Planning Chinese Catering for Your Atlanta Event: Full Guide

When you’re organizing an event in Atlanta, whether it’s a corporate lunch, wedding reception, or family celebration, choosing the right catering can make or break the experience. Chinese catering offers a unique combination of crowd-pleasing flavors, dietary flexibility, and impressive presentation that keeps guests talking long after your event ends.

At General Tso’s, we’ve catered over 300,000 meals across Atlanta since 2020, and we’ve learned exactly what makes Chinese catering successful for every type of event. Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect menu for your gathering.

Why Chinese Catering Works for Atlanta Events

Chinese cuisine naturally solves several common catering challenges. The family-style serving approach encourages sharing and conversation, making it ideal for building connections at corporate events or celebrating with loved ones. The variety of flavors—from sweet and savory to spicy and tangy—ensures that even the pickiest eaters find something they love.

Perhaps most importantly, Chinese food holds up exceptionally well for catering. Dishes like General Tso’s chicken, lo mein, and fried rice maintain their quality during transport and buffet service, arriving hot and delicious to your event location.

Choosing the Right Menu for Your Event Type

Corporate Office Lunches

For daytime office events, we recommend focusing on energy-sustaining options that won’t leave your team sluggish during afternoon meetings. A balanced selection might include:

Protein-forward dishes like Orange Chicken or Mongolian Beef to keep energy levels stable
Vegetable-heavy options such as Buddha’s Delight or String Bean Chicken for lighter appetites
Carb options including fried rice and lo mein to round out the meal
Spring rolls or dumplings as appetizers that people can grab between conversations

The key is variety. In our experience catering Atlanta offices, we’ve found that offering 3-4 main dishes, 2 sides, and an appetizer gives everyone options without creating overwhelming choice paralysis.

Wedding Receptions and Family Celebrations

For special occasions, presentation matters as much as taste. Consider these crowd-pleasers that photograph beautifully:

Honey Walnut Shrimp: A sweet and elegant dish that appeals to guests who might not typically choose Chinese food
Sesame Chicken: Milder flavors that work well for children and adults alike
Beef with Broccoli: A classic that showcases quality ingredients
Vegetable Spring Rolls: Beautiful presentation and accommodates vegetarian guests

Don’t forget about dietary restrictions. Modern wedding planning means accounting for gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian needs. The beauty of Chinese cuisine is its natural flexibility—many dishes can be easily modified without sacrificing flavor.

Large-Scale Events and Gatherings

When feeding 50+ people, logistics become crucial. Successful large-event catering requires:

Strategic Menu Selection: Choose dishes that scale well. Fried rice, lo mein, and stir-fry dishes maintain consistency even in large batches.

Temperature Management: Work with your caterer to understand their warming equipment and timing. Dishes should be served within 2 hours of cooking for optimal quality.

Serving Style: Buffet-style service works best for large groups, allowing guests to control portions and return for seconds. This also reduces wait times compared to plated service.

Navigating Dietary Restrictions and Preferences

Today’s events require thoughtful accommodation of various dietary needs. Here’s how to handle common requests:

Gluten-Free Options

Many Chinese sauces contain soy sauce, which includes wheat. However, gluten-free alternatives exist:

Request tamari-based sauces instead of traditional soy sauce
Opt for steamed dishes with sauce on the side
Choose rice-based items over noodle dishes

Vegan and Vegetarian Guests

Chinese cuisine offers abundant plant-based options:

Buddha’s Delight (mixed vegetables in garlic sauce)
Vegetable fried rice (request without egg)
Tofu-based dishes as protein alternatives
Spring rolls with vegetable filling

Allergies and Sensitivities

Always communicate allergies clearly with your caterer. Common Chinese food allergens include:

Peanuts and tree nuts (used in Kung Pao dishes and some desserts)
Shellfish (in some sauces and obvious dishes like shrimp)
Sesame (in sesame chicken and as garnish)

Portion Planning: How Much Food Do You Actually Need?

One of the most common questions we hear is: “How much should we order?” Here’s our guideline based on thousands of Atlanta events:

For Buffet-Style Service (per person):

6-8 oz of protein dishes
4-6 oz of vegetable dishes
4 oz of rice or noodles
2-3 appetizer pieces

Translated to Menu Items: For 25 guests, order:

3-4 large entrées (each serves 8-10)
2 side dishes
1-2 appetizer trays
Adequate rice (usually 1 cup uncooked per 3 people)

Pro Tip: It’s better to slightly over-order than run short. Leftover Chinese food makes excellent next-day lunches, and running out of food reflects poorly on the host.

Timing Your Catering Order for Best Results

Success starts with proper planning. Here’s our recommended timeline:

2-3 Weeks Before: Contact your caterer to discuss menu options, get quotes, and check availability for your date.

1 Week Before: Finalize your order, confirm headcount, and communicate any dietary restrictions. This gives the caterer time to source special ingredients if needed.

48 Hours Before: Provide your final guest count. Most caterers need this for accurate food preparation.

Day Of: Confirm delivery time and location details. For hot food, timing is everything—coordinate delivery to arrive 15-30 minutes before service.

