If you’ve ever hosted an event, you know the food can either bring everyone together or quietly let things fall flat. It doesn’t matter if it’s a milestone birthday, an office celebration, or a laid-back garden party, people remember what they ate, how it tasted, and how it made them feel.
That’s why tapas works so well. It’s not just a trend. It’s relaxed, social, generous food that doesn’t force everyone to sit down at the same time or wait for courses. It gives people freedom to mingle, nibble, and keep conversations going. And when you choose the right dishes, the whole mood just lifts.
At Perth Paella Parties, we’ve been doing tapas catering in Perth for years, and there are a few tapas dishes that always, always get asked about, and requested again for future events. So if you’re wondering what to serve your guests, here’s a proper look at the crowd-pleasers.
Garlic Prawns (Gambas al Ajillo), Always the First to Go
You know it’s a hit when trays come back empty before you even realise they were passed around. That’s what happens with our garlic prawns. Lightly seared in olive oil with loads of fresh garlic, parsley, and a bit of chilli for heat, they smell incredible and taste even better.
People often ask us what makes ours so good. Honestly, it’s the quality of the prawns. We don’t cut corners. Big, juicy prawns cooked fresh right in front of guests. No reheating, no shortcuts.
If you’re booking tapas catering Perth and want something that feels special without being fussy, start here.
Grilled Octopus, Not as Scary as It Sounds, and Always a Surprise Favourite
Some people hesitate at first. Octopus doesn’t sound like an obvious party food. But once they try it, they get it.
We marinate it until it’s tender, then grill it over a flame until the edges char just slightly. Served with a squeeze of lemon and simple seasoning, it’s one of those dishes that keeps people coming back for seconds. It’s not chewy, it’s not overpowering, just clean, smoky, and satisfying.
At larger Perth events where there’s a mix of adventurous eaters and those sticking to safer options, this is the one that converts the skeptics.
Spicy Paprika Chicken Skewers, Great with a Drink, Easy to Eat
These little skewers are a lifesaver for busy events. They’re packed with flavour, easy to hold with one hand, and they keep people fed while they chat, drink, or walk around.
We use a smoky paprika rub that’s more flavourful than fiery. There’s just enough heat to make it interesting, but not so much that people reach for water. These work really well at corporate gatherings, backyard birthdays, or casual weddings where finger food needs to hold its own.
Ask anyone who’s had our tapas catering Perth before, these skewers are one of the most requested repeats.
Rosemary Lamb Cutlets, For the Guests Who Love Something Hearty
Not all tapas have to be light. These rosemary lamb cutlets are rich, filling, and full of flavour. We grill them fresh at the venue, give them a quick rest, and then serve them with a hint of sea salt and lemon.
They work best when you want to offer something that feels generous and meaty without going for a full sit-down steak meal. Lamb is always a hit at Aussie events, and this version brings a little Spanish twist to something familiar.
They’re especially popular for evening events or parties where guests might have skipped lunch and need something more substantial.
Chorizo Bites with Red Wine Glaze, You’ll Need Extra Servings
If there’s a food that pairs perfectly with conversation and a glass of wine, it’s this. Bite-sized pieces of chorizo, gently cooked and then tossed in a reduction of red wine, garlic, and herbs. The result is sticky, rich, and impossible to eat just one of.
These don’t sit around long on a platter. You’ll usually see people hovering by the kitchen door, waiting for the next tray.
When people talk about their favourite tapas catering Perth experiences, this dish comes up a lot. It’s one of those that feels comforting and bold at the same time.
Sautéed Potatoes with Red Onion and Smoked Paprika, Simple but Addictive
Every tapas menu needs a good potato dish, and this one delivers. We cook the potatoes until they’re crispy on the outside, soft in the centre, and then toss them with caramelised red onions, garlic, and paprika.
It’s simple, but it works, especially for vegetarian guests or those who want a break from seafood and meat.
These little bites balance the rest of the menu. If everything else is bold and rich, this grounds the spread in something familiar and satisfying. Plus, they’re surprisingly good at soaking up sangria.
Why We Keep the Menu Focused
You might notice our menu isn’t 50 items long. That’s on purpose.
We’ve found that offering a smaller, tightly crafted list means better food and a smoother service. Everything’s prepared fresh, everything travels well, and we can cook a lot of it on-site, which adds to the theatre of the event.
That’s what sets us apart in tapas catering Perth. It’s not just about dropping off food. It’s about being part of the atmosphere. Cooking, plating, serving, and watching people gather around the smell of grilled seafood or sizzling pans of garlic and oil. It makes the event feel alive.
What to Expect When You Book Tapas Catering With Us
If you’re wondering what happens after you call us, it’s pretty simple.
We’ll talk through your event, what kind of vibe you’re after, how many guests, and what your space looks like. Then we’ll suggest a mix of tapas that suits your budget, your guests, and your setup. You can tweak the dishes, add extras, or keep it super casual.
On the day, we show up early, get set up, and start cooking. No stress, no mess. You get to actually enjoy your event while we take care of the food. And at the end, your guests leave full, happy, and probably asking where you found us.
Final Word
If you’re planning a celebration in Perth and want something better than the usual finger food, tapas just works. It’s flexible, full of flavour, and made for good company. From garlic prawns to grilled octopus and everything in between, the right tapas can turn a simple event into something people remember for all the right reasons.
We’ve been doing tapas catering Perth for a long time, and there’s nothing better than seeing guests go back for seconds with a smile.
Got a party coming up? Let’s feed it properly
