Specialty Cuisines Posts

The Best Mexican Food in San Jose: Fajitas at Your Doorstep with Convenient Meal Delivery

For the best Mexican food in San Jose, you don’t have to look far. This town has some excellent options, and Waiter.com offers several menus to explore. When you want some tasty Mexican cuisine that’s also relatively healthy, fresh fajitas are the perfect meal to order for lunch or dinner today. Prepared with grilled meats like chicken and steak, this is a dish that’s filled with protein to help you stay energized for the rest of your day. Served with lots of sauteed veggies like red peppers and onions, fajitas are loaded with vitamin C, potassium, folic acid and fiber – which definitely helps you stay full for a long time.

For toppings, a little guacamole offers awesome nutritional benefits, including heart-healthy fats and lots of fiber. Stay light on any cheese and sour cream you add into the mix, as these can be hidden ways to pack the calories into your meal. And while flour tortillas aren’t always the healthiest option, you can certainly make your meal a little less calorie laden by opting for lettuce shells or just skipping the tortillas altogether. This way, you still wind up with the tastiest part of the meal! Now that your taste buds are revved up, you probably want to get your hands on some fabulous fajitas right now. We’ll share three delicious eateries right here in San Jose that serve them up best!

best mexican food in San Jose
Fajitas are a delicious way to pack some nutrition into your day – especially when you order them the healthy way!
Image Source: Flickr user m4sh.3d

Taqueria Cazadores

From a meal that elevates lunch to something a bit more exciting to a catering option that keeps everyone at the table wanting just one more bite, Taqueria Cazadores whips up some of the best Mexican food in San Jose. And where their fajitas are concerned, you can count on plenty of mouthwatering options. To try something new, grab an order of their Fajitas de Camaron for delivery. Instead of the traditional steak or chicken entree, this dish is served up with freshly grilled shrimp. With lean protein and big flavor, this is an order that’s sure to convince you that fajitas should make a regular appearance in your meal rotation.

El Paso Cafe

For a taste of real Tex-Mex that’s paired with high-quality ingredients, El Paso Cafe is a hot destination for awesome fajitas. Complete with your choice of chicken or steak prepared in a phenomenal marinade, this dish is served up with plenty of sauteed onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Delivered with a side of red salsa, rice, and beans, it offers a punch of protein that’s both flavorful and filling. And when a meal serves up this much zest, you can get away with skipping the tortillas for an extra healthy mealtime treat!

La Casa De Maria

When it’s delectable homemade Mexican cuisine you’re after, ordering La Casa de Maria for delivery guarantees some of the best Mexican food in San Jose! And for fajitas, this menu offers more than your average Tex-Mex restaurant. In fact, fajitas have their own entire section on the menu! For a dish that offers a unique take on the dish, try their Alambres de Fajitas. You don’t just get your choice of chicken or beef, they also serve the meal with a choice of pastor or shrimp. Plus, this menu option offers extra flavor in the way of fresh bacon and yummy chorizo, which means you can get an indulgent take on the traditional dish you know and love. This is a version of fajitas that just might become your new go-to delivery item when you can’t get Mexican food off your mind!

The Best Mexican Food in San Jose

One of the greatest things about living in San Jose are all of the incredible food choices we have. And there are so many savory hot spots around town, we can’t name just one that makes the best Mexican food in San Jose — they’re all delicious! But for delightful flavor and fresh ingredients, these three local outlets have some of the tastiest fajitas you’ll ever try. Even better, you don’t have to leave your home or office to get your hands on them. Waiter.com will deliver all of the heavenly flavors you love in the blink of an eye. Just hop on our website and navigate their menus with a few clicks of your mouse. Our service makes it so easy to get something scrumptious to eat, you just might use us every day!

Sunnyvale Food Delivery: Three Savory and Healthy Thai Dishes to Try for Dinner Tonight

When you want to mix up your usual food delivery options in Sunnyvale, Thai food can be an excellent way to fill up on something delicious and nutritious. The abundance of stir-fried dishes, along with your ability to choose a heart healthy meat choice with nearly every dish, makes this cuisine one that you can enjoy without a lot of guilt. Below, we explore three local options for Sunnyvale food delivery that will please your taste buds and leave your belly full — and your personal nutrition goals intact.

sunnyvale food delivery
Thai food is a healthy cuisine option that also offers a ton of flavor. It’s tasty AND good for you!
Image Source: Flickr user winn*

White Elephant

To enjoy the options of a classic Thai restaurant, turn to White Elephant. A meal of Rama Thai, with a side of brown rice and some freshly steamed edamame, is the perfect way to wrap up a crazy day at work. In the Rama Thai, spinach is lightly sauteed with your choice of chicken or tofu, then topped with a pairing of peanut and roasted chili sauces. It offers a slightly spicy flavor that packs some protein into your day, which keeps you moving until bedtime. The brown rice is a heart healthy replacement for traditional white or fried rice options, and edamame is yet another light way to pack some extra nutrients and protein into your meal. This is an especially perfect option when you’re off to an evening full of activities after work!

Jasmine Fine Thai Cuisine

A local mainstay, Jasmine Fine Thai Cuisine is an option that doesn’t disappoint. Their sweet and sour salmon is a great menu item that’s filled with dynamic flavor profiles. A salmon filet is stir fried with cucumber, pineapple, scallions, and tomatoes. It’s then topped with a special tomato sauce that adds a unique flavor to a vitamin-packed meal. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein that’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for good circulation and brain health. This is also a great dish to order when you need to hit your daily requirement for veggies! Savory and delicious, this is a meal you’ll find yourself craving on a regular basis.

Thai Pepper Cuisine

When you’re looking for a Thai restaurant that offers something for the whole family, Thai Pepper is just the spot for you. Their satay chicken provides the perfect foundation for a delightful meal to wrap up a busy day. Marinated and grilled, these chicken skewers are served with peanut and cucumber sauces for dipping. Packed with protein, it’s a savory dish that perfectly complements your family’s healthy eating plan. To round out your meal, order a side of brown rice and a cup of Kang Jued Jay soup. It’s a vegetarian option that’s packed with tofu, silver noodles, onions, cabbage, and cilantro. This is a delicious meal to add to your Sunnyvale food delivery repertoire tonight!

Healthy Sunnyvale Food Delivery

As you consider different Thai menus from around town, here are a few recommendations to keep your meal flavorful, but also a little more health conscious:

  • Avoid any heavy sauces. Instead, opt for sauteed meals like healthy stir fried dishes that are packed with lean meats and nutrient-rich veggies.
  • Choose steamed rice. While delicious, fried rice adds unnecessary oils and calories that can subtly sabotage your dietary goals.
  • Pad Thai is always a great choice. Packed with sauteed meat, ground peanuts, bean sprouts, eggs, and scallions, this is a dish that puts a ton of nutrients and healthy protein onto one tasty plate.
  • Go fresh. Choose the non-fried options whenever possible. For example, fresh spring rolls, as opposed to their fried counterpart, are extra tasty when dipped in sweet and sour sauce. And since they’re not fried, you eliminate a ton of excess fat and calories from your meal.

Once you’re ready to order, just jump on Waiter.com to select some healthy Thai food options that will keep everyone at your table happy. We’ll conveniently bring your order right to your door! It’s the flavors you crave paired with a hassle free way to get a healthy meal, day or night.

Palo Alto Chinese Food Delivery: Healthy Options for a Fun Friday Night at Home

To kick off your weekend on the right foot, a delicious dinner on Friday night is a must. In fact, pairing a dinner treat with family game night or that movie you’ve been wanting to watch can be just the way to wrap up a long week and get in the right mindset for a few days of relaxation. For this kind of low key evening, Chinese food is a staple. And when you want to enjoy this classic cuisine without feeling like you ate your weight in rice and chicken on Saturday morning, we understand. Which is why we’ve pulled together some healthier options for Palo Alto Chinese food delivery. Not only are they a fun way to bring the flavor to your Friday night, they won’t destroy your weekend meal goals in one fell swoop!

palo alto chinese food
Szechwan tofu is a delicious AND healthy way to get a tasty bite of Chinese food this Friday night!
Image Source: Flickr user stu_spivack

Green Leaf Chinese Bowls

Similar to building your own burrito bowl, Green Leaf offers a customized entree option for the Asian dishes you love. Their bowls are a great way to indulge in what you’re craving with a little help with portion control. First, choose a carbohydrate rich base. If you’re looking for a healthy option, the brown rice is certainly the way to go because it’s a less refined option than white rice and easier for your body to digest. Next, choose a protein. With an awesome array ranging from grilled beef to garlic butter shrimp to tofu, you can choose something savory that also fits within your dietary goals. Every bowl includes a variety of veggies and herbs, like carrots, cucumbers, mint, and basil, helping you to get the essential nutrients your body needs. Finally, select the perfect sauce to compliment your bowl combination. It’s a totally tasty, yet healthy way to wrap up your Friday.

Appetizer Smorgasboard

If there’s one thing that Jade Palace offers that’s amazing, it’s the Chinese appetizer favorites that are guaranteed to make your mouth water. Order a selection of these appetizers for a fun, out of the ordinary Friday night dinner! Choose a combination of items cover a range of food groups in your meal. Try their pork pot stickers and the mu shu shrimp. Add on an order of the vegetarian egg rolls — they’re a local favorite and packed with vegetable goodness. And don’t forget to grab one of their classic soups. Jade Palace is famous for their high-quality ingredient choices and portion sizes that don’t overwhelm. And that makes it a lot easier to control what you put on your plate!

Szechwan Options

Because the dishes aren’t fried, Szechwan style cooking is a great way to add flavor to your meal without all the calories. At Crouching Tiger, they serve up some of the tastiest Szechwan meals in town. This particular cuisine can be ordered with meats, vegetables, or tofu — which makes it a delicious Friday night dinner option for anyone! Crouching Tiger’s Szechwan dishes are a great way to share a meal, which can help you better control your portion sizes. To keep your meal on the healthy side, order up some of their lettuce wraps as an appetizer. With a choice of chicken or prawns, this is a high protein, low carb menu item that is both filling and delicious. In fact, you might just consider this combo to be your new number one Chinese food delivery selection!

Healthy Chinese Food Delivery in Palo Alto

Not every Chinese menu item that you come across will be super healthy, and it’s okay to indulge every once in a while. But when you want to keep your Friday night dinner on the more nutritious side, these are fabulous options that support your dietary goals without sacrificing flavor. In fact, with how tasty these dishes are — not to mention how well they fill you up — you don’t even have to consider them to be the healthy substitutes for the traditional dishes you usually order. They’ll just become the new favorites that you can’t get enough of!

To make your Friday night in even better, Waiter.com delivers all of these treats right to your door. Just jump on our site, place a quick order, and we’ll deliver a piping hot meal in a jiffy! It’s the convenient way to make your Friday night fabulous. We’ll help make your fun night in a total luxury!

The Best Palo Alto Mexican Food to Order for Delivery Tonight

No matter where you live, delicious Mexican food is a staple. In Palo Alto, local restaurants serve up the authentic flavors you crave, which means you can get your hands on some delectable Mexican food for lunch or dinner any day of the week. However, sometimes you want to go beyond your usual order and try something new — which is exactly what we’re discussing today! Below, we’ll tell you where you can get your hands on some of the best Palo Alto Mexican food and highlight some exciting new options.

palo alto mexican food
When you want to try a new Mexican dish, these Palo Alto options might be just the thing.
Image Source: Flickr user jeffk

Pupusas

Originating in El Salvador, this dish consists of a hand-made corn tortilla filled with deliciousness. Grilled to crispy perfection on the outside, yet surprisingly soft on the inside; you can choose from several different meats and cheeses or opt for the vegetarian filling – the choice is yours! Rincon Sabroso serves this mouth watering dish, as well as tons of other tasty treats that you can order on the side. Regulars also love their fresh tamales and vegetarian tacos. It’s the perfect spot to order lunch or dinner delivery today.

Chili Verde Chicken Enchiladas

When it’s comfort food you’re looking for, then you’ve got to check out Celia’s. Locals devour their chili verde chicken enchiladas. Served with a flavorful side of rice and beans, these are some of the best enchiladas you’ll ever eat. And, if enchiladas just don’t hit the spot, try another Celia’s “favorite” dish. Their shrimp soup is a great starter, and their fajitas are to die for. It’s the perfect spot to order from when you’re craving an authentic Mexican meal – they’ll be on your top ten restaurant list in no time.

Sweet Corn Tamales

Tamales are difficult to do right. But at Mexicali, you can get your hands on a plate of perfect tamales. Served with a side of delicious tomatillo sauce, these tamales are something that you might just call perfection. But the tamales are not the only delicious offering to be found at this local hot spot; from their Tacos de Pescado to their Enchiladas de Mole Rojo, you’ve got authentic food from Mexicali at your fingertips. Even their chips and salsa are delicious. It’s a menu you’ll order from again and again. Don’t worry – you can thank us later for introducing you to this tasty Palo Alto Mexican joint!

Find the Best Palo Alto Mexican Food

When you’re craving a big plate of authentic deliciousness, count on us to connect you with the best Palo Alto Mexican food available. We know that there are lots of different hot spots to choose from. Sometimes, all you need is a little direction so you can find the best offerings in your neighborhood. You can trust us when we tell you that the delicious meals we’re sharing today will leave you full and satisfied every time you order!

What’s more, Waiter.com will deliver all of these delicious favorites right to your door. You don’t even have to leave the couch to get your hands on a mind-blowing meal. You can place an order for any dish right on our site and, before you know it, you’ll have a piping hot dish of Mexican food waiting at your door. It’s fresh food with a heaping side of convenience – you’re going to love using our service to eat up every day of the week!

San Francisco Sushi Delivery: Our Three Favorite Rolls to Try Tonight!

When it comes to deciding what to order for dinner delivery, there’s one cuisine you can always count on: sushi. Always delicious, there are tons of great options around town that are sure to knock your socks off. But when you don’t know what you want to eat, it can be nice to have a few go-to recommendations that are consistently great and that you can count on to make for a wonderful meal. Which is exactly why we wanted to share our three favorite rolls for sushi delivery in San Francisco. And since you know that finding some delectable maki rolls to indulge in can be the start of a beautiful sushi relationship, these are some options you’re going to love trying out!

san francisco sushi delivery
Delicious maki rolls can be the start of a beautiful sushi relationship – try these yummy options today!
Image Source: Flickr user Selina

Read more…

San Francisco Roll

A fun take on your traditional spicy tuna roll, the San Francisco roll at Yuubi Japanese is filled with crisp spicy tuna topped with avocado and tobiko. The best part about this tasty find is that all of their menu items are incredibly fresh, even their wasabi tastes freshly prepared. This means you can taste the quality of the food — and their dedication to delicious preparation — with every bite. When you want a really delicious, well-rounded meal to try, add on an order of their yummy gyoza. These dumpling are a favorite among the regulars!

