Xiao long bao, house-made noodles and pork buns galore—take your little dumpling to one of these SF dim sum spots.
Fun, soft, small and delicious—dim sum is perfect food for kids. They can gobble them up with their little fingers, no silverware required. San Francisco boasts the oldest and largest Chinatown in the country and we’ve rounded up seven of our favorite spots there, from fancy and modern to small hole-in-the-wall dim sum bakeries.
This is for sure one of the most sophisticated dim sum spots around. At lunchtime, you can enjoy some of the most creative dim sum in San Francisco like the delicious squid ink dumplings. At night they also offer hot pot with an extensive selection of meats, seafood, veggies, house-made noodles, and around 10 house-made sauces. If you are not sure of which dim sum to try, order the sampler and get the most colorful selection of dumplings in the Bay.
Good Mong Kok is an excellent and affordable bakery for when you want your dumplings on the go. Try their steamed pork, shu mai, har gow, steamed chive dumpling and beef shu mai. The dumplings are plump and generous and packed with flavor. There is no sitting, but you can have a dim sum picnic at Washington Square park nearby.
This trendy, modern and affordable dumpling restaurant makes its home in Mission Bay. They make amazing xiao long baos (soup dumplings!) and focus on local and fresh ingredients to create their traditional dumplings. An added plus is their heated outdoor patio. Keep the kids occupied while you wait by watching the dumplings being made fresh before your eyes.
This San Francisco staple has been preparing some of the most authentic dim sum for over ten years. There are not a lot of tables and if you come on the weekend be prepared to wait. But, the wait is so worth it. Feast on spicy pork and chive dumplings, plump and delicious shrimp and soup dumplings, and make sure to order their famous green beans!
Good Luck Dim Sum is known to be one of the most consistent and affordable dim sum spots in the city. Try their siu mai and shrimp dumplings—so juicy and delicious! And their pork buns are to die for (and a kid fave). There are a few tables in the back but most people take their dim sum to go.
736 Clement St. San Francisco
Wing Lee Bakery
Wing Lee is a classic Clement Street take out dim sum spot. What they lack in ambiance they make up for in tasty food. The shrimp and leek dumplings are outrageous—large shrimp pieces, tender, crunchy and so fresh. Also try their siu mai, pot stickers and bbq pork buns. So good, simple and inexpensive. Bonus: they are super fast, great for feeding those hungry little mouths that can surely not wait.
It’s already been a hectic start to 2022—time to chill out. If a laid-back vacation is what you’re craving, we’ve got just the spot. Gulf County, Florida, is a dreamy beach town perfect for families who want to reconnect and soak up not only the sunshine but some relaxing vibes. Gulf County is known for its friendly locals and small-town feel where you can spread out and take up space, kick back, enjoy the beautiful beaches, easy outdoor adventures and excellent food.
It gets better: You don’t even have to plan this trip. (well, maybe just a little…) They have local expert concierges ready to help make your stay the most memorable for your crew. One of our editors, Jamie Aderski, gave their free online concierge service a try.
Now, this is the way to travel! The idea of planning a vacation (something that’s supposed to be fun) gives me a headache. The nice folks at Gulf County, Florida, came up with a solution, with their local concierge service. I’ll break this genius vacay hack down for you below:
Step 1: Answer a Few Questions
I filled out a handy-dandy online questionnaire about my family and what we like to do for fun. Choices like arts & culture, snorkeling, boating and more made for a thorough list—here we go!
This is so cool. You can choose the person you want to put together your dream vacay! How? Vetted, knowledgeable locals are listed with their favorite activities, so you can pick one that fits your family’s vibe—love it!
Step 3: Get Your Personalized Trip Recommendations
Yes. From a real-live human! I was so impressed with the email I received from my concierge, Kelli. She was so sweet and pointed out that she also has two kids of similar ages to mine—Kelli gets it. A detailed, specific shortlist of where to stay and what to do based on my family's preferences was included.
Kelli’s Recommendations for My Family (& They’re Spot-On)
Homebase
Our recommended hotel was Mermaid Landing in St. Joe Beach. Kelli noted that the beach is calm and easy for young kids and has a pool if the waters get too rough for our gang—good call. Now I don't have to spend hours researching where to stay, my least favorite part of trip-planning—YAY!
Restaurant Recommendations
Somehow she just knew that I love a good raw bar. Shipwreck Raw Bar is a family-friendly seafood restaurant that I know we will all love. They even have cute photo ops outside and a pirate ship for my "mateys" to enjoy—arrr!
