Chinese cuisine is easily one of the best go-to Asian foods when you’re eating out in a buffet. As an avid food blogger with a seasoned palate hungry for Chinese dishes, I’ve already scoured multiple Chinese buffets, yet I still get awed by its wide array of food selections.
Through my experience though, I managed to come up with a list of the best must-tries in a Chinese buffet and even strategies and insights that could help you navigate this amazing cuisine better. So, if you want to embark on a mouthwatering journey to eating the best Chinese dishes in a buffet, this guide is what you need.
What To Eat at a Chinese Buffet: Some Popular Dishes at Chinese Buffets
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the food choices at buffets, so I’ve come up with a list of foods to try by category. With this guide, you can try out a variety of food types without missing out on anything. Here are my recommendations:
Starters and Soups
For starters, you can opt to go for soups because there are a lot of delicious options to choose from in Chinese cuisine. Some examples are egg drop soupand wonton soup, both being a staple in Chinese food. They’re great starting dishes and are low in calories but packed with healthy protein and nutrients.
Main Dishes
For main dishes, it can get tricky, but just think about the type of meats offered in the buffet; make sure to try them all. For seafood, shrimps and mussels tossed in a light sauceare always a hit.
For meats, Mongolian barbecue,and other Chinese-themed cuts are often served in Chinese buffets, which is great to mix and match with other staples because of its versatility. Other go-to dishes are cashew or orange chickenand beef and broccoli, often cooked with a light sauce but still packs a punch.
Lastly, don’t miss out on the vegetables. I know it’s often advised to not try the greens in buffets, but there’s so much to explore here. One of the popular dishes to try is their steamed green beansor other stir-fried vegetables, which are usually doused in an addicting sauce.
Sides
Sides in Chinese cuisine come with a variety, but I mostly pick the ones that pair well with the main dishes, and these are whole-wheat noodlesor brown Rice. Keep in mind to only get a reasonable serving though; you don’t want to go full right away just by sides alone.
Desserts
I like to keep desserts simple and take advantage of fresh fruits that are commonly found in Asian buffets. I go for kiwi, pineapple, melon, and grapesas they make a great palate cleanser. If I like something sweet other than fruits, Chinese cookies are really good such as almond cookies or fortune cookies.
Beverages
Just like any other buffets, the common selection of drinks to choose from are soft drinks, juices, or alcoholic beverages, but if I want something hot, I opt for tea.
What to Avoid at A Chinese Buffet
This is not a strict rule, but as someone who is health-conscious, I don’t always focus on foods that are heavily deep-fried or with high calories. If I do try some, I just get a reasonable amount. Also, I only get a small portion of foods that are high in sugar.
Additional Tips When Eating at A Chinese Buffet
What I advise is to always mind your portion control. Start with less for every variety you try so that you won’t overindulge on just one food item. This way, you can enjoy your buffet experience without overeating. Lastly, don’t forget to hydrate yourself since it helps with digestion better.
Make the Most Out of the Buffet Experience
Before I go to a Chinese buffet, I make sure to take a light meal first so that I don’t end up overeating. I also make sure to stay hydrated to help with my digestion later on. Then, I wear something comfortable, something baggy and casual to not restrict me so much when eating.
At the buffet, I usually focus on quality meats and only take in less carbs. I also make sure that I sample a variety of dishes in smaller portions to have a general feel of the food in the buffet. Once I’m satisfied, I end the meal with fruit as dessert or green tea to aid with digestion later on.
Stop Overeating in Buffets
Just because you’re in a buffet, it doesn’t mean that you have to overindulge. If you’re the type to just want to enjoy a vast selection of dishes, a buffet is a good start. However, if you don’t want to feel stuffed afterward, you can drink water or tea and have a light meal beforehand. I don’t go for foods heavy in sugar and carbs too. Most importantly, set an intention and savor the dishes you eat to enjoy the experience.
What Is The Healthiest Food to Eat at Chinese Buffet
Chinese cuisine comes with a variety of food, both healthy and not. So, if you’re health-conscious, go for dishes that are steamed or are low on fat, sugar, and carbs. Choose soups, stir-fried veggies, or raw items like sushi for a more nutrient-dense option. For carbs, steamed brown rice is an ideal option over greasy fried rice or whole-wheat noodles. Lastly, when picking dessert, skip those that are heavy on sugary sauces and just pick fruits instead.
Conclusion
Balance is the key when enjoying Chinese cuisine. You can indulge in some food items, but you can balance it out with healthier options as well. All in all, I advise you to explore this great cuisine with an open mind and try as many food selections as you can while maintaining mindfulness, focusing on savoring the dishes instead.
