Light meals turn heavyweights in catering sector

Led by females, Chinese diners are increasingly preferring healthier, low-fat light meals at restaurants and on online delivery platforms, a catering industry report has found.

Young and busy urbanites in China like eating low-fat salads and sandwiches in a casual environment that cozy light-meal restaurants provide, according to a report from Meituan Dianping, a Chinese online platform that offers restaurant ratings, discount coupons and delivery services linking consumers and retailers.

This preference extends to orders placed online, particularly by those who have regular workouts as part of weight-loss programs.