How to organise a street food workshop

A street food workshop works best when guests can start cooking quickly and each station has everything needed for one recipe. Begin by fixing the menu, recipes and number of participants before ordering ingredients or booking equipment. Then collect dietary requirements, divide the work between stations and prepare sauces, vegetables and chilled items in advance. On the day, allow time to ventilate the room, set up workstations and explain hygiene, safety and recipes before anyone starts cooking.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Record the menu and recipes
2 people
2
Reserve workshop space
3
Send invitations
4
Process registrations
5
Collect dietary requirements
6
Update participant list
7
Order ingredients
8
Check equipment and tableware
2 people
9
Set up workstations
2 people
10
Print recipe cards
11
Prepare name badges
12
Pick up groceries
2 people
13
Check ingredients
2 people
14
Prepare sauces and marinades
3 people
15
Wash and cut vegetables
3 people
16
Chill perishable items

Event

17
Open and ventilate the room
2 people
18
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
19
Set up cooking stations
4 people
20
Prepare ingredients per station
4 people
21
Chill drinks
2 people
22
Set up the reception desk
2 people
23
Receive participants
3 people
24
Explain hygiene and safety
2 people
25
Explain the recipes and stations
2 people
26
Prepare vegetables and toppings
6 people
27
Prepare meat and vegetarian filling
6 people
28
Assemble street food dishes
6 people
29
Serve first course
4 people
30
Clean workstations
4 people
31
Prepare second course
6 people
32
Serve the second course
4 people
33
Serve dessert and coffee
3 people
34
Refill drinks
2 people
35
Remove waste regularly
2 people

Aftercare

36
Wash dishes and utensils
4 people
37
Clean work area
4 people
38
Put furniture back
3 people
39
Check stock and leftovers
2 people
40
Dispose of waste
2 people
41
Return borrowed materials
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Work tablesqty 8
Dining tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 36
Buffet tableqty 2

Tableware

Platesqty 40
Bowlsqty 40
Drinking glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 36
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving bowlsqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 12
Chef's knifeqty 12
Mixing bowlsqty 12
Measuring cupsqty 6
Measuring spoonsqty 6
Kitchen tongsqty 8
Spatulasqty 8
Ladlesqty 6
Colandersqty 6

Equipment

Induction hobsqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Food warmersqty 4
Pansqty 8
Baking dishesqty 6
Kitchen scalesqty 4

Decorations

Menu boardsqty 3
Name badgesqty 36
Table runnersqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Washing-up bowlsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Choose the menu and write down every recipe before inviting people. Plan one clearly defined dish or preparation task per workstation, so participants are not waiting for the same pan, knife or induction hob.
Close registrations before ordering groceries and review the participant list against dietary requirements. Keep a written record of substitutions and label ingredients or stations before guests arrive.
Prepare sauces, marinades and washed, cut vegetables ahead of time, but chill perishable ingredients until they are needed. Take chilled items out in batches rather than leaving everything at room temperature.
Set up each workstation with its own cutting board, chef’s knife, mixing bowls, measuring tools, utensils and recipe card. Test the induction hobs and check that pans, colanders and serving equipment match the recipes.
Schedule at least 30 minutes before arrival for room ventilation, tables, chairs, cooking stations, drinks and the reception desk. Start with a short hygiene and safety briefing, then explain the recipes and station order before distributing tasks.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a street food workshop?: Fix the menu and reserve the workshop space at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Send invitations early enough to close registrations before you order ingredients and confirm equipment.
How much food should I buy for a street food workshop?: Base quantities on the confirmed participant list and the serving size in each recipe, then add about 10% for spills, trimming and second helpings. Do not buy final quantities until dietary requirements and registrations are checked.
How long does a street food workshop take?: Allow around 3 to 4 hours for the full event: about 30 minutes for setup, 15 minutes for briefing, 90 to 120 minutes for preparation and cooking, and time to eat and clear the stations.
When should I prepare ingredients for a street food workshop?: Prepare sauces, marinades and cut vegetables on the day before or the morning of the workshop when suitable. Chill perishable ingredients immediately and keep them refrigerated or in coolers until each station needs them.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.