Chinese food is a popular choice for feeding a crowd, but it can be difficult to know how much to order. In this article, we’ll explore how much Chinese food to order for 15 people and provide tips for making sure everyone is well-fed and satisfied.
Factors to Consider
When ordering Chinese food for a group, there are several factors to consider:
Appetites: Consider the appetites of your guests. Are they big eaters or light eaters?
Menu Selection: Consider the menu selection. Are you ordering a variety of dishes or sticking to a few favorites?
Dietary Restrictions: Consider any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests. Do any of them have allergies or follow a vegetarian or gluten-free diet?
Leftovers: Consider whether you want leftovers. Chinese food can be reheated and enjoyed later, so you may want to order extra to ensure there is enough for everyone.
How Much to Order
A good rule of thumb is to order 1-2 dishes per person, depending on the size of the dishes and the appetites of your guests. Here are some specific recommendations for ordering Chinese food for a group of 15:
Appetizers: Order 3-4 appetizers, such as egg rolls, dumplings, and crab rangoon.
Main Dishes: Order 6-8 main dishes, including a mix of meat, seafood, and vegetarian options. Some popular choices include General Tso’s Chicken, Kung Pao Shrimp, and Vegetable Lo Mein.
Rice and Noodles: Order 3-4 orders of rice and noodles, such as fried rice, steamed rice, and chow mein.
Desserts: Order 2-3 desserts, such as fortune cookies and sesame balls.
Cooking Chinese Food
If you want to try your hand at cooking Chinese food for a crowd, here are some tips and tricks:
Plan Ahead: Plan your menu and make a shopping list ahead of time.
Prep Work: Do as much prep work as possible ahead of time, such as chopping vegetables and marinating meat.
Wok Cooking: Use a wok for stir-frying, as it allows for even cooking and quick heat distribution.
Sauces: Make your own sauces using soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and other flavorings.
Cultural Significance
Food is an important part of Chinese culture, and Chinese cuisine is known for its variety and complexity. Many Chinese dishes have symbolic meanings and are associated with festivals and celebrations. By sharing Chinese food with your guests, you are not only feeding them, but also sharing a part of Chinese culture and tradition.
Variations
Dim Sum: Consider ordering dim sum for your group, which consists of a variety of bite-sized dishes that are perfect for sharing.
Hot Pot: Hot pot is a popular Chinese dish that involves cooking meat, seafood, and vegetables in a simmering pot of broth at the table.
Sichuan Cuisine: Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, and is a great choice for those who love spicy food.
Chinese Food Etiquette for Group Dining
Chinese food is often enjoyed in a group setting, and there are certain etiquette rules to follow to ensure a pleasant dining experience for everyone. Here are some Chinese food etiquette tips for group dining:
Serving Order: Dishes should be served in a specific order, starting with cold dishes, followed by hot dishes, and ending with soup.
Chopsticks: Use chopsticks to pick up food, but avoid using them to point or wave around.
Sharing: It is customary to share dishes with others at the table, so be sure to take only a small portion at a time.
Toasting: Toasting is a common practice in Chinese culture, so be prepared to toast with your fellow diners.
Politeness: Always be polite and respectful to your fellow diners, and avoid making loud noises or speaking too loudly.
Regional Variations in Chinese Cuisine
China is a vast country with a rich culinary tradition, and there are many regional variations in Chinese cuisine. Here are some of the most popular regional variations:
Cantonese Cuisine: Cantonese cuisine is known for its delicate flavors and emphasis on seafood. Dim sum is a popular Cantonese dish.
Sichuan Cuisine: Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, and is often served with rice or noodles.
Shandong Cuisine: Shandong cuisine is known for its seafood dishes and use of vinegar and garlic.
Hunan Cuisine: Hunan cuisine is known for its spicy and sour flavors, and is often served with rice or noodles.
Beijing Cuisine: Beijing cuisine is known for its use of duck and other meats, and is often served with pancakes or noodles.
Conclusion
Ordering Chinese food for a group of 15 can be a daunting task, but by considering factors such as appetites, menu selection, and dietary restrictions, you can ensure that everyone is well-fed and satisfied. Whether you order takeout or cook your own Chinese food, sharing this cuisine with your guests is a great way to bring people together and share in Chinese culture and tradition.
Related topics:
- 5 Basic Tastes in Chinese Food
- How Does Chinese Food Taste So Good?
- Why Chinese Food Makes You Sleepy?