What to Buy for an Eid Barbecue

An Eid barbecue needs more than meat and charcoal. Plan food around your confirmed guest list, including dietary requirements, then allow time to marinate the meat, chill drinks and prepare salads. Reusable plates, bowls, glasses and serving utensils keep the buffet moving, while coolers protect food and drinks outdoors. Check the forecast before buying or collecting a party tent, tables, chairs and lighting. Use the plan below as a practical checklist before your shopping trip.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 50
Buffet tablesqty 2
Tablecloth clipsqty 24

Tableware

Reusable dinner platesqty 50
Reusable dessert platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable drinking glassesqty 70
Forksqty 60
Knivesqty 60
Spoonsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 12
Barbecue tongsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 12

Equipment

Charcoal barbecuesqty 2
Charcoal startersqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef basesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 8
Storage boxesqty 12
Measuring cupsqty 3

Decorations

Eid garlandsqty 4
Table decorationsqty 8
Name badgesqty 50

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Rechargeable lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Sorting traysqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Reusable cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Halal chicken skewers - 60 pieces
- Halal beef burgers - 40 pieces
- Halal chicken burgers - 20 pieces
- Halal merguez - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Halloumi - 1.5 kilograms
- Hamburger buns - 60 pieces
- Pita bread - 40 pieces
- Corn cobs - 50 pieces
- Eggplants - 8 pieces
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Red bell peppers - 15 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Red onions - 3 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Romaine lettuce - 8 heads
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Chickpeas - 8 cans
- Feta - 1 kilogram
- Parsley - 6 bunches
- Mint - 4 Bunches
- Garlic - 8 bulbs
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Sunflower oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Cumin - 1 jar
- Cinnamon - 1 jar
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Harissa - 2 jars
- Yogurt dressing - 2 bottles
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Tzatziki - 4 tubs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Dates - 2 kilogram
- Baklava - 3 kilograms
- Fresh fruit - 6 kilogram
- Water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Peppermint tea - 2 boxes
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Charcoal - 4 bags
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper napkins - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Biodegradable trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Scouring sponges - 2 packs
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Toilet paper - 3 packs

Tips

Confirm the final guest count and dietary requirements at least 3 days before shopping. Use that number to calculate meat, salads, desserts, drinks and tableware instead of buying for an uncertain crowd.
For the first hour, allow 2–3 drinks per guest, then about 1 drink per person per hour. Chill drinks in coolers several hours before guests arrive and keep raw meat refrigerated until it goes on the barbecue.
Buy charcoal and charcoal starters before the day itself, and check that you have enough barbecue tongs, serving platters and heat-safe handling equipment. A missing starter or second pair of tongs can delay cooking for everyone.
Count reusable dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, glasses, forks, knives and spoons against the guest list, then add about 10% extra. Do the same for serving spoons and platters so the buffet does not depend on one shared utensil.
Do not leave outdoor setup until guests are arriving. Check the weather the day before, collect the party tent and furniture in advance, and charge rechargeable lanterns and string lights overnight.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for an Eid barbecue?: Use the confirmed guest count and plan roughly 250–350 g of raw meat per adult, depending on how many salads, sides and desserts you serve. Add separate portions for children and check dietary requirements before finalising the quantities.
How many drinks should I buy for an Eid barbecue?: Plan 2–3 drinks per guest for the first hour, followed by about 1 drink per person per hour. Buy and chill the drinks at least 4–6 hours before serving, with extra water available throughout the afternoon.
When should I shop for an Eid barbecue?: Buy charcoal, disposable or reusable serving supplies, decorations and lighting 2–3 days ahead. Buy fresh meat and vegetables as close to the event as practical, keep the meat refrigerated, and prepare marinades and salads on the day before where possible.
What tableware do I need for an Eid barbecue?: For each guest, provide one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one bowl, one glass, one fork, one knife and one spoon, plus around 10% extra. Add serving spoons and platters for every main dish, salad and dessert.

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