Chinese food blends centuries of culinary heritage with dozens of regional cuisines to produce a range of delicious dishes to satisfy any craving. For that reason, it’s one of the most popular styles of food for catering for parties and other group events. However, it can be a challenge to select an array of Chinese dishes which are safe for those with allergies and healthy for those with other dietary needs and preferences. Fortunately, the guide below will help you to determine how to keep your guests satisfied.

How to Order Chinese Food for a Party

Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes

While many Chinese dishes are famously meat-based, China actually has a long and storied vegan and vegetarian tradition. Soybeans are among the most famed of Chinese ingredients, turning up in an array of dishes in the form of tofu, soy sauce, bean sprouts, and soybean paste. Popular Chinese vegetables include bok choy, string beans, and broccoli.

You can serve vegetarians and vegans appetizing, filling combinations of rice or lo mein or mei fun (rice noodles) with steamed broccoli or fried or steamed tofu. Start them off with veggie-based appetizers like spring rolls, cream cheese-filled wontons, and scallion pancakes.

Diet-Friendly Options

For guests who are watching their weight or want to avoid certain foods, Chinese menus offer plenty of options. To begin with, brown rice is a good substitute for white, as it’s richer in fiber https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21676152/ and may help you feel more full and less likely to snack. This makes it a great choice for weight loss. Steamed white rice is also a good option compared to fried rice.

Those on a diet can also choose main courses like moo goo gai pan, a lightly-dressed combination of lean chicken and stir-fried vegetables, shrimp with vegetables, and starters like steamed dumplings and cold noodles. Another excellent, filling option is soup, such as sweet and sour or egg drop soups, which can leave guests feeling full without overindulging.

Allergy-Safe Foods

A good tip for diners with food allergies is to look for simpler dishes consisting of just a few ingredients. This can make it much easier to avoid common allergens like peanuts, dairy, shellfish, or gluten. You can also look for disclaimers next to dishes on the menu which explicitly note whether they’re nut-, egg-, dairy-, fish-, or gluten-free.

If you spot a dish that sounds appetizing but includes an allergen, make note of it and ask the restaurant providing it to leave that ingredient out or to use a substitute. For example, peanuts can be substituted with walnuts, or shrimp with chicken or beef.

For your next get-together, give your guests the gift of delicious Chinese food from Hong Wah Restaurant in Penfield, NY. This award-winning Chinese restaurant is a local favorite, offering a menu packed with satisfying dishes cooked to traditional recipes and perfect for every dietary need and preference. Call (585) 385- 2808 to place an order, or browse their menu online.