Rock N Roll

When you start thinking about sushi, the delicious Rock N Roll at Fish n Gari is the perfect place to start. Loaded with tasty unagi and avocado, it’s a basic roll that’s prepared perfectly. You’ll know from your first bite that this place means business! And if you want a variety of unique rolls, as well as some of the freshest nigiri in town, then this is the spot from which to order. The small bites from Fish n Gari all add up to one tasty meal! So what are you waiting for? Order up a plate and get some yummy sushi in your belly. We’ll make it easy and deliver your favorites right to your door!

OMG Roll

When something spicy is what you’re after, then the OMG roll at Sakesan Bistro is a perfect choice! Topped with jalapeños and an extra dab of spicy mayo, this is a spicy tuna roll you’re not going to forget. It’s an amazing option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. When you’re really hungry, try adding on their Godzilla roll as an extra treat. Fried salmon and green onion with a spicy sauce never tasted so good! If you’re looking for San Francisco sushi delivery tonight, this is an awesome hot spot to try – and one that you’ll order from again and again.

Delicious San Francisco Sushi Delivery

In a town that’s filled with some of the tastiest restaurants in the country, good sushi isn’t hard to come by. But you don’t just want good: you want the best. All of these tasty rolls are just the start of what these restaurants have to offer – in fact, locals swear by them! When you can get your hands on a fresh, delectable maki roll, you know that the rest of the menu is going to be awesome, too. And that’s exactly why these hot spots made our list!

Even better, Waiter.com will deliver your favorite sushi from all of these San Francisco hot spots and more. Just jump on our site and place a quick order for those tasty treats you’re craving — we’ll even show you some of the most popular items each restaurant serves. Once you’ve ordered, we’ll deliver your favorites right to your home or office. It’s convenient service paired with the delicious meals you love. Which means it’s never been easier to get your hands on delicious San Francisco sushi!

Thai Food in Cupertino: Three Delicious Dishes to Have Delivered Tonight

With delicious options for lunch or dinner, Thai food is a treat that many love to indulge in. From delicious basics like satay chicken and Tom Yum soup, to spicy curries and big helpings of your favorite Pad Thai, there’s a little something for everyone that’s sure to please. And when you’re looking for a great meal to have delivered tonight, Thai food can definitely fit the bill. But sometimes, it can be hard to choose just one favorite — especially when you’re testing out a new local hot spot. To help you find some perfect Thai food in Cupertino for dinner delivery today, we’ve come up with a list of some popular menu options this town serves up, along with the local restaurants that prepare them best. Want more? You can get any of them delivered right to your door for lunch or dinner today!

thai food in cupertino
When Thai food is on the menu, try these delicious local favorites for lunch or dinner – they’re divine!
Image Source: Flickr user Magnus D

Nasi Bungkus

A delicious blend of traditional rice, curried chicken, boiled egg, and vegetables, the ingredients in this dish are mixed together with a yummy (and spicy!) sauce that you’ll love. Wrapped in a banana leaf, this is a traditional dish that offers a ton of flavor when you’re looking for something really tasty. Bay Leaf Restaurant is one place that serves this dish up best. Locals rave over the flavor punch that it delivers! Bay Leaf also has a ton of side dishes that will compliment your Nasi Bungkus order. The regulars are particularly fond of the siomay bandung (a boiled fish cake stuffed with cabbage, tofu, egg and tomato peanut sauce), the pepes ikan (Balinese marinated fish wrapped in banana leaf) and their drunken noodles. No matter what you try, you’re sure to find a perfect meal here – and that makes for the perfect new hot spot to try for delivery right now!

Pumpkin Curry

A unique take on the curry dishes you love, this pumpkin curry is served up in an actual carved pumpkin! Packed with red curry, bell pepper, basil, coconut milk, and tons of pumpkin flavor, it’s a favorite amongst the regulars at Lotus Thai Bistro, and a dish you’re sure to devour. And when you’re on the lookout for a full meal that can please the entire office or your whole family, try adding on an order of their mango sticky rice and some potak soup. Both are delicious! Even the spring rolls that Lotus serves up will leave you begging for more. This is definitely a hot spot you should try for food delivery today!

Mussamun Peanut Curry with Chicken

When you’re craving a dish that will leave you full and satisfied, then the Mussamun Peanut Curry at Jasmine Fine Thai Cuisine is the perfect fit. Made from a thick coconut milk curry sauce, this delicious dish packs peanuts, carrots, potatoes, and ginger into the mix. Order it with chicken for a protein-filled lunch or dinner. When you want to round out your meal with a few other menu items, try their crab fried rice or their prawns mango cha cha. And when you’re in the mood for a solid helping of the tastiest Pad Thai in town, this will be your new go-to place. Jasmine serves up meals that you won’t forget, with a menu that you’ll have on your mind for weeks to come.

Place Your Delivery Order for Thai Food in Cupertino

When you want a delicious meal, then food from a great Thai restaurant is the way to go. And to find the best restaurants in town, it’s sometimes more about who serves your favorite dishes than anything else. These local favorites definitely deliver on the deliciousness you crave, along with some menu items that you may not have tried before. And food delivery is an excellent way to discover a new favorite spot for Thai food in Cupertino today!

For the best meal delivery service that this town has to offer, turn to Waiter.com. Not only do we help you place a quick order for the meals you want with the click of a button, we deliver all of your favorite items in a jiffy. And with that kind of easy service, you can rely on us to bring the best food right to your door, every day.

Tandoori Chicken: 3 Sunnyvale Indian Food Delivery Options That Make This Classic Dish Best

When you’ve got a hankering for some delicious Indian cuisine, we know that you want to hit up one of the tastiest hot spots in town. And when it comes to the best Sunnyvale Indian food delivery options, you know that they likely have some delicious tandoori chicken! Tandoori chicken is a delicious menu staple when you’re searching for that perfect Indian hot spot that serves up all of the traditional dishes you love. We’ve pulled together three of our favorite spots for you to try tandoori chicken this week!

indian food delivery options in sunnyvale
Delicious tandoori chicken is a baseline for great Indian food – and these restaurants serve it up best!
Image Source: Flickr user stu_spivack

Sneha

Where it comes to enjoying a delicious Indian lunch or dinner in Sunnyvale, Sneha is an option that you just have to try. They offer an array of delicious classics, including some of the tastiest chicken tandoori in town! And when you’re searching for the perfect menu items to compliment this local favorite dish, include some of their vegetable kurma, garlic naan, mini samosas and biryani rice with your order. Each option is so good, you could even order them on their own! What’s even better, Sneha offers great options for sharing with a group, which makes this the perfect spot to choose for meal delivery in the middle of a busy day at the office or when you need a hearty meal to feed your family for dinner. It’s the Indian food you’re craving at the right price, without any hassle!

Chaats and Currys

When you’re looking for a modern take on that classic tandoori chicken recipe you love, then we suggest you try Chaats and Currys today. Not only do they serve up a delicious version of this traditional meal, they also offer options wrapped up like the flavorful street food you might encounter in India, like their tasty kaati rolls! They also have their delicious tandoori chicken available in their delectable wraps, which are served with a cool mint and tamarind chutney that will leave your mouth watering. Plus, Chaats and Currys offers a variety of menu options for meat eaters and vegetarians alike, which means they’ve got a little something for everyone. With all of their delightful menu items, this is surely one of the perfect Sunnyvale Indian food delivery options you’ll be turning to time and again.

Peacock Indian Cuisine

From delicious curries to tasty veggie dishes to that tandoori chicken flavor you love, Peacock Indian Cuisine is an awesome food delivery option to try today. They’re especially great if you love a little spice with your meal; their menu serves up some of the spicier Indian menu items in town! And if you’re searching for the best dishes to accompany your entree, try their palak paneer and the onion naan. While these are standard menu fare for any Indian restaurant, Peacock Indian Cuisine has versions that you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Serving up delicious Indian flavors every day of the week, it’s the perfect addition to your regular list of meal delivery hot spots!

The Best Indian Food Delivery Options in Sunnyvale

At Waiter.com, we know what you want: delicious food that goes above and beyond to satisfy all of your mealtime cravings throughout the week. If you’re looking for the best Sunnyvale Indian food delivery options, we won’t disappoint. We’ll connect you with the tastiest restaurants that serve up the perfect versions of all of your classic meal favorites, including some super yummy tandoori chicken that’s sure to please. So when you want to satisfy that hankering for Indian cuisine, just click on Waiter.com for easy ordering and quick delivery that will leave a smile on your face!

San Jose Chinese Food Delivery: The Best Spots for Sesame Chicken and Other Classics

We know that for many people, a favorite Chinese food option is a heaping plate of the best sesame chicken in town. So when you’re looking for delicious San Jose Chinese food delivery, you also want to know which ones are going to serve up the tastiest version of your favorite dish. The spicy and sweet combination that sesame chicken brings to the table offers a crunch that you just don’t get with other cuisines. And when you find that perfect plate of sesame chicken, especially one that can be delivered right to your door, you won’t turn to another Chinese restaurant ever again. To help you explore all of your San Jose options for delicious sesame chicken delivery, we’ve pulled together the three favorite hot spots vetted by the locals!

san jose chinese food delivery
Finding the best sesame chicken for delivery in the South Bay isn’t hard. We share the best hot spots in San Jose!
Image Source: Flickr user stevendepolo

Union Chinese Restaurant

A true little gem in the middle of the city, Union Chinese is the perfect spot to grab a delicious plate of sesame chicken (or sesame beef!) today. It’s perfectly complimented by a big scoop of pork fried rice and you’ll love how they serve everything off their menu hot and fresh. If you’re looking for a few dishes to supplement your tasty sesame chicken order, try their honey pecan prawns or the sweet and sour pork. These are some items that the locals rave about. And why worry about parking? Waiter.com can bring you a giant portion of deliciousness right to your door — no hassle required!

China Wok Restaurant

When it’s Chinese classics you crave — like your favorite plate of sesame chicken — then China Wok offers delicious fare that you’re sure to love. Every dish on the menu is divine and you’ll always know that your plate of sesame chicken will be consistently fresh and tasty. Try ordering with a side of beef fried rice and vegetarian fried wontons. And when you really want to impress your family at dinner (or your team at lunch), tack on an order of egg rolls and an order of their Mongolian beef. They’re both super yummy options! You and your crew will feel full and satisfied, wishing you could pack a few more bites into your belly. And you’ll definitely want to order from this Chinese hot spot again!

Fu Kee Restaurant

When you’re looking for a delicious Chinese lunch, but want to switch things up from the usual, Fu Kee is the place to order from. While they don’t have sesame chicken on the menu, they do have other excellent options, including some of the best kung pao chicken in town. Fresh mushrooms, celery, carrots, bamboo shoots, and more are stir fried with generous cuts of chicken in a tasty — but spicy — bean-based sauce. Mixed with peanuts, this dish is perfect served over a big pile of sticky rice. To get an even better meal, try ordering a plate of their delicious potstickers as a starter. This San Jose Chinese food delivery option is always a win.

Hungry for Chinese Food in San Jose?

When you’re searching for a tasty meal that fills you up and can satisfy a crowd, then you definitely want to check out all the San Jose Chinese food delivery options on our list. And finding one that you love isn’t just about how delicious their food is — it’s also about getting your favorite dishes with ease. Let Waiter.com help make getting your lunch or dinner simple by connecting you with these gems from around the city and then bringing your meal right to your door! It’s savory, local-approved food that you know you’ll enjoy, time and time again.

Celebrate National Curry Week with Sensational Middle Eastern and Moroccan Food Delivery

What’s better than ordering fresh ethnic cuisine for a meal at the office? Having the perfect excuse to do so! Next week marks National Curry Week in the UK, which sounds like a great excuse for those of us in the U.S. to branch out and satisfy our curry cravings at work. It also offers us incentive to delve deeper into our understanding of curry culture, along with the different types of cuisines that feature this delicious, hot, mouthwatering mixture.

A green curry dish being cooked.
Curries can be labor-intensive to cook at home, which makes them the perfect treat to have delivered at the office.
Image source: Flickr user numb3r

 

The nature of curries

Originating in Southeast Asia, and a veritable staple of Indian cuisine, curries are best known as a mix of spices and herbs in a flavorful, stew-like concoction that can be eaten alone, or with an accompanying dish of rice or bread. But in terms of what a curry is comprised of, the answers range greatly. As an example, a British definition of curry might include “a mélange of onion, ginger, turmeric, garlic, pepper, chilies, coriander, cumin, and other spices cooked with shellfish, meat, or vegetables.”

Depending on where they’re made, curries will vary widely. From chickpea to pumpkin, from fish to beef — curries are as varied as their cooks. Moreover, the types of spices found in curries differ even within a given country, or province: the curries one finds in Tamil Nadu in south India are not the same as those found further north in, say, New Delhi.

Curries can warm the belly in a way that few other dishes can. The only question is: with the delicious abundance of curry options to choose from, where does one start? Pleasing a few people is one thing; satisfying an entire office is quite another. But never fear — we’ve pulled together some of our best food delivery order suggestions to help your staff celebrate curry week in all its spiced glory.

Vegetable curry in a bowl.
Vegetable curry is a classic, with eggplant, peppers, and lots of spices.
Image source: Flickr user pelican.

 

Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisine

Rather than going for the typical Indian or Asian curries, let’s think outside the box. There are many cultures that boast stunning curries, including both Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisine. As a side bonus, ordering curries from these cultures encourages us to try additional dishes from these parts of the world as well. If you’ve found your office has been getting stuck in a rut with the usual food delivery orders like Indian and Thai, this is a way to shake things up — while sating appetites, and expanding employees’ culinary horizons.

Since curries are driven by their combination of spices and herbs, it bodes well that Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisines emphasize both of these flavor-generators. Dishes from the Middle East tend to favor ingredients like olive oil, chickpeas, parsley, sesame, and dried fruits such as dates. Moroccan cuisine leans heavily on spices (more so than Middle Eastern cuisine) and relies on meats like beef, lamb, chicken, and seafood.

Ordering curries for the office

Finding suitable curries for the vegetarians on staff will be a breeze. Try an order of Moroccan pumpkin curry, eggplant curry, and the country’s classic vegetable curry. Each will have a distinct flavoring from its respective spices, as well as different textures from the types of veggies it uses. Add tofu for an additional meat-free protein boost to this already hearty — and heartwarming — meal.