Kelli gave us a solid breakfast and lunch option, too: SandDollar Cafe. Not only is this place quick, which is ideal when traveling with toddlers, but their shrimp & grits are epic. You read my mind yet again, Kelli!
Wildcard Activities
This is so fun. Kelli gave us more options for things to do, like enjoying the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve. We love to picnic and play, and wouldn’t have otherwise known about this beautiful spot. It has an impressive lookout tower for discovering an array of wildlife who call this place home. They even offer guided tours—excellent for my animal-obsessed kids.
I loved getting Kelli’s adventure recommendations since she has two kids similar to mine. She recommended an easy-breezy pontoon boat ride AND suggested who to rent from and where to explore, two things I would have no clue about otherwise. I even learned from her that Gulf County has the highest percentage of nesting sea turtles in North West Florida. We are definitely going to check out The Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center she mentioned—done and done!
Bottom line: This concierge service made it oh-so-simple and fun to learn why the Gulf Coast is a hidden gem of a spot. A personalized itinerary from a local speaks volumes about why Gulf County is special and a no-brainer for our next trip.
If your kids already love noodles, it could be time to foray into Vietnamese food! Characterized by fresh herbs, fruit, vegetables, rice noodles and flour, with very little oil and dairy, Vietnamese cuisine is kid-friendly and also great for people with a gluten-intolerance. From crafting the perfect Banh Mi to sipping on flavorful Phở, these recipes are simple to make and will expand your family’s palate in no time.
This Vietnamese sandwich from Rasa Malaysia is one of the most popular, especially because of its crusty baguette and flavorful meat. You can make it using pork or chicken and use traditional pickled carrots and may as condiments, or change to cater to your picky eaters.
Chilly night? Time for some Phở! While this traditional soup can take quite some time to prepare (it's all about the broth!), this recipe from Gimme Some Oven gives some easy shortcuts that gets in on the table in 45 minutes. Kids will love putting in their own veggies and meat, while cutting their noodles with a pair of scissors.
If you're opting for a lighter dinner packed with vegetables, this Vietnamese salad bowl is perfect. A Spicy Perspective has a simple recipe that combines marinated pork, a homemade dressing, noodles and fresh greens. Even better? Pair with some spring rolls to round out the meal.
Even picky eaters won't be able to turn away from this delish recipe from Vicky Pham. Void of the usual lemongrass and fish sauce that is normally prevalent in Vietnamese recipes, these pan-fried pork patties pair great with rice.
Calling all meat lovers! Vietnamese beef stew will quickly become your fall go-to meal thanks to Pups with Chopstick. Similar to regular beef stew, this version kicks it up a notch by using lemongrass, star anise and cinnamon to give it a brand new flavor. Serve with noodles or dip in a baguette––you can't go wrong with either!
These "sizzling cake" Vietnamese crepes are great for family dinners. A savory version, Hungry Huy shares a crispy Bánh xèo (pronounced "ban say-oh") recipe involving pork, shrimp, greens and tons of flavor.
This fancy sounding dish really comes down to Vietnamese noodles with Lemongrass chicken. The fun-to-look-at meal involves simple ingredients that are fresh, healthy and can be customized for your fam. Head to Carlsbad Cravings for this tasty recipe.
The best part of Vietnamese Spring Rolls? You can customize them however you want! This particular recipe from Rasa Malaysia takes pork, shrimp, crab meat, carrots and mung bean noodles all wrapped together then fried. Don't forget the spring roll sauce!
Sauté, grill or bake: there's no wrong way to enjoy this lemongrass chicken from Gimme Some Oven. You'll be whipping up your own fragrant marinade, cooking and serving up the tastiest dinner of the week!
Vanilla sponge cake anyone? This delicious recipe from Run Away Rice is sweet and simple, with a light vanilla flavor. Chances are, you already have everything you need to make Banh Bong Lan!
Want your kids to expand their list of acceptable foods beyond buttered noodles and french fries? Fluffy bread, warm spices, chicken and lots of vegetarian options make Indian food a great option! Brightly colored and easy to adjust the spice factor, we’ve rounded up some of the best Indian food recipes that will have your kids asking for more naan in no time!
Once you make homemade Naan, you may never go back to store bought. This simple recipe from Gimme Some Oven uses basic ingredients, and only takes an hour to rise before dropping in the skillet and devouring.
