Are you tired of always ordering the same dishes whenever you eat at a Chinese restaurant? If you’re looking to try something new and exciting, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will guide you through the best dishes to order at a Chinese restaurant, ranging from traditional favorites to hidden gems that are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of noodle dishes, savory dumplings, or flavorful stir-fries, we’ve gathered a selection of dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. So sit back, relax, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other.
Appetizers
Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are a classic Chinese appetizer that is loved by people all over the world. These crispy and delicious rolls are made with a delicate rice paper wrapper that is filled with a variety of ingredients such as shredded vegetables, shrimp, and sometimes even meat. They are usually deep-fried until golden brown, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite. Spring rolls are typically served alongside a tangy and flavorful dipping sauce, adding an extra burst of flavor to this already delightful appetizer. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a seafood lover, there is a spring roll variation that will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Potstickers
Potstickers, also known as Chinese dumplings, are a must-try appetizer when dining at a Chinese restaurant. These little pockets of joy are made with a thin dough wrapper that is filled with a mixture of ground meat, such as pork or chicken, along with vegetables and various seasonings. The dumplings are then pan-fried until the bottoms become crispy and golden while the tops remain soft and steamed. Paired with a soy-based dipping sauce, potstickers are a crowd-pleaser and offer a delicious combination of textures and flavors.
Scallion Pancakes
If you’re looking for a unique and savory appetizer, scallion pancakes are the way to go. These thin, flaky pancakes are made with a dough that is mixed with minced scallions and pan-fried to perfection. The result is a crispy exterior with a tender and chewy center, complemented by the fragrant aroma of the scallions. Scallion pancakes are often served with a dipping sauce that enhances the overall taste. This appetizer is a favorite among both vegetarians and meat lovers, making it a versatile and satisfying choice.
Soup
Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is a classic Chinese dish that is both comforting and full of flavor. This soup typically consists of a savory broth that is infused with a combination of hot and tangy ingredients, such as black vinegar, white pepper, tofu, mushrooms, and shredded bamboo shoots. The contrasting flavors of spicy and sour create a dynamic taste that is incredibly satisfying. Hot and sour soup is often enjoyed as a starter or as a standalone dish, especially during colder months when a warm and hearty bowl of soup is the perfect comfort food.
Wonton Soup
Wonton soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is beloved for its delicate flavors and delightful dumplings. This soup features a light broth that is typically made from chicken or pork stock, infused with the flavors of Chinese spices and aromatics. The star of the dish is the wontons – small pockets of dough filled with a flavorful mixture of minced meat (usually pork) and seasonings. These dumplings are then boiled until tender and served in the soup alongside other ingredients such as bok choy and green onions. Wonton soup is a comforting and satisfying choice that is sure to warm your heart and stomach.
Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup is a simple yet delicious option for any Chinese food enthusiast. This soup is characterized by its silky texture, created by slowly pouring beaten eggs into a hot, seasoned broth. The eggs form delicate ribbons as they cook, adding a beautiful visual appeal to the dish. Along with the eggs, ingredients like chicken or vegetable broth, cornstarch, and green onions come together to create a light and flavorful soup that is perfect for starting a meal. Egg drop soup is a popular choice for those looking for a lighter option, as it is low in calories but still bursting with flavor.
Noodles
Chow Mein
Chow mein is a classic Chinese dish that features stir-fried noodles, usually mixed with a variety of vegetables and proteins. The noodles themselves can vary, with options like wheat noodles or egg noodles being commonly used. Chow mein is known for its rich, savory flavor that comes from a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and various seasonings. This dish is typically topped with garnishes such as green onions or sesame seeds to add an extra layer of flavor and texture. Whether you prefer a vegetarian version or one with meat and seafood, chow mein is a versatile and delicious noodle dish that is sure to satisfy.
Lo Mein
Similar to chow mein, lo mein is another popular Chinese noodle dish that is loved for its simplicity and satisfying flavors. Lo mein features soft, wheat-based noodles that are stir-fried with a variety of vegetables, proteins, and a flavorful sauce. The sauce is typically made from a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger, creating a savory and aromatic base that coats the noodles and ingredients. Lo mein can be customized to suit your preferences, whether you prefer a vegetarian option or one with a combination of meats such as beef, chicken, or shrimp. This noodle dish is a crowd-pleaser and a go-to choice for many Chinese food lovers.
