#United States #Washington, D.C. #Laoban #Crab Rangoon #Scallion Pancakes

Laoban Expands Frozen Line with New Takeout-Inspired Dishes

Laoban, renowned for its exceptional Asian frozen food offerings, continues to innovate by introducing a new line of frozen dishes that pay homage to classic takeout favorites. This exciting range, dubbed “Crunchy Bites,” includes beloved items such as Crab Rangoon and Scallion Pancakes, which will hit the shelves of select Whole Foods Market locations across the nation starting this June. As a delightful addition to the lineup, Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken is expected to follow suit in August.

This new series aims to bring popular Asian takeout staples directly to freezer aisles, allowing consumers to enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home with ease. Each Crunchy Bite is designed for convenience, making them perfect for after-school snacks, spontaneous gatherings, or an easy addition to any weeknight meal. Designed for air fryer preparation, these items embody Laoban's commitment to delivering unparalleled flavor and quality. Each bite offers a pleasing crunch on the outside while remaining warm and savory within. As always, Laoban ensures the use of premium ingredients, featuring antibiotic-free chicken and no preservatives, guaranteeing not only taste but also health benefits.

Chef Tim Ma, co-founder and Culinary Director of Laoban, shares his inspiration, stating, “These items are a love letter to the dishes I grew up eating in my family's restaurants. We strive to encapsulate the joy of Asian takeout classics while ensuring they are accessible for home enjoyment. Every bite is meticulously crafted, with no compromises on quality.”

Product Highlights:

• - Scallion Pancakes — Priced at $6.99, these pancakes are crispy, flaky, and infused with fresh scallions, ready in under eight minutes.
• - Crab Rangoon — Available for $7.99, this cult-favorite appetizer features a crispy exterior with a creamy, well-seasoned filling that delivers the perfect salty-sweet bite.
• - Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken — Set for release at $8.99 in August, these are bite-sized pieces of marinated chicken fried to a golden perfection, complete with a soy garlic dipping sauce.

Patrick Coyne, co-founder and CEO of Laoban, elaborates on their product selection, stating, “We chose these items because they excite us the most. These are the dishes that everyone craves when dining out or ordering takeout. It's rare to find them in grocery stores, and we are thrilled to make these favorites accessible and easy to prepare at home quickly.”

The launch of the Crunchy Bites extends Laoban's partnership with Whole Foods Market, which has been pivotal in promoting the brand's frozen offerings. Over the past year, Laoban has witnessed nearly a 300% growth at Whole Foods Market, establishing itself as one of the retailer's top frozen food brands. With the introduction of Bao Buns in 2024—another initiative that saw nearly half a million units sold shortly after release—Laoban has consistently proven its ability to resonate with consumers, earning accolades such as the prestigious 2024 Supplier All-Star Award from Whole Foods Market. This award celebrates brands making a significant impact within the store.

Christopher Manca, Principal Category Merchant at Whole Foods Market, commends Laoban, saying, “Laoban continues to raise the bar with frozen favorites that surpass expectations in terms of flavor, texture, and quality. This new lineup introduces fresh and innovative perspectives to classic dishes, providing our shoppers with something exciting. Laoban consistently delivers what’s next in frozen cuisine.”

Founded in 2017 as a dumpling shop in Washington, D.C., Laoban has grown under the leadership of co-founders Patrick Coyne and Chef Tim Ma, who seek to bring restaurant-quality meals into the homes of consumers. Chef Ma, a Michelin-recognized chef with deep-rooted connections to Chinese-American cuisine, is instrumental in crafting all of Laoban's culinary offerings.