Dahl makes the perfect addition to rice or to eat with naan. This easy red lentil version from The Wanderlust Kitchen takes just 30 minutes and is perfect for anyone who loves plant-based recipes.
When it comes to quick vegetarian Indian recipes, this Chana Masala recipe from Cookie + Kate will be your go-to. Substitute canned tomatoes and dry spices to get the same authentic flavor of this chick pea dish that you would at your fave Indian restaurant.
Need the perfect Indian chicken recipe? Here it is! Our editors love this slow cooker recipe from Damn Delicious that takes the grunt work out of cooking. It cooks in just a few hours and pairs perfectly with basmati rice.
It takes just five ingredients to make your own Chicken Tikka Masala and it's way easier than you think. This flavorful dinner idea from Pinch of Yum works great as a go-to comfort food and tastes just as amazing heated up for lunch the next day.
Make sneaking in the veggies a breeze with Food Fanatic's Vegetable Biryani! While this recipe does have quite the ingredient list, your kiddos will hardly notice their scarfing down carrots, green beans and peas.
Perfect as an "entry level" snack to get your kids hooked on Indian food, these fried samosas from Gitanjali Roche are packed with flavor and veggies. Made with homemade dough and fried to perfection, they pair nicely with a side of chutney for even more flavor.
Packed with aromatic spices but still easy on the palate, Cooking Classy's Chicken Curry will quickly become a family favorite. It takes just 20 minutes to sauté and simmer, then you'll be slurping this down in no time!
Did somebody say "fried cheese?" This crispy, battered dish is perfect for introducing littles to delicious Indian food. Make it plain or stuff with chutney––both take this cheese recipe from My Food Story to the next level.
While you likely won't be making this dish in a traditional tandoori oven, you can still get an authentic flavor using traditional Indian spices. And because you're whipping up shrimp, dinner will be ready in no time. Rasa Malaysia's easy recipe uses Greek yogurt, garam masala and turmeric before tossing on the BBQ.
For little foodies ready to up their naan game, this recipe for stuffed flatbread from My Ginger Garlic Kitchen is perfect. A traditional breakfast dish, Aloo Paratha is made with a spiced potato filling and is simply cooked in a fry pan.
Calling all taco lovers! If your mini me loves whipping up play creations, then they’ll love this absolutely adorable Fill & Fold Taco and Tortilla Set from Melissa and Doug.
The taco-tastic kit comes with everything kiddos need to host their own Taco Tuesday. Use the skillet, knife and wooden spoon to cook up chicken, shrimp, beef, tomato, onion, avocado, pepper, shredded cheese, pinto beans and crema before topping off with hot sauce!
photo: Courtesy of Melissa & Doug
The set comes with a foldable tortilla, hard-shelled taco and menu cards so your chef can craft fajitas, burritos or tacos to order. The set is for kids three and older and even comes with a hinged container for easy storage.
If there’s someone out there who doesn’t like a good stir-fry, we haven’t met them. With countless combos like chicken stir-fry, beef and broccoli, stir-fried rice and more, there are enough recipes out there for everyone’s taste. We picked our favorite recipes that use all sorts of ingredients, from chicken to shrimp. The best part? Most of these take 30 minutes or less. We even found a few stir-fry sauces that are easy to whip up. Scroll down to see them all.
Pad Thai is a popular noodle stir-fry that you can make with chicken or shrimp and uses rice noodles. The cilantro gives it a fresh taste and the sweet sauce is easy on little palates. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island.
Veggie Stir-Fry with Egg
Anna Doogan
A quick and healthy stir-fry that includes scrambled eggs, we love this easy veggie dinner. Get the recipe here.
Vegetarian-friendly stir-fried rice? Yes, please! With ingredients like bok choy, broccoli and zucchini, you can adjust the recipe according to your family’s taste. Get the recipe here.
Cashew chicken is a popular combo, and this stir-fry version from Boulder Locavore is so easy and so good, you might not ever order takeout again! Get the recipe here.
You can use udon noodles for this yummy stir-fry we spotted over at The View from Great Island! With just beef, broccoli and water chestnuts (plus the sauce), not only is a picky-eater pleasure, but it’s ready in 30 minutes or less! Get the recipe here.
Our mouths are watering when it comes to this sweet chili shrimp stir fry. And, with only four ingredients, the hardest part will be prepping your veggies. See the recipe from Sweet Peas and Saffron here.
From teriyaki sauce to a peanut sauce and even a red Thai curry that’s not too spicy, we’ve also rounded up our favorite stir-fry sauces that you can use on just about any combination of ingredients. See them below.
