What to Order When You Take Your Kids to a Chinese Restaurant for the First Time

If your kids have a palate that has been conditioned to eating the typical American diet, then you might wonder what they will like when you take them to a Chinese restaurant for the first time. While it is completely normal for kids to feel apprehensive about eating a new cuisine, you will be pleased to learn that there are many options on a typical Chinese food menu that they might enjoy. Below is a list of commonly served Chinese food options that your kids can try without the fear of strange ingredients they may not like the taste of:

Wonton Soup

Wonton soup is a popular and mild Chinese food option. Wonton soup is made out of pastry sheets called "wonton wrappers" that are stuffed with pork, shrimp, onions, and some soy sauce. The wontons are then cooked in a chicken broth soup base. A wonton soup with fresh ingredients is a sure sign of a quality Chinese restaurant. 

Fried Rice

Chinese fried rice is another mild food with wonderful flavors. The rice is made with white rice, spices, vegetables, and eggs. The rice is precooked and then fried in some oil with the vegetables and spices. When the rice is nearly finished, a raw egg is scrambled into the rice dish.

Sweet and Sour Pork, Chicken, or Beef

When visiting their favorite Chinese restaurant, many people order the sweet and sour meat options. Sweet and sour pork, chicken, and beef are all served at most Chinese restaurants. Which meat you choose depends entirely on your own personal choice or what your kids prefer.

Kung-Pow Chicken

If your kids want to try spicy meat options over those that are sweet and sour flavored, then you can order the kung-pow chicken. Kung-pow chicken is a stir-fry dish of chicken, red peppers, vegetables, and peanuts. Kung-pow chicken is spicy but won't have them constantly reaching for their water glass.

Salt-and-Pepper Shrimp

If your kids don't like chicken, then you can order the salt-and-pepper shrimp. The shrimp are battered and then they are deep fried whole. Salt-and-pepper shrimp have a kick to them, but they aren't too spicy. You are expected to eat the entire shrimp, and they typically come with some dipping sauces.

Fortune Cookies

Finally, at the end of your meal at a Chinese restaurant, your server will bring out a plate with fortune cookies on it. Have your kids take one cookie each to enjoy and find out their fortune. Fortune cookies are a treat unique to Chinese restaurants, and they'll likely be your kids' favorite part of the visit.

To learn about more Chinese food options, check out local restaurants like Lilac Blossom Restaurant.


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