egg roll kebab

Expand Senior Dining with High-Impact, Low-Labor Global Flavors

Written in partnership with the Senior Dining Association, this guide explores how global cuisine is transforming menus to meet the evolving wellness and nutrition needs of senior living patrons.

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Bring bold, authentic tastes to your community with our efficient appetizer solutions.

Residents Now Expect More Diverse Global Flavor Profiles

Senior living patrons no longer view dining as just a meal; they look for better nutrition, overall wellness, and exciting dishes that satisfy novel cravings. Market research from Datassential confirms that global cuisine is the ideal way to deliver these premium experiences:

  • 70% of operators claim that consumer demand for globally inspired food is increasing in their operations.1
  • Asian cuisine represents one of the fastest-growing trends currently seen in the industry according to Chef Craig Claude.
  • Increased exposure to Asian flavors through travel and dining makes residents want to see these items featured more frequently as a staple of their experience.

Feature the Familiar Favorites That Residents Recognize and Trust

You can drive success with less labor by starting with familiar favorites like MINH® Egg Rolls and CHEF ONE® Dumplings that residents already recognize.

  • Egg rolls and dumplings provide a great foundation for any menu whether you need quick starters or creative experiments.
  • Quick preparation times save labor because deep-frying these items only takes about 3–4 minutes to complete.
  • Sampler platters and flights grab resident attention by mixing complementary flavors that encourage trial and boost revenue.

“The more exposure patrons get to Asian cuisine, the more they will want to see it on menus.” — Chef Craig Claude, Corporate Chef, Schwan’s Food Service

Optimize Your Kitchen with Flexible Preparation and Serving Methods

Different preparation methods allow you to create entirely different dishes out of the exact same ingredients to keep your menu fresh and engaging while fitting a variety of service styles and dietary preferences.

  • Various preparation methods like steaming or pan-searing allow CHEF ONE® Dumplings to fit a wide range of service styles.
  • Versatile applications extend beyond appetizers when you use these items to liven up salads, noodles, or premium tasting menus.
  • Unique garnishes for hearty drinks like a Bloody Mary offer an innovative way to differentiate your beverage program.

Bridge Cultural Gaps with Clever Twists on Classic Dishes

Innovative fusion recipes add a layer of excitement that helps residents feel comfortable exploring global trends through flavors they already know.

  • Familiar pairings reduce resident intimidation when you combine traditional Asian appetizers with classic favorites like buffalo-style wing sauce.
  • Unique twists on traditional flavors create a specific craving that makes residents want to return for multiple servings.
  • Strategic flavor fusion allows you to meet residents where they are while offering a memorable and modern dining experience.
Fried dumplings in buffalo sauce

Chef Uno Immanivong tosses her dumplings in a buffalo-style wing sauce.

“This allows my customers to feel comfortable trying something new while allowing me to offer a unique twist on traditional Asian flavors. It creates a craving that makes customers want to return for seconds, thirds, and even a fourth time.”
— Chef Uno Immanivong, CEO of Chef Uno Brands and Chef and owner of RedStix Street Food

Generate Higher Returns by Prioritizing the Total Appetizer Experience

Offering unique appetizer options is a great way to move starters to the front of the menu where they belong rather than treating them as an afterthought.

  • Appetizers drive significant incremental income by providing a high-quality option for residents who are still deciding on a main course.
  • Stand-out starters increase the likability of the rest of the meal and elevate the perceived value of the entire program.
  • Proven global solutions help you take advantage of current trends to build a more successful dining operation with less effort.

1 Datassential, Global Flavors Keynote Report, November 2021.