Get ready to cook with your kiddos! In celebration of Disney’s new action-adventure fantasy flick Raya and the Last Dragon, Raddish Kids has a free downloadable cooking kit that features fun-filled family-friendly recipes.
Raya and the Last Dragon hits theaters and the small screen (via Disney+ with Premiere Access) Mar. 5. Even though your kids can’t watch the movie just yet, they can whip up a magical meal based on this soon-to-be blockbuster.
Raddish founder Samantha Barnes, said in a press release, “We’re thrilled to create these recipes in celebration of Raya and the Last Dragon, introducing families to the flavors of the Southeast Asian cuisine that inspired the setting for the film.” Barnes added, “Families are in for a treat, making and enjoying a meal together before joining Raya on her spectacular adventure.”
The free kit includes illustrated recipes for Shrimp Noodles, Pork Lettuce Cups and Mango Sticky Rice along with Table Talk conversation cards. Your kiddos can also cook alongside a Raddish instructor with the brand’s pre-recorded virtual video. The video also features a special appearance from a Disney chef!
To learn more about this culinary experience and download your free Disney/Raddish Maya and the Last Dragon kids’ cooking kit, visit Raddish’s website here.
When people think of kid-food, choices like mac and cheese and chicken fingers are often top-of-mind. Yes, those foods are delicious and often well-accepted by little foodies, and I feed them to my daughter on occasion as well.
Being a registered dietitian and mom, I try and find a balance between serving my five-year-old foods that she loves (brownies make the top of her list) and foods that I know she needs for health benefits (and she also loves). And while my list of “mom-approved” foods is long, there is one that is always prioritized: Seafood.
My daughter gets seafood on her dinner plate two times a week—the amount that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends children consume. But my rationale doesn’t end at simply wanting to follow the guidance of the USDA. Over the years, more and more data has come out that highlights just how impactful two servings of seafood per week can be to little ones—enough to convince me that it is a must-have in my home.
Eating Seafood Helps Support Strong Growing Bones
When kids are chowing down on seafood options like salmon, they are getting a boost of vitamin D, a nutrient that supports bone health and is not found in many other foods. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which can in turn support healthy bones and teeth.
Additionally, the lean protein that seafood provides helps support bone health as well as your child’s overall growing body. Think of the salmon, tuna, or shrimp on your kiddo’s plate as bone-booster during the time in their life that they need it most.
Eating Seafood Can Help Boost Brain Development
When they say you are what you eat, that rule certainly applies to brain health. And when specifically looking at kids, eating seafood has been shown to directly impact their brainpower.
When choosing seafood options that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids like farm-raised salmon, your child may end up literally having a bigger brain—which is a good thing! Also, data suggests that kids who eat fish at least once per week may do better in school. Fish consumption has also been linked to higher IQs (about 4.8 points higher than non-fish eaters) and improved reading skills. So, along with making sure your kid gets quality sleep and does their homework, including fatty fish in their diet can be an important part of their weekly routine to help support their academic progress.
Seafood Supports a Healthy Immune System
In these times, supporting a healthy immune system is at the forefront of everyone’s minds—especially since kids are back in school and around all of the potential “ick”. While there are tons of miracleimmunity supplements on the market, one overlooked booster is seafood.
Some varieties of seafood also provide protein, zinc, and vitamin A—all nutrients that play an important role in immune health. So, that salmon patty that you are feeding your family may be the ticket to keeping them healthy during cold and flu season!
Shopping the seafood counter (or frozen section) can feel a bit overwhelming, so here are some tricks to buying the safest, best-quality options. Choose seafood with integrity by looking for the BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) certified seal. I also recommend serving sustainably raised varieties that are low in mercury and high in omega-3 fats, like farmed salmon from Chile. Opting for seafood that is low in mercury, such as salmon, pollock, flounder, cod, tilapia, and shrimp is particularly important for pregnant women and children.
When feeding your kids seafood, it is important to think about the fact that people (especially children) eat with their eyes first. In other words, the food needs to look good. While plopping a raw oyster on your child’s plate may not be a hit, offering some grilled shrimp with a dipping sauce can be a fun and appealing meal for your little one to enjoy. And making a twist on some classic favorites, like a salmon burger instead of a beef option, can be a simple swap that loads your child up with important nutrients. Lastly, be sure to offer seafood starting at an early to help your child develop a life-long habit that can play a huge role in their overall health and brain development.
