
Why not combine the best of both worlds? Order a basic board from a local caterer, and then sprinkle your own extra goodies. This hybrid approach can keep your wallet happy while still letting you show off your creative flair.
Final Thought
Let the charcuterie cravings guide you, but let the composure keep your pockets全 circle. Either way, you’ll end up with a spread that’s chat‑worthy, delicious, and impressive – perfect for any circumstance in Singapore’s buzzing culinary scene. Happy snacking!
Average cost of a charcuterie board from a catering company
From Fancy Butcher‑Boards to Gourmet Showcases
Once the sole domain of relentless butchers and their sharp knives, the humble charcuterie board has morphed into a full‑blown culinary stage. Think of it as a foodie’s awards ceremony—anteaters of cheese, fruit, veggies, nuts, and even artisanal crackers all vying for the spotlight.
Why These Boards Are Trending (and Why They’re Not Break‑Even‑Level Priced)
- Chic & Instagram‑Ready: A spread that looks so good you’ll want to snap it before you dig in.
- Versatility to Celebrate Every Taste: From smoked salmon to seasonal berries, there’s a pairing for every palate.
- Party Starter: Easier than pulling a theme from a hat—just pick your flavors, and let the chatter bloom.
These boards are commonly pegged as luxury goodies for upscale galas, but when you break it down per guest, the price drops to a pretty palatable level. In other words, you get a slice of elegance without hammering your wallet to the ground.
How to Make Your Charcuterie Board a Delicious Bargain
Let’s face it: a one‑person charcuterie board usually tips the scales at around $31. That’s a pretty sweet price if you picture the fancy cheeses, cured meats, and imported olives piling up on that little bronze platter. But hold the fork—there’s a secret sauce that can slash your grocery bill and boost your party game.
Why Bigger Is Better (and Cheaper)
- Scale matters: When you serve a six‑to‑ten‑person board, the average cost per guest plummets to somewhere between $18 and $30. That’s basically a steal for a decent spread.
- The more people you feed, the more you dilute the price of premium items—think high‑quality cheeses and artisanal meats.
Be Careful with the “Tiny” Boards
Only one thing keeps a single‑person platter attractive: its price‑per‑person is manageable. But if you’re going for under‑six‑person boards, you might end up paying the same—or even more—for each guest than you would for a solo board.
- Example: A four‑to‑six‑person board could be a win if you actually have six guests. But if you’re only feeding four, the cost per person jumps to a staggering $32.35. That’s a hard sell for anyone looking to keep their wallet happy.
Bottom Line
Bottom line? Group your guests and grab a bigger board. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but your bank account will too. Happy snacking!
The costs of making your own charcuterie board
Build Your Own Charcuterie Masterpiece
Think of a DIY charcuterie board as a blank canvas—your imagination is the only limit. A classic spread will usually pin down at least ten tasty items, spotlighting the star trio:
- Meats – deli slices, salami, cured hams, and the occasional pepperoni.
- Cheese – cheddar, brie, gouda, or whatever tickles your fancy.
- Fruits – grapes, figs, sliced apples, or that rebellious pineapple.
- Crackers – thin rye, crackers with seeds, or just plain the ones you love.
Everything else—olives, gherkins, nuts, vegetables, dips, and sweet treats—is optional. Treat these as the delightful add‑ons that finish the party.
Finding the Sweet Spot for Your Charcuterie Cravings
Ever tried hunting for that one flavor that always escapes the local grocery shelf? Turns out, it might be time to let the gourmet markets do the heavy lifting.
Why High‑End Stores are Bit Pricier
- Take salami for example: 200 g of the fancy, kid‑friendly cut will set you back $16.90 at a gourmet shop.
- If you’re budget‑savvy, you can ditch that high‑price tag and grab the same quantity at Redmart for about $7.10 — that’s a 57% slice of savings.
Local Groceries: The Unexpected Heroes
Even if the shop doesn’t have a full menagerie of imported cheeses, they’ve got the essentials: fresh fruit, crisp veggies, crunchy nuts and all the board staples you’ll need.
Choosing the Right Source Can Make a World of Difference
- Fancy? 250 g of Japanese strawberries will cost you $19.95.
- Keep your wallet happy with Korean strawberries at $8.90 – that’s $11.05 saved.
So next time you’re planning a spread that’s as whimsical as a circus of flavors, remember: the right place to buy can transform your budget into a feast of savings.
Want more delicious inspo? Check out the 10 best food caterers in Singapore to call when you’ve a party.
Catered or DIY: Which would should you choose?
DIY Charcuterie: Crafting Your Own Feast
Picture this: each guest scoops about 90 g of savory goodness, and our hand‑made board can feed around 24 people. That’s a full-fledged spread without the splashy price tag of a retail board that can lug you over $375 for 15 to 20 guests.
Cost‑Saving Secrets
- Both low‑budget and high‑budget DIY setups fall under the retail average.
- Buying in bulk gives you a killer price break — just be ready for a front‑loaded grocery haul.
- Remember: grocery items often come in fixed weights, so you might end up buying more than you truly need for a smaller crowd.
Unlike a store, charcuterie companies aren’t tied to that mall‑policy weight limit. They can pick and choose any number of goodies, often unveiling 30+ ingredients on a professional board. Think imported cheeses, signature dips, and even edible flowers that would make your plate blush.
DIY vs. Professional Catering: The Real Deal
If you’re a cheese and meat aficionado who loves controlling the ingredients, DIY is your goldmine. You save on the extravagance that caters put into hiring chefs, arranging displays, and washing up on the cleanup. But if you’re aiming to impress a crowd that could rival a university dorm, hiring a catering pros is the no‑9 rollout you’ll want.
Even when the upfront cost seems steep, the time, effort, and hassle a professional catering team brings to the table (literally) are worth every penny. Think of them as your culinary lifeline when the guest list starts to climb.
Bottom Line
DIY charcuterie is a budget‑friendly option that lets you flex your creative muscles. Professional catering, on the other hand, is the safeguard against culinary chaos when you need to serve the whole neighborhood. Choose your spirit, taste buds, and the degree of culinary drama you’re comfortable with — then roll those savory slices and enjoy the applause!
Get credit card rewards on your charcuterie board
Maximize Your Grocery Bucks with Credit Card Smarts
Whether you’re ordering from a fancy caterer or rummaging through the grocery aisle yourself, there’s one secret sauce that can turn every meal into a money‑saving adventure: cashback or rewards credit cards.
Meet the Maybank Family & Friends MasterCard
- Spend over $500 a month and you’ll snag 5 % cash back on all groceries and food deliveries.
- If you raise that figure to $800+, the rate jumps up to 8 %—but remember it’s capped at a certain payout.
In practical terms, this means: if you can keep your monthly spend above those thresholds, you’re looking at a sweet haul of roughly $2,320 over two years. That isn’t a stretch—just add a homemade charcuterie board to your list and you’ll hit those numbers faster.
Why It Works (and Feels“free”)
Think of it as a “pay‑for‑keeping” incentive. You’re already buying food—those cards just turn that spend into extra cash or points, making your everyday shopping feel a little more rewarding.
Pro Tip: Mix & Match
Consider pairing the cash‑back card with a local rewards card for extra points on dining out or specialty ingredients. The synergy is often worth the extra account management it takes.
Bottom Line
Don’t just let your kitchen bills pile up. Treat your credit card as a partner in the pantry, and watch your savings grow—without changing your grocery routine.
