Chinese Cuisine

Know Your Noodles: Understanding Different Noodle Styles at Alings Chinese Bistro in Sugar Land, TX

Here at Alings’ Chinese Restaurant, we serve three types of noodles: Hakka-style stir-fried wheat noodles, Szechwan noodles, and Chop Suey. 

If you know you’re craving noodles but don’t know which of these styles will make you the happiest, knowing a little bit more about each option should help! Thus, we’re going to take a deep dive into the humble noodle so you can get a better sense of what each of these flavors might taste like.

Hakka Noodles

Hakka noodles are white noodles made from wheat flour, water, and salt. A good traditional Hakka noodle is extremely thin. These noodles absorb flavors well, so are an excellent base for almost any meat, chicken, or seafood dish. 

They are light noodles with a slightly chewy texture and are usually served in a flavorful broth. Some people describe them as “bouncy,” which we love! 

Order them on the side and combine them with any of our dishes, or ask us to add 

chicken or beef for a filling, comforting meal. 

Szechwan Noodles 

Szechwan noodles are also a type of wheat noodles, but they’ve been tossed with a bold and flavorful chili sauce. The sauce is traditionally made with Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes.  

You can top Szechwan noodles with nearly anything, but they do a great job of standing alone as well. They make a fantastic, filling, stand-alone lunch. Nevertheless, if you’re feeling a little more hungry, you can top it with beef, chicken, seafood, or vegetables or pair them with one of our other Szechwan dishes.

Chop Suey 

Chop Suey isn’t a traditional Chinese dish. It’s an American Chinese dish first invented by a Chinese chef at a California mining camp. It consists of meat and eggs cooked quickly with vegetables, all bound in a thick sauce and served with noodles. The Chinese name for the dish is “tsa sui,” or “miscellaneous broken pieces.” 

The sauce is usually a dark soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce mix mixed with chicken stock and seasonings. 

The dish is warm, comforting, and filling and certainly stands alone. It’s a perfect lunch dish! 

Try Our Noodles

If you’re craving noodles, we invite you to come to Alings’ and try them all! Or order online and have our noodles delivered hot and fresh to your doorstep. Add the toppings you choose and order a couple of sides to round out your dish. You’re going to love them! 

kung pao chicken vs general tso chicken

Kung Pao Chicken and General Chicken are two different types of Chinese dishes. While they may appear similar in the way they are prepared, there are actually some key differences between them that set them apart.

Kung Pao Chicken: A Spicy Delight

Kung Pao Chicken is a spicy dish that originated in the Sichuan Province of China. It consists of small pieces of chicken stir-fried with dried chilies, peanuts, and a special sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, sugar, and sesame oil. The dish is usually served with steamed white rice or noodles and is meant to be enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish.

General Chicken: The Sweet and Sour Classic

General Chicken on the other hand is more commonly known outside of China as sweet and sour chicken. It is made by marinating boneless chicken pieces in a mixture of light soy sauce, sugar, and starch before deep-frying them and then stir-frying them with vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, and pineapple in a sweet and sour sauce. Unlike Kung Pao Chicken, General Chicken is meant to be served as the main course and is usually accompanied by steamed white rice or noodles.

Flavor and Spiciness of Kung Pao Chicken and General Chicken

In terms of flavor and spiciness, Kung Pao Chicken will win every time. While General Chicken offers a sweet and sour taste with just a hint of spice, Kung Pao Chicken has a distinctively spicy flavor that comes from the dried chilies added to it.

Preparation Methods: Stir-Frying vs. Deep-Frying

Finally, the preparation method also differs between the two dishes. Kung Pao Chicken is stir-fried while General Chicken is deep-fried and then stir-fried, resulting in a much crispier texture.

Ultimately, there are some key differences between Kung Pao Chicken and General Chicken that set them apart from each other. Whether you prefer the spiciness of the former or the sweetness of the latter, both dishes offer a unique flavor experience for anyone who enjoys Chinese cuisine.

