Datassentials Most Desired Cuisine

By Drew Filipski
Sponsored by Schwan’s Food Service, Inc.

What 58 percent of Gen Z is eating.

As consumer trends continue to change, operators must provide exciting menus that are on-trend, in-demand, and provide opportunities to increase check rings and secure traffic. For operators struggling with labor constraints and high food costs, exciting new products that help meet back-of-house challenges are key.

Asian cuisines are a growth sweet spot, being the most desired away-from-home (restaurant or retail) food by consumers, (2023 report “The Key to Finding ‘Hidden Opportunities’ in Foodservice – on the Menu and Beyond” by Datassential). Consumers are eager to try new Asian options, and with Schwan’s Food Service’s line of Asian-Style Appetizers, like CHEF ONE^® Dumplings and MINH^® Egg Rolls and Spring Rolls, operators can capitalize on this craving. These products help meet demand while addressing cost and labor restraints, ensuring success on any menu.

Why Asian Appetizers?

Asian-Style Appetizers, like CHEF ONE^® Dumplings and MINH^® Egg Rolls, attract diners seeking new food experiences. Fifty-eight percent of Gen Z and 48 percent of Millennials said they ate a globally influenced dish within the past week, compared with 19 percent of Boomers (2023 report “The Key to Finding ‘Hidden Opportunities’ in Foodservice – on the Menu and Beyond” by Datassential).

“When you say egg rolls and dumplings, people know exactly what they are,” says Chef Uno Immanivong, CEO of Chef Uno Brands and chef and owner of RedStix Street Food. “They’re wrapped in something that’s fried and crispy, making them approachable and relatable. It’s not intimidating, it’s something people want to try.”

Global forms and flavors like Asian-Style Appetizers attract consumers looking to explore new food experiences. They also make a perfect foundation for familiar fusions—think Buffalo-sauced chicken dumplings instead of chicken wings—to entice consumers bored with traditional appetizer mainstays. These unique flavors create a unique craving that keeps customers coming back, enhancing the overall dining experience.

“Asian food can be introduced in a non-intimidating way that appeals to both kids and adults,” Uno says. “Everyone knows what egg rolls and dumplings are. By adding familiar flavors like Buffalo wing sauce to these items, it makes them more approachable.”

CHEF ONE® Dumplings

Seventy-eight percent of consumers add an appetizer to a dinner order at least once per month, with dumplings being a popular choice, (2021 Keynote Report by Datassential). These bite-sized delights offer a savory blend of proteins, vegetables, and spices wrapped in a delicious dumpling wrapper.

CHEF ONE^® Dumplings are pre-cooked for food safety, ensuring consistency and ease of preparation. Offering a variety of fillings, from classic Pork & Vegetable to signature flavors like Teriyaki Chicken and vegetarian Edamame, each caters to diverse tastes and preferences.

Versatile in cooking methods, CHEF ONE^® Dumplings can be pan-fried, steamed, deep-fried, or baked, depending on the desired texture and flavor profile. Available in 0.8 oz potstickers, these dumplings are ideal for appetizers or as part of a larger meal. The range of flavors includes Chicken Teriyaki, Chicken Lemongrass, Edamame, Chicken & Vegetable, and Pork & Vegetable dumplings, each offering a unique taste experience.

Egg Rolls and Spring Rolls

Forty-seven percent of customers add an egg roll when they order Asian food, highlighting the popularity and demand for these appetizers, (2021 Keynote Report by Datassential).

MINH^® Egg Rolls feature vegetables and proteins rolled in egg roll wrappers, then parfried and frozen to maintain freshness. These egg rolls come in a variety of filling options, such as Pork & Vegetable and Vegetable. Their ready-to-cook convenience allows for seamless preparation from freezer to fryer, oven, or roller grill. Available in a 3 oz size, MINH^® Egg Rolls can be served as an appetizer, side, or addition to an entree and offer ease for any kitchen setup.

MINH^® Spring Rolls are crafted with authentic ingredients and seasoning, providing a crisp, light appetizer. These spring rolls can be served as an Asian-Style Appetizer or as part of a combo meal, enhancing the menu with a touch of authenticity. Available in a classic Vegetable flavor, these 0.88 oz rolls can be baked or fried to perfection in minutes.

Asian Cuisine Made Easy

“Making dumplings from scratch is labor-intensive, requiring shaping, freezing, and frying to maintain quality, which is challenging without adequate storage space,” Uno says. “Schwan’s pre-made appetizers ensure consistency and serve as quick starters or even whole meals, making them versatile and profitable.”

CHEF ONE^® Dumplings and MINH^® Egg Rolls are simple to prepare in any kitchen, typically taking only three to five minutes to cook, whether baked, pan-fried, or deep-fried. These appetizers can be steamed, fried, or tossed in various sauces, providing versatile options for operators who need consistent quality across different applications.

The ease of preparation ensures they fit seamlessly into any back-of-house environment, working across a variety of equipment to become a versatile addition to any menu.

Increase Check Averages with Ease

Schwan’s products ensure consistent quality and customer satisfaction, driving repeat business and boosting revenue. Appetizers are key to increasing check averages.

“These appetizers provide a profitable addition to any menu,” Uno says. “For me, it’s always about balancing the dishes you love to make, which may have higher food costs, with staple items that people know, love, and will always purchase, which have higher profit margins.”

Asian-Style Appetizers are also ideal for catering and takeout, providing a quick and satisfying option. Each item can offer a complete meal feel, adding value to any order, and their long shelf life and ease of preparation make these options perfect for high-demand situations.

Maximizing Profitability

Schwan’s appetizers offer consistent quality, reducing labor costs and waste. These products are designed to maximize profitability while maintaining high standards.

“Many chefs create high-cost, low-profit dishes out of passion, but it is important to balance those with staple, high-profit items,” Uno says. “This ensures profitability while offering variety and flavor.”

Discover the difference Schwan’s Food Service’s line of Asian-Style Appetizers makes >