A good menu is essential for any restaurant, but it’s especially important for Chinese restaurants. The menu is your chance to grab a customer’s attention and show them the wide range of dishes you have to offer. For many diners, the menu is their first introduction to the world of Chinese cuisine.
Early Chinese restaurant menus in the West often focused on dishes that were familiar to Western palates. But today, you’re likely to find more authentic regional Chinese dishes alongside the classics.
The best menu for chinese restaurants balances tried-and-true favorites with exciting new dishes. It clearly describes ingredients and preparation methods, and it caters to a variety of dietary needs and preferences.
Appetizers and Dim Sum: Setting the Stage
Many Chinese restaurants offer a wide array of appetizers and dim sum (small, bite-sized portions served with tea) to kick off your meal. These starters are a great way to sample a variety of flavors and textures before diving into the main courses.
Appetizers: A Flavorful Beginning
- Spring Rolls and Egg Rolls: These crispy, savory starters are menu staples. Spring rolls typically feature thin, delicate wrappers filled with fresh vegetables, while egg rolls have thicker, egg-based wrappers and often include meat. Both are usually served with a sweet or savory dipping sauce. Regional variations abound, with different fillings and sauces reflecting local tastes.
- Crab Rangoon: A popular fusion appetizer, Crab Rangoon features a creamy, cheesy filling (often with imitation crab) encased in a crispy, deep-fried wonton shell.
- Pot Stickers and Fried Wontons: Pot stickers are savory dumplings that are pan-fried and then steamed, creating a crispy bottom and tender top. Fried wontons are similar, but are deep-fried for a uniformly crispy texture. Fillings vary, but often include pork, vegetables, and spices.
Dim Sum: A Culinary Adventure
- Steamed Dumplings: Har Gow (shrimp dumplings) and Siu Mai (pork dumplings) are classic examples of steamed dim sum. Har Gow features translucent wrappers filled with succulent shrimp, while Siu Mai typically contains a mixture of pork, shrimp, and mushrooms. Many restaurants now offer gluten-free options.
- Fried and Baked Dim Sum: This category includes a diverse range of textures and flavors, from the sweet and chewy sesame balls to the savory taro cakes.
- Soup Dumplings: A true culinary delight, soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) are filled with a flavorful broth and a small amount of meat. The delicate process of making these dumplings involves encasing a gelatinized broth within the dumpling wrapper, which melts into a savory soup when steamed.
Soups and Salads: Light and Refreshing Options
Chinese menus often include a selection of soups and salads, perfect as a starter or a lighter meal.
Soups: Warming and Flavorful Broths
- Egg Drop Soup: This classic comfort food is known for its silky texture and mild, comforting flavor.
- Hot and Sour Soup: A spicy and tangy soup that’s sure to wake up your taste buds. Key ingredients like vinegar, chili oil, and sometimes white pepper create its unique flavor profile.
- Wonton Soup: A more substantial soup featuring savory dumplings. You might find different types of wontons, filled with pork, shrimp, or vegetables.
Salads: A Fresh Perspective
- Seaweed Salad: A refreshing and healthy option, seaweed salad offers a unique taste and slightly chewy texture.
- Chicken Salad: This isn’t your typical chicken salad! Expect a light and flavorful salad with an Asian twist, often featuring sesame oil, soy sauce, or other Asian-inspired dressings.
Main Courses: A Culinary Journey Through China
Now we get to the heart of the Chinese restaurant menu: the main courses. Here’s a look at some of the most popular dishes you’ll find.
Chicken Dishes: A Versatile Protein
- Kung Pao Chicken: This Sichuan classic brings the heat with peanuts, chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns. It’s spicy, savory, and utterly addictive.
- General Tso’s Chicken: A sweet and tangy favorite, General Tso’s is said to have originated in Taiwan. It’s become a staple on Chinese restaurant menus in North America.
- Orange Chicken: Crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet orange glaze – what’s not to love? This citrusy dish is packed with flavor and has a satisfying crunch.
- Moo Goo Gai Pan: For a more mild and comforting option, try Moo Goo Gai Pan. This dish features tender chicken and fresh mushrooms in a light sauce.
Beef Dishes: Rich and Savory Flavors
- Beef with Broccoli: A classic for a reason! Tender beef and crisp broccoli florets are coated in a savory sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying combination.
- Mongolian Beef: This dish brings a little sweetness and a lot of flavor. Crispy noodles topped with tender beef, garlic, ginger, and scallions make for a memorable meal.