Meanwhile, an order of both chicken curry and beef curry will make meat-loving employees jump for joy. These are satisfying meals with a Middle East spin from the types of spices they feature. If you want a more exciting selection, try Moroccan lamb curry or seafood curry; both will give you a taste of this country’s succulent cuisine. And to please the office foodies, look no further than an order of Quwarmah Al Dajaj: this Middle Eastern specialty, also known as Kuwaiti curried chicken, contains all of the cuisine’s classic spices and flavors, including “lime, ginger, turmeric, baharat, cumin, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika.”

Cooking in Morocco.
Exploring curries from Morocco and the Middle East will definitely spice things up in the office!
Image source: Flickr user Grand Parc – Bordeaux, France

 

Extra sides equals satisfaction guaranteed

To stick with the Moroccan and Middle Eastern theme, order a large side of pita bread with which to sop up the sauce. And don’t forget plenty of rice for the wheat-free or gluten-free staff members to pair their curries with. Asking for wholewheat pitas and brown rice will give the meal some added nutritional kick. And don’t forget the extra napkins — they will come in handy during this meal!

Curries are all about waking up our senses — they are to our taste buds what music is to our ears. The sight, smell, touch, and taste of a freshly made curry are tough to beat when it comes to pure sensory pleasure. When trying new curries at the office, encourage staff members to bring with them open minds, ready to welcome in new tastes and flavor combinations. Waiter.com is always on-hand to take your order — and help turn your staff into a group of spirited curry aficionados.

What are your favorite types of curries to eat at work? Let us know in the comments!

 

Mindful Office Meals: How Indian Food and Ayurvedic Philosophy Bring Clarity at Work

Office meals are an opportunity to strengthen the connection between employees, and cultivate a supportive, community-based company culture. Within this is ample room for inspiration, fun, play, and wellness. One cuisine that enables us to touch upon these aspects of a positive, healthful work environment is Indian. Much of Indian food is originally based in Ayurvedic philosophy, an approach to life that promotes mindful eating. And there’s no need to be an expert in mindfulness or interested in Indian culture to reap the benefits of such a philosophy. In fact, it’s quite simple to pull together a delicious office meal with Indian food delivery that’s based around the mindfulness inspired by Ayurvedic philosophy.

Indian food staple vegetable biryani on a plate.
Vegetable biryani is both delicious and healthy — and fits within Ayurvedic philosophy.
Photo by Kimberly Bryant.

Three dosha types

Nearly 6,000 years old, Ayurveda began in India with a focus on practices that helped monks in their quest to discover the “knowledge of life.” The underlying goal in Ayurveda is to create and maintain balance in our lives, both physically and emotionally. One of the ways we can achieve this is through food. Ayurveda uses something called doshas to organize people into three categories – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These categories help us to tailor our diets to our physical bodies and personality types.

To bring everyone up to speed, here is a brief overview of the three types of dosha energies. People who are considered Vata are usually slim figured and delicate, highly creative and energetic, and prone to anxiety. Pitta people tend to be sturdy and strong in body, well-balanced overall, intelligent and contented. And Kapha types are rounder in shape, passionate with love, and can struggle with insecurity. But these are just basic, general guidelines. While the philosophies behind the three dosha types are quite in-depth, we’re going to stick with the aspects related to food. Each dosha type has a diet best-suited to them: Vata types are fueled by cooked, easily digestible foods, while Pitta types benefit from lots of fruits and veggies, and Kapha types are nourished by light and spicy foods.

Fresh fruit to make lassies, an Indian food.
Smoothies made from fresh fruit and yogurt are a nutritious treat.
Photo by Kimberly Bryant.

An Ayurveda-inspired office meal

For the Vata types in the office, try ordering some fresh fruit lassies, preferably with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Lassies are a type of smoothie common in India, made with fresh yogurt, and typically eaten at breakfast – but are great any other time of day, as well! Dairy products are well-suited to Vatas, as are berries, beans, nuts, and rice, and warm foods. This makes an order of vegetable biryani – a staple of Indian cuisine – a perfect dish. Made from rice, veggies, dried fruit, turmeric, spices, and nuts, biryani is a tasty way for Vata employees to re-fuel.

Vegetable biryani also works for Kapha types, who do well with spices such as cumin, and should try to avoid overly heavy meals. As for drinks, an order of ginger and lemon tea will perk up even the sleepiest Kapha type in the office — this re-energizing drink is recommended as a healthy pick-me-up for anyone on staff who craves a healthy alternative to coffee.

Both Pitta and Kapha benefit from dishes with plenty of dark greens, such as kale or spinach. A hearty palak paneer with a side of brown rice is a delicious choice – this warm, spinach-based curry with chunks of cheese goes well with either rice or an Indian flatbread, like naan. Palak paneer meets the requirements of all three dosha types, while being a colorful complement to an order of vegetable biryani. To please the carnivores on staff, simply add chicken biryani to the mix. It’s the same dish as the vegetable version, but with chicken added.

Indian food staple Biryani being made in a kitchen.
Biryani is made with either vegetable or chicken (and sometimes both!), cooked with rice and spices.
Photo by Kimberly Bryant.

Mindful eating from different cultures

One of the best parts about Ayurveda is that it gets employees thinking about food beyond what it tastes like. Food has the potential to bond us socially, as well as heal our physical and emotional ailments. Combining Ayurvedic wisdom with our Indian food delivery orders enables us to create mindful meals at work that bring clarity and connection to our staff members, our company, and our food.

A healthy staff is a productive staff, and an office that cultivates a company culture based in mindfulness will be that much further ahead of the competition. Ordering Ayurveda-inspired meals for the office is just one of the many ways that we can nourish our bodies, minds, and spirits at work, while mixing it up with multi-cultural cuisine. What delicious dishes will your staff be tucking into this week? Waiter.com is ready and waiting to bring you healthy, great tasting food to sate hungry mouths and re-ignite office energy.

The Truth About Chinese Food: Get Real with These Delicious Lunch Catering Ideas

Whenever we’re ordering cuisine from another country, it can be tough to tell whether a dish is authentic to its country of origin, or if it’s been tweaked to suit Western tastes. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with putting an American spin on traditional cuisines from other parts of the world, having a better understanding of what we’re eating makes the experience more rewarding — and sometimes inspires interest in a new culture.

Fried rice looks delicious on a plate.
Chinese fried rice is delicious, but there are other exciting dishes to try for a more authentic experience.
Image source: Flickr user by t-mizo

Signs of authentic Chinese food

Chinese food is one of the best examples when it comes to food that has been Westernized in the majority of American restaurants. Usually when we order Chinese takeout, the food that we’re receiving is actually a fusion of Chinese and American cuisine — many of the dishes on menus here wouldn’t be found in China.

Even within China, the food varies greatly across the country: each province has different flavors, ingredients, and styles of cooking that are specific to their location and people. However, in comparing authentic Chinese food with American-Chinese food, there are still broad contrasts to be made. For example, even though broccoli is one of the most prevalent vegetables used in American-Chinese food, it’s rarely (if ever) used in authentic Chinese food. Items like pig ears and duck blood, while commonplace in China, are usually left off the menu in American restaurants — not too many Americans have developed a taste for these aspects of Chinese cuisine! One thing that does remain the same in both countries is the use of MSG in many dishes.

In terms of ingredients, real Chinese cuisine is typically healthier than American-Chinese food. The former relies heavily on vegetables, cooked wheat noodles, tofu, and soybeans for most of their dishes, along with a variety of spices like cinnamon and dried chili. Conversely, American-Chinese food tends to eschew veggies and tofu in favor of meats like pork, chicken, and beef. It’s also generally as heavy on the salt, oils, and sugars.

Fried noodles wait to be eaten.
This Chinese noodle dish has been Westernized with extra oil and sugar. Tasty? Yes. Authentic? Not so much!
Image source: Flickr user Alpha.

Ordering more traditional versions 

So what does this mean for our Chinese food delivery orders at the office? As in many cases, compromise is something to strive for. Sure, American-Chinese food is delicious — but authentic Chinese food has its charms, too. Why not order an assortment of dishes that not only sate the Western appetites in the office, but provide some excitement for health-conscious employees, and foodies on staff?

Authentic chicken dishes

For traditional Chinese chicken dishes, like cashew chicken, American-Chinese restaurants will often serve white chicken breast without bones. In China, however, they use dark meat and don’t mind small bones — so, consider asking for dark meat instead when ordering. American-Chinese food is also usually much less spicy. For a more authentic version of Kung Pao Chicken (originally from China’s Sichuan province), order it extra spicy. This will challenge the taste buds of some people on staff, but will surely be a treat for those who like it hot!

Healthier appetizers

When ordering egg rolls, ask for them to be filled with veggies like carrots and mushrooms instead of the Western version of pork and cabbage. This is not only more nutritious, but closer to real Chinese cuisine. Better yet: in lieu of egg rolls, order scallion pancakes. These crispy flat breads fried with scallions are a healthier option, since most Western egg rolls are deep-fried and very greasy.

Traditional noodles

While lo mein is found almost everywhere in China, the American version typically boils down to a boring noodle stir-fry that’s heavy on grease, low on flavor. Instead, try some zhajiang mian. This traditional minced pork noodle dish includes soybean paste, pork, and thick noodles, and has even been “compared to the Italian spaghetti bolognese.” It could very well be an office-wide crowd-pleaser, sating both the palates of staff who enjoy familiar comfort food, as well as those who yearn to try more traditional dishes.

Scallion pancake with pork is served with sauce.
These yummy scallion pancakes are a great alternative to deep-fried egg rolls.
Image source: Flickr user Stu_Spivack.

Mind your manners

Many people prefer to eat Chinese food with chopsticks, but does your office have the manners to match? Don’t let the chopsticks sit pointing toward another person, or stick upright in food, as both of these are considered rude. If you want to put the chopsticks down while you are still eating, simply place them neatly on the table in front of your dish; only when you’re finished eating is it appropriate to place them atop your bowl. Some simple tips regarding dining etiquette will help to make the office meal even more fun. For instance, slurping soups and noodles loudly is considered polite, and widely accepted at the table. So make some noise, and dig in — this is food meant to enjoyed!

Good fortune at the office

Originally from Kyoto, Japan, fortune cookies don’t exist in traditional Chinese cuisine. And yet, one of the best parts of eating Chinese takeaway at work is seeing what fortune everyone gets! The experience creates a lively energy that lasts well into the afternoon. So what are you waiting for? A well-balanced Chinese food delivery order dances the line between inspired authentic cuisine and well-loved comfort dishes — and Waiter.com is here to get your multi-faceted Chinese food delivery off to a perfect start.

What is your favorite American-Chinese food to order at the office? Do you have any authentic Chinese dishes that you prefer? Let us know in the comments!

Delicious Greek Food: Fresh Meal Ideas For Walking Business Lunches

Fresh Greek food - a classic salad.
Walking outside with fresh Greek food is the perfect break to re-energize employees.
Image source: Flickr user 46137

We typically think of office meals as something to be done, well, at the office. But what about introducing a new kind of business lunch into the mix — one that involves getting outdoors and into nature? Walking lunches are a great way to shake up our usual meal-time routine at work. If you find your office in need of a creative jolt, taking staff outside can be just the thing to get the blood flowing.

The basics of a walking lunch are simple: it involves going on a nice walk — the route is usually pre-planned — with employees, while snacking on appetizers, stopping at a picnic-area to eat the main course, and then walking back to the office while munching contentedly on dessert. Combining elements from company picnics, walking lunches offer a fresh space in which staff can unwind and re-energize.

Why walk in the first place?

Walking lunches do require more effort than the typical in-office meal; a few people will need to carry picnic baskets (housing the main course), and everyone will be asked to move around during their lunch break, rather than sit stationary at their desks. But rest assured, walking lunches give us much more in return than the average seated business lunch in the office.

For starters, a change in scenery from indoors to outdoors makes it easier for employees to truly relax. If we never stray from our usual workspace, it’s difficult to take a real break. Ironically, this can cause a decrease in both productivity and innovation. After all, creativity comes when we least expect it, when our minds are at rest.

Walking, meanwhile, is not only healthy for our bodies, but also our minds: “When we go for a walk, the heart pumps faster, circulating more blood and oxygen not just to the muscles but to all the organs—including the brain. Many experiments have shown that after or during exercise, even very mild exertion, people perform better on tests of memory and attention.” If office morale is feeling low, often a good walk in nature with some delicious, healthy food is just what the doctor ordered.

Walking lunches might even lead your employees to greater success in problem-solving and generating more brilliant ideas: “Because we don’t have to devote much conscious effort to the act of walking, our attention is free to wander—to overlay the world before us with a parade of images from the mind’s theatre. This is precisely the kind of mental state that studies have linked to innovative ideas and strokes of insight.”

Gyro, a classic Greek food.
A classic gyro will please most meat-lovers, but don’t be afraid to try Greek-style turkey burgers for a change.
Image source: Flickr user JeffreyW

Greek food on-the-go

To get started with your walking lunch, pick a pleasant destination where you can eat the main portion of the meal, like a nearby park, or boardwalk with benches. There are many cuisines conducive to a walking lunch: Greek food is a great choice with its lively, positive energy, and simple, substantial ingredients.

Appetizers for the journey

During the first part of the walk, offer some small, tasty snacks that employees can eat with their hands while chatting with colleagues as they stroll. We suggest ordering oven-roasted Greek potatoes and baked vegetables like eggplant, which are yummy and also vegetarian-friendly. These will tide staff members over until the main meal, and give them a fun subject to talk about besides work. Keep napkins readily available, or hand out serviettes beforehand.

A casual Greek main course

Upon arriving at the destination, such as a local park or field, encourage employees to eat while lounging on picnic blankets, or even standing up. Anything that gets away from sitting in a chair will keep the fresh energy flowing. Classic Greek salads for health-conscious or vegetarian employees provide a good source of protein from the feta, and nutrients from tomatoes and olives. The meat-lovers, on the other hand, will be happy with hearty gyros (pronounced yee-ros) made with pita bread, and traditionally filled with roasted pork, tomato, a yogurt-based sauce, and onions. Many restaurants these days offer a chicken option, so be sure to check with employees for preferences beforehand.

If you’ve previously ordered gyros for the office like they were going out of style, try changing it up by opting instead for Greek style turkey burgers. This is a healthier version of the traditional Greek staple of the gyro, but with turkey meat, olives, feta, garlic, oregano, basil, and tzatiki sauce.

Sparkling drinks and sweet desserts

To quench employees’ thirst, a glass of zippy lemonade (or, Lemonada as the Greeks called it back in the seventies), and orange juice (known as Portokalada) will do the trick. Traditionally these were “made with fresh strained orange juice or lemon juice either mixed with carbonated water or flat mineral water and you added sugar to taste.” Small bottles of water — still and sparkling — will also be appreciated by staff to wash down the delicious food and rehydrate from the walk.

