Children can be fussy eaters and, when it comes to some cuisine, it can be easy to assume they won’t like it before giving it a go. This is a mistake many make with Chinese food, deciding that children might not handle the hot and spicy flavours.
Whilst this may be true for some, it is vastly overlooking to depth and variety of Chinese cooking. As such, it can be very suitable for families, with many dishes suitable for younger mouths and taste buds.
So, the next time you consider ordering from Chinese restaurants in your area, spare a thought for a few of these dishes that might help your children grow accustomed to oriental cooking.
Rice
Whilst it might not be the most original, or even unique to Chinese cuisine, rice can be a very versatile option. It’s plain enough that children can stand it, yet it comes in another variety and flavours to please those who are a little fussier. Egg fried rice is a popular example, for instance, although it can typically be served as a side dish.
Noodles and Chow Mein
Noodles, like rice, come in many different forms yet offer enough variety to appease any taste buds. On their own, they can be rather plain, but they can make a delicious noodle salad for those adventurous enough to try it. Again, they can also make a simple side dish similar to rice.
A prime example of a simple dish with rich flavor has to be Chow Mein. At its core, this is just stir-fried noodles with a few choice vegetables but other supplements, such as beef and chicken, can be added to suit preferences.
Chow Mein offers the rich flavours of the orient without focusing on hot and spicy sauces.
Duck
Although not unique to Chinese cooking, duck makes up a large proportion of Chinese dishes. Whether it’s a simple duck with sauce, or a duck and noodle dish, the aromatic flavor lends itself well to this cuisine. Of course, many Chinese restaurants also make dishes like Duck a l’orange which, whilst highly delicious, has its roots much closer to home.
Sweet and sour
Finally we have a classic option at virtually any Chinese restaurant; sweet and sour dishes!. Sweet and sour sauce is found all over Asia but many argue its roots lie in Chinese cooking. Sweet and sour pork is a perfect example of a simple meal that will please most people across the globe, from adults to children alike, but you can also find this sauce served with chicken and other dishes.
