Chinatowns around the world are more than just neighborhoods; they’re cultural hubs, steeped in history and brimming with some of the most delicious and diverse food you can find. Chinese cuisine, after all, is one of the most beloved and varied on the planet, and the menus you’ll find in Chinatown reflect that incredible range.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying lunch, or planning an elaborate family-style dinner, a Chinatown menu offers a staggering array of choices. From regional specialties to familiar favorites, there’s something for everyone.
But with so many options, navigating a Chinatown menu can feel overwhelming. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll break down the typical menu for Chinatown restaurants, from appetizers and soups to main dishes featuring a variety of proteins and vegetables. We’ll also explore Chef’s Specialties and combination platters, giving you the inside scoop on the diverse and flavorful world of Chinese cuisine.
Starting the Meal: Appetizers and Soups
No trip to Chinatown is complete without sampling the appetizers and soups, and the menus are usually extensive.
Appetizers
Here are a few of the most common appetizers you’ll find:
- Egg Rolls: These are a classic for good reason. You’ll usually find them filled with roast pork, shrimp, or vegetables, and they’re often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
- Fried Wontons and Crab Rangoon: If you’re looking for something crispy, fried wontons and crab rangoon are always a good bet. The wontons are served with a dipping sauce, and the crab rangoon features a creamy filling of crab meat and cream cheese.
- Dumplings: Both fried and steamed dumplings are popular. They’re filled with meat and veggies, and often served with soy sauce or a vinegar-based dipping sauce.
- Other appetizers: You might also find teriyaki chicken skewers or sweet biscuits on the menu.
Soups
Here are some of the soups you’re likely to see on the menu:
- Egg Drop Soup: This light, comforting soup is made with egg ribbons in chicken broth. It’s a great way to start your meal.
- Wonton Soup: A savory soup with pork-filled wontons, simmered in a clear broth. Sometimes you’ll find it served with vegetables.
- Hot and Sour Soup: This is a tangy, spicy soup that typically contains bamboo shoots, tofu, and wood ear mushrooms.
- Other soups: You may also see chicken noodle soup, chicken rice soup, mixed vegetable soup, house special soup, or seafood soup on the menu.
Noodle Dishes: Chow Mein, Lo Mein, and Chow Mei Fun
No Chinatown menu would be complete without a selection of classic noodle dishes. Here’s a breakdown of some favorites:
Chow Mein
Chow mein, which translates to “fried noodles,” typically features crispy or soft noodles stir-fried with a medley of vegetables and your choice of protein. You’ll often see options like chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or simply vegetables. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the House Special Chow Mein, which usually includes a combination of several proteins, such as chicken, pork, and shrimp.
Lo Mein
Lo mein is similar to chow mein, but it uses soft egg noodles tossed with vegetables and protein in a flavorful sauce. The noodles have a softer texture, and the dish tends to be saucier than chow mein. Like chow mein, you can usually choose from chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or vegetables. The House Special Lo Mein is another popular choice, offering a delicious mix of meats and seafood.
Chow Mei Fun
For those looking for a gluten-free option, chow mei fun is an excellent choice. This dish features thin rice noodles (also known as rice vermicelli) stir-fried with vegetables and protein. One standout variation is Singapore Chow Mei Fun, a spicy and flavorful curry-based dish that often includes shrimp, pork, and vegetables. It’s a must-try for those who enjoy a bit of heat!
Rice Dishes: Fried Rice and Egg Foo Young
Rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine, and no Chinatown menu would be complete without a selection of fried rice and egg foo young dishes.
Fried Rice
Fried rice is a simple dish with infinite possibilities. At its heart, it’s just rice stir-fried with vegetables, egg, and your choice of protein. It’s a great way to use up leftovers, and chefs often put their own spin on it.
You’ll typically see variations like chicken fried rice, pork fried rice, beef fried rice, shrimp fried rice, and vegetable fried rice. But for a truly special experience, try the House Special Fried Rice. This is where you get a combination of multiple proteins and flavors all in one dish, offering a taste of different meats and seafood.
Egg Foo Young
Egg foo young is another rice-based dish, but prepared and served quite differently. It’s a savory omelet made with eggs, vegetables, and protein, and it’s usually served with a rich, gravy-like sauce.
Just like fried rice, you can find egg foo young with chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or just vegetables. And, of course, there’s a House Special Egg Foo Young, which is a loaded omelet with a variety of ingredients. This is a substantial and flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Vegetable and Tofu Dishes
If you’re looking for something vegetarian, vegan, or just a little lighter, here are some options:
- Sautéed Broccoli: Simple and healthy, usually served in a light garlic sauce.
- Bean Curd Szechuan Style (Ma Po Tofu): Soft tofu in a spicy, flavorful chili bean sauce. Definitely a dish with a kick!
- Buddhist Delight: A mix of stir-fried vegetables and tofu. A lighter, healthier choice that still delivers on flavor.
- Broccoli with Garlic Sauce: A classic, straightforward dish.
- Sautéed Broccoli & Snow Peas: A simple preparation that allows the fresh flavors of the vegetables to shine.
Many of our vegetable dishes can be prepared without meat or fish sauce upon request. Please let your server know about any dietary restrictions.
Protein Dishes: Chicken, Beef, Pork, and Seafood
Most Chinatown menus are organized around the protein in the dish. Here’s a rundown of the most common offerings.
Chicken
Chicken dishes are usually stir-fried with vegetables and come with white rice. Here are a few popular options:
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: A classic, featuring crispy chicken in a tangy sweet and sour sauce.
