Chinese Food for Groups in Rockville: How to Order for the Table

Ordering Chinese food for a group is different from ordering for two. The quantity math, the dish mix, and the spice balance all change.

How Many Dishes to Order

A general rule for Chinese family-style dining: order one dish per person, plus one extra. A table of six should have seven dishes. This gives everyone variety without wasting food.

• 4–6 people: 5–6 dishes plus rice and soup
• 8–10 people: 8–9 dishes plus rice and soup
• 12–15 people: 10–12 dishes plus rice and soup; consider two soups
• 20+ people: Call us at (301) 963-1570 to plan the order ahead of time

Balance Spice Levels

Mixed groups almost always include people who don't eat spicy food. Plan for this. A good group order has two or three mild dishes alongside the spicy ones.

• Mild options: Beef with Broccoli, Chicken with Broccoli, Shrimp with Lobster Sauce, Moo Goo Gai Pan, Lo Mein, Fried Rice
• Medium heat: General Tso's Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken (milder than Mapo Tofu)
• Full Szechuan heat: Mapo Tofu, Dan Dan Noodles, Szechuan String Beans

Recommended Group Orders

Office Lunch (8–10 people, mixed preferences)

• Kung Pao Chicken
• Beef with Broccoli
• Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
• Chicken with Broccoli
• Hot and Sour Soup (large)
• Vegetable Lo Mein
• House Fried Rice
• Egg Rolls (per person)

Szechuan Enthusiast Table (6 people)

• Mapo Tofu
• Dan Dan Noodles
• Kung Pao Chicken
• Twice-Cooked Pork
• Szechuan String Beans
• Hot and Sour Soup
• Steamed Rice

Lunch Specials for Office Groups

Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 3 PM, individual lunch specials are available: each includes an entrée, fried rice, egg roll, and soup for under $12. For office groups, each person orders their own special. No coordination required.

Ordering Ahead for Large Groups

For groups of 15 or more, call ahead at (301) 963-1570 so we can prepare your order without delay. Give us at least 30–45 minutes lead time for large orders. We can also advise on quantities and dish selection based on your group size.