Looking to savor the delectable flavors of Kung Pao Chicken and General Chicken? Look no further than Alings Chinese Bistro, where authentic Chinese cuisine takes center stage. Our skilled chefs craft each dish with precision, ensuring a delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re craving the fiery spiciness of Kung Pao Chicken or the irresistible sweetness of General Chicken, our menu offers a diverse range of options to satisfy your cravings. Visit us today at 6542 US ALT-90, Sugar Land, TX 77498, call us now: +1 281-242-0432, email address: [email protected], linlin@alingschinese.com and indulge in the tantalizing tastes of Kung Pao Chicken and General Chicken at Alings Chinese Bistro.

Chinese Chicken

A new trade deal is bringing Chinese chicken to the U.S. Cooked chicken from birds grown and raised in China are going to be sent to America, and it’s really all about the beef – American beef.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announced that the U.S. beef producers will be exporting to China’s nearly 1.4 billion consumers in exchange for Chinese chicken imports. However, this new deal is raising concerns about China’s long history with food safety.

Chinese Chicken

Background of the Chinese Chicken Trade Deal

China has had a poor track record with food safety. Rat meat was being sold as lamb, baby formula was contaminated with melamine (killed 6 babies and sickened hundreds of thousands), and oil from gutters were being sold as cooking oil. In the first three quarters of 2016, China’s Food and Drug Administration found half a million cases of food-safety violations! In 2014, a Chinese factory was selling stale meat to large international food chains like McDonald’s and KFC, but they were repackaging the meat with new expiration dates. Luckily, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service made its way to China to train Chinese officials in meat safety.

The Chinese Market for Beef

The Chinese have developed a huge craving for beef, and the U.S. hasn’t been included in that market ever since mad cow disease cropped up in America in 2013. Even South Korea, Japan, and Mexico banned U.S. beef imports. All of these countries eventually lifted the ban – except for China. That’s why this is kind of a big deal! Ross said this new deal is opening at least a $2.5 billion market for the U.S.

Negotiations and Deadlines

The Lengthy Negotiation Process

Many people believe the Chinese waited such a long time to lift its ban so that they could offer the U.S. a negotiation – Chinese chicken imports. The negotiation has been going on for over a decade and was even stalled by Congress because of worries about China’s food safety practices. American beef producers, however, are ecstatic that they can finally send beef to China (the world’s largest market) once again.

The Chinese Chicken and its Food Safety

Starting mid-July, the U.S. will receive final clearing to export beef to China. Around this time will also be the deadline for the U.S. to finalize the guidelines for the chicken imports. The biggest question is why cooked chicken? Why not raw chicken?

China has had a long problem with outbreaks of Avian Flu, which is believed to spread to the U.S. if raw Chinese chicken is imported. The Avian Flu starts in pigs, spreads to poultry, and evidently infects humans. There’s no telling what the Avian Flu could do in America – contaminate our plants or maybe even spread to our birds. We decided to compromise with China. Thus, the reasoning behind cooked chicken.

Ensuring Safety and Consumer Choice

Food Safety Inspections and Standards

Apparently, a country has to meet certain food-safety inspections that are equivalent to America’s in order to ship meat and poultry products here. The determination process for China is already underway, and the trade deal expedites the process. China is also trying to meet our standards for their inspection for slaughter facilities, but that is a much longer process.

Reassurance for Consumers

American’s shouldn’t worry too much. The USDA is going to great lengths to ensure the safety of Americans. They’re even inspecting plants that could process the chicken shipments. Even though we will be seeing Chinese chicken imports, they won’t be taking over the shelves in our grocery stores. People still favor U.S. food producers! It’s also cheaper and more economical to raise chicken domestically and sell it than to buy imported chicken.

The Future of International Trade: Opportunities for American Exporters

Increasing international trade is not going to end any time soon. President Trump even said he will be giving American exporters a better chance to compete by re-negotiating trade deals. We saw this happen in this trade deal! How do you think America got the opportunity to sell beef to China once again?