Pork Dishes: A Variety of Culinary Delights
- Sweet and Sour Pork: Another classic! Crispy pork is tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce with colorful vegetables. It’s a dish that appeals to all ages.
- Mu Shu Pork: This customizable dish features shredded pork and vegetables. The fun part is wrapping the filling in thin pancakes with a drizzle of plum sauce.
- Ma Po Tofu: For spice lovers, Ma Po Tofu is a must-try. This flavorful dish features soft tofu and ground pork in a fiery sauce made with Sichuan peppercorns and chili bean paste.
Seafood Dishes: Fresh and Flavorful Options
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce: Indulge in this rich and decadent dish featuring succulent shrimp in a creamy lobster sauce.
- Sweet and Sour Shrimp: Like its pork counterpart, Sweet and Sour Shrimp offers a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors with crispy shrimp and colorful vegetables.
- Scallops with Garlic Sauce: This savory and aromatic dish highlights the delicate flavor of fresh scallops with the pungent aroma of garlic.
Noodles and Rice: The Indispensable Foundation
No Chinese restaurant menu would be complete without a selection of noodle and rice dishes. Here’s a look at some of the most common choices.
Noodles: A Symphony of Textures and Tastes
- Lo Mein: These soft egg noodles are stir-fried with your choice of protein and veggies, tossed in a savory brown sauce.
- Chow Mein: Chow mein can be prepared with either crispy fried noodles or soft noodles. Both are served with vegetables and your choice of protein.
- Singapore Noodles: These thin rice noodles are flavored with curry powder and often include shrimp and pork. The curry gives them a rich, warm flavor.
- Chow Fun: These wide rice noodles are best when stir-fried properly so they don’t get soggy. They’re usually served with beef, vegetables, and a savory sauce.
Rice: A Blank Canvas for Flavor
- Fried Rice: A classic dish that combines rice with vegetables, eggs, and your choice of protein. You’ll often see different variations on the menu, like house fried rice or shrimp fried rice.
- White Rice: A simple, steamed rice that makes a great accompaniment to any dish.
- Brown Rice: A healthier alternative to white rice, though there may be an upcharge to substitute it.
Vegetable Delights and Healthy Options: Catering to Dietary Needs
A thoughtful Chinese restaurant menu offers plenty of vegetable-based dishes and nutritious options for people who are watching their salt, gluten, or calorie intake. Here are a few examples:
Vegetable Delights: A Celebration of Fresh Produce
- Broccoli with Garlic Sauce: A classic, simple dish featuring tender broccoli florets coated in a savory garlic sauce.
- Stir-Fried Green Beans: Crispy, flavorful green beans stir-fried with garlic and soy sauce.
- Eggplant with Garlic Sauce: A rich, flavorful dish of tender eggplant in a savory garlic sauce, sometimes with black bean sauce.
Healthy Options: Mindful Eating
- Steamed Vegetables with Tofu: A light, nutritious dish featuring steamed seasonal vegetables and soft tofu.
- Low-Sodium Dishes: Dishes prepared with reduced-sodium sauces and ingredients to cater to those with dietary restrictions.
- Gluten-Free Options: Clearly marked dishes prepared without gluten-containing ingredients, providing choices for those with sensitivities.
A sweet ending and refreshing drinks
No Chinese meal is complete without a sweet treat and a beverage to wash it down.
Desserts
- Fortune cookies: that classic crispy cookie with the mysterious message inside
- Almond cookies: a delicate, flavorful cookie
- Ice cream: a simple, refreshing dessert
Beverages
- Tea: a traditional complement to Chinese cuisine, with options like green tea, black tea, and jasmine tea
- Soft drinks: a variety of familiar favorites
- Beer and wine: to complement the flavors of your meal (and don’t forget the sake!)
In Conclusion
A well-designed Chinese restaurant menu balances familiar, comforting favorites with exciting, innovative dishes. It clearly describes ingredients and preparation methods, making it easy for customers to choose what they want. And it caters to a wide range of dietary needs and personal preferences.
The design and presentation of a menu are just as important as the food it lists. An appealing menu enhances the dining experience and draws in customers, while clear, concise language makes it easy to navigate.
Chinese cuisine continues to evolve, and modern menus reflect this change by showcasing more authentic regional dishes. Restaurants are also focusing on healthier and more sustainable options, appealing to a broader audience and contributing to a more responsible food culture.