If you love Chinese food but aren’t hungry enough for a full meal, you might be thinking about getting a few appetizers and sharing them with everyone in your group. Pu Pu platters give you the chance to sample delicious Chinese offerings without filling up. Here’s some more information about Pu Pu platters and what to expect when the dish is served. 

Where Did the Pu Pu Platter Originate? 

Pu Pu platters are thought to have originated in Hawaii, where Chinese and Polynesian residents brought their tasty foods to the island state. “Pu Pu” is the native word for “snail,” and since appetizers might take longer to fill you up, the word stuck.

As love for Hawaiian food and culture swept across the country, restaurants in the western United States started offering Pu Pu platters to allow their patrons to try Chinese favorites. Hot spots like Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic’s made these appetizers sought after in the 1940s. 

As restaurants evolved to carry these favorites, many offered light Pu Pu platters, which contained a spread of non-filling appetizers like fruits and sushi, and heavy Pu Pu platters with more filling, meal-sized elements, such as teriyaki chicken and fried prawns. 

What Is Typically On The Platter? 

Pu Pu platters can vary significantly from restaurant to restaurant, but typically include Chinese food such as egg rolls, crab rangoons, chicken wings, shrimp, teriyaki skewers, and barbecued spare ribs. These appetizers are typically shared with everyone at the table. However, many people order this popular dish as an entree since it allows them to enjoy a variety of menu items. 

If you’re craving delicious Chinese food, visit Hong Wah Restaurant in Penfield, NY. As a local hotspot and the 2015 winner of Rochester’s ROCs Best Asian Cuisine, this delicious, authentic Chinese restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including cold noodles with sesame sauce, wonton soup, lemon chicken, and moo shu pork. View their menu online, or call (585) 385-2808 to make an order.