If there’s one thing that will make grocery shopping a little easier for you, just think of all the great lengths our administration is going to in order to make our health a priority. We actually sent professional food inspectors to China! Not just to inspect their ways of cooking, farming, or producing, but to also teach them the proper ways to do all those things in accordance to proper safety guidelines.

So next time you’re out shopping for meat, look at the label. Was this meat made in the U.S.? If American meat sounds like a better option to you, then take it! If you’re going out to eat, opt for vegetarian dishes if you’re weary about the meat. Lucky for you, Aling’s chooses the finest meats, but we also have vegetarian plates that taste delicious! If you’re in the Houston or Sugar Land area, come taste the finest Chinese food! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at +1 281-242-0432 and join us for lunch, and we’ll help you find the most delectable meal for your palate.

China's Food Crisis

In the United States, we love Chinese cuisine. Interestingly, China feels similarly about American food! The 1.4 billion people in China are changing their eating habits. They’ve been developing a diet that is similar to the American diet, and Chinese companies are looking around for all kinds of food from bacon to bananas! The Chinese are building up an appetite that is changing the way the world grows and sells food.

China has been buying agricultural land in developing nations, but the farms and ranches abroad might not be enough. The Chinese populations are growing in Asia, Africa, and South America. This is another 2 billion people who will be making their way into the generational food gap. This means China needs to ensure the world grows enough affordable food for 9 billion people.

China's Food Crisis

The Role of Technology in Addressing the Crisis

The answer? Technology. China’s agriculture industry went from tiny rice plots to large factories. The economy boomed. Millions joined a wealthy middle class and began to eat more vegetables and pork. Meat used to be a rarity in China, but now it’s so common that many people consider it to be unhealthy. Today, there are over 100 million Chinese living a middle-class lifestyle. By 2030, there are expected to be 850 million Chinese living that lavish lifestyle. The country’s vast development began to pollute food and the environment.

Insufficient Arable Land and Environmental Issues

The Chinese can’t produce enough safe food for its growing population if they are eating like Americans. It takes about 1 acre to feed the average U.S. consumer. China only has about 0.2 acres of arable land per citizen, including fields degraded by pollution. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization and the OECD, China lost over 6 percent of its farmland between 1997 and 2008. The government continues to take fields for building developments. Almost 20 percent of China’s remaining arable land is contaminated.

China's Food Crisis

Future Projections and Global Impact

Demographia predicts by 2050, 14 of the world’s 20 biggest metropolises will be in Asia and Africa. The United Nations says by then, the world could have as many as 9.7 billion mouths to feed. If we take into account the changing diets, we will need to raise global food output by 70 percent from 2009 levels.

China’s Reliance on Food Imports

China now relies heavily on food imports because of their new diet. Since 2005, Chinese firms have spent almost $52 billion on overseas agriculture deals. Almost daily, Chinese investors are in the news for snatching northern cattle stations in Australia for multi-million-dollars.

Studies have shown that as China becomes richer, the demand rises for luxury cars, smart technology, AND for Western proteins, like dairy products and beef. Beef sales have increased 19,000 percent in the past decade! China even dropped soybeans from its self-sufficiency list in 2014.

Potential Solutions

China’s best option for now is to improve their diet. In 2015, the National Health and Family Planning Commission encouraged citizens to cut back on meat and unhealthy foods and eat more vegetables and fruit to counter rising levels of obesity and diabetes.

In just 5 years, China has become the world’s second largest beef importer! The imports are expected the grow by 15 percent just this year. Local chef Panos Kalamidas claims international travel influenced the meat-craze. Most of the younger Chinese are very informed about quality and look for brand names like Ranger’s Valley when choosing meats.

Food Safety Concerns and Consumer Awareness

From gutter oil to fake eggs to contaminated strawberries, the long list of food safety incidents proves why the Chinese are worried about the food they can buy and eat. Some families are weary to buy food in supermarkets because of the pesticides, pollutants, and fertilizers being used. Being able to grow your own food at home is considered a luxury.