- Kung Pao Chicken: A spicy stir-fry with peanuts and chili peppers.
- Chicken with Garlic Sauce: A savory stir-fry with garlic sauce.
- Moo Goo Gai Pan: Sliced chicken with mushrooms and vegetables in a light sauce.
- Hunan Chicken
- Curry Chicken w. Onion
- Chicken Szechuan Style
- Sha Cha Chicken
- Boneless Chicken
- Diced Chicken w. Cashew Nuts
- Chicken w. Black Bean Sauce
- Chicken w. Chinese Vegetable
- Chicken w. Snow Peas & Broccoli
- Chicken w. Broccoli
- Chicken w. Snow Peas
- Chicken w. Almond
Beef
Like chicken, beef is generally stir-fried with various vegetables.
- Beef with Broccoli: Tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce.
- Pepper Steak with Onion: Bell peppers and onions with savory beef.
- Beef with Garlic Sauce: A savory stir-fry with garlic sauce.
- Curry Beef w. Onion
- Hot & Spicy Beef
- Hunan Beef
- Sha Cha Beef
- Beef Szechuan Style
- Beef w. Chinese Vegetable
- Beef w. Mushrooms
- Beef w. Snow Peas & Broccoli
- Beef w. Snow Peas
Pork
Pork dishes are often served with a sweet or savory sauce.
- Sweet and Sour Pork: Crispy pork in a tangy sweet and sour sauce.
- Moo Shu Pork: Shredded pork, vegetables, and eggs served with thin pancakes for wrapping.
- Pork with Garlic Sauce: A savory stir-fry with garlic sauce.
- Hunan Pork
- Sha Cha Pork
- Double Cooked Pork
- Roast Pork w. Broccoli
- Roast Pork w. Chinese Vegetable
- Roast Pork w. Snow Peas
Seafood
Shrimp is the most commonly found seafood on Chinatown menus, but you’ll also see scallops and the occasional lobster dish.
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce: Shrimp in a rich, savory sauce made with eggs and ground pork.
- Shrimp with Garlic Sauce: A savory stir-fry with garlic sauce.
- Kung Pao Shrimp: A spicy stir-fry with peanuts and chili peppers.
- Hunan Shrimp
- Curry Shrimp w. Onion
- Shrimp Szechuan Style
- Scallops w. Garlic Sauce
- Sha Cha Shrimp
- Scallops w. Mixed Vegetable
- Shrimp w. Cashew Nuts
- Almond Shrimp
- Shrimp w. Snow Peas & Broccoli
- Shrimp w. Chinese Vegetable
- Shrimp w. Black Bean Sauce
- Shrimp w. Broccoli
- Shrimp w. Snow Peas
Chef’s Specialties and Combination Plates
If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the chef’s specialties. If you want a little of everything, check out the combination plates.
Chef’s Specialties
Here are some of the most popular chef’s specialties:
- General Tso’s Chicken: A sweet and spicy favorite, featuring crispy chicken in a tangy sauce.
- Sesame Chicken: A sweeter, milder version of General Tso’s, also with crispy chicken.
- Happy Family: A mix of meats, seafood, and vegetables offering a variety of flavors and textures.
- Seafood Delight: A celebration of seafood, often with shrimp, scallops, and lobster.
- Lemon Chicken
- Fresh Chicken w. Mushroom
- Black Pepper Chicken
- Subgum Shrimp
- Shrimp & Beef Hunan Style
- Beef w. Orange Flavor
- Sesame Shrimp
- Triple Szechuan Delight
- Triple Delight
- Four Seasons
- Mongolian Beef
- Mongolian Triple Delight
- Duet of Scallop & Beef
- Hot & Spicy Shrimp
- Perfect Match
- Orange Chicken
- Double Delight
Combination Plates
If you can’t decide, or if you want to sample a little of everything, the combination plates are a great option. They typically include a main dish, fried rice, and an egg roll, giving you a balanced and satisfying meal.
Popular combinations include chow mein, egg foo young, and a choice of protein.
Special Diet Menu and Lunch Specials
Many Chinatown restaurants offer special menus for customers looking for lighter, healthier fare or a quick and affordable lunch.
Special Diet Menu
If you’re watching your weight or trying to eat more healthfully, look for a “special diet” menu. These options usually include steamed dishes made with lots of vegetables and lean protein.
You may also find that you can order dishes with the sauce on the side, giving you control over how much sauce—and how many calories—you consume.
Examples of dishes you might find on a special diet menu:
- Steamed Mixed Vegetables
- Steamed Chicken with Broccoli
- Steamed Jumbo Shrimp with Snow Peas
- Steamed Chicken with Mixed Vegetables
- Steamed Jumbo Shrimp, Scallops, and Chicken with Mixed Vegetables
Lunch Specials
If you’re looking for a quick and affordable midday meal, check out the lunch specials. Offered during a specific timeframe, lunch specials are usually smaller portions of popular dishes at discounted prices.
To Conclude
Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of wonton soup, flavorful noodles, perfectly cooked rice, a hearty protein dish, or one of the chef’s innovative specials, a Chinatown menu is sure to have something to please your palate.
More than just a meal, Chinatown cuisine is an experience steeped in history and cultural significance. When you dine in Chinatown, you’re not just eating; you’re connecting with authentic Chinese flavors and culinary traditions passed down through generations.
So go ahead, explore the menu, be adventurous, and discover your own favorite dishes. With so many delicious options to choose from, the possibilities are endless, and a culinary adventure awaits around every corner!