Jean in Newcastle Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 My sister says that my brother and family like Chinese food as long as I don't order anything too weird. Are these weird? Are there any favorites that you would add? Any you would say "no way" to? Or is there enough variety that people probably would find something they like? Beef with broccoli Mongolian beef (spicy) - my ds's favorite Cashew chicken (my sister says that this is gross but it seemed fairly standard to me?) - my dd's favorite Happy Family (a combination of beef, chicken, scallops, shrimp, bbq beef, broccoli, carrots, oyster mushrooms, snow peas, fresh mushrooms and baby corn in sauce) - too authentic or varied enough that it really would result in a happy family? I don't usually order fried rice but I was thinking of adding that too since I figured at the very least someone could make a meal of that. I can order online (yay!) and then just go and pick it up later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 I'm not a chicken fan, so I wouldn't eat the Cashew Chicken, but I don't think it's gross. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinRTX Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 My family also likes sweet and sour chicken (or pork) and egg rolls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in WI Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 On those criteria, the only one I wouldn't order would be Happy Family. Other good not weird things might be Sweet & Sour Chicken, General Tso's Chicken (spicy!), crab rangoon, & egg rolls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 For picky eaters I'd stick with beef and broccoli. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewellsmommy Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Sounds good. Another option is General Tso's or Sweet and Sour chicken. Nothing you listed sounds weird to me. What time is dinner? :drool: These are DH's favorites. I am not much of a Chinese eater, but I love terryaki chicken, bourbon chicken, and fried rice. I like beef and broccoli too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 And probably the rice and maybe even some egg rolls. Depending on how many you are feeding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Mmmm orange peel beef is yummy and not weird. Also Mu Shu, but that might be a little weird. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cin Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 sesame chicken is my favorite. And don't forget the eggrolls!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Coast Mom Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 It all sounds good to me! For a group with unknown tastes, I'd go with Happy Family for the variety of meats. I'd add fried rice with chicken or shrimp. Fried rice is fairly plain and could satisfy the picky palate. I'd also order some Crab Rangoon and keep it all to myself (yum)! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 All those are pretty standard around here. I agree with adding fried rice. Mmmm...Chinese sounds like a good idea for the Opening Ceremonies! (We were going to have fish and chips.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrappyhomeschooler Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 I love Mongolian beef, but I wouldn't order it unless I was sure they liked spicy/green onions. I probably wouldn't order Happy Family, either, but the rest should be okay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ibbygirl Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 I would get Szechuan chicken sp? That stuff is good, some egg rolls and the Cashew chicken and maybe some beef and broccoli. :) That would be good to share family style, no? :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashfern Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 I have never liked any of the beef dishes at any of the Chinese restaurants that we've gone to over the years. It's the texture of the beef and not the flavor of the dish that I don't like. I don't like cashews so I wouldn't eat the cashew chicken as it tastes like cashews. I like Szechuan chicken & Hunan chicken. Kung Po is popular, I don't like it because of the celery. I don't like the Happy Family because it's too many strong flavors all together that to me tastes really bad. Noodles & steamed pot stickers are what my youngest two are guaranteed to eat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 You just made me want Chinese for dinner!!! These all sound delicious! Have a wonderful meal. Our family's other favourites include: Won ton soup Sweet and sour soup Sweet and sour chicken balls (deep fried) Lemon chicken Cantonese chow mein (comes with soft noodles, not the crunchy ones) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted July 27, 2012 Author Share Posted July 27, 2012 Sounds good. Another option is General Tso's or Sweet and Sour chicken. Nothing you listed sounds weird to me. What time is dinner? :drool: Between 5:30 and 6:00. Better hop on that plane now, you're cutting it close! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama_Rana Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 (edited) Great. Now I want Chinese food. :lol: ETA: Several people mentioned crab rangoon. I think that's a regional thing. First time I got them, I thought they were the weirdest thing ever! :lol: I still don't like them much, so personal tastes and all. I wish there were a good Chinese place around here that DELIVERS! The only one that does went through a management/ownership change a few years back, and it just isn't as good anymore. :/ Edited July 27, 2012 by Mama_Rana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ibbygirl Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Great. Now I want Chinese food. :lol: Me too! :p hehe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanna Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 General Tso's Chicken is my absolute fave. I'll give it about "2 stars" for heat and that comes with a little "sweet" flavor to it as well. ;) It's essentially fried chicken nuggets in a wonderful red chili sauce. Some places include broccoli with it. Depending on the order, it may come with fried rice or white rice. You should tell them exactly what you want. My second fave and close runner-up is Steamed Shrimp and Snow Peas (or mixed vegetables) w/black bean sauce. Very few places outside of the NY/NJ metro area can make the black bean sauce right. However, if you're feeling adventurous, make sure you order it with the sauce "on the side" -- that way you can put as much or as little as you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheTwinsMom1 Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 My favorite is Sweet and Sour Chicken with spring rolls and Crab Ragoons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 DD and I order Chinese whenever Dh and the little guys go to visit MIL. Our usual order could include: Wonton/Egg Drop mixed soup Steamed Dumplings Egg Rolls Chicken with Broccoli Mu Shu Shrimp (my favorite) General Tso's Chicken Fried Rice - usually Chicken or Shrimp Lo Mein - usually Chicken or Shrimp None of what you listed seems weird to me, pretty standard on Chinese menus around here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impish Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Sweet and sour chicken sweet and sour pork Chow mein Lo mein Fried rice Those are our 'standards' when ordering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeindeed Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 I would eat it all, even though I'm a low carber. Also I enjoy General Tso's chicken...spicy and very tasty! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nono Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 None of what you listed seems weird to me, pretty standard on Chinese menus around here. I read all this to my dh, who's Chinese, and he said, "Yeah, it's not weird to a bunch of Americans, but for goodness sakes, it's not contemporary Chinese food. So to me it is weird." We call American Chinese menus the 1906 Peasant Menu. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burger Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 I think your list is fine. The only thing I would add/change is maybe instead of cashew chicken get general tso. Even my picky eater loves that. Oh, and Chicken Lo Mein is pretty non-weird too :). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiniBlondes Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Sounds good. Another option is General Tso's or Sweet and Sour chicken. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted July 27, 2012 Author Share Posted July 27, 2012 I read all this to my dh, who's Chinese, and he said, "Yeah, it's not weird to a bunch of Americans, but for goodness sakes, it's not contemporary Chinese food. So to me it is weird." We call American Chinese menus the 1906 Peasant Menu. :tongue_smilie: Well, our favorites, besides the Happy Family are Sea Bass with Black Bean sauce (I thought that might be considered weird plus it is really expensive if it isn't going to be properly appreciated), and Sechuan Spicy Eggplant that comes bubbling hot in it's own hot pot. Mmmmm! We actually have to ask for these dishes because they aren't on the English menu. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted July 27, 2012 Author Share Posted July 27, 2012 Well, I decided to go with the dishes on my poll because enough people voted that they would eat most of them even if Happy Family wasn't appreciated that much. I added the fried rice and egg rolls. I'll make steamed rice at home because I am a rice snob and the rice they make there doesn't compare to my Japanese rice! I love the sweet and sours and the General Tsa's etc. but they would kill my dh and me with their sugar content. Dh calls them candied meat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alice Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 I read all this to my dh, who's Chinese, and he said, "Yeah, it's not weird to a bunch of Americans, but for goodness sakes, it's not contemporary Chinese food. So to me it is weird." We call American Chinese menus the 1906 Peasant Menu. :tongue_smilie: Ha! My dh is American born Chinese. The thing he thinks is weirdest is having fried rice be something people order at a restaurant. To him that is the thing you make at the end of the week with your leftover rice and whatever other ingredients you have on hand. His rule for ordering for people in general is one beef or pork, one chicken, one veggie, one seafood. I think to him “Chinese†food in a restaurant is good but is just really a different cuisine than true Chinese food. But that’s probably true of many so called ethnic foods in another culture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Get some sweet and sour chicken, and some lo mein. The sweet and sour chicken has the sauce on the side usually, so any picky kids can just eat the fried chicken bites. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnitWit Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 I want to have dinner with Jean. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Kate Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 I like General Tso's Chicken with steamed rice. I voted Other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted July 27, 2012 Author Share Posted July 27, 2012 I want to have dinner with Jean. :) I would love to have dinner with all of you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Mongolian Beef, bleh. Happy Family does not sound great either. Additional "must haves" would be mu shu pork, and sweet and sour chicken or pork. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 I read all this to my dh, who's Chinese, and he said, "Yeah, it's not weird to a bunch of Americans, but for goodness sakes, it's not contemporary Chinese food. So to me it is weird." We call American Chinese menus the 1906 Peasant Menu. :tongue_smilie: Yeah, Dh travels to China quite a bit on business and he loves to point out to us that what we see here is not really CHINESE food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luanne Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 ... is sweet and sour chicken with rice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Veggie Lo Mein is not weird. It's stir fry veggies with noodles. You can also get a carnivore versions of Lo Mein. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 (edited) Yeah, Dh travels to China quite a bit on business and he loves to point out to us that what we see here is not really CHINESE food. We go to a place owned by Chinese people born in China. Some of it is 'real', but some of it is what people other than the Chinese think of as Chinese food. :) I think a lot of American draw the line at chick embryos and such. lol Now, I have had amazing Chinese food in Boston, NYC, and San Francisco. If you want Korean-Chinese fusion, there is K-town in Manhattan filled with wonderful food. That's a place that makes me very happy. 'Real' Chinese food does have lots of animal 'parts'. One of my favorite places to shop is a Chinese market in NY. The meat counter is quite interesting, and the greens variety makes me giddy. Edited July 27, 2012 by LibraryLover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K&Rs Mom Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Get some sweet and sour chicken, and some lo mein. The sweet and sour chicken has the sauce on the side usually, so any picky kids can just eat the fried chicken bites. :iagree: One chicken, one beef, plus rice gives lots of choices. Where's the button for "Guests should be polite and grateful to be fed"? ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Sweet and sour pork is very 'normal'. So are egg rolls, and potstickers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHASRADA Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Our standards are shrimp and chicken dishes (w/broccoli, szechuan, in lobster sauce, General Tsao's, etc.) with vegetable fried rice, chicken fingers and chicken teriyaki on a stick. Yumm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 I like everything you listed. When we feed a pickyish crowd I get: Veggie fried rice Beef and broccoli General Tsao's chicken steamed pork dumplings Lamb Marengo Snow peas or Szechuan green beans Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nono Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 We actually have to ask for these dishes because they aren't on the English menu. Oh, I had no doubt you know how to order off the menu! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 We always get chicken lo mein. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chava_Raizel Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Oh how I miss Chinese take-out!! I used to be addicted to it before having to become gluten-free. One of my all-time favorites is chicken and broccoli, but cashew chicken is a close second. Also, sesame chicken is delicious. My kids love sweet and sour chicken too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mothersweets Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 Yum! Order it all! If they don't like it, think of all the great leftovers you will have. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom4him Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 I love sesame Chicken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom31257 Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 I love steamed rice instead of fried, but I add the red sweet and sour sauce to it. Yummy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2jjka Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 My favorites are Sweet and Sour Chicken or Moo Goo Gai Pan We have shrimp/seafood allergies in our family, so anything with those is out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JadeOrchidSong Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 Beef fried rice noodles. 干炒牛河。 Show the Chinese words to the waiter and order it. You won't regret it. It is a dish in Guangzhou/Canton/Hongkong. My dh's favorite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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