Christmas is the time of year when families finally get together despite their busy schedules. Relatives return home, friends plan reunions, and everyone looks forward to sharing a good meal. After months of work and responsibilities, sitting around the same table feels especially nice.
Once the date is confirmed, the next question is what to eat. Someone suggests Peking Duck, another wants seafood, while others request their favorite noodles. With different cravings to consider, choosing the right dishes becomes part of the excitement.
That’s what makes planning a Chinese Christmas banquet enjoyable. From appetizers and comforting soup to vegetables, seafood, and Barbecued Peking Duck, everyone gets to share familiar flavors while catching up and celebrating Christmas together.
Start With Something Light Before the Main Dishes
Christmas dinners usually begin with warm greetings, relatives finding their seats, and everyone catching up. Having a few appetizers ready gives guests something to enjoy while waiting for the main dishes.
Dim sum is always a familiar choice for sharing. You can also include steamed dishes, crispy appetizers, or lighter vegetable selections, depending on what’s available. A little variety makes the start of the meal more enjoyable.
There’s no need to fill the table with too many starters. Choose a few favorites that everyone can share, leaving enough room for the seafood, roasted duck, and other dishes still to come.
Let Peking Duck Take Center Stage
Peking Duck always brings excitement when it arrives at the table. Its golden, crispy skin and tender meat are served with thin pancakes, cucumber, scallions, and sauce. The combination of savory flavors and fresh ingredients makes every bite enjoyable, especially during Christmas gatherings with family.
Part of the fun is preparing your own pancake. Add a few slices of duck, some cucumber and scallions, then finish with sauce before folding it together. Everyone has their own favorite combination. With several generations gathered around the table, Barbecued Peking Duck becomes a delicious dish that everyone can enjoy sharing together.
Add Seafood for a Little Variety
If Peking Duck is the highlight of your Christmas dinner, adding seafood gives everyone another dish to enjoy. Its different flavors and textures complement the roasted duck, making the meal more interesting. When planning your Chinese Christmas banquet, choose seafood that works well with the other dishes on your menu.
If you’re serving several rich, savory dishes, a lighter seafood option can bring balance. You don’t need to order too many varieties, especially with vegetables, noodles, and other favorites already included. Before finalizing your order, remember to check if anyone has seafood allergies or dietary restrictions.
Give Vegetables a Place on the Table
Vegetables might not be everyone’s first choice during Christmas dinner, but they deserve a place on the table. With roasted duck, seafood, and other savory dishes being served, something lighter can be a welcome change.
A vegetable dish adds freshness, color, and different textures to the meal. It’s also a good option for family members who prefer lighter flavors or want something simple between richer courses.
You don’t need anything too elaborate. Well-prepared vegetables can complement the main dishes without overpowering them. Having that balance makes the Christmas spread more enjoyable, especially when everyone has different food preferences.
How Should You Arrange the Courses?
A Chinese Christmas banquet doesn’t need a strict schedule, but serving dishes in a comfortable order helps everyone enjoy the meal. Starting with lighter selections before moving to richer dishes gives guests time to appreciate each course.
Here’s a simple way to arrange your Christmas menu:
- Appetizers and dim sum: Begin with small bites for sharing.
- Soup: Serve something warm and comforting.
- Seafood and vegetables: Add freshness and variety.
- Barbecued Peking Duck: Make it the main highlight.
- Noodles or rice: Include familiar family favorites.
- Dessert: End with something sweet.
Feel free to adjust the order based on your family’s preferences. What matters most is enjoying good food together without rushing.
Think About Everyone Coming to Dinner
Christmas dinners bring together family members of different ages, so everyone will have their own food preferences. Some relatives enjoy roasted dishes, others prefer seafood, while children often choose familiar favorites. Instead of finding one dish everyone likes, include a variety of options so each guest has something to enjoy.
Before finalizing your menu, ask about food allergies or dietary restrictions. If grandparents or young children are joining, consider seating arrangements and everyone’s comfort throughout dinner. These small preparations can make a difference, helping the whole family relax, enjoy their favorite dishes, and spend more time catching up together.
Where Can You Enjoy a Chinese Christmas Dinner in Makati?
For families planning Christmas dinner in Makati, Peking Garden at Greenbelt 5 has been serving traditional Chinese cuisine since 1995. Its menu features Barbecued Peking Duck, seafood, dim sum, vegetables, noodles, and soups, making it a welcoming choice for family gatherings. Before visiting, explore the menu and choose dishes everyone will enjoy sharing.
For larger celebrations, Peking Garden also offers function rooms for private gatherings. Whether you’re organizing a family reunion, Christmas dinner, or year-end celebration, discussing your guest count, menu preferences, and seating arrangements beforehand can help make the occasion more comfortable for everyone.
Don’t Let Planning Take Over the Celebration
Planning Christmas dinner involves more than choosing a restaurant. There are relatives to invite, reservations to confirm, and dishes to order. Some families also prepare gift exchanges, short programs, or group photographs.
Once everyone arrives, try to set those responsibilities aside and enjoy the gathering. Let guests settle in, catch up, and enjoy their food without rushing. If you’ve planned activities, leave enough time between courses.
After all, Christmas isn’t about following a perfect schedule. It’s about sharing stories, laughing over familiar memories, and spending time with loved ones. Those unplanned moments often make the celebration feel more special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dishes should be included in a Chinese Christmas banquet?
A good menu can include appetizers, dim sum, soup, Peking Duck, seafood, vegetables, noodles, rice, and dessert. Choose a mix of flavors and textures based on your guest count and the dishes your family enjoys.
Is Peking Duck a good centerpiece for Christmas dinner?
Yes. Peking Duck is traditionally served for sharing, making it a good choice for family Christmas dinners. Guests can enjoy the roasted duck with thin pancakes, cucumber, scallions, and sauce alongside other Chinese dishes.
How many dishes should you order for a Chinese banquet?
The number depends on how many guests are attending, the serving portions, and the dishes selected. Ask the restaurant about recommended portions to help avoid ordering too much or too little.
Can you arrange a private Chinese Christmas dinner in Makati?
Yes. Some Chinese restaurants offer private dining spaces for family gatherings and corporate celebrations. At Greenbelt 5 in Makati, function-room options are available for groups planning a more private occasion.
Should Peking Duck be served before or after seafood?
Either arrangement can work. Some families prefer lighter seafood dishes before the roasted duck, while others enjoy serving everything together. Ask the restaurant about the best serving arrangement for your chosen menu.
Celebrate Christmas With a Meal Worth Sharing
Planning a Chinese Christmas banquet can be simple. Start with appetizers and soup, add seafood and vegetables, and make Barbecued Peking Duck the centerpiece.
Choose dishes your family loves and leave time for everyone to relax, share stories, and enjoy the celebration together.
For your Christmas dinner or reunion, visit www.pekinggarden.com.ph to explore our menu and dining options at Greenbelt 5 in Makati. Make this Christmas one to remember.