The Truth About Chinese Food: Get Real with These Delicious Lunch Catering Ideas
Posted by Kimberly B. on Tuesday, September 30th, 2014 with 19 Comments
Whenever we’re ordering cuisine from another country, it can be tough to tell whether a dish is authentic to its country of origin, or if it’s been tweaked to suit Western tastes. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with putting an American spin on traditional cuisines from other parts of the world, having a better understanding of what we’re eating makes the experience more rewarding — and sometimes inspires interest in a new culture.
Chinese fried rice is delicious, but there are other exciting dishes to try for a more authentic experience.
Image source: Flickr user by t-mizo
Signs of authentic Chinese food
Chinese food is one of the best examples when it comes to food that has been Westernized in the majority of American restaurants. Usually when we order Chinese takeout, the food that we’re receiving is actually a fusion of Chinese and American cuisine — many of the dishes on menus here wouldn’t be found in China.
Even within China, the food varies greatly across the country: each province has different flavors, ingredients, and styles of cooking that are specific to their location and people. However, in comparing authentic Chinese food with American-Chinese food, there are still broad contrasts to be made. For example, even though broccoli is one of the most prevalent vegetables used in American-Chinese food, it’s rarely (if ever) used in authentic Chinese food. Items like pig ears and duck blood, while commonplace in China, are usually left off the menu in American restaurants — not too many Americans have developed a taste for these aspects of Chinese cuisine! One thing that does remain the same in both countries is the use of MSG in many dishes.
In terms of ingredients, real Chinese cuisine is typically healthier than American-Chinese food. The former relies heavily on vegetables, cooked wheat noodles, tofu, and soybeans for most of their dishes, along with a variety of spices like cinnamon and dried chili. Conversely, American-Chinese food tends to eschew veggies and tofu in favor of meats like pork, chicken, and beef. It’s also generally as heavy on the salt, oils, and sugars.
This Chinese noodle dish has been Westernized with extra oil and sugar. Tasty? Yes. Authentic? Not so much!
Image source: Flickr user Alpha.
Ordering more traditional versions
So what does this mean for our Chinese food delivery orders at the office? As in many cases, compromise is something to strive for. Sure, American-Chinese food is delicious — but authentic Chinese food has its charms, too. Why not order an assortment of dishes that not only sate the Western appetites in the office, but provide some excitement for health-conscious employees, and foodies on staff?
Authentic chicken dishes
For traditional Chinese chicken dishes, like cashew chicken, American-Chinese restaurants will often serve white chicken breast without bones. In China, however, they use dark meat and don’t mind small bones — so, consider asking for dark meat instead when ordering. American-Chinese food is also usually much less spicy. For a more authentic version of Kung Pao Chicken (originally from China’s Sichuan province), order it extra spicy. This will challenge the taste buds of some people on staff, but will surely be a treat for those who like it hot!
Healthier appetizers
When ordering egg rolls, ask for them to be filled with veggies like carrots and mushrooms instead of the Western version of pork and cabbage. This is not only more nutritious, but closer to real Chinese cuisine. Better yet: in lieu of egg rolls, order scallion pancakes. These crispy flat breads fried with scallions are a healthier option, since most Western egg rolls are deep-fried and very greasy.
Traditional noodles
While lo mein is found almost everywhere in China, the American version typically boils down to a boring noodle stir-fry that’s heavy on grease, low on flavor. Instead, try some zhajiang mian. This traditional minced pork noodle dish includes soybean paste, pork, and thick noodles, and has even been “compared to the Italian spaghetti bolognese.” It could very well be an office-wide crowd-pleaser, sating both the palates of staff who enjoy familiar comfort food, as well as those who yearn to try more traditional dishes.
These yummy scallion pancakes are a great alternative to deep-fried egg rolls.
Image source: Flickr user Stu_Spivack.
Mind your manners
Many people prefer to eat Chinese food with chopsticks, but does your office have the manners to match? Don’t let the chopsticks sit pointing toward another person, or stick upright in food, as both of these are considered rude. If you want to put the chopsticks down while you are still eating, simply place them neatly on the table in front of your dish; only when you’re finished eating is it appropriate to place them atop your bowl. Some simple tips regarding dining etiquette will help to make the office meal even more fun. For instance, slurping soups and noodles loudly is considered polite, and widely accepted at the table. So make some noise, and dig in — this is food meant to enjoyed!