Dan Dan Noodles
Dan dan noodles are a spicy and flavorful noodle dish that originated in the Sichuan province of China. This dish features a combination of wheat noodles, ground meat (usually pork), chili oil, and a spicy sauce that is made from Sichuan peppercorns, sesame paste, and various seasonings. The result is a dish that is spicy, aromatic, and packed with bold flavors. Dan dan noodles can be customized to your desired spice level, making it a great option for those who love a kick of heat in their meals. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish makes it a memorable and satisfying choice.
Rice
Fried Rice
Fried rice is a classic Chinese dish that has become a staple in many households and restaurants around the world. This dish is made by stir-frying cooked rice with a combination of vegetables, meats, and sauces. The ingredients can vary, with options like diced chicken, shrimp, or pork being commonly used, along with vegetables such as carrots, peas, and onions. The rice is then seasoned with soy sauce and other seasonings, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish. Fried rice is a versatile option that can be tailored to suit your preferences, making it a go-to choice for those looking for a satisfying and reliable meal.
Yangzhou Fried Rice
Yangzhou fried rice is a popular variation of fried rice that originates from the Yangzhou region in China. This dish features a combination of fluffy rice, eggs, ham, shrimp, and a medley of vegetables such as diced carrots and peas. The flavors of the ingredients come together beautifully, creating a harmonious balance of savory, sweet, and umami notes. Yangzhou fried rice is known for its vibrant colors and visually pleasing presentation, making it a delightful choice for both the taste buds and the eyes. This dish is a must-try for fried rice lovers who want to experience a more distinctive flavor profile.
Pineapple Fried Rice
Pineapple fried rice is a unique and flavorful dish that is loved for its sweet and savory combination. This dish features cooked rice stir-fried with diced pineapple, along with vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and carrots. Optional additions such as shrimp, chicken, or cashews can also be included to add an extra layer of texture and flavor. The dish is typically seasoned with soy sauce and various aromatic spices, enhancing the sweet, tangy, and savory elements of the dish. Pineapple fried rice is visually appealing and bursting with tropical flavors, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their meals.
Pork Dishes
Sweet and Sour Pork
Sweet and sour pork is a popular Chinese dish that is known for its balanced flavors and vibrant appearance. This dish features crispy pieces of pork that are coated in a sweet and tangy sauce made from a combination of ingredients such as vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and soy sauce. The pork is typically battered and deep-fried, creating a crunchy exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The bright red color of the sauce combined with the succulent texture of the pork makes this dish an eye-catching and delicious choice.
Ma Po Tofu
Ma Po tofu is a spicy and flavorful Sichuan dish that combines the softness of tofu with the bold flavors of chili bean paste, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns. This dish typically features silky tofu cubes that are simmered in a spicy sauce, along with ground pork for added texture and flavor. The combination of heat from the chili and the numbing sensation from the Sichuan peppercorns creates a unique and addictive taste. Ma Po tofu is known for its balance of spicy, savory, and slightly numbing flavors, making it a favorite among those who enjoy bold and exciting dishes.
Twice Cooked Pork
Twice cooked pork, also known as hui guo rou, is a beloved dish from the Sichuan province that features tender slices of pork that are twice-cooked to enhance their flavor and texture. The pork is first boiled until fully cooked, then sliced and stir-fried with a variety of ingredients such as cabbage, bell peppers, and fermented black beans. The dish is seasoned with a combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other aromatic spices, creating a rich and savory taste. Twice cooked pork is known for its satisfying combination of tender meat, crunchy vegetables, and bold flavors, making it a delightful choice for pork lovers.