Looking for a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine while staying informed about China’s food crisis? Look no further than Alings Chinese Bistro! Our restaurant offers a delightful array of traditional Chinese dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and exquisite flavors. Whether you’re craving Szechuan specialties or Cantonese classics, our skilled chefs are dedicated to delivering a culinary experience that will satisfy your taste buds. Visit Alings Chinese Bistro today and indulge in the rich culinary heritage of China while supporting efforts to address the food crisis. For more information or assistance, please contact us at +1 281-242-0432. Together, let’s enjoy great food and contribute to a sustainable future.

Fortune Cookie

Whenever Americans go to Chinese restaurants, we expect fortune cookies to be brought out with our check. If you go to China, you probably won’t find any. So, is it something we created in America? Not quite.

Evidence shows that it originated in Kyoto, Japan, during the 19th century. Makoto Hagiwara was a Japanese immigrant who worked as a caretaker of the Japanese Tea Gardens in San Francisco since 1895. Between 1907 and 1914, he began serving fortune cookies to guests.

Fortune Cookie

The cookies were based on Japanese senbei (grilled rice wafers). According to sources, the cookies contained thank you notes instead of fortunes. Hagiwara was once fired by a racist Mayor, but was later rehired. Many believe this was his way of thanking the public.

David Jung’s Claim and the Court’s Ruling

David Jung, founder of Hong Kong Noodle Company in Los Angeles, claimed that he is the original inventor of the the cookie. In 1983, San Francisco’s Court of Historical Review attempted to settle the dispute. During the proceedings, one of the key pieces of evidence was a message inside the cookie that read, “S.F. judge who rules for L.A. Not Very Smart Cookie.” A federal judge from San Francisco determined that the cookie originated from Hagiwara, and the court ruled in favor of San Francisco.

Traditional fortune cookies go by many different names: tsujiura senbei (“fortune crackers”), omikuji senbei (“written fortune crackers”), and suzu senbei (“bell crackers”). In Japan, they aren’t nearly as popular as they are in America. They even taste slightly different than American’s because they are flavored with miso and sesame, rather than vanilla-butter. Traditional fortune cookies were also shaped by hand with chopsticks. By 1964, the Lotus Fortune Cookie Company invented an automatic machine that helped fortune cookies reach mass production.

The big questions is…if the cookie is Japanese, why are they in Chinese restaurants? This has been a hot debate since it has been hard to pinpoint the exact answer, but this is what we found.

Introduction in the 40s: During World War II

We can trace the answer back to World War II. When over 100,000 Japanese Americans were forced into internment camps, the bakeries that produced the cookies came to a halt. Chinese entrepreneurs quickly stepped in to fill the gaps. Regional Chinese restaurants in California began to make and sell the cookies, but they were called “fortune tea cakes.” Military personnel discovered them on their way home from the Pacific Theater. When the men returned home, they asked their local Chinese restaurants why they didn’t serve authentic fortune cookies like the restaurants in San Francisco.

Big and Rapid Production by Chinese Bakeries in the late 50s

Soon, restaurants learned about the cookie, and it rapidly spread throughout the country. By the late 1950s, small Chinese bakeries and cookie companies were producing around 250 million cookies each year. Today, Wonton Food Inc. of Long Island City ships out 60 million cookies each month! While the flavor of the cookie isn’t what makes it so popular, the fortune inside sets it apart.

Became a Hit in the 60s with the Fortune Cookie’s Messages

Early fortunes featured biblical sayings or quotes. Later, they started suggesting lottery numbers and giving advice. By 1960, fortune cookies became so popular that they were used in 2 presidential campaigns: Adlai Stevenson’s and Stuart Symington’s. Some people have even customized fortune cookies for weddings or birthday parties. Today, fortune cookie messages are mostly cryptic, feel-good, or philosophical.

Ultimately, we can say fortune cookies were invented by the Japanese, popularized by the Chinese, and heavily consumed by Americans.