Last, but certainly not least, savory Greek desserts — like baklava and halva — will make the walk back a treat. Made from flour, butter, and sugar (or tahini), it’s not exactly healthy, but a perfect way to cap off the lunch. It keeps well at room temperature, so no need to worry about it being outside. A little of these sugary delights goes a long way — a few pieces of dense halva will satisfy even the most serious sweet-tooth on staff, while baklava’s light phyllo pastry base, nuts, and honey are another nice choice to have on hand.

A Greek food staple - tzatziki salad.
Tzatziki can be used in salads, for pita fillings, or to dip roasted potatoes. Yum!
Image source: Petar Milošević via wikimediacommons.org

Between the outdoor nature, the fresh and hearty Greek food, and the gentle physical activity, walking business lunches will leave your staff raring to go. Since walking lunches require more energy than office-bound ones, we want to make the experience as easy and enjoyable for employees as possible. This includes providing delicious, quality food that’s on time — let Waiter.com help bring the perfect order of food to your next walking lunch.

Have you ever tried a walking lunch with your office? How did it go? Let us know in the comments!

Momo Madness: Add Warmth to Office Meals with Himalayan Food

Thukpa, a noodle soup from Tibet.
Thukpa is a warm, comforting dish eaten in parts of Nepal, Tibet, and India.
Image source: m-louis via wikimediacommons.org

When most people think of the Himalayas, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the magical mountain-range the area is best known for. The Himalayan mountains run through five countries — including India, Nepal, and Bhutan (as well as parts of China and Pakistan) — while its highest peak, Everest, is located on the border of Nepal and China. Hiking through these epic mountains is on the top of many people’s buckets lists, with good reason: this part of the world is filled to the brim with natural beauty, and incredible food to go alongside. But in lieu of traveling across the globe, we can still reap the benefits of delectable Himalayan cuisine from the comforts of our own workplace. A quick primer on Himalayan cuisine

While international cuisines from countries like India, Japan, and Thailand are quite popular in the West, Nepalese and Tibetan foods are less known. However, we’re going to change that today, because Himalayan dishes are some of the tastiest and healthiest comfort foods around! Himalayan cuisine generally refers to food eaten in Nepal and its surrounding area: nestled between India and Tibet, both Nepalese culture and cuisine are deeply influenced by its neighbors. Most significantly, Nepal is home to many exiled Tibetans, as well as Indians coming from northern provinces like Jammu and Kashmir.

This makes Nepal a veritable melting pot of cultures when it comes to food. Based on the type of ingredients easily grown in this mountainous region — including rice, wheat, barley, vegetables, and livestock — traditional Himalayan food draws inspiration from Indian staples and Tibetan meals. There is surely something for everyone among the myriad dishes in this hearty, and heartfelt, cuisine. Let’s take a look at ideas for your next Himalayan food delivery order for the office.

Plate of momos.
Momos are as delightful as they sound — no doubt, the office will gobble these up in no time!
Image source: Ritesh Man Tamrakar via wikimediacommons.org

Tibetan momos: the perfect dumpling

If there’s one dish that everyone in the office will love, it’s momos. Momos are a Tibetan food, traditionally made and eaten at home around the family kitchen. These bite-sized tasty treats come in a wide variety of styles, and work as both a stand-alone meal, or complementary side dish. Made from a soft flour shell, these Tibetan dumplings are stuffed with spices and anything else you might imagine. Fillings can include veggies, tofu, minced beef (or any other kind of meat), potatoes, cheese, greens, onions, and more. As you can see, it’s easy to please both the meat-eaters and vegetarians on staff with momos; just order a fair amount of meat-filled ones for the former, and veggie-based momos (like spinach and potatoes, or cheese and onion) for the latter.

Momos are delicious Himalayan food.
Momos often come with an array of dipping sauces, as well as soup.
Image source: Kushal Goyal via wikimediacommons.org

Accompaniments: soups and thukpa

Hot soups, special dips, and soy sauces are nice sides that usually accompany a serving of momos. Like sushi, it’s okay to eat momos with your hands, and pop a whole one into your mouth; they’re meant to be eaten in one go. Ordering an array of momos for the office will give staff a reason to dive into a fun, lively meal together. This dish is sure to encourage energetic chatter amongst employees, if only about the delicious food that everyone’s eating!

For a welcome addition to the large assortment of momos, try thukpa. Another warm Tibetan dish — and some of the best comfort food you’ve ever had — thukpa is a hot soup made with wheat or rice noodles, along with cooked vegetables, garlic, broth, and chicken or other meat. Vegetarian options are usually also available. Hearty and flavorful, thukpa sates hunger with nurturing flavors — a great dish with which to treat the office on a Friday after a long week.

Nepalese thali on a serving plate.
Dal bhat is one of Nepal’s staple dishes, for good reason.
Image source: Subhashish Panigrahi via wikimediacommons.org

Himalayan food for all

If you’re feeling unsure as to whether the reluctant eaters in the office will be hesitant to jump into Tibetan-inspired cuisine, order some Nepalese thali as well. Commonly referred to as dal bhat, many Nepalese people eat this staple dish at least once, if not twice, a day. Like Indian thali, dal bhat consists of a variety of dipping sauces, rice, and papad — a thin, crisp bread. You’re likely to find potatoes, chutney, pickled veggies, cauliflower and carrots, spinach, hot chili, and dal — a lentil soup. This is another highly social meal that can be eaten entirely with your hands, though cutlery is fine for those who prefer it.

Nurturing food for work

Ordering Nepalese and Tibetan-inspired dishes is a great way to re-fuel the office with hearty, warm comfort food. It’s easy to let our guards down and chat freely with fellow employees when the food we’re eating is conducive to community-based connectionWaiter.com is on hand to deliver Himalayan food straight to your office. What Nepalese and Tibetan food will you treat your staff to this week? We’d love to hear in the comments!

Spice Up Corporate Catering With Mouth-Watering Indian Food for Breakfast

Vegetable uttapam looks delicious.
Indian for breakfast? You bet!
Photo by Kimberly Bryant.

Each year, people journey from all over the world to visit India. Is it the famous Taj Mahal that attracts them to this magical land? Or perhaps the lustrous Golden Temple? While there’s plenty about this special place to entice visitors, one of its biggest draws is its cuisine. Like the country itself, Indian food is vibrant, colorful, and wildly varied.

Thankfully, there’s no need to make the trek to India in order to soak up the smells and tastes of delectable, authentic dishes like tandoori chicken and samosas; we have the good fortune of being able to order from one of the myriad Indian restaurants right in our local area. The only question remaining is: how to best take advantage of this abundance of delicious opportunity?

There’s such a wealth of appealing Indian dishes from which to choose that it helps to have some guidance when narrowing down our orders, especially for a group of employees whose tastes are apt to vary. Since September marks Better Breakfast Month, why not aim to expand beyond the traditional morning fare? To ensure that everyone on staff comes away satisfied, here are some tried-and-true suggestions for the best Indian dishes to order for the most important meal of the day at the office.

An Indian food called dosa.
Eating finger-food for breakfast makes for a lively morning in the office.
Photo by Kimberly Bryant.

Dreaming of dosas

What better way to start the day than with a fresh, hot Indian breakfast? But instead of going for a dish with which most people are familiar, like samosas, trying giving some lesser known Indian treats — such as dosas and uttapam — a shot. Dosas are an extremely thin pancake or crepe, wrapped around a filling that varies depending on what kind you choose. Served warm, they also come with an assortment of sauces including coconut chutney, sambar (a lentil stew), and ghee (Indian butter). The pancakes are made from a rice-based batter, which means that dosas are both wheat-free and gluten-free.

For the conservative eaters in the office, plain dosas are an easy introduction to this tasty morning treat. However, chances are that most of the office will be up for exploring more: the masala dosa (spiced potatoes) is sure to hunger-sating hit; the vegetable dosa (stuffed with steamed veggies) is yummy and nutritious; and an egg dosa is full of hearty protein. As with most Indian food, it’s completely fine to eat dosas with our hands. There’s nothing more satisfying then tearing off a piece of a warm masala dosa packed with spiced potatoes, dipping it into chutney or ghee, and tasting the subsequent explosion of flavors.

The best Indian food, a masala dosa, sits on a plate.
A hot masala dosa is a great way to start the day.
Photo by Kimberly Bryant.

Healthy vegetable uttapam

A nice alternative and/or addition to an order of dosas is vegetable uttapam. Like the dosa, this is another warm breakfast pancake that’s gluten-free and wheat-free, served with accompanying sauces in which to dip. However, the uttapam pancake is both thicker and fluffier than the thin dosa crepe; it sits flat, with veggies, onions, and potatoes already mixed into the batter and cooked inside. This is a light, tasty dish that will surely please anyone on staff — even those who may be too hesitant to try the dosa. Both dosas and uttapam are authentic Southern India dishes. There can many different ways to cook these meals, so having an open mind is helpful.

Spiced chai tea

No traditional Indian breakfast would be complete without a steaming cup or two of chai tea. This drink is served all over India: from train and bus stations (and on board these moving vehicles), to family gatherings, restaurants, and gas stations — chai is the drink of India, made with black tea, plenty of milk, spices, and sugar. It can be akin to a liquid dessert, depending on how much sugar you add, and how rich and creamy the milk is. If you’d prefer to offer employees a healthier option, let them add their own sugar, so they can moderate the amount. Similarly, having some sugar-free sweeteners and low fat milk on-hand are useful for health-conscious staff. And since black tea contains caffeine, a nice hot mug of chai will leave the office ready to start the day, full of energy.

Close-up of Indian food called veg uttapam.
Vegetable uttapam is not only delicious, but also wheat-free and gluten-free!
Photo by Kimberly Bryant.

While dosas and uttapam are excellent options with which to treat your employees, these simply scratch the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Indian dishes. Once your staff get a taste of what’s possible with food from this incredible country, there’s bound to be frequent requests for more of this flavorful cuisine. Waiter.com is ready and waiting to help you bring the best Indian food to your office — what will you order this week?

Crazy for Japanese Food Delivery: How to Eat Sushi Like a Boss

An array of nigiri sushi for Japanese food order
There’s a wide variety of choices with nigiri: fried egg, cooked shrimp, and salmon are all great sources of protein, and look beautiful placed atop sushi rice.
Image source: Flickr user Tony Gladvin George

When it comes to food, the question of comfort still very much applies: how do we know when it’s time to push ourselves to try something new? While it’s nice to stay settled in our culinary comfort zones, taking some edible risks is well worth our while. Sure, we could stick with ordering American food delivery like healthy sandwiches, but what about the myriad flavors from other cultures just waiting to be explored?

Japanese food is a great place to begin a new tasty adventure, with its light, healthy cuisine that uses different ingredients and flavors than American foods. There’s something for everyone here: In addition to sushi, most Japanese restaurants also offer other traditional Japanese dishes, such as chicken, wheat noodles, salads, and soups. And don’t worry if some people on staff are averse to raw fish; there are topping options like cooked shrimp, cucumber maki, or fried egg instead.

The art of Japanese food

Depending on the chef, both sushi and its appropriate dining etiquette can vary greatly from restaurant to restaurant. For example, if you were to eat at world famous sushi chef Jiro Ono’s restaurant in Japan, it would not be acceptable for you to add extra soy sauce or wasabi. Jiro, known to many as the best sushi chef in the world, would have already put the ideal amount onto the sushi prior to serving. In his restaurant, he knows best. He would also choose the type of sushi for you based on his daily menu.

But sushi bars like Jiro’s are not the norm in America (nor even in Japan); most restaurants that we’re likely to order food delivery from will be more conducive to a casual, social style of eating — perfect for an office meal. We can put on however much sauce we want; choose to eat our maki and nigiri rolls with either our hands or chopsticks; and scope out who has the best — and worst! — chopstick technique.

And yet, with great power comes great responsibility. If we’re in charge of the type of sushi we order, how much condiments we put on, and how we eat it, it’s only fair that we brush up on our sushi skills a little.Let’s bring our understanding of this delicious Japanese cuisine up a notch from beginner to intermediate by taking a closer look at the ins and outs of sushi, along with some great ideas for the tastiest types to order for your office.

Choosing sushi wisely

If you’ve ever seen a sushi menu before, the sheer variety of options available can sometimes feel overwhelming. Plus, names like maguro (tuna) and ebi (shrimp) are difficult to understand if they’re not subtitled. But do not fear! There is a happy medium between sticking with the tried-and-true Western style rolls (like the California roll and spicy tuna roll) and eating raw octopus. Here is a sushi selection that will give everyone in the office a taste of Japan.

Maki: For the picky or hesitant eaters in your office, be sure to order some simple types of these traditional rolls wrapped in nori. Maguro rolls (tuna) for simple protein; kappa rolls (cucumber) and kampyo rolls (marinated sweet strips of gourd) for the vegetarians on staff; and some futomaki or kamikazi rolls for an element of surprise. These usually vary between restaurants, as they’re often a serendipitous concoction made from whatever fresh ingredients happen to be on hand.

Nigiri: This is a good style of sushi (a mound of sushi rice adorned with a topping) to be a little more experimental with. Order some tamagoyaki (fried egg) for those who aren’t comfortable eating raw fish; sake nigiri (salmon) for a familiar flavor and healthy fats; ebi nigiri (cooked shrimp) and white shiro maguro (albacore tuna) for the seafood fanatics on staff; and some unagi (broiled freshwater eel) for those who want something different. Chances are the unagi will be cooked with a sweet sauce, which also increases its appeal for people who might otherwise be reluctant to try eel.

Other types of sushi: In addition to the usual maki and nigiri, there are plenty more sushi styles with which to impress the office foodies. Try ordering a smattering of these: Tamaki (nori-wrapped hand-rolls) in both salmon and tuna offer employees healthy oils and nutrients in a tasty, hand-held treat. Meanwhile, gunkanmaki and meharizushi are other worthwhile variations on sushi: the latter is a ball of sushi rice wrapped in nori, while the former is wrapped in a type of mustard leaf called Tekana. There’s also sasamaki and inarizushi — sushi wrapped in a bamboo leaf, and fried tofu, respectively.

