Chinese restaurants are known for having huge menus, and the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. Most menus start with familiar appetizers like egg rolls and crab rangoon, then move on to soups, noodle dishes, fried rice, and entrees featuring beef, chicken, pork, or seafood. You’ll often find regional specialties as well.
This article will focus on a typical “China City” restaurant menu. China City restaurants are a common sight in many towns and cities, and their menus usually offer a wide range of popular Chinese-American dishes. We’ll break down a typical China City menu to show you what to expect.
Understanding the menu can help you choose new dishes and feel more confident in your choices. You don’t have to stick to the same old thing!
We’ll go through the China City menu section by section, starting with appetizers and soups. Then we’ll move on to the main courses, covering different meat and seafood options. We’ll also touch on vegetarian dishes, noodle and rice dishes, and special combination plates. Hopefully, this will help you navigate your next China City visit with ease!
Appetizers: Starting your culinary journey
No visit to China City is complete without ordering an appetizer or two — or maybe more! Here are some of the most popular choices:
- Egg Rolls: These crispy, savory rolls are filled with shredded cabbage, carrots, and sometimes pork. They’re deep-fried to golden perfection and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
- Crab Rangoon: These crispy wontons are filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese and imitation crab meat. They’re another popular choice, and are often served with a sweet dipping sauce.
- Spring Rolls: Similar to egg rolls, spring rolls are made with a thinner wrapper and are often filled with fresh vegetables like bean sprouts, lettuce, and carrots.
- Fried Wonton: These crispy, bite-sized wontons are deep-fried and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. They’re perfect for snacking!
Many appetizers come in small and large sizes, so you can choose the perfect portion for your appetite and your budget. Prices vary depending on the appetizer and the size, so be sure to check the menu for the most up-to-date information.
Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, sweet, or crispy, China City’s appetizers have something for everyone!
Soups: Warm and comforting beginnings
No Chinese restaurant menu is complete without a selection of soups, and China City is no exception. Soups are the perfect way to start your meal, especially on a cold day.
Here are a few of the soups you might find on the China City menu:
- Wonton Soup: A light broth with pork-filled dumplings, often garnished with scallions.
- Egg Drop Soup: A thickened chicken broth with ribbons of cooked egg, creating a silky and comforting texture.
- Hot and Sour Soup: A spicy and tangy broth with tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and often pork, offering a complex flavor profile.
- Vegetable Soup: A light and healthy option with a variety of fresh vegetables in a clear broth.
These soups are typically made with chicken or vegetable broth and feature fresh ingredients. Many believe that the ginger often used in Chinese soups can help soothe a cold.
Fried Rice: A Classic Staple
No Chinese restaurant menu is complete without fried rice. It’s a comforting, customizable dish that’s hard to resist.
Here at China City, we offer a variety of fried rice options, each with its own unique flavor profile. Whether you’re a meat-lover or prefer a vegetarian option, we’ve got something for you:
- Chicken Fried Rice: A classic choice, featuring tender chicken pieces, fluffy rice, and a medley of stir-fried vegetables.
- Pork Fried Rice: Savory pork combined with rice, soy sauce, and colorful veggies.
- Beef Fried Rice: Hearty and flavorful, with tender beef, rice, and a delicious blend of seasonings.
- Shrimp Fried Rice: A seafood delight, featuring succulent shrimp, rice, and a mix of fresh vegetables.
- Vegetable Fried Rice: A vibrant and healthy option, packed with a variety of fresh, stir-fried vegetables and rice.
The key to great fried rice lies in the ingredients. We start with perfectly cooked rice, then add soy sauce for that signature umami flavor. We incorporate a variety of fresh vegetables for color and texture, and of course, your choice of protein to complete the dish. The flavor variations are endless, depending on the combination of protein and vegetables used, ensuring there’s a fried rice to satisfy every palate.
Lo Mein: Noodles of Delight
No Chinese restaurant menu is complete without Lo Mein, and China City is no exception. Lo Mein features soft egg noodles tossed in a savory sauce with your choice of meat and vegetables.
At China City, you can choose from:
- Chicken Lo Mein: Tender chicken and noodles in a light sauce.
- Pork Lo Mein: Savory pork with stir-fried noodles.
- Beef Lo Mein: Flank steak with noodles and vegetables.
- Shrimp Lo Mein: Shrimp and noodles tossed in a light sauce.