Beef Dishes
Beef with Broccoli
Beef with broccoli is a classic Chinese dish that features tender slices of beef stir-fried with fresh broccoli florets in a flavorful brown sauce. This dish highlights the natural sweetness of the beef and the vibrant color and crunch of the broccoli. The beef is usually marinated in a combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before being stir-fried, enhancing its flavor and tenderness. The dish is finished with a savory brown sauce made from a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings. Beef with broccoli is a comforting and satisfying option that pairs well with steamed rice, making it a popular choice in Chinese cuisine.
Mongolian Beef
Mongolian beef is a popular Chinese dish that features thinly sliced beef stir-fried with a savory sauce made from a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. This dish is known for its bold flavors and tender texture. The beef is typically marinated to enhance its taste and tenderness before being quickly stir-fried with onions and green onions. The combination of the sweet and savory sauce with the melt-in-your-mouth beef creates a dish that is rich in flavor and satisfying. Mongolian beef is often served with steamed rice or noodles, making it a filling choice for any Chinese food lover.
Kung Pao Beef
Kung pao beef is a spicy and flavorful dish that originated in the Sichuan province of China. This dish features tender slices of beef stir-fried with a combination of vegetables, such as bell peppers, peanuts, and dried red chili peppers. The dish is seasoned with a spicy and tangy sauce made from a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns. Kung pao beef is known for its bold flavors, with the heat from the chili peppers balanced by the sweetness of the sauce and the crunchy texture of the peanuts. This dish is a popular choice for those who enjoy spicy and flavorful meals.
Chicken Dishes
General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that is known for its crispy texture and sweet and spicy flavors. This dish features lightly breaded and deep-fried chicken pieces that are tossed in a tangy sauce made from a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and red chili peppers. The result is a dish that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. General Tso’s chicken is often garnished with sliced green onions and served with steamed rice, making it a satisfying and indulgent choice.
Orange Chicken
Orange chicken is a crowd-pleasing Chinese dish that features crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This dish is loved for its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. The chicken is usually coated in a light batter and deep-fried until golden brown, creating a crispy exterior while remaining moist and tender inside. The orange sauce, made from a combination of orange juice, zest, soy sauce, and other seasonings, adds a burst of citrusy and savory taste to the dish. Orange chicken is typically served with steamed rice, creating a well-rounded meal that is both delicious and satisfying.
Cashew Chicken
Cashew chicken is a flavorful and nutty dish that features chicken stir-fried with a combination of vegetables and cashew nuts. This dish offers a delightful contrast between the juicy and tender chicken, crunchy cashew nuts, and crisp vegetables. The chicken is typically marinated before being stir-fried with ingredients such as bell peppers, onions, and celery. The dish is seasoned with a savory sauce made from a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other aromatic spices, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Cashew chicken is a popular choice for those looking for a satisfying and well-balanced meal that incorporates both protein and vegetables.
Seafood Dishes
Sweet and Sour Shrimp
Sweet and sour shrimp is a classic Chinese dish that features succulent shrimp cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce. This dish combines the natural sweetness of the shrimp with a sauce made from a combination of ingredients such as vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and soy sauce. The shrimp is typically lightly coated in cornstarch and briefly deep-fried, creating a crispy and golden exterior while maintaining its tender texture. The bright red sauce coats the shrimp, adding a burst of tangy and sweet flavors to every bite. Sweet and sour shrimp is a visually appealing and appetizing choice for seafood lovers.
Kung Pao Shrimp
Kung pao shrimp is a spicy and flavorful dish that showcases the freshness and delicate flavor of shrimp, combined with the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine. This dish features plump and juicy shrimp stir-fried with a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, peanuts, and dried red chili peppers. The dish is seasoned with a spicy sauce made from a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns. The heat from the chili peppers is balanced by the sweetness of the sauce and the crunchy texture of the peanuts, creating a tantalizing combination of flavors and textures. Kung pao shrimp is a memorable and satisfying choice for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their meals.
Salt and Pepper Squid
Salt and pepper squid is a popular Chinese dish that highlights the delicate flavors and unique texture of squid. This dish features tender and succulent squid that is lightly seasoned and coated in a crispy batter made from a combination of flour, salt, and pepper before being deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a dish that is both crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, with hints of salt and pepper enhancing the natural taste of the squid. Salt and pepper squid is often served with a side of dipping sauce, creating a flavorful and addictive appetizer or main dish for seafood enthusiasts.
