In a survey last year, Chinese cuisine was revealed to be Northern Ireland’s favourite takeaway option.
Everybody has their go-to Chinese order but every now and again it’s nice to mix it up and try something new.
Here we have compiled a list of popular Chinese takeaway dishes and why you should try them.
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Chicken Chow Mein
A popular dish, Chicken Chow Mein is made up of an array of ingredients including chicken, peppers, chilli, onion and bean sprouts. The sauce is made up of a savoury base with a mixture of Oyster sauce, Soy and Sesame. This dish is often made in large quantities so you’ll more likely than not have some left over for tomorrow so choose this option if you want to make the most of your order.
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Dim Sum
Dim sum is a Cantonese dish made up of small plates of dumplings or other ‘snacks’ and traditionally served alongside tea. They come in a variety of styles and fillings and a great choice if you’re looking for a dish you can share. Some of the most popular are Ha Gau (steamed prawn dumplings), Char Sui Buns (pork in fluffy bread buns) and Fun Gor (translucent pork and bamboo shoot dumplings).
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Crispy Duck Pancakes
Crispy Duck Pancakes are the perfect low mess option, containing less fat than their counterpart Peking Duck while still offering all the flavour. These are most commonly served with garnish like cucumber and spring onion and topped with a delicious plum sauce.
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Beef in Black Bean Sauce
Beef in Black Bean sauce is a go-to savoury option if you’re seeking a healthy option. This popular dish is made up of slow-cooked beef in a fermented black bean sauce that is both low in cholesterol and contains no saturated fats. Delicious and good for your health.
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Szechuan Chicken
Szechuan Chicken is a rich soy-based dish that has a perfect balance of sweet, savoury and spice. It’s the perfect for those looking for some spice but can be easily adjusted to suit your taste and spice tolerance.
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Crispy Wonton
If you’re looking for something new to add to your order crispy wontons won’t disappoint. These dumplings are addictive and are usually filled with pork or prawn and finely chopped vegetables.
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Sweet and sour
A classic in the world of Chinese takeaways, sweet and sour is one of the most versatile options on the menu, working with pretty much anything. The tangy sauce made using pineapple juice, sugar, tomato sauce and vinegar can be paired with chicken balls, prawns or pork and is usually served with rice.
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Salt and pepper chicken
Salt and pepper chicken has risen the popularity ladder in recent times. This meal is made up of battered chicken and wok fried spices and vegetables. Bursting with flavours this dish is a solid choice for when you can’t decide what you want.
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Spice Bag
An export of Irish Chinese takeaways, the spice bag is slowly working its way into Chinese takeaways and recently gained attention from the global star Lizzo on her last visit to Belfast. A spice bag consists of chips, chilli peppers and other Chinese takeaway staples such as chicken balls, spare ribs and prawn toast. Essentially it’s a mixture of leftovers thrown into a paper bag and sprinkled with spicy seasoning. The ultimate way to end a night out or grab something easy to-go.
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Chop Suey
Translated into English as ‘assorted pieces’, Chop Suey is a Chinese dish made up of meat or fish and eggs and cooked with a variety of vegetables such as bean sprouts, cabbage and celery in a thick sauce. This dish is cooked quickly and served with fried rice or stir-fried noodles. The ideal option if you want something fast and fresh.
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Special Fried Rice
Special or House fried rice is one of the most popular Chinese takeaway dish options which can either be served as a main or a side. It consists of shrimp and barbecued pork mixed together with egg and rice.