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Most American brides choose to serve the typical chicken cordon bleu, pasta, or steak with steamed vegetables and a side salad. Although there is certainly nothing wrong with that menu choice, is it really that special if everyone else is doing it too? If you want to be different, try serving fried chicken! Just kidding – you wouldn’t want all those greasy fingers touching your wedding dress. Mexican food? Nah, mixing beans with an open bar sounds like it could end in disaster.

Here we go… Chinese food! What’s more unique than Chinese food at a wedding? Not only is it healthy, light, and delicious, but Chinese food catering is relatively inexpensive. Your wedding can be unique and memorable if you’re brave enough to break the mold! Not sold yet? Consider this:

Why Chinese Food at a Wedding?

Chinese Food at a Wedding

For the picky eaters

Have you ever met someone who doesn’t like Chinese food at a wedding? You could meet the pickiest eater in the world, but they’d probably fall in love with at least one Chinese dish. Try serving lo mein noodles! You can offer different toppings like shrimp, chicken, or beef. With this option, if you have a picky eater or a vegetarian, everyone is sure to be pleased.

Make it classy

Make your wedding dinner classy by throwing some seafood in the mix. If you think orange chicken is too informal, how about Aling’s Honey Chili Shrimp? Chinese food is full of so many options that you can choose to go with classy noodles and soup or casual fried rice and chicken.

If you think the Brits are sophisticated, but not the Chinese, you are mistaken! Hot tea is a staple among Chinese cuisine. In fact, the Chinese mastered the art of hot tea. Tea is also an integral part of the Chinese ceremony. In traditional ceremonies, the bride pours tea for the groom’s family, while the groom pours tea for the wife’s family. This symbolizes the joining of two families.

Make it a party

The Chinese know that alcohol is meant for celebrations, and they make it an integral part of the wedding. Plus, having Chinese food at a wedding means you can have sake with your meal!

Traditional Meanings

Chinese food has a special background that makes it the perfect wedding staple. Chinese food symbolizes wishes of happiness, longevity, and fertility. The number of courses you decide on also have symbolism. At a traditional Chinese wedding, eight dishes are served, excluding the dessert. The number eight means “good luck” in Chinese. Okay, an eight course dinner might be a little bit lengthy if you’re not the traditional type. You can choose to have a buffet or serve just one dish, but the Chinese culture actually has some pretty neat symbols behind some wedding dishes that you might want to serve up at your wedding.

Symbolic Dishes in Chinese Cuisine

Lobster and Chicken

In a marriage, the dragon represents the groom while the phoenix represents the bride. In Chinese, “dragon shrimp” literally means “lobster” and “chicken feet” are referred to as “phoenix feet.” According to Chinese philosophy, serving both lobster and chicken represent yin and yang, signifying balance in the new relationship.

Shark’s Fin Soup

Many consider this a delicacy. Shark Fin Soup is usually served after the appetizers. It is meant to symbolize wealth since the dish is very expensive.

Scallops

Scallops symbolize fertility for the new couple. The Chinese name for scallop translates to “raising or bringing a child in your life.”

Abalone and Sea Cucumber

Abalone means “abundance,” while sea cucumber means “good heart” in Cantonese. These are some values that could be instilled in your wedding and thorough your new life together. Many couples prefer these two together because it is meant to wish years of abundance and having a good heart to avoid conflicts.

Whole Duck

In some parts of China, serving a whole duck symbolizes fidelity, peace, unity, and completeness throughout the marriage.

Noodles

Noodles represent longevity throughout marriage because of its long strands.

Fish

Fish is another symbolism of “abundance” in the Chinese culture. If abalone and sea cucumber don’t sound appealing to you, fish is a great alternative that will be sure to satisfy your guests’ bellies.

Lobster

Lobster represents joy and celebration. Serving the whole lobster with the head and legs would symbolize completeness. Plus, lobster’s red color is the color of love! We also noted earlier that lobster means “dragon shrimp.” If the dragon is the phoenix’s – the wife’s – counterpart, how could you possibly leave the Chinese food at a wedding?

