Want to cook it yourself? See our nachos for a crowd recipe.
Why it works for children
Children like choosing their own food, and Mexican street food is built for that. A warm tortilla, a filling they like and a few toppings they pick themselves feels like a treat. It’s also easy to make mild, and the adults at the party can have the hotter salsas on the side.
Food ideas children enjoy
- Cheese quesadillas. Toasted tortillas with melted cheese, cut into wedges. Often the most popular thing on the menu.
- Mild chicken tacos. Shredded chicken without chilli, with a little cheese and lettuce.
- Nachos. Tortilla chips with mild toppings, cheese and guacamole.
- Burrito bowls. Rice, beans, chicken and toppings, eaten with a fork.
- Bean and cheese tacos. A simple vegetarian option.
Keeping it mild
Most Mexican food gets its heat from salsas and chillies added at the end, not from the base. That makes it easy to keep fillings mild and put the heat on the side. Ask your caterer to keep a mild filling for children, label the hot salsas clearly, and set them apart from the children’s serving area.
Portions
Younger children often eat one or two small tacos, or half a quesadilla, though older children and teenagers may eat as much as adults. Count children separately on your invitations, with rough ages, so your caterer can plan. See how many tacos per person for adult quantities.
Teenagers
Teenagers often eat as much as adults, or more. Loaded nachos, burritos and burrito bowls go down well, and many will want to try the hotter salsas. If you’re planning a teenage birthday, count them as adults when you give your caterer numbers.
Allergies and diets
Children’s parties often include children with allergies. Ask parents about allergies and diets when they reply, and send your caterer a list with names. Our menus include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options, with allergen information for every dish. We plan carefully and keep options separate, but we can’t guarantee that any allergen is completely absent from the kitchen, so parents of children with severe allergies should talk to us before the party. The Food Standards Agency lists the 14 major allergens.
Serving children safely
- Keep children away from the back of the truck or trailer and the cooking area.
- Serve children first or at their own table, with an adult helping.
- Cut quesadillas and tacos into smaller pieces for little ones.
- Have plenty of napkins and wipes, and somewhere to sit.
- Offer water and alcohol-free drinks such as aguas frescas.
Getting children involved
Children enjoy building their own food. A low table with mild fillings, cheese, lettuce and tortillas lets them make their own tacos with a grown-up nearby. Picture menu cards help younger children choose. Keep portions small so they can come back, rather than piling plates high and leaving half.
Drinks for children
Aguas frescas such as fruit waters and agua de jamaica (hibiscus) are colourful and alcohol-free. Water should always be available. Keep any adult drinks, and the bar, well away from the children’s area.
Family events
Many children’s parties are really family parties, with grandparents, aunts and uncles. A food truck suits these well, because everyone can eat the same kind of food at their own heat level. Truck and trailer service usually suits around 50 to 400 guests; smaller parties are quoted case by case, so tell us your numbers.
Getting a quote
Tell us your date, place, numbers of adults and children, and any allergies. Contact us for a quote through our quote form, or see our Mexican party catering. If you’re cooking at home, our Mexican recipes include simple ideas.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll suggest a menu and send a quote for your event.