Delicious sushi on a plate for Japanese food delivery
With so many sushi varieties, there’s bound to be something to please everyone on staff.
Image source: Flickr user syvwlch

The great wasabi mystery

The most common sushi-related myth involves wasabi. The truth is that most Japanese restaurants in the West (or even Japan, for that matter) don’t serve real wasabi! What we have come to think of as wasabi — the green, tangy paste that we dab sparingly onto sushi) is actually horseradish mixed with mustard seed flour and food coloring. Since most of us have never tasted real wasabi, and instead have grown accustomed to the horseradish version, it doesn’t make much difference to our sushi-eating experience. Nonetheless, it still begs the question: what is real wasabi? It turns out that the wasabi plant, called Wasabi Japonica, is more expensive than horseradish and grows much more slowly, making it a less economical choice for restaurants: “Even in Japan horseradish is often used in place of Wasabi japonica.” Thought to have medicinal properties, real wasabi “only holds its strong flavor for about 15 minutes after preparation.” This means that the root needs to be grated shortly before serving, making it impractical for food delivery orders, and restaurants where the chefs can’t guarantee the sushi will be eaten by the customers within a short period of time.

A well-rounded Japanese meal

Now that we have a sushi delivery order that will make everyone excited for Japanese food, let’s review some of the basics: Remember to use the ginger as a palate cleanser between bites of sushi; don’t be afraid to put the whole sushi in your mouth — it’s meant to be eaten all in one go; lightly dip sushi into soy sauce to taste with either hands (for maki) or chopsticks; and feel free to enjoy as much or little wasabi as you like (otherwise known as horseradish). To round out an amazing sushi-centric, Japanese food delivery experience, consider adding some Japanese drinks and desserts to the table. If work has been going particularly well, treat employees to some traditional Japanese desserts such as Maju — sugary dumplings with various fillings — and uiro, sweet steam cakes that come in flavors like strawberry and green tea. Conversely, if it seems that employees have been feeling overloaded and fatigued, Japanese matcha tea might be just the thing to re-invigorate tired staff. Now a popular health drink in many parts of the world, matcha tea is known to boost energy and immune systems.

Office meals are a perfect opportunity to explore new cuisines and cultivate connection between employees through shared culinary experiences. There really is a wealth of choices when ordering Japanese food delivery that will get everyone in the office excited. So don’t take the easy way out with food delivery — step out of your comfort zone and order some delicious new cuisines this week! Waiter.com is available to help make your Japanese food delivery a success among all employees.

What are your favorite types of sushi to order — do you have any more recommendations? Have you ever tried real wasabi? Let us know in the comments!

7 Northern Thai Dishes that Will Reinvent a Food Delivery Favorite

Thai cuisine is one of the most popular food delivery staples across the country. And if you’re like most Americans, plates of pad thai, bowls of curry, and spring rolls dipped in peanut sauce tend to be your go-to orders… but while all of those are delicious dishes, that’s really only scraping the surface of what Thai food is all about. There are two major types of Thai cuisine: the southern style, which is heavier on curries and influences from India, and the northern kind, which is much less commonly served in Stateside restaurants. Northern Thai food tends to be a little funkier, a little spicier, and a lot less familiar to our American palates.

khao soi
Khao soi is a delicious introduction to the world of Northern Thai food delivery.
Image source: Flickr user ryansnyder

Want to liven up your Thai food delivery orders and try some new dishes? There’s no better place to start than by learning a little about the overlooked, underrated, and utterly delicious Northern Thai cuisine! Here are a few quintessential dishes to get you started:

1) Khao soi Khao soi is a popular street food in Northern Thailand, and an incredibly tasty introduction to this regional cuisine! It’s a curry-like dish with egg or wheat noodles in a creamy, turmeric-tinged orange broth, usually accompanied by bone-in meat (chicken or pork), and topped with fried noodles and a diner’s choice of pickled greens, chile paste, and shallots.

2) Gai yang This simple dish is straightforward and delicious: chicken roasted over a charcoal grill, charred to crispy perfection with a marinade that usually involves lemongrass and garlic, among other locally-varying combinations of spices.

3) Som tam A papaya salad might sound a little strange, but after tasting som tam once, you’ll be sold. Shredded green papaya, chiles, garlic, and (traditionally) fish sauce or dried shrimp combine to make a fragrant salad with a spicy kick. And if you’re looking for a healthy Thai food delivery order, look no further than som tam — assuming you can handle the heat.

4) Sai ua Every cuisine worth its salt has a traditional sausage, and Northern Thai is no exception. Sai ua, commonly known as “Chiang Mai sausage” after its hometown, is made from minced pork and chiles, usually with hints of lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves to cool the spice.

5) Khanom jin nam ngiaw  This hearty stew is made with khanom jin, a vermicelli-style rice noodle, which float in a pork and tomato broth spiced with chiles and herbs. While the spice level of khanom jin nam ngiaw can vary widely depending on the chef, you can help cool the flavor with the wedge of lime, bean sprouts, and pickled cabbage traditionally served alongside. 

6) Nam phrik  Like chutneys in India and hummus in the Mediterranean, Northern Thai cuisine has a family of sauces and relishes that are served alongside vegetables (and sometimes sausages) for dipping. The wide umbrella of nam phrik (sometimes spelled nam prik) includes varieties such as nam phrik num, a somewhat spicy green paste, and nam prik kaphi, a fiery sauce of chiles and fermented shrimp paste — whichever you choose, it’s the perfect way to start a Thai meal in the office.

7) Tom saep Tom saep makes use of leftovers like bones from pork or beef, offal like tripe, liver, or spleen, and herbs that are prevalent in Thai gardens and markets: lime leaf, lemongrass, galangal. It serves as another example of how creativity-driven peasant food can create a truly outstanding dish.

Ready to get to know the northern kind of Thai food delivery? Start by perusing the menus available at Waiter.com, where online ordering and prompt delivery make it easy encounter a whole new world of flavor — without ever leaving your office!

Dim Sum 101: How to Liven Up Business Meals with This Cantonese Classic

If you’re on the lookout for a way to liven up office breakfasts or business lunches, here are three words that could solve all your problems: dim sum delivery.

Now, purists might consider the whole idea of dim sum delivery a cardinal sin – after all, half the fun lies in the chaotic flow of classic Cantonese dim sum restaurants. The rumbling of carts, delivering little steamer baskets from table to table, newbies trying to identify the contents of a pillowy bun or tightly-wrapped dumpling… there’s nothing quite like going out for dim sum.

But, consider how bringing at least part of that experience to the office might bring a little energy to the typical breakfast meetings or business lunches. Attendees can sample a wide range of dishes (kind of like tapas), likely try some new and unfamiliar foods, and there will be no shortage of conversation starters when chicken feet are on the table.

dim sum on table
Bring the excitement of a dim sum restaurant right to the office.
Image source: flickr user dnyluong

Traditionally, dim sum (also known as “yum cha,” which translates to “drink tea”) is a breakfast event – in cities like Hong Kong, Sunday mornings find dim sum restaurants packed with families sharing a table full of baskets and plates. Take a cue from this lively occasion and order up a dim sum delivery buffet for your next office event! Most dim sum dishes will include three to four pieces per order, so plan on approximately two orders per person to ensure you have enough. And to get you started, here are a handful of the most popular kinds of dim sum dishes you should include in your first foray (note that spelling may vary slightly by restaurant):

Har gow

Perhaps the most popular dim sum dish, har gow are essentially shrimp dumplings. Their delicate-looking, semi-translucent skins are surprisingly toothsome, and stuffed with shrimp – as well as some combination of pork, scallions, and bamboo shoots.

Siu mai

These dumplings stand out because they’re usually topped with a little colorful dot: a pea, a bit of grated carrot, even fish roe. You’ll be able to see the shrimp or pork filling (usually a mixture of chopped shrimp and/or ground pork, scallions, and mushrooms) peeking out the top, while the sides will be wrapped in a thin cylinder of dough.

Cha siu bao

These pillowy buns contain a savory and sweet filling of Chinese-style barbecue pork, flavored with five spice, fermented red bean, and hoisin… but the barbecue notes are still familiar enough to please less-adventuresome palates. Order a few extra so the pickier eaters have plenty to enjoy!

Cheong fan

This savory dish takes freshly steamed rice noodles and wraps them, almost burrito-style, around meat-and-veggie fillings starring shrimp, pork, or beef.

Lo baak gou

Also called turnip cakes, lo baak gou is a mixture of shredded daikon and rice flour, plus ham, sausage or shrimp, and pressed into a little cake before frying. That’s right, there are no turnips in turnip cake.

Fung zao/phoenix claws

Call them fung zao, call them phoenix claws… whatever you call them, they’re still chicken feet. BUT, there are no actual claws involved (the toenails have been removed), and the meat has been deep-fried to a uniquely puffed-up, gelatinous texture… and then simmered away in a slightly sweet sauce made with fermented beans. You’ll either love them or hate them, but they’re sure to be a conversation starter – and you should include at least one basket for adventurous eaters to try!

Lo mai tai

This hearty dish includes sticky rice flavored with chicken, mushrooms, sausage, and scallions, wrapped in a lotus or banana leaf and steamed. Again, a nicer choice for pickier eaters, this looks a little more approachable than many dim sum dishes (like fung zao).

Daan taat

Every good meal needs a sweet finish – and these little egg custard tarts are the classic dim sum dessert.

And don’t forget the hot tea – even if you’re sitting around a conference table while you eat, some traditions must be honored! For all your dim sum delivery needs, contact the experts at Waiter.com. With a wide range of menus, easy online ordering, and prompt delivery, you might not even miss the clatter of the dim sum carts.

Peruvian Food 101: 8 Amazing Dishes to Reinvent Your Meal Delivery Routine

Everyone from CNN’s Anthony Bourdain to the leading restaurant industry blogs agree: Peruvian food is having a moment. And if your office is stuck in a lunch rut (no offense, pizza, and Thai food), Peruvian may be the new take on food delivery you had no idea you were craving!

What is Peruvian food, exactly? Well, it’s fresh — really fresh. Raw-fish-fresh, as featured in the national dish, ceviche. It’s also hearty and traditional, with another iconic entree (pollo a la brasa) that’s essentially rotisserie chicken served with French fries. And it’s flavorful, with fiery aji chiles appearing in many forms in many dishes — but rarely overwhelming the palate.

Basically, Peruvian food is a global mash-up. It makes sense that this diverse country – which includes the Andes mountains, the Pacific coast, and the Amazon rainforest — would have a wide range of ingredients and cooking styles. But then, there’s the history: Spanish colonists in the 15th and 16th centuries, who brought African slaves, who were later replaced by Chinese laborers, who were then followed by waves of Japanese, Italian, and French immigrants in the 19th century… that’s a lot of culinary traditions meeting in one place. And the reason why it’s so hard to pigeonhole Peruvian food. There’s a lot more to it than ceviche and roasted chicken.

lomo saltado takeout
Lomo saltado is a beef stir-fry… and a delicious result of Chinese influence on Peruvian cuisine.
Image source: Flickr user djjewelz

So here are eight of our favorite Peruvian takeout and delivery dishes – just to get your mouth watering, and inspire a little bit of a switch-up on your next corporate group order day!

1) Papa a la huancaina

Cold potatoes, eggs, and olives? Papa a la huancaina is actually a surprisingly delicious appetizer, mostly thanks to the fact that the dish swims in huancaina, a spicy cream sauce.

2) Ceviche

It’s iconic for a reason. The national dish is sliced raw fish, which is “cooked” (or rather, cured) by marinating in acidic citrus juices — usually lime or lemon — and mixed with spicy aji peppers and red onions. The result is a healthy, spicy, yet incredibly refreshing lunch.

3) Tiradito

Think ceviche meets sashimi: this Japanese-influenced dish is comprised of thinly sliced raw fish simply dressed, rather than marinated in, a spicy, citrusy pepper sauce. Unlike ceviche, tiradito isn’t cured in the citrus juice — but for sushi lovers, it’s a must-try.

4) Choritos a la chalaca

In this summery dish, usually served chilled, freshly steamed mussels are covered with a spicy salsa-like medley of tomatoes, onions, chiles, and lime juice.

5) Anticuchos

Not into seafood? Every cuisine needs its skewered meat, and Peru’s is traditionally made from beef hearts — although American restaurants might use more familiar cuts like tri-trip steak or even chicken. There might also be onions, mushrooms, and more huancaina.

6) Pollo a la brasa

This roasted, skin-on chicken, usually served with French fries, is the secret that will let you talk everyone in the office into ordering Peruvian for food delivery day — it’s the perfect dish for your coworker who thinks he doesn’t like “ethnic food”.

7) Lomo saltado

Strips of sirloin are seasoned with cumin and stir-fried with aji amarillo (hot yellow peppers), tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and soy sauce… and usually served with fried potato slices and rice. Saltado indicates a stir-fry (you might find chicken or seafood versions as well), and is part of the delicious mash-up of Chinese cooking techniques applied to Peruvian ingredients — commonly referred to as chifa.

8) Alfajores

Time for dessert! Finish your meal with alfajores, shortbread-like sandwich cookies filled with sweet, creamy dulce de leche. They’re incredibly popular in Peru, and after you have one (or two, or three) you’ll see why.

Hungry for something new? Try Peruvian cuisine today with food delivery services from Waiter.com! There’s no need to stay stuck in a takeout rut with our wide array of menus… and with simple online ordering and prompt delivery, we make it easier than ever to try new cuisine at the office every day.

Tapas 101: Take Your Business Lunches to the Next Level, One Small Plate at a Time

Planning an all-day conference or meeting, and need a menu that will impress your attendees? Forget about box lunches, and don’t even think about pizza (even the gourmet kind). Instead, opt for upscale yet approachable business lunches to keep clients and colleagues well-fed and engaged during a day of long meetings: tapas!

While perhaps associated more closely with a wine bar than a conference room, tapas are actually a fantastic option for the workplace. Many of the small plates are easy to share and easy to eat, making them well-suited for socializing or working right through lunch. Tapas are all about a variety of small portions, so it’s a low-pressure way for people to try new foods without committing to a whole plate of unfamiliar ingredients — while providing a go-to conversation topic for attendees to discuss over lunch. And, if you’re an admin assistant planning a meeting for attendees whose preferences or dietary restrictions you may not be able to determine ahead of time, serving an assortment of tapas practically guarantees there will be something suitable for everyone at the table.

tapas buffet
Tapas are an unconventional choice for business lunches – which is what makes them so perfect!
Image source: Flickr user MollySVH

So what, exactly, are tapas — and which specific dishes should you feature at your future upscale business lunches? Here’s our take on Tapas 101:

Tapas Basics

Tapas are both Spanish and practical in origin — the word literally means “lid” or “cover”, and legend has it that the first tapas were slices of bread or ham that were given to sherry drinkers at Andalusian bars so they could protect their glasses from fruit flies. Today, tapas are essentially small plates of drinking food, although they’re just as delicious at an alcohol-free lunch as an after-work happy hour. And while bread and ham are still served in many tapas bars, the modern-day variety is considerably more diverse: cheese, vegetables, seafood, and meat of all kinds make up many small plates. Tapas can be ordered from traditional Spanish establishments as well as many Latin American restaurants.

