Ahead of the Lunar New Year, which is observed on Jan. 29, Chinese Menu Online has analyzed more than seven million orders from more than 3,000 restaurants in 2024 to produce a list of the top-ordered menu items.
The Raleigh, N.C.-based marketplace, aimed at Asian restaurants, said it found the top-ordered menu items (and some percentages) in 2024 were:
- Egg Roll (18.23%)
- General Tso's Chicken (14.8%)
- Crab Rangoon (10.9%)
- Sweet and Sour Chicken (10%)
- Sesame Chicken (8.6%)
- Wonton Soup
- Chicken Lo Mein
- Orange Chicken
- Chicken with Broccoli
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Beef with Broccoli
- Spring Roll
- Egg Drop Soup
- Hot and Sour Soup
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Fried Chicken Wings
- Fried Dumplings
- Vegetable Lo Mein
- Steamed Dumplings
- Beef Lo Mein
Celebrated by Chinese and other East and Southeast Asian communities, the Lunar New Year is marked by family gatherings and festive meals that welcome prosperity and good fortune.
For restaurant operators, it provides an opportunity to reach customers seeking traditional favorites and celebratory dishes.
The platform’s survey found that chicken is increasing as a popular protein on Asian restaurant menus.
While General Tso's Chicken continues to dominate, accounting for 14.8% of orders with a 6.17% growth from 2023, other chicken dishes like Sesame Chicken (up 7.32% year over year) and Orange Chicken (up 6.86%), and Chicken with Broccoli (up 6.59%) also saw increases in popularity. All four dishes ranked among the Top 20 most purchased items.
Consumer demand for lighter, healthier options rose in 2024, with plant-based proteins, vegetable-focused dishes, and steamed items gaining popularity. Dishes like General Tso's Tofu and Sesame Tofu were increasingly favored by health-conscious diners.
Appetizers like Egg Rolls (the most ordered item, appearing in 18.23% of all orders), Crab Rangoon, Spring Rolls, and Fried Dumplings remained central to Chinese dining and drove strong sales in 2024. Those shareable dishes were especially popular during the Lunar New Year.
Chinese Menu Online, along with Springroll.com, helps U.S. Chinese and Asian restaurants expand their reach with online ordering and insights, trends, and tools.
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]
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