- Vegetable Lo Mein: A vegetarian option with noodles and assorted veggies.
Lo Mein is made by stir-frying boiled noodles in a flavorful sauce, usually soy-based, and adding your choice of protein and vegetables. Common seasonings include ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, giving the dish a savory and aromatic flavor.
Egg Foo Young: Savory Egg Patties
Egg Foo Young is another one of those dishes that can vary quite a bit from restaurant to restaurant. But at China City, it’s consistently delicious.
So, what is it? Egg Foo Young is kind of like an omelet or a frittata. It’s made with a base of eggs, vegetables, and some kind of protein, all cooked together into a patty.
At China City, you have your choice of:
- Chicken Egg Foo Young
- Pork Egg Foo Young
- Beef Egg Foo Young
- Shrimp Egg Foo Young
- Vegetable Egg Foo Young
The patties are cooked until golden brown and then smothered in a savory gravy. Gravy variations may include a light brown gravy, a dark brown gravy, or even a white sauce, depending on the specific recipe and the chef’s preference. Every family-owned Chinese restaurant has their own take on it.
If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying dish, Egg Foo Young at China City is a great choice. It’s hearty, flavorful, and always cooked just right.
Moo Shu: Wraps of Flavor
Craving something interactive and delicious? Look no further than our Moo Shu dishes! At China City, you can choose from:
- Moo Shu Pork: A classic for a reason! Tender pork stir-fried with veggies.
- Moo Shu Chicken: A lighter option, featuring juicy chicken and crisp vegetables.
- Moo Shu Vegetable: A vegetarian delight packed with a colorful assortment of fresh, seasonal vegetables.
But what is Moo Shu, exactly? It’s a delightful combination of stir-fried vegetables (think cabbage, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and more!) and your choice of protein, all cooked to perfection with savory sauces. The magic happens when it’s served with thin, delicate pancakes, ready to be filled!
The fun part? You get to assemble your own little flavor pockets! Spread a bit of plum sauce on a pancake, pile on the Moo Shu filling, wrap it up, and enjoy. It’s a satisfying and customizable experience that’s perfect for sharing (or not!).
Chop Suey: An American-Chinese Classic
No discussion of China City’s menu would be complete without mentioning chop suey. This quintessential American-Chinese dish is a staple, and China City offers a variety of options to suit every taste.
You can choose from:
- Chicken Chop Suey
- Pork Chop Suey
- Beef Chop Suey
- Shrimp Chop Suey
- Vegetable Chop Suey
But what exactly is chop suey? It’s essentially a stir-fry of vegetables and your choice of protein, all tossed in a light, flavorful sauce. It’s typically served over rice or noodles, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
The origin of chop suey is a bit of a mystery, with different stories claiming its invention. Some say it was created by Chinese-American cooks trying to cater to American tastes, while others believe it originated from a dish made for late-night customers. Whatever the true story, chop suey has become a beloved part of American-Chinese cuisine, and China City’s versions are definitely worth a try!
Chow Mei Fun: Thin rice noodles
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, China City’s Chow Mei Fun dishes are always a good choice. Chow Mei Fun is made with thin rice noodles that are stir-fried to perfection.
At China City, you can choose from:
- Singapore Chow Mei Fun. A curry-flavored option
- Chicken Chow Mei Fun. A classic choice
- Pork Chow Mei Fun. Savory and satisfying
- Beef Chow Mei Fun. A hearty option
- Shrimp Chow Mei Fun. A taste of the sea
- Vegetable Chow Mei Fun. Packed with fresh veggies
Each dish has its own unique flavor profile, so you’re sure to find one you’ll love. The Singapore Chow Mei Fun offers a spicy kick, while the classic Chicken Chow Mei Fun is comforting and familiar. The Shrimp Chow Mei Fun brings a taste of the ocean, and the Vegetable Chow Mei Fun is a light and healthy choice.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, the Chow Mei Fun at China City is sure to satisfy.
Digging into the Pork, Beef, Chicken, and Seafood
Okay, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the heart of the menu: the pork, beef, chicken, and seafood dishes. This is where China City really shines, offering familiar favorites and maybe a few things you haven’t tried before.
Pork Dishes
China City has a nice selection of pork dishes, from sweet to savory.