Essential Traditional Tapas

Tapas now come in all shapes and sizes, thanks to the “small plates” trend in contemporary dining. But if you want to go traditional, here are some of the most delivery-friendly tapas to choose from:

Aceitunas The quintessential appetizer, a few bowls of lightly marinated olives will make a unique choice for a pre-lunch snack on your meeting day!

Jamon Thin slices of ham are classic tapas. Serrano ham is delicious, but if you really want to impress, spring for the pricier Iberico.

Queso manchego Serve Spanish manchego cheese alongside slices of good bread.

Tortilla Espanola Nothing like the tortilla you may be picturing, this “Spanish omelette” consists of eggs, potatoes, and onions.

Boquerones en vinagre A plate of anchovies marinated in vinegar, olive oil, and garlic may not be for everyone, but tapas purists would be aghast if your spread didn’t include boquerones.

Albondigas en salas Pork and beef meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce will ensure those who shy away from anchovies still have a savory protein to enjoy!

Paella This heartier plate is a slowly-simmered stew of rice, seafood, and chorizo seasoned with a heavy dose of saffron. Paella can function as a traditional “main dish” for bigger appetites.

Gazpacho A cold tomato soup, this is a particularly refreshing choice for summer occasions.

Tapas may be an unconventional choice for business lunches, but you’ll certainly make an impression on attendees! For a memorable meal with minimal fuss, contact our team at Waiter.com today!

Food Delivery Makeover: 10 Easy Tips on How to Order Healthy Indian Food

Indian food is one of the most popular cuisines out there when it comes to food delivery for the office… but it’s also one of the most mystifying to health-conscious diners. After all, there are certainly plenty of vegetarian dishes on Indian menus, but many seem so creamy and rich!

Indeed, thanks to the frequent use of ghee (clarified butter), coconut oil or milk, and the good old frying pan, some Indian dishes may seem healthy — hey, it’s spinach! — but are actually considerably higher in fat and calories than you might expect.

plate of Indian food
Learn to order healthy Indian food with our expert tips.
Image source: Flickr user Jason Walsh

So, feel like you need a little help at ordering healthy Indian food delivery? We’ve got some expert tips in store!

Five foods to make your Indian lunch a healthy one:

1) Ordering dal with your meal is a nutritional no-brainer: it’s like having a little takeout dish of pure protein and fiber! Usually made from lentils and a little soupy in texture (at least in American restaurants), a healthy dose of dal will help keep you full and satisfied – without weighing you down – all afternoon.

2) Many Indian dishes are a vibrant yellow color because of turmeric, an ancient spice that might be secretly packing all kinds of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-boosted nutritional powers. Take advantage of turmeric’s benefits — and its delicious flavor — by ordering aloo gobi. In this colorful dish, small hunks of potatoes and cauliflower are cooked with many spices in a moderate amount of oil, making it a healthy food delivery choice. Pair with a side of dal if you’re worried about not being satisfied by cauliflower and potatoes alone!

3) When it comes to meat, think tandoori! A tandoor is a traditional clay oven that uses super-high heat to cook chicken, fish, and other meats. Since it’s a nice dry heat, versus frying or sautéing, tandoori meats are some of the healthiest options on the menu at many Indian restaurants — many are served kebab-style, or choose chicken tikka (not chicken tikka masala, which is a very different and creamier dish) for a classic Indian lunch.

4) Raita is yogurt-based (kind of like Greek tzatziki), meaning you’ll get a little extra protein when you dunk your tandoori kebabs in this refreshing yet creamy sauce.

5) Can’t imagine an Indian meal without one of its delicious breads? Instead of the ubiquitous, often-buttered naan, opt for a reasonable portion of chapati — made with whole wheat flour, chapati will provide a bit more fiber and protein, giving you a bigger bang for your caloric buck.

And five kinds of dishes to avoid:

1) This may be common sense, but keep away from fried items, like pakora or samosas. While delicious, they’re also quite high in saturated fat.

2) Even vegetarian dishes studded with paneer, a kind of cheese, can actually be packed with fat. For instance, some restaurants pack their palak paneer with more cheese than spinach, and then cut the sauce with cream as well, making this popular vegetarian dish a total calorie bomb.

3) Ghee, a traditional clarified butter, is what gives many sauces their incredible depth, texture, and loads of saturated fat! (Note that this may be up for debate: some groups believe that lactose-free ghee is actually a very healthy source of fat, and most Western nutritionists just have yet to realize it.)

4) If you see malai on the menu, it means cream… and along with ghee, malai is the reason Indian gravies are so rich. Again, they also add considerable fat and calories to otherwise-healthy dishes, so you’ll be better off with tomato-based sauces or tandoori-cooked meats instead.

5) Keep in mind that basmati rice served alongside your chicken tikka could tack 200 calories onto your meal… without providing much nutritional heft to make it worth your while. Rather than eating the whole container, just have a small helping for flavor… and more protein-and-fiber-packed dal instead.

And just keep in mind, every restaurant is different, and cooking methods will vary based on the traditions and preferences of the chef in the kitchen. These guidelines will certainly help you get closer to knowing how to order healthy, wholesome Indian food delivery — and with easy online ordering and prompt delivery service, Waiter.com will take care of the rest!

Vietnamese Food 101: Why Pho-to-Go Will Be Your New Lunch Delivery Favorite

Pizza. Chinese. Thai. If this takeout trifecta is wearing itself out in your office, it’s time to spice up the food delivery routine… literally! When it comes to flavor, there’s no cuisine quite so qualified as Vietnamese to inject a little excitement into the workday. Bright, bold ingredients like chiles, citrus, and savory spices, combined with influence from both French and Chinese cooking, make Vietnamese a unique yet incredibly approachable option for group takeout and pleasing a wide range of palates. Many dishes are customized right at your table, so adventurous eaters can pile on the chiles while pickier eaters can stick to the familiar — yet flavorful — array of soups and sandwiches available on many Vietnamese menus.

Want to get started — or introduce your officemates — to the wonders of Vietnamese food delivery? Try one of these dishes to get off on the right foot with this colorful cuisine:

bowl of pho
Pho is popular, delicious, and customizable – perfect for office lunches!
Image source: Flickr user Gary Stevens

Perhaps the best-known Vietnamese dish is pho, the vermicelli noodle soup traditionally made from long-simmering beef-bone broth — although chicken broth pho (called pho ga), lighter and more delicate, is also available in some traditional Vietnamese restaurants… and vegetarian varieties can be found in non-traditional ones. Most pho includes a choice of meat, ranging from thinly sliced round steak to beef meatballs (bo vien), with more adventuresome options like brisket (nam), tendon, and tripe. Pho is also served with separate add-ins like basil, lime, cilantro, jalapeños, bean sprouts, and hoisin sauce. Sriracha is also a frequent accompaniment, but pho purists believe that’s the equivalent of putting ketchup on a steak: it ruins the flavor of the delicate soup. Order up a bowl with your meat of choice, and add in the fresh herbs and chiles to taste — perfect for large groups with varying palates or sensitivity to spiciness.

banh mi sandwich
The French-influenced banh mi is a lunchtime classic.
Image source: Flickr user stu_spivack

For the lunch crowd that loves a good sandwich, another can’t miss Vietnamese food delivery option is banh mi, which literally means “baguette.” A product of the French colonial influence on Vietnam, these sandwiches consist of tender pork, pickled daikon, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeños, mayonnaise, and thinly sliced carrots stuffed into a crusty baguette. While gio, a pork pate, is often used in banh mi, and yet another example (along with the baguette) of the French influence, many restaurants will also offer chicken and even vegetarian banh mi.

For a step further into Vietnamese cuisine, try bun bo hue – a very flavorful and spicy noodle soup that’s considerably bolder than its more popular counterpart. Bun bo hue is a soup studded with pork hock, sliced beef shank, and thicker rice vermicelli noodles, all topped with a spicy red chili paste.

On the other hand, those who shy away from spice should opt for bo kho – a beef stew with familiar ingredients (tomato, carrots, onions, chunks of beef shank) with delectable Vietnamese spices (star anise, ginger, and lemongrass). This hearty stew is usually served with crusty bread, and so often called “banh mi bo kho.”

Vietnamese spring rolls
Goi cuon, Vietnamese spring rolls, make a fantastic appetizer to share at the office.
Image source: Flickr user stu_spivack

For a crowd-pleasing appetizer to share, order up a plate of goi cuon, the Vietnamese take on spring rolls: rice paper wraps stuffed with sautéed shrimp or pork, thinly sliced vegetables, and vermicelli noodles, usually served with peanut sauce.

Too hot for a noodle soup? Go for bun: the general name for a rice noodle salad, consisting of a pile of vermicelli noodles (like the ones found in pho) served chilled on top of greens, like lettuce and cucumber. Then, hot meat is added (the usual array of grilled pork, beef, or chicken), along with briny fish sauce, sweeter hoison, or spicy Sriracha for extra flavor.

Vietnamese com dia
Rice plates are another beginner-friendly option for Vietnamese food delivery.
Image source: Flickr user Elsie Hui

For a simple and straightforward dish, look for a com dia, or rice plate, on the menu. It’s essentially rice and meat, whether that’s grilled pork, chicken, or beef. Usually, rice plates are accompanied by sauce and a bowl of garlicky broth, but can be kept fairly mild for beginners.

Whether you’re a pro at slurping pho or a newbie that’s never tasted fish sauce, Waiter.com can help your office discover the deliciousness that is Vietnamese food delivery! Easy online ordering and convenient delivery make it easy to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine right in your break room!

Admin Assistance: How to Order Greek Food Delivery for the Office…and Pronounce “Gyros” Correctly

Busy admin assistants are often tasked with ordering food delivery for the office…which often means trying to find a one-cuisine-fits-all approach that will satisfy all kinds of coworkers. And while it’s easy to stick with tried-and-true favorites like pizza and Chinese, there’s one cuisine that is wonderfully well-suited for pleasing all kinds of diners: Greek food.

moussaka
Greek dishes like moussaka are an unexpected yet easily accessible choice for food delivery orders.
Image source: Flickr user Alpha

If your only exposure to Greek food is the yogurt that’s taking over the dairy aisle at your local supermarket, you’re in for a treat. Greek food is a cuisine full of savory grilled meats, tangy cheeses, tons of flavor — and a fantastic choice for your next food delivery order. It’s more exciting than the usual pepperoni pie or chicken fried rice, but offers enough familiar ingredients and flavors to keep less adventuresome diners happy, too. Vegetarians, meat lovers, gluten-free dieters, healthy eaters, diehard Paleo diners… there may be no cuisine better adapted to satisfy a wide range of tastes and preferences, which can be a lifesaver for admin assistants trying to feed a crowd.

The best way to try Greek food delivery or takeout in the office for the first time is to order a variety of dishes and stage a makeshift buffet, inviting your coworkers to try a little of everything. Here are a few classic dishes to kick-start your workplace’s foray into Greek cuisine:

Appetizers

Start your meal with a few kinds of meze, or appetizers. Dolmades are a quintessential Greek appetizer: stuffed grape leaves. There are nearly as many kinds of dolmades as there are Greek restaurants, but rice, mincemeat, herbs, and pine nuts are just a few of the traditional ingredients stuffed into rolled grape leaves for a fresh, easy-to-eat finger food.

Vegetarians (but not vegans) can dig into spanakopita, a kind of savory pie made from spinach, cheese (usually feta), and flaky phyllo dough.

taramosalata dip with bread
Pink taramasalata will satisfy the adventurous palates in the office.
Image source: Flickr user Merle ja Joonas

A simple spread of olives, feta cheese, pita bread, and a dip like tzatziki or hummus is a straightforward way to serve some classic Greek flavors alongside a main dish. To please adventurous palates, include taramosalata (made from carp roe, or caviar) or melitzanosalata (an eggplant dip).

Entrees

Moussaka may be the most iconic Greek entree. A baked casserole-style dish, moussaka consists of layers of eggplant, spiced meat, herbs, potatoes, and a deliciously gooey top layer of bechamel (a saucy mixture of cheeses). Not exactly light and healthy, moussaka is nonetheless sure to satisfy the meat-and-potatoes lovers in the office.

Paleo lovers will adore souvlaki, skewers of grilled meats like lamb and pork. While they’re often served as fast food in Greece and wrapped in pita bread, the skewered meat is just as delicious alongside a pile of vegetables for a standalone low-carb meal. 

gyros platter
Gryos are perhaps the most prevalent Greek food in the U.S., and for good reason: they’re delicious!
Image source: Flickr user jeffreyw

Now ubiquitous in the U.S., gyros are probably the most familiar Greek dish. The production of gyros meat itself is quite complicated (beef and lamb trimmings are seasoned and combined with bread crumbs into fused cones of gyros), but the end result is an affordable and delicious dish. Gyros are often eaten sandwich-style, stuffed into pita bread along with tomatoes, red onions, and tzatziki (the refreshing cucumber-yogurt sauce served alongside many Greek dishes). And yes, for the record, it’s pronounced YEE-ros, not JY-ros.

Side Dishes

Along with your mains like moussaka and gyros, Greek cuisine has a number of delicious side dishes to round out your makeshift buffet. Boiled leafy greens, called horta or sometimes hortas vrasta, are drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice for a nutritious and surprisingly flavorful side that’s sure to please health-conscious diners. The Greek version of green bean casserole, fassolakia lathera, is a vegan-friendly option; fresh green beans are cooked with tomatoes and olive oil.

There are many more Greek dishes to explore, but a spread like this will make a nice introduction for your next office food delivery order! Choose from plenty of Greek restaurants for your next feast at Waiter.com, and enjoy the ease of online ordering and prompt delivery along with your delicious meal! 

Japanese Food 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Your Next Impressive Business Lunch

If you’re looking for a flavorful and creative cuisine to serve at your next catered office lunch, think Japanese — but this time, leave the raw fish out of it.