“Next time you crave the delightful combination of Chinese cuisine and the anticipation of cracking open a fortune cookie, visit Alings Chinese Bistro. Our authentic dishes will transport you to the flavors of China, while our homemade cookies add a touch of whimsy to your dining experience. Whether you’re seeking a satisfying meal or simply want to indulge in the joy of a perfectly crafted cookie, Alings Chinese Bistro is the place to be. For reservations or more information, please contact us at +1 281-242-0432. Embark on a culinary journey where the enchantment of the Fortune Cookie awaits you at Alings Chinese Bistro.”

Mondays

Our customers mean the most to us, and we are proving it. You asked and we answered! Starting in June, Aling’s Chinese Cuisine will be open on Mondays! Yep, we will finally be open 7 days a week! You’ll be able to start your week with right with delicious Chinese cuisine that never disappoints.

Win a Free Lunch at Aling’s Chinese Cuisine

Join us any Monday in June starting June 5th for your chance to win a free lunch* at Aling’s Chinese Cuisine. All you have to do is come join us for lunch or dinner, snap a picture with your meal, and post it to Facebook. Don’t forget to tag us so we can like your post and enter you in the drawing! One lucky winner will get to eat free on their next visit.

Mondays

How to Enter the Free Lunch Contest

The next time you’re at work and having a bad case of Mondays, visit us on your lunch break. We will still have our great lunch specials. We can’t wait to see you!
*$10 value

New Operating Hours

Monday – Thursday

Lunch: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Dinner: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Friday – Saturday

Lunch: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Dinner: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Sunday

12:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Looking to make your Mondays extraordinary? Look no further than Alings Chinese Bistro! Our delectable menu, friendly staff, and inviting ambiance makes us the perfect destination to start your week off right. Whether you’re craving classic favorites or want to explore new flavors, our authentic Chinese cuisine is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Join us on Mondays and discover a dining experience that will have you eagerly awaiting the start of the week. For any assistance or reservations, feel free to contact our helpful team at +1 281-242-0432. We can’t wait to make your Mondays memorable at Aling’s Chinese Bistro!

Resta

The egg roll is a difficult topic because if you order an egg roll in an Asian country, you will be given what Americans know as a spring roll. Americans have even Americanized the traditional egg roll! Since it’s a beloved food group here in America, we are devoting an entire blog post to them.

The egg roll actually originated in Vietnam. It is usually served as an appetizer and is made from flour dough wrap before being baked or fried. In Vietnam, however, the wrapper is made out of rice paper rather than eggs and flour. In America, we usually refer to this dish as a spring roll. Egg rolls are usually stuffed with pork, shrimp, or chicken and filled with cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, and other vegetables.

egg roll

The American Style: Invention and Evolution

The “American” egg roll was invented in New York in the early 1930s. One of the chefs who claimed the honor, Henry Low, even included its recipe in his 1938 book “Cook at Home in Chinese.” The recipe consisted of bamboo shoots, roast pork, shrimp, scallions, water chestnuts, salt, MSG, sugar, and pepper – which sounds much better than the cabbage medley we get in it today. That’s because this was based off the traditional type. Since it was published in a cook-at-home cookbook, American households changed the recipe little by little. This is how we have come to know the pork and vegetable egg rolls we love today.

Uncertain Origins: Historical Debate

This might seem like such a short time ago that it was created – so much, so that it’s hard to believe it’s true. Even different Asian countries like to argue that they have created it. Foodtimeline.org says egg rolls and spring rolls date back to ancient China. It is very likely that kinds of foods were made and consumed in the U.S. by the first Chinese settlers in the mid-1800s. Now, that starts to make a little more sense. However, we still don’t have enough factual information to determine exactly who or where it came from.

Global Influence and Variations

If we look past its history, it has become a fun staple in cooking today. From pizza egg rolls to mac and cheese egg rolls, the opportunities in the kitchen are endless. It has evolved in many parts of the world, and there are number of versions of this tasty dish today. The Tex-Mex have created the Southwestern style, bringing together Texas and Mexican foods and rolling it in an egg roll wrap. Even India and Australia have created their own versions by using food and popular condiments from their homelands.

