Chinese dinner for friends

We had some friends over for dinner over the weekend, one of whom was vegetarian. I decided to do a traditional style Chinese dinner since that would allow more flexibility in offering a variety of dishes to suit dietary needs. I also did a chicken pie for one of them the last time so it would be a bit of a change.

A traditional Chinese meal is communal in terms of serving and dining. Instead of everyone having his or her own separate main course in front of him or her, a variety of dishes are laid out in the centre of the table. Everyone has a bowl or plate of rice in front of them and they would help themselves to the dishes in the middle. This sharing of food encapulates the embracing and welcoming nature of Chinese hospitality.

For starter, we had vegetable gyoza (potstickers) with black vinegar and thai sweet chilli dipping sauces.


The main dishes were green bean omelette;


Broccoli and peppers stir fry with garlic and soy sauce;


Silken tofu with shitake mushrooms and spring onion topping;


And teriyaki chicken.


Dessert was distinctively un-Chinese but very chocolatey and delicious - chocolate tart with raspberries:


All washed downed with a bottle of rosé (white grenache) and lively conversation. Good times.