Most of us love Chinese food. The juices, flavor, aroma, and taste are all hard to ignore. No matter how full you are, you don’t mind a bite or two of the delicious noodles, rice, prawns, or crabs. Whether you are doing a takeout or getting it delivered, one image likely comes to mind even before the food is in your hand. Most probably, it is about the folded paper boxes with a small handle and chopsticks inside. Whether you have seen the container in someone’s hand or on TV, its iconic shape is instantly recognizable. These Chinese takeout boxes are not just containers; they are an emotion for foodies. Chinese eateries nowadays tailor these boxes as per their requirements, as it helps them provide a better experience to their customers. But have you ever wondered why these boxes are shaped the way they are?
Surprisingly, it turns out that the design of these custom Chinese takeout boxes has less to do with Chinese traditions and more with American practicality. The story of how a Chinese takeout box got its current shape is quite interesting and informative. After reading this blog, you will be able to know more about these boxes and how they ensure that food reaches you at its best.
The Unexpected Origins of Chinese Takeout Boxes: From Oyster Pails to Noodles
These boxes are not new in the American market. They were around in the 19th century and were actually used for serving seafood dishes such as shucked oysters. In 1894, an American inventor, Frederick Weeks Wilcox, realized their potential and patented a box style that was initially known as “oyster pail.” He used a single sheet of folder paperboard to make this box. The container was leak-resistant, cheap, and an excellent choice to transport oysters from seafood markets.
In the mid-20th century, Chinese restaurants grew at an exponential rate in the U.S. They didn’t have a reliable way to transport food from one place to another or serve on-the-go buyers. When they saw this box, they discovered the folded design, which gave a watertight bottom to the box, worked really well for their saucy dishes like sweet & sour chicken, beef, or broccoli. Over time, the oyster pail evolved into the Chinese food box we see today.
Why the Design Works So Well for Chinese Food?
When you first look at Chinese take out boxes, you may feel like they are a recent addition in the world of packaging. However, their design is nothing less than a masterpiece in functional packaging. Their structure is made from a single sheet of paperboard, folded to create a moisture seal that prevents leaks. However, to let excessive moisture escape and prevent sogginess, a hole is added to the top.
The box has a taper design at the top, allowing eateries to put more food in them. The design gives the box more capacity with while useless material than a regular square or rectangular box. This efficiency is one of the main reasons why this box design has remained a staple in food boxes and packaging for decades.
The most striking aspect of a custom Chinese takeout box design is its transformation. Once you open the box, the container turns into a bowl that serves as a container to eat food from. This feature helps buyers to eat on the go and eliminates the need to use dishes. For homeowners, this translates into maximum ease as they don’t have to wash dirty dishes. These are the reasons modern eateries continue to use custom take out boxes with this original design and some customizations in terms of printing and branding.
Food Handling Made Easy
Carrying hot food is not an easy task. It can burn your hands, spill, and cause inconvenience for others. Custom Chinese takeout boxes have made it easy for restaurants to provide piping hot food to buyers without all these worries. These boxes come with built-in handles or wires to pick up the box. Regardless of the Chinese takeout container size, it is an excellent feature. If eateries have to deal with large orders, multiple boxes can be stacked and transported easily thanks to their curved shape.
An American and Chinese Cultural Icon
Despite all their differences, there is something that both these countries can agree on. Yes, you guessed it right; these are the Asian take out boxes. If you travel to China, you’ll see that almost every eatery uses these containers along with foil trays or cardboard clamshells.
As already explained, this shape has a lot to do with the Americans as well. It was the American manufacturers who gave these boxes the familiar red pagoda design and stylized lettering. The purpose of adding these things was to give the boxes a Chinese look to complement the food inside them. These boxes quickly became a part of American pop culture and continue to appear in famous TV shows and movies.
No one has tried to change the design of these boxes, as there is no point in fixing anything that is not broken. Over the years, the box has become a symbol of taste, comfort food, and late-night cravings. Restaurants now invest in highly personalized Chinese take out boxes to stand out in a competitive market.
Custom Takeout Boxes: A Modern Take on the Oyster Pail
The rise of food delivery apps and increasing demand for eco-conscious packaging have inspired brands to turn towards custom takeout boxes. From local Chinese spots to upscale joints, personalized food boxes are now in vogue.
This has given rise to various design options as well. Brands now use Kraft paper due to its green properties. Logos, slogans, and QR codes are becoming popular on custom Chinese take out boxes. Another modern trend is replacing the wire handle with paper-based handles. If you serve special servings for kids or appetizers, you can get mini Chinese takeaway boxes as well. These boxes have exactly the same shape as the large boxes.
Durability, Versatility, and Sustainability
Another solid reason why the traditional design has stuck around for so long is its versatility. The leak-poor build and heat-retaining properties make it ideal for a variety of foods along with Chinese cuisines. This is the reason why food brands outside the Asian food realm are adopting it. Bakeries, burger joints, and many other types of restaurants are using these custom takeout boxes to present their items.
As sustainability has become a major concern around the world, packaging manufacturers are offering takeout boxes with biodegradable coatings, food-grade inks, and without metal wire handles.
The Shape that Shaped the Takeout Business in the US
A Chinese food box is a rare example of a box design that has stood the test of time. The biggest reason for its popularity is a design that meets multiple needs of both sellers and buyers. It keeps food safe, warm, and fresh; prevents leaks; and turns into a bowl when required. These are the things both seller and consumer want.
It is a powerful packaging design that is both cheap and effective. These are the reasons that it has ruled the American market for almost 100 years. That’s saying something, especially in the context of the American market.
Final Thoughts
Next time you get some Chinese food, remember it is not just a container you are holding; it is a centuries-old tradition. So enjoy your food to the max. If you are a Chinese food seller and are looking for custom Chinese takeout boxes, contact Packaging Mania. It is one of the leading packaging suppliers in the US and offers the best custom boxes for Chinese eateries.