Unique and Delicious Egg Roll Recipes

Here are two of the most unique and delicious egg rolls that you can make right at home for dinner and dessert:

Cheese Steak Egg Rolls

When we say you can make anything into an egg roll, you can literally make anything into it. This one is for all you meat lover out there.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1/2 green bell pepper chopped
  • 12 slices American Cheese
  • 24 egg roll wrappers
  • small bowl of water
  • canola oil for frying

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Start by browning the beef in the skillet. Get a nice brown sear on the beef, then break apart as little as possible. (You want the meat to resemble a pea in size)
  2. Add the salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently, then remove from pan.
  3. Add 2 tbsp. of butter in the pan, and add the chopped onions and green bell pepper, cooking until browned and caramelized. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Once browned, add the meat back in and mix together.
  5. Let the mixture cool while you prepare the wrappers and cheese. Make sure to keep the wrappers covered when you aren’t using them so they don’t dry out. Lay them on a flat surface and place half a slice of American cheese on the wrapper.
  6. Add 3 tablespoons of the meat mixture on top of the cheese.
  7. Starting from the bottom left, pull the corner over the meat, and fold the two sides in. Wet the edges, and roll tightly.
  8. Heat the canola oil on a pan about an inch high. Drop 3-4 egg rolls in at once.
  9. Once they have browned, remove the egg rolls, and dry them on a cooling rack. Don’t devour all at once!

S’more Egg Rolls

We had to include a dessert, and this is the perfect blend of gooey and crunchy. Making a campfire shouldn’t be the only way we should be able to enjoy s’mores.

INGREDIENTS

  • Egg Roll Wrappers
  • Graham Crackers (finely crushed)
  • Chocolate Chips or chocolate bars
  • Marshmallow Fluff
  • Vegetable Oil (optional if baking)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Soften the paper by quickly dipping in water for 2-3 seconds. This will prevent the wrapper from drying and tearing.
  2. Lay the wrapper flat to create a diamond shape. Place two spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff going across. Add your chocolate and crushed cracker crumbs.
  3. Fold over the sides and then begin rolling from the bottom tucking under until roll is complete.
  4. Fry in hot oil or bake at 350 degrees until golden and crisp.
  5. Remove from heat and drizzle in melted chocolate.
  6. Then, sprinkle powdered sugar and crushed graham cracker crumbs over the top.
  7. Serve with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Looking to experience the authentic flavors of delectable Chinese cuisines? Look no further than Alings Chinese Bistro, your go-to destination for a memorable dining experience. With a diverse menu featuring an array of mouthwatering dishes, including their signature egg rolls, Alings Chinese Bistro takes pride in serving up culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re craving a traditional egg roll or eager to try innovative variations, their skilled chefs ensure each bite is a burst of flavor. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Alings Chinese Bistro for a memorable dining experience that celebrates the egg roll and so much more. Contact us today at +1 281-242-0432 to reserve your table and embark on a culinary journey you won’t soon forget.

boxmeal front

Most American brides choose to serve the typical chicken cordon bleu, pasta, or steak with steamed vegetables and a side salad. Although there is certainly nothing wrong with that menu choice, is it really that special if everyone else is doing it too? If you want to be different, try serving fried chicken! Just kidding – you wouldn’t want all those greasy fingers touching your wedding dress. Mexican food? Nah, mixing beans with an open bar sounds like it could end in disaster.

Here we go… Chinese food! What’s more unique than Chinese food at a wedding? Not only is it healthy, light, and delicious, but Chinese food catering is relatively inexpensive. Your wedding can be unique and memorable if you’re brave enough to break the mold! Not sold yet? Consider this:

Why Chinese Food at a Wedding?

Chinese Food at a Wedding

For the picky eaters

Have you ever met someone who doesn’t like Chinese food at a wedding? You could meet the pickiest eater in the world, but they’d probably fall in love with at least one Chinese dish. Try serving lo mein noodles! You can offer different toppings like shrimp, chicken, or beef. With this option, if you have a picky eater or a vegetarian, everyone is sure to be pleased.