While sushi makes for a delicious lunch at the office, and is certainly the most famous kind of Japanese takeout food, there’s a wide range of other items that make excellent fare for meetings or a more formal business lunch. Like with any new cuisine, it can be tricky to know where to start, so here’s our primer for some of the most popular (and tastiest) items to consider for your first foray into the beyond-sushi world of Japanese cuisine!

ramen noodles with toppings
Ramen is perhaps the best-known Japanese food outside of sushi, but it’s an incredibly diverse dish.
Image source: Flickr user xxHxx

Noodles

If the only Japanese noodle soup you’ve tried comes in a Styrofoam cup, you’re in for a treat. Savory, rich soups are a staple of Japanese food, and here are a few of the most common you’ll encounter:

Real ramen has little in common with Cup Noodles, that 50-cent dorm-room favorite, and is thankfully growing in popularity in the Western world (Chinese in origin, it’s long been popular and respectable in Japan). The beauty of ramen is its customization: while thin, lengthy noodles and a flavorful broth, usually meat or fish-based, are the foundation, ramen can be topped with a wide range of “mix-ins” like sliced pork, shiitake mushrooms, soft-boiled eggs, seaweed, and scallions.

Another popular Japanese noodle soup is made with udon noodles; made from wheat flour, these are thicker and “jigglier” than ramen. While used in many dishes, the most simple is to plop udon noodles in a broth with dashi (a kind of seafood stock), mirin (a light, sweet sauce), and soy sauce, and topped with seafood, fried meat, or delicate fish cakes.

Soba are buckwheat noodles, with a pronounced nutty flavor. Soba can be served in a hot soup, or chilled, with a thicker version of their traditional savory tsuyu broth alongside for dipping. 

soba noodles served chilled
Soba, often served chilled, is another Japanese noodle dish.
Image source: Flickr user Alpha

Tonkatsu

If you have a meat-and-potatoes-loving coworker, make sure to include tonkatsu in your Japanese order. Tonkatsu is a pork cutlet, breaded in panko, and fried to a crispy golden brown. Traditionally served with a mild curry or doused with its namesake sweet and tangy sauce — and almost always accompanied by rice and shredded cabbage — it’s a relatively straightforward dish that can be easily presented to wary diners as a kind of deep-fried pork chop.

tonkatsu pork cutlet
Tonkatsu is a fried Japanese pork cutlet that can appeal to even wary diners.
Image source: Flickr user pinlux

Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki are savory Japanese pancakes. An egg-and-flour batter is plopped on a hot griddle with veggies, like scallions and cabbage, and an optional meat, like pork; everything is scrambled together into a thin, round pancake just begging to be drizzled with its own signature mayonnaise or even tonkatsu sauce. While going out for okonomiyaki at a traditional Japanese restaurant is a true adventure (some allow you to cook the pancake yourself on a hot griddle in the middle of your table), ordering pre-made okonomiyaki to be delivered to the break room is still a festive – and delicious.

Gyoza

Many countries can boast a signature stuffed dumpling (think pierogi from Poland, samosas from India, even ravioli from Italy), and Japan is no exception. Gyoza are similar to Chinese potstickers, but made with thin wrappers stuffed with minced pork and cabbage, then pan-fried on one side for a crispy finish. Gyoza make a fantastic appetizer for office meals. 

gyoza Japanese dumplings
Gyoza are Japanese dumplings, traditionally stuffed with minced pork and cabbage.
Image source: Flickr user Hajime NAKANO

For a festive celebratory occasion or to impress clients at a more formal business lunch, Japanese takeout and delivery offers a wide range of flavors to explore, right in the office. With prompt delivery and easy online ordering, your Japanese feast can begin in no time when you contact Waiter.com!

Korean Food 101: An Underappreciated Food Delivery Option

Why are so many offices stuck in a pizza-and-Chinese-takeout rut? Partly because those two cuisines are delicious, but partly because they’re familiar crowd-pleasers: chances are, even the least adventurous eater in the office grew up eating pizza and Chinese food. And while it can be awkward to ask your coworker who always orders plain cheese pizza or sweet and sour chicken to try something new, it can also be incredibly rewarding.

bibimbap takeout container
Liven up your office lunch routine with Korean food delivery.
Image source: Flickr user Quinn Dombrowski

For companies that believe sharing meals can bolster teamwork and morale in the workplace, there’s something really special about gathering your coworkers around the lunch table to try a new cuisine together. Korean food is the perfect example. It’s at least vaguely familiar (mostly thanks to the now-ubiquitous Korean taco trucks in many cities), but since most of us didn’t grow up eating the cuisine, Korean dishes can lend an adventurous vibe to an otherwise typical workday lunch shared with colleagues.

Best of all, Korean food offers a wide range of options for all kinds of diners: there are flavorful, but straightforward beef dishes that are great for pickier eaters, along with spicier and fermented foods for those who want to embrace the full experience of Korean cuisine. With both needs in mind, here’s our beginners’ guide to Korean takeout and food delivery:

banchan dishes
Banchan is a spread of complimentary side dishes at Korean restaurants.
Image source: Flickr user Kent Wang

Banchan

When you visit a Korean restaurant, the first thing you’ll eat will likely be banchan: a spread of complimentary appetizers that will simply show up at your table. The individual dishes will be different depending on the restaurant, but frequent players include namul (vegetables) like bean sprouts, spinach, and radishes, often stir-fried with garlic and chiles, kimchi (more on that below), and jeon, little savory pancakes made with assorted meats or vegetables, eggs, and rice flour. Even when you order food delivery from a Korean restaurant instead of dining in, you may find some banchan included in your takeout bag.

dish of kimchi
Kimchi is a hot, sour, utterly delicious mixture of fermented cabbage and other veggies.
Image source: Flickr user Craig Nagy

Kimchi

Kimchi is perhaps the most famous Korean dish, and is included with most meals; it’s used as a side dish and as a condiment mixed in with entrées. Imagine fermented pickles, if you can, but made with cabbage and spices instead of cucumbers. Kimchi can be made very fiery or quite mild, but in most cases it will be a little sour, a little hot, and a little pungent — although there are more than 100 variations of kimchi available, so you’ll learn to taste a little bit before adding it into your meal.

Gochujang

Another condiment and almost as ubiquitous in Korean food as kimchi, gochujang is a spicy sauce made from fermented red chiles. Adventurous eaters will love gochujang, but those who don’t like spicy foods should request dishes with only a small amount.

Bibimbap 

Bibimbap may be the perfect choice for a Korean lunch. It literally means “mixed rice”, and is a bowl of white rice stir-fried with assorted ingredients, like vegetables, sliced meat, and occasionally an egg. The dish is served with its components piled together in a bowl, and then you add your desired amount of sauce and mix everything together. Bibimbap is easy to order with ingredients you like (beef, pork, chicken) and usually served with gochujang on the side, so it’s a little more amenable to diners who want to control the spiciness of their food, and probably the best dish for picky eaters to try.

beef bulgogi
Bulgogi literally means grilled meat, and this is a delectable plate of beef bulgogi.
Image source: Flickr user Elsie Hui

Bulgogi

Bulgogi means “grilled meat” (commonly referred to as Korean barbecue) and is most famously made with beef — although it can also be pork, chicken, or other meats. Bulgogi generally consists of thinly sliced meat marinated in ginger, sugar, soy sauce, and other spices, then grilled. Tender, juicy, and packed full of flavor without being too fiery, bulgogi is an excellent dish for meat lovers and usually served with a bowl of rice and some vegetables. Another delicious variation is galbi, marinated and grilled boneless short ribs.

sondubu jjigae
Sundubu jjigae is a spicy tofu stew.
Image source: Flickr user Alpha

Jjigae

Light, spicy stews called jjigae are another staple of Korean restaurants, and come in many variations. Some of the most popular are the self-explanatory kimchi jjigae, sundubu jjigae (made with tofu), and doenjang jjigae (made with doenjang, a popular condiment made from soybean paste, and usually combined with vegetables and tofu).

While there are dozens of Korean dishes to explore, these are the most popular (and some of the most approachable) meals to add to your next food delivery order. When you’re ready to begin your exploration of Korean cuisine, you’ll find plenty of menus and easy online ordering available at Waiter.com!

Sushi for Beginners: Liven Up Your Food Delivery Order (and Just Say No to California Rolls)

Sushi day in the office can be amazing: gathering around a table full of healthy, fresh, flavorful sushi with your coworkers, tasting and trying a wide array of dishes. Or, it can be miserable, particularly if you don’t know much about sushi or its seemingly complicated etiquette. If you’ve learned to add the familiar, yet bland “California roll” to the food delivery order and retreat to your desk with a clandestine fork, well, no wonder you don’t like sushi day.

platter of nigiri sushi
The fun of eating sushi is trying different kinds of fish and ingredients.
Image source: Flickr user daiki_moriyama

But despite the intimidating vocabulary of a sushi menu, and what can seem like a mysterious web of etiquette to the uninitiated, sushi is actually very straightforward. The point of the cuisine is its simplicity: high-quality, perfectly seasoned rice, the freshest fish, and just a few garnishes. And if you’re not used to eating raw fish, no problem. There are alternatives, and an easy path to slowly getting comfortable with the idea (and it’s a delicious one).

So here’s our breakdown of sushi for beginners: all the basics you need to know to navigate this food delivery staple like a pro. You just may never order another California roll again.

unagi eel roll
This is an eel (unagi) roll, with its signature sweet, sticky sauce.
Image source: Flickr user Mark H. Anbinder

Let’s start with rolls — the most familiar form of sushi for most Americans, and called maki in Japanese. Maki usually consist of a filling (fish, vegetables, or a combination of the two) and sushi rice, all rolled up in dried seaweed (called nori) and then cut into six to eight pieces. Sometimes the rolls are “inside out” — with rice on the outside, nori in the middle, and the fish and/or veggies still in the heart of the roll — and these are called uramaki. You might also see temaki, which is essentially a big cone of dried seaweed filled with rice, fish, and/or vegetables.

salmon nigiri
Nigiri is fish atop rice, usually with a little wasabi in between.
Image source: Flickr user Matthew Mendoza

If you’re still uneasy about raw fish, get used to rolls before diving into the delicious world of nigiri. Here, a little mound of sushi rice is crowned with a slice of fish, usually with a dab of wasabi in between. Proper sushi etiquette calls for nigiri to be eaten by hand, and the fish side only to be dipped into soy sauce (the rice should be kept just as the chef prepared it).

sashimi on a plate
Sashimi is sushi sans rice: simple, thinly sliced pieces of fresh fish.
Image source: Flickr user Sanctu

Sashimi is the rare sushi dish that doesn’t include rice. Simple and straightforward, sashimi is thin slices of raw fish eaten with chopsticks. If you do like raw fish, this is the absolute best way to fully experience the often creamy texture and clear flavors of high-quality tuna, salmon, and other kinds of fish.

Chirashi is essentially sushi salad. Sushi rice, topped with sashimi and vegetables, in a decent-sized bowl — oftentimes, this is a wonderful way to try a few different kinds of fish, while being able to build your own bite if you don’t necessarily want a mouthful of straight fish.

Those are the basic types of sushi you’ll encounter on most menus. Start out with more familiar ingredients, like spicy tuna rolls, salmon nigiri, or sashimi. If you’re still wary about raw fish, most of the time eel (called unagiand shrimp (called ebi) will be cooked, so look for rolls containing those. Specialty rolls (items like rainbow rolls, dragon rolls, etc.) are usually topped with slices of raw fish, like nigiri. And if you want to avoid overly Americanized sushi, steer clear of anything with cream cheese (sorry, Philadelphia roll!).

Now, for the etiquette:

Sushi has three traditional “sides” or condiments: soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. Beware if you haven’t tasted wasabi (Japanese horseradish) before: it’s quite potent, and a little dab goes a long way (and you may not need any extra wasabi at all). Pickled ginger is served as a palate cleanser between bites, so refrain from putting a slice on top of your sushi before you eat it. As for soy sauce, pour a little in a dish for dipping. Try to avoid soaking the rice directly in the sauce (which will make it fall apart), or drowning your delicate sushi flavors  — just a little dip on the fish side is usually best.

takeout sushi with soy sauce and wasabi
Go easy on the soy sauce and wasabi, and eat the ginger between bites of sushi.
Image source: Flickr user Renee Suen

You might see some sushi lovers mix their wasabi right into their soy sauce, rather than dabbing a little bit on each piece. There’s some debate about whether this is an appropriate tradition or counts as an insult (yes, those are two contradictory verdicts from the same respectable publication), but generally, don’t use this practice when you’re eating nigiri — the thought is, the chef has already put the perfect dab of wasabi between the fish and the rice, so any more is unnecessary. On the other hand, it’s perfectly acceptable to mix wasabi into soy sauce while you eat sashimi.

If you fear chopsticks, don’t worry: maki and nigiri are both meant to be eaten by hand. Only sashimi requires chopsticks. While this is traditional etiquette, it isn’t always widely practiced, but if you see a raised eyebrow from a colleague explain that sushi rice shouldn’t be pinched or it loses its delicate form (this is also a good rule of thumb: eat sushi containing formed rice by hand, sushi without rice by chopstick).

sushi at desk
Learn to broaden your sushi horizons.
Image source: Flickr user Gonzalo Saenz

Don’t feel bad about opening your mouth as wide as you can: most sushi is meant to be eaten in one bite. Do feel bad about rubbing your chopsticks together before you eat, like you’re trying to start a fire — this implies you think the chopsticks are unsafe or made poorly, which is rarely the case and will make you look pretty rude if you do it at an actual sushi bar or restaurant.

In the end, sushi is one of the most social meals you can enjoy with your coworkers, so make it an interactive occasion! And whether you grow to love ordering an array of delicate nigiri or simply find a new favorite roll, the food delivery experts at Waiter.com can help ensure it’s easy to order, delivered promptly, and just the healthy, fresh lunch you need during a busy day at the office.

Say Arrivederci to Boring Business Lunches: 9 Amazing Italian Dishes You Should Be Ordering

Italian food is one of the most popular cuisines in America, and a go-to choice for business lunches or catered fare, thanks to its reputation as a crowd-pleaser. And while ubiquitous dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, fettucine alfredo, lasagna, and (of course) pizza are delicious, if that’s all you order from an Italian restaurant, you’re missing out on some of the best dishes this simple, straightforward cuisine has to offer.

Keep your business lunches exciting and engaging by ordering in some of Italy’s less iconic dishes. While the options are endless (and each region has its own specialties), a few specific items to look out for include…

bucatini all'amatriciana
Bucatini all’amatriciana is a spicy, pork-studded pasta.
Image source: Flickr user Joy

A classic in Rome, bucatini all’amatriciana is a spicy pasta dish traditionally made with bucatini (hollow spaghetti-like noodles), tomatoes, onions, and rich slices of guanciale, a cured pork jowl — although bacon is a common substitute in many American restaurants. Either way, it’s a wonderfully flavorful alternative to straightforward spaghetti with marinara (although, when done right, that dish has a beautiful appeal of its own!).

caponata sicilian specialty
Eggplant never tasted better than it does in caponata.
Image source: Flickr user Stijn Nieuwendijk

Whether served as a vegetarian main, as a spread atop crusty bread, or alongside a piece of fish, the Sicilian specialty caponata is a smart addition to an Italian meal. Eggplant, olives, capers, lemon, parsley, and sugar: the ingredient list may be eclectic, but the result is a fantastic combination of salty, tangy, and sweet flavors quite unlike our usual perception of Italian cooking.

risi e bisi
Rice and peas may sound simple, but making simple ingredients special is the Italian way.
Image source: Flickr user Yari Simone Prete

Risi e bisi (rice and peas) is one of the most famous dishes from Venice, and while its roots are humble, it’s a truly satisfying soup/risotto mashup of peas and rice in a pancetta-laced broth.