Tangyuan

Tangyuan symbolizes unity and completeness. It is meant to wish a happy marriage until the end. If you’ve never heard of tangyuan, it is a Chinese dessert made in colorful, round balls. They are made from rice flour, water, and a sweet syrup – like sweet ginger syrup. Tangyuan also symbolizes family unity and can be incorporated to symbolize two families coming together as one. Serving dessert also wishes the newlyweds a sweet life ahead of them.

Chinese Food at a Wedding? Alings is the Answer!

If you’re having a wedding or any special occasion worth celebrating, look no further than to serve Chinese food at a wedding by Aling’s Chinese Cuisine! We are catering professionals in the heart of Sugarland, Texas. We have a variety of dishes that will make everyone’s bellies happy. If you’re in the Houston area, we’d love to bring Chinese catering to your next event! From delectable appetizers to mouthwatering main courses and delightful desserts, our menu has something for everyone. Contact us today at +1 281-242-0432 to discuss how we can make your wedding celebration a truly memorable and flavorful experience with our expertise in Chinese food catering.

from china to houston

Houston is right up there with New York as one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in the United States! The Asian population is Houston’s fastest-growing ethnic group. In fact, it is the fastest growing in America – ahead of Hispanics. The small city of Sugar Land (home to Aling’s Chinese Cuisine) is even 37.5% Asian. China is the most heavily populated country in the world.

So what exactly brought the large Asian community to Houston – more specifically, the Chinese community?

The Early Immigrants from China to Houston: Residents and Business District

In 1870, 250 men from China come to Houston for construction work. 30 years later, there were only 7 Chinese residents in Houston. In the early 1900s, the very first Chinese business district opened. Some Chinese residents in Mississippi left to move down here to Houston. The Great Migration left many of them without their steady clientele of African-Americans. By the 1930s, there were less than 50 Chinese living in Houston. Many of them owned restaurants and small grocery stores while they lived directly behind their business or on the second floor.

from china to houston

The Impact of World War II and the Chinese Merchants’ Association

World War II slowly brought the Chinese population up to 121 because of Houston’s attractive economy. By 1950, the population still hadn’t even hit 1,000. The Chinese Merchants’ Association moved into what is now East Downtown and became a booming Chinatown by the 1970s. Today, many call it the “Old Chinatown.”

The Establishment of “New Chinatown” and Yao Ming’s Influence

By 1983, there were around 30,000 people of Chinese origin living in the Houston area. A “New Chinatown” was created, and it is the popular Chinatown most Houstonites know and love today. In the 1990s, local Asian entrepreneurs moved their businesses from old neighborhoods and the old Chinatown to this new area.

In 2002, China’s very own seven-foot-six basketball superstar Yao Ming suited up to join the Houston Rockets. Millions of people in China turned on their TVs to catch him in action and found that Houston was an international city with a booming Asian population. Before Yao Ming, many Chinese didn’t know the difference between Houston and Boston. He basically brought awareness to the city. Chinese investors and immigrants made their way over soon after.

Chinese Investors and Real Estate in Houston

Many investors left because of China’s instable economy and came here because of American real estate. In 2015, the Chinese bought the most properties and spent the most dollars out of all other foreigners in America. They became the second largest international buyer of Texas real estate, falling right below Latin American buyers. Houston has the largest Chinatown in the South – which could be the reason it has attracted so many investors. Last year, the total Asian population in Houston was up to 126,378!

Experience the rich flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine at Alings Chinese Bistro, located in the heart of Houston’s vibrant Chinatown. Indulge in a culinary journey that pays homage to the roots of Chinese gastronomy while embracing the local tastes and ingredients of Houston. Whether you’re craving traditional dim sum, savory Peking duck, or mouthwatering Sichuan specialties, our skilled chefs are dedicated to delivering an unforgettable dining experience. Join us at Alings Chinese Bistro to savor the essence of Chinese culture, right here in Houston. For reservations or any assistance, please contact us at +1 281-242-0432. Let us guide you on a gastronomic adventure from China to Houston.

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