Vegetable Dishes
Mapo Tofu
Mapo tofu is a flavorful and spicy Sichuan dish that features silky tofu cubes cooked in a sauce made from fermented bean paste, chili oil, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns. This dish is known for its bold flavors and numbing sensation created by the Sichuan peppercorns. Along with the tofu, ground meat (usually pork) and a variety of vegetables such as minced onions and green onions are added to the dish, creating a combination of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds. Mapo tofu is a comforting and satisfying choice for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, offering a tantalizing experience of heat and spice.
Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
Eggplant with garlic sauce is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is loved for its tender eggplant and savory garlic sauce. This dish features diced eggplant that is stir-fried with a savory sauce made from a combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and other seasonings. The eggplant absorbs the flavors of the sauce, becoming soft and melt-in-your-mouth tender. This dish is often garnished with green onions or cilantro, adding a fresh and vibrant element to the overall flavor profile. Eggplant with garlic sauce is a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans, providing a satisfying and tasty option for those looking for a vegetable-based dish.
Ma Po Eggplant
Ma Po eggplant is a delicious and spicy Sichuan dish that features tender eggplant cooked in a flavorful sauce made from fermented bean paste, chili oil, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns. The dish is known for its bold flavors and numbing sensation from the Sichuan peppercorns. The eggplant is typically sliced and stir-fried until soft and tender, creating a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the sauce. Ma Po eggplant is often garnished with green onions or cilantro, adding brightness to the dish. This dish offers a delightful combination of heat, spice, and umami flavors, making it a memorable choice for eggplant enthusiasts.
Desserts
Fortune Cookies
Fortune cookies are a popular and beloved Chinese-American dessert that is often enjoyed at the end of a meal. These crispy and sweet cookies are typically made from a mixture of flour, sugar, vanilla, and sesame oil. What sets fortune cookies apart from other treats is the surprise inside – a small slip of paper with a printed message or fortune. These messages often contain words of wisdom, encouragement, or predictions about the future, adding a fun and whimsical element to the dessert. Fortune cookies are usually served with tea or enjoyed on their own, making them a delightful and memorable way to end a Chinese meal.
Sesame Balls
Sesame balls, also known as jian dui, are a popular Chinese dessert that features a deep-fried glutinous rice flour dough filled with a sweet and flavorful filling, often made from red bean paste. These spherical treats are coated in sesame seeds, giving them a crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the chewy texture of the dough. Sesame balls are typically enjoyed hot or warm, allowing the filling to become gooey and inviting. The combination of the crispy sesame coating, the soft dough, and the sweet filling makes these balls a delightful and comforting dessert option.
Almond Jelly
Almond jelly is a refreshing and delicate Chinese dessert that is made from almond milk, agar agar (a type of gelatin), and sugar. This jelly-like dessert has a smooth and silky texture that is often served chilled and garnished with fruits such as lychee or mango. Almond jelly has a subtle and pleasing almond flavor that is slightly sweet, making it a light and refreshing choice after a hearty Chinese meal. This dessert is loved for its light and delicate nature, providing a cooling and satisfying end to any dining experience.
In conclusion, Chinese cuisine offers a wide array of mouthwatering dishes that cater to various tastes and preferences. From appetizers like spring rolls and potstickers to comforting soups such as hot and sour soup and wonton soup, each dish showcases the unique flavors and culinary diversity of China. Noodles and rice dishes like chow mein, Yangzhou fried rice, and pineapple fried rice provide nourishment and satisfaction, while pork, beef, chicken, seafood, and vegetable dishes offer an extensive range of flavors and textures. To end the meal on a sweet note, traditional Chinese desserts like fortune cookies, sesame balls, and almond jelly add a delightful touch. Whether you’re a fan of spicy Sichuan cuisine or prefer milder flavors, there is a dish that will surely satisfy your palate when dining at a Chinese restaurant. So, embrace the variety and richness of Chinese cuisine, and embark on a culinary adventure with these best dishes to order at a Chinese restaurant.
