Chinese cuisine is a global phenomenon, beloved for its incredible variety and bold flavors. From bustling city centers to small towns, Chinese restaurants are a staple in countless communities, serving up everything from familiar favorites to regional specialties.
One such establishment, “First Wok,” offers an extensive menu designed to cater to a wide range of tastes. The First Wok menu is packed with options, including appetizers to start, comforting soups, a huge array of main courses, and much more. Whether you’re craving a classic like General Tso’s chicken or eager to explore some of the chef’s unique creations, there’s something for everyone.
This guide will take you on a tour of the First Wok menu, providing a structured overview of its various sections and highlighting some of the most popular and intriguing dishes. We’ll break down the appetizers, dive into the main courses, and explore any special offerings that set First Wok apart. So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to explore!
Appetizers and Soups: Starting the Culinary Journey
No meal is complete without a tempting starter, and First Wok offers a variety of appetizers and soups to kick off your dining experience.
Appetizers: A Variety of Tantalizing Starters
The appetizer section of the First Wok menu includes a range of choices, from fried to steamed, so you’re sure to find something that appeals to you.
A few of the appetizers you might want to try include:
- Crab Stick (4)
- Fried Wonton (10)
- Roast Pork Egg Roll
- Spring Roll (2 Pcs.)
- Chicken on Sticks (4)
- Sweet Donut (10)
For groups, the Combination Appetizer (For 2) is a great option, allowing everyone to sample a little bit of everything.
Soups: Warm and Comforting Beginnings
If you’d rather start your meal with something warm and comforting, First Wok has a selection of both light and hearty soups.
Popular choices include:
- Chicken Rice Soup
- Egg Drop Soup
- Hot & Sour Soup
- House Special Soup
- Roast Pork Wonton Soup
- Bean Curd w. Veg. Soup
The Egg Drop w. Wonton Soup is a satisfying combination of two classic soups.
Rice and Noodles: Staple Dishes
No wok menu would be complete without a selection of rice and noodle dishes. These tend to be the dishes that are most familiar to Western palates, and they make a great base for a meal.
Fried Rice: A Versatile Base
Fried rice is a beloved Chinese dish that’s infinitely customizable. You can add just about any protein or vegetable you like. Here are a few of the most popular fried rice options you’ll find on a typical menu:
- Beef Fried Rice
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Roast Pork Fried Rice
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Ham Fried Rice
- Plain Fried Rice
Don’t be afraid to ask if you can add other ingredients to your fried rice. Many restaurants are happy to accommodate special requests.
Lo Mein: Soft Noodles with Savory Sauces
Lo Mein consists of soft egg noodles tossed in a savory sauce. Like fried rice, it can be customized with a variety of proteins and vegetables.
Here are some of the Lo Mein options you’re likely to see:
- Beef Lo Mein
- Chicken Lo Mein
- Roast Pork Lo Mein
- Shrimp Lo Mein
- House Special Lo Mein
- Vegetable Lo Mein
- Singapore Mei Fun
Singapore Mei Fun is a flavorful noodle dish that’s a little different from the other Lo Mein options. It’s made with thin rice noodles, curry powder, vegetables, and your choice of protein.
Poultry, Pork, and Beef: Meat-Centric Entrees
If you’re looking for a meaty main course, First Wok’s menu has plenty of options featuring chicken, pork, and beef.
Poultry: Chicken Dishes Galore
Chicken dishes take center stage at First Wok, with a wide variety of entrees to choose from. Whether you prefer a mild, savory flavor or something with a bit of a kick, you’re sure to find a chicken dish to satisfy your cravings.
Some popular chicken choices include:
- Chicken w. Mushroom
- Chicken w. Green Pepper
- Chicken w. Cashew Nuts
- Moo Goo Gai Pan
- Mongolian Chicken
- Hunan Chicken w. Black Bean Sauce
But that’s not all! Other chicken options include Chicken w. Broccoli, Chicken w. Garlic Sauce, Chicken w. Snow Peas, B.B.Q. Sliced Chicken, Hot & Spicy Chicken, Coconut Chicken, and Walnut Chicken. It’s a veritable poultry paradise!
Pork: Rich and Savory Flavors
For those who enjoy richer, more savory flavors, the pork dishes at First Wok are an excellent choice. These dishes often feature bold sauces and complementary ingredients that highlight the natural richness of the pork.
Consider these pork entrees:
- Double Sautéed Sliced Pork
- Hunan Sliced Pork w. Black Bean Sauce
- B.B.Q. Sliced Pork
You can also select from Pork w. Garlic Sauce, Green Pepper Pork, Roast Pork w. Broccoli, Mongolian Pork, Szechuan Sliced Pork, and Roast Pork w. Chinese Vegetable.
Beef: Tender and Flavorful Cuts
Beef lovers will appreciate the diverse cooking styles and flavors offered in First Wok’s beef dishes. From stir-fries to spicy concoctions, these dishes showcase tender cuts of beef prepared with a variety of sauces and vegetables.
Some popular beef dishes include:
- Beef w. Chinese Vegetable
- Beef w. Fresh Broccoli
- Beef w. Mushroom
- Green Pepper Steak
- Hunan Beef w. Black Bean Sauce
- Shredded Beef w. Spicy Sauce
Other beef choices include Mongolian Beef, Szechuan Beef, and Beef w. Snow Pea Pods.
Seafood, Vegetarian, and Sweet & Sour: Diverse Culinary Options
Beyond the basics, First Wok’s menu branches out into a few popular categories: fresh seafood, vegetable-based vegetarian dishes, and familiar sweet and sour preparations.