Lauren Manaker is an award-winning registered dietitian, lactation counselor and author. Lauren's work has been featured in numerous publications and demostrates her committment to sharing evidence-based nutrition guidance that simplifies healthy eating. When she is not writing, Lauren can be found boating with her husband, daughter and rescue pup on the waters of Charleston, SC.
The holiday season may look different this year. We can still enjoy the comfort foods we are all craving. Red Lobster is serving up this year’s hottest gift with the release of limited-edition festive gift boxes filled with Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Starting Nov. 16, give the gift of everyone’s favorite indulgence by ordering a half-dozen Cheddar Bay Biscuits To Go from RedLobster.com, which can be picked up in restaurant or conveniently sent to the recipient’s (or your) door, via touchless delivery, where available. For $1 more, guests can select Half Dozen Cheddar Bay Biscuits in the limited-edition, festive gift box from the Biscuits & Extras section of the online ordering page of the website, while supplies last.
“Whether you’re searching for a unique gift to give a loved one you can’t physically be with, or looking to reward yourself for finishing a tough year strong, our Cheddar Bay Biscuit gift boxes are guaranteed to serve up some much-needed warmth and comfort this holiday season,” said Deanna Kotch, Vice President of Marketing, Red Lobster.
The crave doesn’t have to stop there. Red Lobster is also offering a variety of new Holiday Party Platters available To Go or for delivery. Enjoy guest favorites like Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp, Signature Shrimp Cocktail, Walt’s Favorite Shrimp as well as new Holiday Party Platters including Chilled Holiday Seafood Platter and the Shrimp Lover’s Holiday Platter.
For those looking to fuel up after a long day of shopping and online deal hunting, Red Lobster has rolled out new craveable menu items, likeKung Pao Noodles with Fried Lobster, Crispy Shrimp or Chicken, Sesame-Soy Salmon Bowl and Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Appetizer. Guests can also celebrate the return of Signature Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and Hand-Breaded Calamari, plus Triple Chocolate Brownie Whole Pan and Crispy Brussels Sprouts, available for dine-in or To Go, for curbside pickup, where available, or touchless delivery directly from RedLobster.com.
“There are so many great ways to enjoy seafood as part of your holiday celebration this year, no matter what that celebration might look like,” said Kotch. “Whether you’re looking to enjoy a date night out or gather with family at home for the holidays, we’ve got you covered with a variety of choices sure to meet your needs.”
Throughout the holiday season, earn points for dining, including through To Go and delivery orders, and redeem tasty rewards by signing up for Red Lobster’s free loyalty program, My Red Lobster Rewards℠. To learn more, please visit https://www.redlobster.com/rewards.
Many families have been relying on takeout now more than ever. DoorDash just unveiled the DoorDash Deep Dish report. This report delves into the top takeout and cooking trends to date as we make our way past the halfway point of the year.
Using order data from Jan. 1, 2020 to Jun. 30, 2020 and a national consumer survey, DoorDash’s mid-year report checks in on popular food trends, nationally and regionally, how users ate through social distancing, cravings across the country, and more. The national consumer survey polled 2,000 Americans on what they cooked, ate, and baked the most, the top food and drink they missed while restaurants were closed, the impact the past six months have had on vacation plans and more.
