top of page

OUR FOODTRUCK IS TAKING A BREAK | FIND US AT NEAR EAST CAFE OR SEND US A CATERING ENQUIRY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Got a question about Near East Kitchen, our food truck, or Woodside Catering? We've pulled together answers to everything we get asked most, café hours, dietary needs, event bookings, delivery and more. Can't find what you're after? Get in touch, we're always happy to help.

Near East Café FAQs

  • Our opening hours change with the seasons, so the best place to check is our website or social media for the latest updates.

  • Unfortunately, we don't take bookings. We're a small café with limited indoor seating, but on sunny days you're welcome to grab one of the big tables out the front.

  • Absolutely! Most of our menu is available to take away and enjoy wherever you like. All our packaging is compostable, and we're always happy to see BYO containers too. Our waste-warrior customers are our favourites.

  • Yes, we do! You'll always find a selection of fresh, wholesome meals in our take-home fridge, ready to grab, heat, and enjoy at home. Perfect for busy weeknights when you'd rather spend less time cooking and more time eating.

    ​

    Drop by the café and see what's available. The selection changes regularly, so there's usually something new to discover.

  • Our food thoughtfully caters to diverse dietary needs and you will always find delicious offerings for our vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free guests. If you have an allergy or specific dietary requirement, just let us know when ordering and we'll do our very best to accommodate you.

  • We sure do. We're proud of our coffee, and we love sharing our range of hot and cold Middle Eastern-inspired drinks too. Check out our drink menu to find out what we’re serving at the moment.

  • Yes! You can find our current menu on our website. We also love creating seasonal dishes and daily specials, so keep an eye on our socials to see what's new.

  • Of course. We welcome families and offer child-friendly menu options where available.

  • Yes they are! Your furry friends are welcome at our outdoor tables out the front.

  • You lovely thing, yes we do. We happen to think food makes a pretty great gift. Pop into the café or send us an email and we'll sort you out.

  • Yes, all food served at Near East Kitchen and through Woodside Food & Co is halal.

Catering FAQs

  • If people are gathering and eating, chances are we can help. We cater weddings, birthdays, corporate events, work lunches, family celebrations, community events and everything in between.

    ​

    Whether your event suits our boxed catering, onsite catering, or a mix of both depends on your vision and budget, and we're happy to help you work that out.

  • Absolutely. Mix and match grazing tables, family-style feasts, roving canapés, larger bites and boxed catering to create something that's perfect for your event.

  • For boxed catering, everything is designed to be simple and easy to serve yourself. Plates, cutlery and serving utensils aren't included, but eco-friendly cutlery and serviettes can be added to your order.

    ​

    For onsite event catering, we provide serving tables, serving equipment, crockery and cutlery as required. Chef, service and bar staff can also be arranged and are quoted separately based on your event requirements.

  • We do! Ballarat, the Macedon Ranges and Central Victoria are our regular stomping grounds, but we're always up for an adventure. If your event is further afield, get in touch and we'll see if we can get there!

  • Yes. For public events we generally work on a minimum-spend model. Rather than charging an attendance fee, we agree on a minimum sales target for the event. This helps us cover staffing and preparation costs while ensuring we bring enough food for everyone.

Ordering & Booking

  • The easiest way is to complete one of our catering enquiry forms on the website. Let us know your event date, location, guest numbers and catering style, and we'll put together a customised quote.

  • For boxed catering, we recommend placing your order at least 4 days ahead, with a minimum of 48 hours' notice where possible.

    ​

    For onsite events and custom menus, 5-7 business days' notice is preferred. If you're running late, get in touch anyway. If we can make it happen, we will.

  • Some boxed catering items do have minimum order requirements. You'll find these listed on the menu, or just ask if you're unsure.

  • A 50% deposit is required to secure event catering bookings. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit has been received.

  • For event catering, the balance is due 7 days before your event.

    For boxed catering, payment is required before pickup or delivery.

  • Bank transfer is our preferred method. We can also accept credit card payments via a secure payment link, although a 2.2% processing fee applies. Cash is welcome too.

  • Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept payment for catering orders at pickup.

    ​

    As Woodside and Near East Kitchen operate as separate businesses, we kindly ask that any outstanding balance be paid either by bank transfer (direct debit) or by credit card using the payment link provided with your order.

    ​

    If you would prefer to pay cash, please let us know in advance and we’ll be happy to make the necessary arrangements.

Dietary Requirements

  • Our menu naturally caters for a diverse dietary needs with most of our dishes being gluten and dairy-free guests. We also pride ourselves with our selection of vegetarian and vegan options. We will always to our best to cater for allergies, so please let our team know about any allergies or dietary needs when ordering.

  • While we take every precaution and make every effort to accommodate dietary needs, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment.

  • For events, we'll confirm dietary requirements around 10 days before your booking.

    For boxed catering, please provide dietary information when placing your order.

Delivery & Collection

  • Yes, subject to availability. Delivery fees are:

    ​

    • Ballarat: $20

    • Surrounding areas: $40

    • Rural and remote locations: $1.50/km return trip

    ​

    Collection is also available from Near East Kitchen during business hours.

  • Depending on the menu, food can be delivered hot and ready to serve, or chilled with reheating instructions. We'll recommend the option that works best for your event.

Changes & Cancellations

    • 30 days or more before the event: full refund

    • 11-29 days before the event: 50% of the deposit refunded

    • 10 days or less before the event: no refund

    • More than 48 hours before delivery: full refund

    • Within 48 hours: 50% cancellation fee

    • Within 24 hours: non-refundable

  • We'll confirm final guest numbers and dietary requirements around 10 days before your event. After that, changes may be possible, but reductions may not be once ingredients and equipment have been ordered.

  • We ask that all menu and quantity changes are confirmed at least 2 business days before delivery.

Event Catering

  • Yes. During peak season (October to February), minimum spends apply for onsite catering events:

    ​

    • Friday and Saturday: $3000

    • Sunday: $3500

  • ​Yes. Depending on your event, we can provide chefs, service staff and bar staff. Costs vary depending on your requirements and will be included in your quote.

  • Our food truck (or mobile kitchen) hire is available for a flat fee of $300 and is quoted separately.

    If your venue has a suitable commercial kitchen available for use, there is no additional charge. 

  • Yes. Onsite catering includes plates, cutlery, serving dishes and serving utensils as part of the service.

  • They do. Grazing tables include setup, serving utensils, boards, delivery and collection of equipment the following day.

  • Expect plenty of house-made dips, Turkish bread, cheeses, charcuterie, crackers, fresh fruit, vegetables and pickles, all styled beautifully with a Middle Eastern twist. Additional hot items and sweets can also be added.

  • Not necessarily. Our food truck is fully self-sufficient and can operate off-grid using its own generator and water supply, although access to power is always appreciated.

  • If permits or council approvals are needed, they are the client's responsibility to arrange. We also appreciate any information about site access, parking or setup limitations before the event.

  • Generally, yes. Roving service requires more staff to prepare and serve food throughout the event, so costs are usually a little higher.

    ​

    Family-style sharing is often a more cost-effective option, as it requires fewer serving staff, while still creating a generous and festive dining experience.

Contact

  • The easiest way is through our website boxed catering or event catering enquiry forms. Tell us a little about what you’re looking for and we'll be in touch with a quote.

  • We're a small team and spend most of our time in the kitchen. We usually respond to emails and process enquiries on Tuesdays and Fridays, so thanks in advance for your patience.

  • For urgent enquiries or last-minute changes, please give us a call on 0417 470 766. Sometimes old-school is best.

bottom of page