How to Host an Indo-Chinese Theme Dinner Party at Home

Have you ever walked past a busy Indian street stall and caught that cloud of chilli-scented steam? If yes, then you already know how Indo-Chinese food has a way of stopping you in your tracks. It’s loud, it’s colourful, and it hits every part of your taste buds at once.

Think of a well-made gobi manchurian, and you get everything at once: sweet, spicy, smoky, tangy. Hosting an Indo-Chinese dinner party at home is your chance to bring that same buzz into your dining room.

That too, without the chaos of waiting for a table. Just order the ingredients from a grocery app and create perfection at home.

What’s So Special About Indo-Chinese Cuisine?

This category of food isn’t Chinese food the way you find it in Beijing. Nor is it purely Indian. It’s a happy collision that happened decades ago when Chinese immigrants in Kolkata started cooking with local vegetables, spices, and sauces.

And voila! We got dishes that are unapologetically bold. Imagine common grocery app items like soy sauce and vinegar mingling with green chillies, garlic, and Indian coriander.

It’s also built for sharing. One wok of noodles or fried rice can feed a table. Also, platters of starters vanish quicker than you can say “pass the chilli sauce.”

Setting A Well-Rounded Indo-Chinese Menu

You don’t need a long list of dishes, just a mix of textures and spice levels. Keep a few crisp appetisers like gobi manchurian. Further, add a few hearty mains, and something cool to sip on in between.

Here are some starters to kick off the evening:

• Gobi Manchurian: Cauliflower florets dipped in a spiced batter. They’re fried until they have that shatter-crisp edge. Then, tossed with garlic, ginger, soy, and green chillies. Dry style makes great finger food, but the saucy version clings to every bite.
• Spring Rolls: Paper-thin wrappers, packed with lightly stir-fried veggies. Commonly, people add carrots, cabbage, and capsicum. They’re rolled tight and fried till golden.
• Chilli Paneer: Paneer cubes cooked with peppers and onions. All smothered in a glossy chilli-garlic sauce that tastes best straight from the wok.

Mains and sides for a flavour-packed spread:

• Hakka Noodles: Slippery noodles stir-fried with shredded veggies over high heat. With just enough soy and vinegar to give that smoky, tangy punch.
• Veg Fried Rice: Fluffy rice grains mixed with carrots, beans, and spring onions. And a hint of pepper for warmth.
• Chilli Garlic Potatoes: Crisp-fried potato wedges coated in a sticky, deep-red sauce that’s both spicy and sweet.

Desserts and drinks with a fusion twist:

• Honey Noodles with Ice Cream: Yes, this combination is a hit! Fried noodle strips glazed with honey. Sprinkled with sesame seeds and served with a melting scoop of vanilla.
• Lychee Lemon Cooler: Sweet lychee juice shaken with lemon, soda, and a few crushed mint leaves.

Conclusion: Creating the Right Ambience

To create the right atmosphere, lay out bamboo mats and set out small dipping bowls for sauces. You can get the sauces from a trusted grocery app.

Keep serving dishes in the middle so people can help themselves. Also, remember to put on some soft background music with a gentle oriental touch. It sets the pace without overpowering conversation.