- Sweet and Sour Pork: This classic features crispy, battered pork tossed in a tangy sweet and sour sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Moo Goo Gai Pan: Okay, technically “Gai Pan” means chicken, but at China City, this one’s pork! Thinly sliced pork stir-fried with a medley of mushrooms and crisp-tender vegetables in a light, savory sauce. It’s a lighter option with lots of flavor.
- Pork with Garlic Sauce: Tender slices of pork stir-fried with vegetables in a rich, savory garlic sauce. If you love garlic, this is the dish for you!
Beef Dishes
For beef lovers, China City offers some solid choices.
- Beef with Broccoli: A simple but satisfying dish of tender beef stir-fried with vibrant green broccoli in a savory brown sauce.
- Pepper Steak: A hearty combination of tender steak strips stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions in a flavorful sauce.
- Mongolian Beef: Crispy, thinly sliced beef coated in a sweet and savory brown sauce, often served with scallions. It’s rich, flavorful, and definitely craveable.
Chicken Dishes
Chicken dishes are always a safe bet, and China City has some excellent options.
- Kung Pao Chicken: Diced chicken stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and fiery chili peppers in a spicy and savory sauce. A classic for a reason!
- General Tso’s Chicken: Crispy, deep-fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s a sweet and savory explosion of flavor.
- Sesame Chicken: Crispy, deep-fried chicken coated in a sweet and nutty sesame sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds. Another sweet and savory favorite.
Seafood Dishes
If you’re craving something from the sea, China City’s seafood dishes are worth exploring.
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce: Plump shrimp swimming in a savory, slightly thickened sauce made with ground pork and other flavorful ingredients. Despite the name, it doesn’t actually contain lobster!
- Shrimp with Broccoli: Similar to the beef version, this dish features tender shrimp stir-fried with broccoli in a light sauce.
- Scallops with Garlic Sauce: Tender scallops stir-fried with vegetables in a pungent and flavorful garlic sauce.
Vegetable Dishes: Vegetarian Options
China City’s menu includes a number of vegetable dishes that are suitable for vegetarians.
Here are some popular options:
- Broccoli with Garlic Sauce: Fresh broccoli florets are stir-fried with a savory garlic sauce.
- Mixed Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables, such as bok choy, mushrooms, carrots, and snow peas, are stir-fried in a light sauce.
- Mapo Tofu: Soft tofu is simmered in a spicy and savory sauce with fermented black beans and ground soybeans.
These dishes are made with fresh ingredients and prepared with traditional Chinese cooking methods. All of these options are suitable for vegetarians, and you can customize your order to your preferences.
Chef’s Specialties
The Chef’s Specialties section of the menu is where you’ll find dishes that are unique to China City, created by the chef to showcase their culinary skills.
You might find something like “Dragon Phoenix Delight,” a stir-fried dish with lobster, chicken, and a medley of exotic vegetables in a delicate ginger sauce. Or perhaps “Emperor’s Treasure,” a slow-braised pork belly dish with star anise and a hint of sweetness. Don’t forget to explore the “Jade Garden Dumplings,” handmade dumplings filled with a blend of shiitake mushrooms, water chestnuts, and a hint of truffle oil.
These dishes often highlight the chef’s expertise and offer a taste of something truly special.
Diet Food: Health-Conscious Choices
If you’re watching your waistline or trying to eat healthier, China City also has a section on the menu called “Diet Food.” These options are generally lower in calories, fat, and sodium than some of the other dishes.
Think steamed vegetables with grilled chicken or shrimp, or maybe a light tofu and vegetable stir-fry. These dishes are designed to be satisfying without being too heavy or laden with unhealthy fats and sodium.
Side Orders: The perfect complements
No Chinese meal is complete without the perfect side dish.
At China City, you can choose from white rice, brown rice, crispy fried noodles, and, of course, fortune cookies.
These sides are the perfect complement to your main dish, rounding out the meal and bringing it all together.
To Conclude
So, that’s a look at China City’s menu. We’ve covered a lot, from the tempting appetizers like spring rolls and dumplings to the comforting soups and the huge selection of main dishes. There really is something for everyone.
When you’re ordering, remember that the portions are often pretty generous, so you might want to share. Don’t be afraid to try something new – that’s how you discover your favorites! And if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, don’t hesitate to ask about the ingredients.
Ultimately, Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse and delicious. Exploring the menu at China City is a journey of discovery, and I hope this guide has helped you navigate it and find some dishes you’ll absolutely love. Happy eating!