The Caribbean Twist on Classic Office Lunches
- Martine Dardignac
- Sep 3, 2025
- 2 min read
When Office Lunches Feel Like Groundhog Day
For many office teams, lunch meetings come with the same predictable spread: turkey on wheat, a basic Caesar salad, maybe a cookie or two. While it’s functional, it’s rarely inspiring — and definitely not memorable.
At Taste Buds Required, we believe even the most classic office lunch can become something extraordinary. The secret? Fresh, bold Caribbean flavors that bring a burst of sunshine to the table — or the boardroom.

From Safe to Satisfying: Reinventing Lunch Staples
We know that in a corporate setting, you have to cater to a wide variety of tastes. Some people want to play it safe, while others are eager to try something new. Our solution is to take well-loved lunch staples and give them a Caribbean twist — balancing familiarity with fresh excitement.
Instead of the typical chicken salad sandwich, picture jerk chicken wraps layered with crunchy Caribbean slaw and a drizzle of mango chutney. Instead of bland pasta salad, imagine island grain bowls with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and citrus-epis dressing.
These aren’t just meals; they’re conversation starters.
The Ingredients That Make the Difference
Caribbean cuisine is all about layers of flavor. We use fresh herbs, spice blends, and unique elements to make every bite stand out. Some of our client favorites include:
Pikliz: A tangy, spicy pickled slaw that adds a perfect punch to sandwiches and salads.
Plantain Bread: Golden fried sweet plantains used as a creative “bun” alternative.
Jerk Seasoning: A fragrant, mildly spicy blend that works beautifully on chicken, fish, or tofu.
Djon Djon Rice: Haitian black mushroom rice — rich, earthy, and visually striking.
By weaving these elements into classic office-friendly dishes, we create something that satisfies both the cautious eater and the adventurous foodie.
Corporate-Friendly Without the Overwhelm
We also know the challenges that come with feeding a group. That’s why we keep our corporate catering streamlined with clear menu options, labeled meals, and dietary accommodations like vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices.
Our 3-selection maximum per order keeps service efficient while still offering variety — ensuring every guest finds something they’ll enjoy without causing kitchen chaos.
When the Twist Steals the Show
A recent corporate lunch in Yonkers is a perfect example. The menu featured:
Griot & Pikliz Sandwiches on Haitian bread
Jerk Chicken Salads with mango and cucumber
Plantain Chips served instead of potato chips
The feedback? Multiple guests asked where they could get the pikliz recipe, and a few even took extra plantain chips home. The twist became the talk of the meeting.
Bring the Caribbean to Your Office Table
Your team works hard — they deserve a lunch that’s more than an afterthought. Taste Buds Required brings the flavors of the islands to your next office gathering, without losing the practicality you need for a corporate setting.
📅 Schedule your next office lunch with a Caribbean twist: Book Now




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