Setting Up for Success: Serving and Presentation

Even the best food needs proper presentation. Here’s how to set up a professional Chinese catering display:

Equipment and Setup

Ensure adequate table space (6-8 feet for a full spread)
Use chafing dishes or warmers for hot items
Provide serving utensils for each dish
Set up in a logical flow: plates first, then appetizers, main dishes, rice/noodles, and beverages last

Keeping Food Hot and Fresh

Light chafing fuel 15 minutes before guests arrive
Avoid uncovering food until service begins
Designate someone to monitor and refill dishes
Keep backup food warm in the kitchen, not on the buffet

Atmosphere and Extras

Small touches elevate the experience:

Place menu cards with dish names and spice levels
Provide chopsticks alongside forks
Include serving suggestions (like pairing certain sauces with dishes)
Set out soy sauce, hot sauce, and fortune cookies for the full experience

Working with Your Atlanta Caterer: Questions to Ask

Not all catering services deliver the same quality or service. Before booking, ask:

How long have you been catering in Atlanta? Experience matters, especially for understanding local venues and logistics.
Do you use fresh ingredients daily? Fresh food makes a noticeable difference in taste and quality.
What’s included in your service? Clarify whether delivery, setup, warming equipment, and serving utensils are included.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions? Ensure they can handle your guests’ specific needs without cross-contamination.
What’s your backup plan? Ask about their policy for last-minute count changes or issues.
Do you have photos of previous events? Visual examples help ensure their presentation meets your standards.

Real Atlanta Events: Learning from Success Stories

We’ve had the privilege of catering some memorable Atlanta events. Here’s what we learned:

Tech Company All-Hands Meeting (200 people): The client chose a varied menu with clear labeling of spice levels and dietary accommodations. The result? Zero complaints and multiple return bookings. The lesson: clear communication prevents disappointment.

Outdoor Wedding Reception (75 guests): Despite Atlanta’s summer heat, we used insulated containers and timed delivery perfectly. The food arrived hot and fresh during cocktail hour. The lesson: work with your caterer on timing and temperature management for outdoor events.

Non-Profit Fundraiser (100+ guests): The organization needed impressive food on a budget. We created a streamlined menu focusing on high-impact dishes that photograph well. The lesson: quality over quantity creates better memories.

Budget-Friendly Chinese Catering Tips

Great Chinese catering doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s how to maximize value:

Focus Your Menu: Rather than ordering small amounts of many dishes, choose fewer items in larger quantities. Three excellent dishes beat six mediocre ones.

Smart Protein Choices: Chicken-based dishes typically cost less than beef or seafood while still delivering great flavor.

Supplement Strategically: Provide abundant rice and appetizers to stretch more expensive protein dishes further.

Off-Peak Advantage: Weekday lunches and Sunday events often cost less than Saturday dinner service.

Package Deals: Many caterers offer better per-person rates for larger orders or package menus.

Common Chinese Catering Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others’ errors:

Mistake #1: Ordering Too Late Last-minute orders limit menu options and may incur rush fees. Book at least one week in advance.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Spice Levels Not everyone enjoys spicy food. Request mild versions of traditionally spicy dishes or offer heat on the side.

Mistake #3: Inadequate Serving Setup Without proper warmers, food gets cold quickly. Confirm your caterer provides appropriate equipment.

Mistake #4: Poor Venue Communication Loading docks, service elevators, and parking can complicate delivery. Share venue details early.

Mistake #5: Forgetting About Leftovers Have a plan for remaining food—containers for guests, donation to staff, or proper storage.

Making Your Event Memorable

The best catered events create lasting impressions. Here’s how to elevate your Chinese catering from good to unforgettable:

Interactive Elements

Set up a build-your-own bowl station with rice, proteins, and vegetables
Offer a dumpling bar where guests can try different varieties
Provide a fortune cookie dessert display with fun sayings

Cultural Touches

Share brief descriptions of dish origins on menu cards
Include traditional tea service alongside beverages
Play background music that complements the cuisine

Sustainable Practices

Request minimal single-use plastics
Provide clearly marked recycling and compost bins
Coordinate leftover donation to local organizations

The General Tso’s Difference in Atlanta

Since opening in 2020, we’ve built our reputation on fresh ingredients, customizable menus, and reliable service. Our partnership with platforms like Fooda and ezCater ensures seamless ordering, while our decades of culinary expertise guarantee authentic flavors your guests will love.

We’re not just a catering company—we’re part of the Atlanta community. We’ve donated thousands of meals to local schools because we believe great food should nourish everyone. When you choose General Tso’s, you’re supporting a local business committed to quality and community.

Ready to Plan Your Perfect Event?

Chinese catering offers unmatched versatility, flavor, and value for Atlanta events of any size. Whether you’re feeding 15 colleagues or 150 wedding guests, the right catering partner makes all the difference.

Start planning your event by considering your guest count, dietary needs, and event style. Then reach out to discuss custom menu options that will make your event truly special. With over 300,000 meals served and counting, we’ve perfected the art of Chinese catering in Atlanta.

Pro Tip: Download our free event planning checklist at generaltsoscatering.com or contact us through ezCater and Fooda for streamlined ordering and guaranteed great service.

Your guests will remember great food. Let’s make sure it’s unforgettable.

Looking for Chinese catering in Atlanta? General Tso’s serves fresh, customizable Chinese-American cuisine for corporate events, weddings, and special gatherings. Contact us today to discuss your event needs.