Make it classy

Make your wedding dinner classy by throwing some seafood in the mix. If you think orange chicken is too informal, how about Aling’s Honey Chili Shrimp? Chinese food is full of so many options that you can choose to go with classy noodles and soup or casual fried rice and chicken.

If you think the Brits are sophisticated, but not the Chinese, you are mistaken! Hot tea is a staple among Chinese cuisine. In fact, the Chinese mastered the art of hot tea. Tea is also an integral part of the Chinese ceremony. In traditional ceremonies, the bride pours tea for the groom’s family, while the groom pours tea for the wife’s family. This symbolizes the joining of two families.

Make it a party

The Chinese know that alcohol is meant for celebrations, and they make it an integral part of the wedding. Plus, having Chinese food at a wedding means you can have sake with your meal!

Traditional Meanings

Chinese food has a special background that makes it the perfect wedding staple. Chinese food symbolizes wishes of happiness, longevity, and fertility. The number of courses you decide on also have symbolism. At a traditional Chinese wedding, eight dishes are served, excluding the dessert. The number eight means “good luck” in Chinese. Okay, an eight course dinner might be a little bit lengthy if you’re not the traditional type. You can choose to have a buffet or serve just one dish, but the Chinese culture actually has some pretty neat symbols behind some wedding dishes that you might want to serve up at your wedding.

Symbolic Dishes in Chinese Cuisine

Lobster and Chicken

In a marriage, the dragon represents the groom while the phoenix represents the bride. In Chinese, “dragon shrimp” literally means “lobster” and “chicken feet” are referred to as “phoenix feet.” According to Chinese philosophy, serving both lobster and chicken represent yin and yang, signifying balance in the new relationship.

Shark’s Fin Soup

Many consider this a delicacy. Shark Fin Soup is usually served after the appetizers. It is meant to symbolize wealth since the dish is very expensive.

Scallops

Scallops symbolize fertility for the new couple. The Chinese name for scallop translates to “raising or bringing a child in your life.”

Abalone and Sea Cucumber

Abalone means “abundance,” while sea cucumber means “good heart” in Cantonese. These are some values that could be instilled in your wedding and thorough your new life together. Many couples prefer these two together because it is meant to wish years of abundance and having a good heart to avoid conflicts.

Whole Duck

In some parts of China, serving a whole duck symbolizes fidelity, peace, unity, and completeness throughout the marriage.

Noodles

Noodles represent longevity throughout marriage because of its long strands.

Fish

Fish is another symbolism of “abundance” in the Chinese culture. If abalone and sea cucumber don’t sound appealing to you, fish is a great alternative that will be sure to satisfy your guests’ bellies.

Lobster

Lobster represents joy and celebration. Serving the whole lobster with the head and legs would symbolize completeness. Plus, lobster’s red color is the color of love! We also noted earlier that lobster means “dragon shrimp.” If the dragon is the phoenix’s – the wife’s – counterpart, how could you possibly leave the Chinese food at a wedding?

Tangyuan

Tangyuan symbolizes unity and completeness. It is meant to wish a happy marriage until the end. If you’ve never heard of tangyuan, it is a Chinese dessert made in colorful, round balls. They are made from rice flour, water, and a sweet syrup – like sweet ginger syrup. Tangyuan also symbolizes family unity and can be incorporated to symbolize two families coming together as one. Serving dessert also wishes the newlyweds a sweet life ahead of them.

Chinese Food at a Wedding? Alings is the Answer!

If you’re having a wedding or any special occasion worth celebrating, look no further than to serve Chinese food at a wedding by Aling’s Chinese Cuisine! We are catering professionals in the heart of Sugarland, Texas. We have a variety of dishes that will make everyone’s bellies happy. If you’re in the Houston area, we’d love to bring Chinese catering to your next event! From delectable appetizers to mouthwatering main courses and delightful desserts, our menu has something for everyone. Contact us today at +1 281-242-0432 to discuss how we can make your wedding celebration a truly memorable and flavorful experience with our expertise in Chinese food catering.

Spicy  •   Gluten Free