When it comes to side dishes, choose panzanella for a true Italian salad (no offense, Caesar). Made from leftover bread combined with fresh tomatoes, red onions, peppers, basil, and olive oil, panzanella may not be the lightest salad you’ve tried, but it will certainly be one of the tastiest. And while breadsticks and garlic bread may be the most common sides at many Italian-American restaurants, vegetables shouldn’t be overlooked — often, fresh, seasonal greens are paired with complementary ingredients for an intensely flavorful side dish. Broccoli strascinati (stra-shin-AH-tee) adds garlic and hot peppers to broccoli, while piselli al prosciutto combines sweet peas with salty prosciutto.

tagliatelle with ragu
Tagliatelle is a rich, eggy pasta well worth a try.
Image source: Flickr user Mikko Kuhna

And, of course, there’s more to pasta than spaghetti or fettucine. Try a dish with orecchiette, the “little ears” of pasta from the Puglia region. Or go for tagliatelle, the rich, eggy ribbons of pasta from Bologna, or tajarin, taglietelle’s thinner cousin from Piedmont (especially wonderful served with earthy mushrooms).

When it comes to planning delicious, approachable business lunches, it can be easy to take the road more traveled — after all, who doesn’t like a nice slice of Margherita pizza or a big plate of lasagna? But, when it comes to Italian, you’ll make a lasting impression on your employees or clients by serving some of these lesser-known dishes! And with a wide array of Italian menus at your disposal, you can have your new favorite dish delivered right to your office with Waiter.com!

Order More Exciting Office Meals: Authentic Chinese Dishes Liven Up the Lunch Hour

When you’re tasked with ordering Chinese food for office meals, it can be easy to go for the classic standbys: sweet and sour chicken, egg rolls, crab wontons… but the same-old, same-old can make working lunches and meeting fare become part of the daily routine instead of a real, enjoyable break from the workday.

coworkers eating dim sum
Dim sum makes for a very lively office get-together!
Image source: Flickr user Jude Adamson

Think of it this way: if a company decides to provide office meals, whether every day or on special occasions, they have an opportunity to accomplish much more than just feeding employees. A simple lunch can communicate appreciation, boost morale, and provide a chance for socialization and relationship building — all factors that can have a lasting impact on employee engagement and job satisfaction in the office. But when the meals being served become predictable and just another part of the routine, the meaning behind the food can become muddled and the opportunity is lost.

The good news is that you don’t need to have a Google-sized food budget to create a special experience out of a meal. Instead, just make it a point to order unexpected items instead of the typical fare. And when it comes to Chinese food — one of the most popular cuisines for office meals — it’s easy to find a few unique dishes that will keep enthusiasm buzzing around the break room! Here are a few ideas to try:

Dim sum means “drink tea”, but when baskets full of dumplings and bite-sized treats appear, sipping tea will likely be the last thing on your mind. From pillowy barbecued pork buns (char siu bao) to shrimp-stuffed dumplings (ha gao), the fun of dim sum is trying a wide array of dishes — which makes it incredibly social and perfect for a lively office get-together…  just consider the picky eaters before ordering chicken feet.

dan dan mien
Dan dan mien is a delicious take on street food.
Image source: Flickr user Charles Haynes

Dan dan mian is a street noodle dish from the Sichuan province of China. The ingredients can vary, but the basic idea is a pile of fresh, warm noodles set over chile oil; from there, assortments of pickled vegetables, peanuts, peppers, scallions, and minced pork can be mixed in. Think of it as a Chinese version of ramen or pho (but please don’t say that in front of any ramen or pho enthusiasts).

soup dumpling in a spoon
Xiao long bao are a very special kind of dumpling.
Image source: Flickr user Ron Dollete

Xiao long bao are more commonly known as soup dumplings, and the name kind of says it all: a thin-skinned dumpling is full of a rich broth (usually pork) so that when you bite into it, you’re eating soup. Making soup dumplings is pretty involved (chilling the soup into a gelatin, inserting it into the dumpling skin, and then liquifying it again during the steaming process), but the result is a totally unique experience! A little harder to find than your typical dim sum dishes, but if you spot these on a menu, make sure to try them at least once.

ma po tofu
Ma po tofue is not exactly a vegetarian dish, but delicious nonetheless.
Image source: Flickr user Kelsea Groves

You’ve probably never had tofu quite like ma po tofu (also called mapo doufu). This fiery dish starts with a rich, spicy broth swirled with chile oil; then a pile of tofu is layered in, and finally that’s topped with minced pork. So while not a vegetarian-friendly dish when prepared traditionally, this dish is guaranteed to please the spicy-food lovers in the office!

Whatever Chinese dishes you choose to try, Waiter.com has a wide array of menus to ensure your office meals are convenient, delicious, and always unexpected!

Indian for Beginners: Make Your Next Food Delivery the Tastiest Ever!

Ordering Indian food for beginners can be a little intimidating… even if you’ve been to one of the ubiquitous buffets spread across the U.S. While Indian buffets can be wonderful — you get to try a lot of different dishes without committing to a whole portion of something that might turn out to be too spicy for your taste — you might not remember what your favorite dish is called, and have no idea how to order the next time you go to a non-buffet restaurant!

When it’s Indian food delivery day at the office, don’t default to the most familiar-looking item on the menu: the following list includes some delicious yet approachable dishes to broaden your horizons outside the buffet.

tandoori chicken
Tandoori chicken may look hot, but it’s a milder Indian option.
Image source: Flickr user raymondtan85

But, let’s go ahead and start with the most familiar-sounding item on the menu! Tandoori chicken is marinated with yogurt and spices (usually some combination including turmeric, chile powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, or garlic) and cooked for a long time in a traditional clay oven called a tandoor. The tandoor itself and the spices lend the chicken its vibrant red color, but this dish isn’t nearly as hot as it looks.

Ordering for a group of potentially picky eaters? Get things started with a crowd-pleasing round of samosas: delicious, triangle-shaped pockets of dough (usually fried, but sometimes baked) that are stuffed with peas, potatoes, and onions, and generally considered an appetizer. Samosas are usually served with dipping sauces like chutney (similar to an Indian version of salsa, chutneys are spiced fruit and/or vegetable-based sauces) or raita (a yogurt-based sauce that works beautifully to cool your tongue alongside spicier dishes).

samosas takeout box
Samosas are a crowd-pleasing Indian takeout staple.
Image source: flickr user Matt Biddulph

Just don’t get samosas confused with pakora — while both include fried vegetables, samosas are stuffed pockets of dough while pakora are more like vegetable fritters. Cauliflower, onion, eggplant, and potato are common choices, and again, these are a no-brainer for diners new to Indian cuisine.

More vegetable goodness awaits: don’t miss out on saag paneer. “Saag” indicates leafy greens like spinach, and saag paneer is cooked with bubbly cheese and (in most American restaurants) a “healthy” dose of cream. Saag paneer might also contain mustard greens, broccoli, or collards — not just spinach.

saag paneer
Saag paneer is full of bubbly cheese, greens, and cream.
Image source: Flickr user mike fabio

Chances are, if you’ve ever eaten Indian food before in your life, you’ve had naan. It’s ubiquitous, and delicious, a fluffy bread that can be used a side dish or a utensil — scoop up your entree with a piece of naan, sop up the juices left on your plate, or just take a bite alongside a spicy curry dish to take some of the heat off. Aside from naan, you might try roti or chapati, unleavened breads that are quite lighter and thinner than naan — in fact, roti is sometimes used like a tortilla to make a wrap.

You’ll certainly see quite a few “masala” dishes sprinkled throughout Indian menus, and the word merely indicates a spice mix was used in preparation. Chana masala is a vegetarian dish with chickpeas (“chana”) stewed in tomatoes, onions, and its namesake spice mix. Tikka masala includes chunks (“tikka”) of spiced meat cooked in a tomato-based sauce. Chicken tikka masala has a somewhat dubious level of authenticity, but it’s an incredibly popular dish and a great intro for beginners.

chicken tikka masala
Chicken tikka masala is another popular dish, and full of flavor without being overwhelmingly spicy.
Image source: flickr user leigh wolf

A biryani is a protein or mix of vegetables cooked into a curry with plenty of spices, and then mixed with pre-cooked rice and allowed to slow-cook in its own juices. Biryani may be often overlooked on menus by newbies, but are one of the most flavorful (yet generally not too spicy) dishes to try!

If you like spicy, madras curries will be right up your alley… but make sure to have plenty of rice or naan to pair alongside it. Another must-try for spice fanatics (and something to avoid if you have a sensitive palate!) are vindaloo dishes, traditionally made with pork, but now frequently made with lamb, chicken, and beef. Rogan josh is a traditional lamb or goat curry from Northern India, made with a special blend of spices and tomato-based sauce.

If you think you don’t like eggplant, you owe it to yourself to try baingan bharta. Mashed, curried eggplant mixed with tomatoes and other veggies, this dish just might make you a convert (and it’s a wonderfully hearty option to order for vegetarians).

baingan bharta
Baingan bharta is a mashed and curried (and delicious) eggplant dish.
Image source: Flickr user sarverr62

And finally, if you see thali on a menu, order it! This is sort of like an Indian sampler platter – a collection of small bowls with a variety of dishes, including rice, bread, pickles, and chutneys as well as heartier dishes. It’s a great way to try a variety of items, even if you’re stuck eating at your desk.

When it comes to Indian food delivery, Waiter.com makes it easy to discover your new favorite dish! Place a large order for a group and create your own makeshift Indian buffet in the lunch room, or simply grab a few coworkers and share a few items.

Thai Food for Beginners: How to Order More Exciting Office Meals

Bursting with bright flavors and fresh ingredients, Thai food is incredibly diverse and delicious — no wonder it’s one of the top cuisines ordered in for office meals. If you’re new to the wide world of Thai food, though, it can also be quite intimidating! Does something called Pad See Ew actually taste good? What’s the difference between Massaman and Penang curries? And what, exactly, is Larb?

row of Thai takeout boxes
There’s a wide world of Thai food waiting to be discovered!
Image source: Flickr user calamityjane

If all you ever order is Pad Thai, read on. Thai food for beginners can be confusing, but we’ve picked out a few delicious (yet still approachable) must-try dishes for those who want to explore this adventurous cuisine! This guide is also handy for admin assistants who might need to please a variety of palates (or even picky eaters). So next time your office orders Thai food delivery, consider one of the following:

Larb 

Essentially, larb is a salad, but don’t expect lots of lettuce or greens! Larb (also spelled larp, laap, or laab) is a mound of diced meat, mushrooms, or tofu that’s been well-mixed with herbs and onions. It might contain lots of lime juice and fish sauce, and sometimes chopped, toasted rice for a wonderfully crunchy texture. Larb is actually from Laos, but is a common dish on Thai menus — sometimes it’s an appetizer, sometimes it comes as a “set” with sticky rice and papaya salad, and sometimes it’s just an entree. In all cases, it’s delicious!

Larb takeout Thai food
Larb is often served lettuce-wrap style.
Image source: Flickr user Michael Seachang

The Curry Rundown

Creamy, coconut milk-based curries are the most common on menus in American Thai restaurants, but there are a few water-based versions: sour curry (gaeng sohm play) and jungle curry (gaeng pah). These will generally be lower in fat, but also much hotter, since there’s no creamy coconut milk to cut down the heat… consider yourself warned!

When ordering a Thai curry, you can usually choose your preferred protein: shrimp, chicken, pork, and tofu are the most common. Most restaurants will ask how spicy you want your curry; start with mild or medium if you’re new to the cuisine!

Panang curry is thick, rich, and less soupy than red or green curries, since it uses a little less coconut milk and adds in coconut cream. The flavor can be a bit more pronounced than the other curries; Panang curry sometimes includes peanuts, and is traditionally served with beef.

Massaman curry literally means “Muslim curry”; it carries a heavy influence from the Muslim population of a Malaysian island near Thailand. Usually made with lamb or beef (since Muslims don’t eat pork), Massaman curry has more of a roasty-spice flavor, from the unique inclusion of ingredients like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Massaman curry in bowl
Massaman curry is rich and roasty.
Image source: Flickr user Yong Suk Yun

Green curry is made from fresh green chiles, and usually includes bright flavors from lemongrass, kaffir lime, and sweet basil. Eggplant is usually the featured vegetable, and chicken might be the most popular protein. Kang Keaw Wan Kai (sweet green curry with chicken) is a great starting point for beginners.

Red curry is usually made from dried red chiles, along with spices like coriander, cumin, and turmeric. It’s very versatile and can include a wide range of proteins and vegetables.

Yellow curry is perhaps the mildest (although this can vary widely by restaurant and who’s in the kitchen!), usually with more turmeric, shallots, garlic, and ginger. Potatoes often make an appearance in yellow curry, along with chicken and onions.

Soup: Tom Kha Kai versus Tom Yam Kai

Both are chicken soups (kai means chicken), but they’re quite different: Tom Yam Kai is a spicy, broth-based soup, while Tom Kha Kai is a milder, creamy soup sweetened with coconut milk. Each soup packs a ton of flavor, but don’t order Tom Yam Kai unless you like a little heat. And if you do like spicy foods, go for Tom Yam Goong — made with shrimp instead of chicken, it’s one of the most flavorful dishes on the menu.

Thai tom kha kai soup
Tom Kha Kai is a rich and creamy coconut chicken soup.
Image source: Flickr user Edsel Little

Pad See Ew

There’s nothing “ew” about this hearty noodle dish, and if you’ve been hooked on the nutty flavors of Pad Thai, try Pad See Ew one next time. Thick, chewy noodles stir-fried with greens and a luscious soy sauce make this classic Thai dish simple but very delicious.

The best way to try more Thai food? Order a big variety, and serve it family-style in the break room for a fun, festive team lunch! Whether your workplace is full of culinary experts or needs a wide variety of Thai food for beginners, Waiter.com can help provide quick, fresh food delivery for delicious, Thai-inspired office meals.

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