Good fortune at the office
Originally from Kyoto, Japan, fortune cookies don’t exist in traditional Chinese cuisine. And yet, one of the best parts of eating Chinese takeaway at work is seeing what fortune everyone gets! The experience creates a lively energy that lasts well into the afternoon. So what are you waiting for? A well-balanced Chinese food delivery order dances the line between inspired authentic cuisine and well-loved comfort dishes — and Waiter.com is here to get your multi-faceted Chinese food delivery off to a perfect start.
What is your favorite American-Chinese food to order at the office? Do you have any authentic Chinese dishes that you prefer? Let us know in the comments!
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My favorite Americanized dish is definitely sweet and sour pork – it’s hard to beat that tangy sweetness. A more authentic favorite of mine is a preserved vegetable and lamb soup, with just the right amount of gaminess from lamb and sour notes from the green vegetables!
I’ve always heard that the Chinese often laugh at Americans and our skill (or lack thereof!) with chopsticks. Still, it doesn’t stop me from trying — it enriches the experience of eating Chinese food! I think your tips will help me look like less of a neophyte.
I’m also aware that fortune cookies are more of an American thing, but I love them so much. That said, can you suggest any more traditional Chinese after meal sweets to try instead?
Hi Michelle, thanks for reading! I love using chopsticks, but I still struggle on occasion to remember the various nuances of the table manners that go along with them. I’m glad that some of these tips are helpful to you!
As for a more authentic alternative to fortune cookies: try oranges. In China, oranges symbolize good luck, and also make for a healthy, sweet after-meal treat.
I lived in China for about ten years and can confirm that the food is vastly different from what we get in the US. It seems most of it is based on Hong Kong or Guangdong style food. However, I have noticed a lot of more traditional Sichuan style restaurants popping up lately, and I recommend the Mala Tofu and Yuxiang Eggplant. I had never heard that about pointing the chopsticks at someone as being rude though, so maybe it is a regional thing.
Having spent time in China I can attest to the westernization of its food. That being said, I still love it! While I will always love true authentic Chinese food, I can’t deny that there are some really tasty places in America. In some restaurants, MOST of the dishes wouldn’t be found in China!
So true; the westernization of Chinese food varies a lot by restaurant. We have a range of traditional and westernized options available to suit your tastes.
Thanks for sharing these differences between Americanized and authentic Chinese food! I had no idea that broccoli is actually uncommon for more traditional Chinese dishes. However, it would be cool to see what other vegetables are used more commonly in these dishes. In fact, this article is really making me crave some tasty Chinese food. Hopefully I can find an authentic establishment nearby!
Delores, if you can get delivery from Waiter.com, shoot us a chat message and we’ll help you find authentic chinese food – good luck in your search!
I have always loved having dinner delivered to me. It’s really fun, and I feel like it’s Christmas coming to my doorstep. These dishes look absolutely delicious! Maybe I should find someone in my area who can get me chinese food.
It is interesting how Chinese food has changed since it has been in the states. I think that original Chinese food is incredible; but how it is here is good as well. I like to think of these two styles as different kinds of foods so that I can enjoy whatever I am having at the moment. However, I have been eating quite a bit of the food from here; and I miss the original stuff. Thank you for all of your tips on finding authentic Chinese food, I will be applying them soon!
I had no idea that authentic Chinese food was made with dark meat instead of boneless white meat. I also didn’t realize that vegetable filled egg rolls are closer to traditional Chinese food than the meat filled kind. I wonder if most of these healthier Chinese food options are available for delivery. Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for the advice about giving zhaijang mian noodles a try when ordering Chinese food. I typically love lo mein, so a more elaborate noodle dish sounds like it would be a good choice for me. I wonder how minced pork and soybean taste with noodles. The next time I am at a Chinese restaurant, I will look for this dish on the menu.
Hope you like it! Thanks for reading.
Reading through this was making my mouth water! I am planning our next family reunion, so I need to find food. I think Chinese would be a great way to go, everyone would like that. I’ll be sure to take your advice and order some more traditional meals.
Good luck Maxine! We hope it goes well.
I’m glad you mentioned that pointing chopsticks and standing them upright in food is considered rude. I’m planning on spending two weeks in China next month, and I’m definitely guilty of doing this with chopsticks. Thanks for the information-I’ll be sure to remember it while I prepare for my trip!
Have a great trip!
I appreciate what you said about chopstick etiquette. My sister lived for a few years in Japan and taught me a few of the customs that I follow whenever I eat with chopsticks, but nobody else I know does. I think that I’ll start teaching a few of them, like this one, to my daughters and husband while we eat takeout.
Thanks for the comment! I am still mastering the art of using chopsticks, so maybe I’ll take the opportunity to practice!