Chinese buffets are a tantalizing blend of vibrant flavors, textures, and culinary adventures. With an array of dishes to choose from, they offer a delicious window into the vastness of Chinese cuisine. But, not everything on the buffet table is as it seems. Here, we unravel ten dishes that you might want to think twice about on your next buffet visit — for reasons you’d never suspect.
1. Sushi Rolls
Surprised? Though sushi isn’t traditionally Chinese, it often finds a place on Chinese buffet tables. But beware; sushi in such settings may not always be fresh, increasing risks of foodborne illnesses. Plus, rice, being a great insulator, can trap heat, making the interior a breeding ground for bacteria. And, let’s face it, sushi masters take years to perfect their craft, so that buffet sushi may not do justice to the real deal in terms of flavor or authenticity.
2. General Tso’s Chicken
It’s delicious, crispy, and drenched in a tangy sauce — but General Tso’s chicken is also one of the most calorie-laden dishes. The deep-fried chicken cloaked in a sugar-rich sauce can be a dietary disaster. What’s more controversial is that its origins aren’t exactly “authentic.” This popular dish, often considered a staple in Chinese cuisine by many Westerners, is practically unknown in China!
3. Egg Drop Soup
Seemingly light, this golden-yellow soup could be a sodium bomb in disguise. Some versions might contain MSG — a flavor enhancer linked to certain side effects in sensitive individuals. Also, in buffet settings, it’s challenging to determine the freshness of the broth. A day-old egg drop soup? Maybe not the freshest choice on the buffet line.
4. Crab Rangoon
Those crispy little pockets filled with creamy goodness might be hard to resist, but think again! Crab Rangoon is another dish you won’t find in traditional Chinese menus. Filled with cream cheese and often just a hint of imitation crab, they are calorie-packed and far from authentic. Plus, the freshness of the filling in a buffet setting is a mystery best left unsolved.
5. Sweet and Sour Pork
This dish, with its glistening red sauce and deep-fried pork, is a favorite for many. But that vibrant hue? It often comes from food coloring. Additionally, like General Tso’s Chicken, the combination of deep frying and a sugar-rich sauce makes this a caloric titan. A true Chinese cuisine experience would offer a more balanced and less sugar-laden dish.
6. Lo Mein
While noodles are a staple in Chinese cuisine, the lo mein at buffets is usually loaded with oils and sodium. Moreover, the vegetables in the mix are often overcooked, robbing them of their nutrients. If you’ve ever wondered why the buffet version doesn’t taste like the freshly made one at your favorite restaurant, there’s your answer.
7. Fried Rice
Seems harmless enough, right? But this dish, especially in buffets, is made with an excessive amount of oil and often uses older rice. It’s a way for restaurants to utilize leftover rice, but the downside is that older rice can sometimes lead to food poisoning if it hasn’t been stored correctly.
8. Fortune Cookies
These crunchy, fold-over cookies with their cryptic messages inside are a fun way to end a meal. But guess what? They aren’t Chinese at all. An invention of the West, possibly by early Chinese immigrants in California, fortune cookies are more about marketing than authenticity. Plus, they are often stale in buffet settings.
9. Broccoli Beef
While broccoli might give the facade of a healthy choice, the beef often comes drenched in thick, starchy sauces loaded with sodium. Additionally, in an ironic twist, broccoli isn’t a traditional vegetable used in China. The dish has been Westernized to cater to local palates.
10. Chicken Wings
Surprisingly common on Chinese buffet tables, chicken wings are often deep-fried and doused in a range of sauces, from sweet to spicy. Just like the sushi rolls, this is not traditionally a Chinese dish. The wings can be overly greasy and may have been sitting out longer than you’d like to think.
In conclusion, while Chinese buffets offer a plethora of delectable choices, a discerning eye and a bit of knowledge can help you navigate the offerings better. It’s not about avoiding these dishes entirely but being aware of what you’re consuming. After all, informed choices make for a more satisfying and authentic dining experience.