Check out some highlights form the DoorDash Deep Dish Report:
Top Foods of 2020 To Date
Chicken Sandwich & French Fries
Mac and Cheese
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Make Your Own Pizza
Iced Coffee
California Roll
Breakfast Burrito
Chicken Fajitas
Spicy Tuna Roll
Fish & Chips
Top Condiments of 2020 To Date
Ranch
Sour Cream
Soy Sauce
Hot Mustard
Spicy Mayo
Ketchup
Hot Sauce
Honey Mustard
Salsa
Honey BBQ
Top 20 Food On The Rise This Year That You Should Expect To See More Of:
Oatmeal – 1,768% increase
Queso Blanco – 1,735% increase
Iced Caramel Coffee – 1,660% increase
Grilled Chicken Taco – 1,502% increase
Create Your Own Pizza – 1,501% increase
Cinnamon Rolls – 1,400% increase
Cheese Nachos – 1,130% increase
Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie – 1,193% increase
Spinach and Artichoke Dip – 1,092% increase
Iced French Vanilla Coffee – 1,028% increase
Shrimp Tacos – 997% increase
New York Style Cheesecake – 843% increase
Strawberry Banana Smoothie – 822% increase
Biscuits with Gravy – 818% increase
Vegetable Samosa – 788% increase
Blueberry Muffin – 779% increase
Plant-based Burgers – 433% increase
Chicken Fajitas – 318% increase
Churros – 260% increase
Horchata – 200% increase
The State of Flavor in America – Top Items in US Cities
LA: Sushi–California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Salmon Avocado Roll, Rainbow Roll, and Shrimp Tempura Roll are top sushi items ordered
SF: Indian–Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan, Basmati Rice, Samosas, and Saag Paneer are top items ordered
Denver: Cheese is Supreme–Mac & Cheese, Mozzarella Sticks, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Chicken Quesadillas, and Chips & Queso are top items ordered
Chicago: Is A Hot Dog a Sandwich?–Italian Beef Sandwich, Hot Dog, Chicken Sandwich, Chili Cheese Dog, Beef Croissant Sandwich are top items ordered
Austin: Tex-Mex–Chips & Queso, Burritos, Baja Shrimp Taco, Fried Avocado Taco, and Chicken Fajitas are top items ordered
Atlanta: Sweet Tooth–Chocolate Chip Cookie, Cookies & Cream Milkshake, Brownie, Apple Pie, and Banana Bread are top items ordered
Miami: Latin American Flavors–Sweet Plantains, Fried Yuca, Jerk Chicken, Tres Leches, and Tostones are top items ordered
DC: Chicken–Roasted Chicken, Chicken Noodle Soup, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Tenders, and Curry Chicken are top items ordered
Philadelphia: American Staples–Chicken Nuggets, Cheesesteaks, Cheeseburgers, Italian Hoagie, and Boneless Wings are top items ordered
NYC: Chicken–Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Quesadilla, Chicken Parmigiana, Crispy Chicken BLT, Buttermilk Fried Chicken are top items ordered
Seattle: Seafood–California Roll, Fish & Chips, Crab Rangoon, Spicy Tuna Roll, and Tartar Sauce are top items ordered
Top Food Items ordered this year during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night
East Coast:
Breakfast: Iced Coffee, Donuts, Steak Omelette, Belgian Waffle, Bagel with Butter
DoorDash’s survey found that more time spent cooking is tiring people out. 70% of those surveyed said they are spending more time in the kitchen and 47% report that they are tired of cooking. 25% will order more food when they get takeout so that they will have leftovers for the next day.
Almost half of respondents are most tired of cooking chicken, followed by pasta and microwave meals. While tired of cooking chicken, Americans aren’t sick of ordering in chicken. Chicken Sandwich with french fries was the top food item ordered on DoorDash this year, with Chicken Fajitas also making the list as the 8th most ordered item.
While our Instagram feeds were flooded with pictures of banana bread, cookies are filling cravings for comfort food with 60% of those surveyed saying they baked chocolate chip cookies during the pandemic. Cookies also surged in order frequency, with Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookies seeing a 1,193% increase in orders compared to the first half of 2019.
People missing eating out, especially Mexican food and margaritas, and sushi. Americans made up for missing eating Mexican and Seafood out by ordering these cuisines in–the top items ordered this year on DoorDash include Spicy Shrimp Tacos (3rd most ordered item), California Roll (6th most ordered), Breakfast Burritos (7th most ordered), Chicken Fajitas (8th most ordered), Spicy Tuna Roll (9th most ordered) and Fish & Chips (10th most ordered). Top trending Mexican items ordered on DoorDash include Queso Blanco (1,735% increase), Grilled Chicken Tacos (1,502% increase), Cheese Nachos (1,130% increase), Shrimp Tacos (997% increase), and Chicken Fajitas (318% increase).
The west coast disagrees: their top response is sushi, edging Mexican food 36% to 34%. Top DoorDash orders from West Coasters support this, with Sushi and Seafood being the dominant items ordered in LA and Seattle, respectively, and West Coast top dinner items including Spicy Tuna Rolls and Dragon Rolls
The pandemic has caused food habits to change. Of those surveyed, 45% have tried at least one of three select new food habits. Intermittent fasting is especially popular with older millennials (25-34-year-olds) as 40% say they’ve tried it. Plant based eating is also on the rise. 18-24 year olds ranked plant-based as the most appetizing vegan dish and DoorDash orders for Plant-based Burgers surged 443% increase in 2020.
The largest amount spent on a single DoorDash food order this year was an order worth $2,578 that included 70 orders of Mediterranean herb chicken, 40 orders of grilled vegetables, and 20 cheese plates.