Seafood: Fresh and Flavorful Catches
If you’re in the mood for seafood, First Wok has a number of shrimp and scallop dishes to choose from. Here are a few examples:
- Shrimp with Mixed Vegetables
- Shrimp with Cashew Nuts
- Shrimp with Chinese Vegetable
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
- Kung Pao Shrimp
- Hunan Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce
And if those aren’t enough to tempt you, there are also:
- Scallops with Garlic Sauce
- Shrimp with Chili Sauce
- Walnut Shrimp
- Coconut Shrimp
Vegetarian Dishes: A Celebration of Vegetables
Vegetarians will find several vegetable-based dishes to choose from at First Wok.
The menu features:
- Fresh Broccoli with Garlic Sauce
- Sauteed Fresh Broccoli
- Sauteed Mixed Vegetable
- Sauteed Waterchestnuts with Snow Peas
- Hot Bean Curd
Sweet & Sour: A Classic Flavor Combination
Sweet and sour is a flavor profile that’s popular in Chinese cuisine, and First Wok offers a few different renditions of this classic combination.
You can choose from:
- Sweet & Sour Chicken
- Sweet & Sour Pork
- Sweet & Sour Shrimp
- Sweet & Sour Sambo (we can’t be sure what “Sambo” refers to, but it’s likely a combination of meats and vegetables)
Egg Foo Young, Curry Dishes, and St. Paul Sandwiches: Menu Mainstays
Beyond the familiar stir-fries and noodle dishes, First Wok also offers a few unique menu items that are worth exploring.
Egg Foo Young: Savory Egg Patties
Egg Foo Young features fluffy egg patties filled with a variety of tasty ingredients. The menu includes:
- Beef Egg Foo Young
- Chicken Egg Foo Young
- Roast Pork Egg Foo Young
- Shrimp Egg Foo Young
- Vegetable Egg Foo Young
- House Special Egg Foo Young
Curry Dishes: Aromatic and Spicy
If you’re craving something with a little more kick, First Wok’s curry dishes might be just the ticket.
[Note: The specific curry dishes weren’t listed on the sample menu. I’d recommend checking the full menu or asking when you order to see what’s available.]
St. Paul Sandwiches: A St. Louis Original
A true St. Louis specialty, the St. Paul sandwich is a fried egg foo young patty served on white bread with dill pickles, onion, tomato, and lettuce, plus mayonnaise. First Wok serves it up with a variety of fillings, including:
- Pork St. Paul Sandwich
- Vegetable St. Paul Sandwich
- Chicken St. Paul Sandwich
- Ham St. Paul Sandwich
- Beef St. Paul Sandwich
- Shrimp St. Paul Sandwich
- House Special St. Paul Sandwich
Special Combination Plates, Special Diet Menu, and Chef’s Specialties: Something for Everyone
First Wok’s menu aims to please all palates, with sections that cater to those who want a little bit of everything, those with dietary restrictions, and those eager to try the chef’s most creative dishes.
Special Combination Plates: A Customizable Dining Experience
If you’re having trouble deciding what to order, First Wok’s special combination plates are a great way to sample a few different dishes. These plates offer a convenient and affordable way to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures in one meal.
Some popular combinations include:
- Beef with Broccoli, Chicken with Broccoli, Chicken Chop Suey, Pork Chop Suey
- Sweet & Sour Pork, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Chicken with Cashew Nuts, Pork with Cashew Nuts
- General Tso’s Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Sweet & Sour Shrimp, Szechuan Chicken
Special Diet Menu: Health-Conscious Options
For those watching their health or with specific dietary needs, First Wok offers a special diet menu. These dishes are prepared with less oil and sodium, and often feature steamed vegetables as a healthier alternative to fried options.
Here are some examples from the Special Diet Menu:
- Steamed Mixed Vegetables
- Chicken with Mixed Vegetables
- Steamed Beef with Mixed Vegetables
- Steamed Shrimp with Mixed Vegetables
The Steamed Triple Delight, a combination of chicken, shrimp, and beef with steamed vegetables, is another popular choice in this section.
Chef’s Specialties: Unique and Signature Creations
For a truly memorable dining experience, explore the Chef’s Specialties. These dishes are where the chef’s culinary creativity shines, offering unique flavor combinations and artistic presentations.
Some of the most raved-about Chef’s Specialties include:
- Happy Family, Seafood Combination, Szechuan Triple Crown, Triple Crown
- General Tso’s Chicken, Shrimp & Chicken Delight, Scallop & Shrimp with Garlic Sauce
- Hunan Triple Crown, Sesame Beef, Beef with Orange Peel, Chicken with Orange Peel
In Summary
First Wok’s menu is extensive, offering a wide array of dishes to suit every taste. From tempting appetizers to chef-created specialties, you’ll find plenty to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a multi-course meal, First Wok has you covered. With options for different dietary needs and preferences, everyone can find something to enjoy.
One of the unique aspects of the First Wok menu is the inclusion of St. Paul Sandwiches, a regional specialty. These sandwiches offer a delicious and satisfying twist on traditional Chinese cuisine.
If you’re looking for a customizable meal, the Special Combination Plates are a great option. Choose your favorite dishes and create a personalized feast.
Whether you’re a Chinese food enthusiast, dining with a group, or have specific dietary requirements, First Wok’s menu has something for you. The restaurant provides a diverse and satisfying culinary experience that’s sure to please.
So, the next time you’re craving Chinese food, consider First Wok. With its extensive menu and delicious offerings, you’re sure to find a dish that hits the spot.