Chinese Food for Kids - How to Introduce New Flavors (2024)

Going to a Chinese restaurant and eating authentic Chinese food for the first time can be quite an experience for children. The sights, sounds, and even smells are so different than what they normally see at American restaurants. Additionally, opting for Chinese food for kids is another way to learn about the customs of another culture.

For kids preschool age and older, it’s a good idea for parents to prepare them for the new dining experience by explaining how the food will probably taste spicier and more flavorful to them. While parents should also go over the different customs to expect, keeping expectations age-appropriate will ensure that the entire family enjoys the new dining experience.

The Proper Use of Chopsticks and Other Etiquette Tips

Children who have seen drumsticks before might assume that chopsticks are the same thing at first. Before they even have the chance to bang the chopsticks on the table and possibly offend the host, parents should explain that people use chopsticks to eat in China just as people in the United States use forks, knives, and spoons.

Teaching kids how to use chopsticks at home can be fun. It’s also a good activity to practice before attempting it in public for the first time. However, some children just won’t have the manual dexterity to use chopsticks at their current developmental stage. If that’s the case, parents shouldn’t hesitate to ask the host for a spoon. Most Chinese restaurants based in the United States stock spoons but not knives.

Dear @PFChangs,
In fairness to my daughter, your children’s chopsticks should come with instructions.
Sincerely,
A fan
😄 pic.twitter.com/KPc70rV36H

— Matt Chambers (@WeatherChambers) March 6, 2020

Kid-Friendly Chinese Food

Children who can’t read yet or even those who don’t understand what the menu descriptions mean will rely on their parents to help them select the best meal. This can be a challenge for even the most adventurous eater, yet alone a child who feels anxious about trying new foods. The foods below make excellent options for children with all types of palates:

• Wonton soup: Kids who love soup at home should enjoy the opportunity to try wonton soup that includes their favorite noodles and/or meat. It’s also an easier meal to eat since it requires a spoon.
• Egg rolls: What could be more perfect than food a child can eat with his or her hands? Egg rolls, which contain vegetables and small bits of egg on the inside, are crunchy, flavorful, and easy to eat.
• Lo Mein: Kids and noodles are usually a great combination. While this dish can be challenging to eat with chopsticks, some kids actually relish the challenge.
• Chinese pancakes: Also known as Taiwanese beef rolls, Chinese pancakes can be eaten like a burrito and don’t require chopsticks.

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— Z&Y Restaurant (@zandyrestaurant) January 22, 2021

Chinese Food to Avoid Giving Children

Parents should also consider which foods in Chinese restaurants may be inappropriate for their children. For example, Chinese cooks usually don’t remove the bones in fish. This can present a choking hazard, especially for children just starting to eat independently. Another thing to consider is that kids who often get upset stomachs may have difficulty with deep-fried food. This is often due to the high oil content in foods from a fryer.

Teaching children about other cultures from a young age helps them to appreciate and welcome diversity. Getting Chinese food for kids at a local restaurant is a simple way to start inspiring these values.