Discovering the culinary delights of No 1 Chinese on Appleton Avenue offers an exciting journey through authentic flavors and expertly crafted dishes. This beloved local establishment has earned its reputation by blending traditional Chinese cooking techniques with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Whether you are craving classic dim sum, flavorful stir-fries, or savory noodle bowls, the menu offers a diverse selection that caters to a wide range of palates. The welcoming atmosphere and attentive service complement the dining experience, making it a favorite spot for both casual meals and special occasions.
The menu is thoughtfully curated to showcase a balance of bold flavors and comforting favorites. Patrons appreciate the consistency in taste and presentation, reflecting a dedication to culinary excellence.
Each dish is prepared with care, maintaining the integrity of authentic Chinese cuisine while incorporating subtle modern touches. This approach allows diners to explore traditional tastes alongside innovative creations, ensuring a memorable meal every time they visit No 1 Chinese on Appleton Avenue.
From appetizers to desserts, the menu is a celebration of variety and quality. Many dishes are designed to be shared, encouraging a communal dining experience that highlights the richness of Chinese food culture.
For those unfamiliar with certain dishes, the staff provides helpful recommendations and descriptions, enhancing the overall enjoyment and exploration of the menu. Whether you are a longtime fan of Chinese cuisine or a newcomer eager to try something new, No 1 Chinese’s Appleton Avenue menu promises a satisfying and flavorful experience.
Appetizers and Starters
The appetizer section at No 1 Chinese on Appleton Avenue sets the tone for a flavorful meal. These dishes offer a mix of textures and tastes, from crispy to savory, providing the perfect introduction to the menu.
They are designed to awaken the appetite and showcase the kitchen’s skillful preparation techniques.
Popular starters include spring rolls, dumplings, and hot and sour soup. Each item is made fresh daily, ensuring the highest quality.
The spring rolls are golden and crisp, filled with a combination of vegetables and occasionally meat, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. Dumplings are meticulously crafted, with options such as pork, chicken, or vegetable fillings, steamed or fried to perfection.
The hot and sour soup is a signature item, celebrated for its balance of tangy and spicy flavors. It is a comforting choice that warms the palate and prepares diners for the dishes to come.
These appetizers are not only flavorful but also provide a glimpse into the diverse culinary influences present at No 1 Chinese.
Highlights of the Starters
- Spring Rolls: Crispy and golden, filled with fresh vegetables or meat, served with a tangy dipping sauce.
- Steamed Dumplings: Delicately wrapped with juicy fillings, available in pork, chicken, and vegetarian options.
- Hot and Sour Soup: A perfect blend of spicy and sour, rich with tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.
- Crab Rangoon: Creamy crab filling wrapped in crispy wonton shells, a crowd favorite.
“The appetizers at No 1 Chinese are a perfect introduction to the meal—each bite bursting with authentic flavors and textures that delight the senses.”
Main Courses: Signature Dishes
The main course offerings at No 1 Chinese Appleton Avenue are where the restaurant’s culinary artistry truly shines. These dishes reflect a rich heritage of Chinese cooking, with each plate thoughtfully prepared to deliver bold and satisfying flavors.
Whether you prefer meat, seafood, or vegetarian options, the menu is designed to accommodate every preference.
Stir-fries are a cornerstone of the main course section, featuring fresh vegetables and tender cuts of meat cooked quickly to lock in flavor and nutrition. Dishes such as Kung Pao Chicken and Mongolian Beef are made with house-made sauces that balance spice, sweetness, and umami.
These meals pair perfectly with steamed rice or noodles, creating a filling and flavorful dining experience.
For seafood lovers, the menu offers dishes like Salt and Pepper Shrimp and Szechuan Fish, which bring a delightful kick of heat and texture. These seafood options are expertly prepared to highlight their natural flavors while incorporating traditional Chinese seasoning methods.
Overall, the main courses demonstrate a mastery of both technique and flavor combination.
Comparative Table of Popular Main Dishes
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Spice Level | Cooking Style |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Chicken, peanuts, chili peppers | Medium | Stir-fried |
| Mongolian Beef | Beef, green onions, soy sauce | Mild | Stir-fried |
| Salt and Pepper Shrimp | Shrimp, garlic, chili flakes | Medium-High | Deep-fried |
| Szechuan Fish | White fish, Szechuan peppercorn, chili sauce | High | Pan-fried |
Noodle and Rice Selections
Noodles and rice form the foundation of many Chinese meals, and No 1 Chinese on Appleton Avenue treats these staples with great respect. The menu features a variety of noodle dishes, from classic chow mein to spicy dan dan noodles.
Rice options include fried rice with various protein choices and steamed jasmine rice to accompany other dishes.
The noodle dishes are known for their perfect texture—neither too soft nor too chewy. The chow mein is stir-fried with fresh vegetables and your choice of meat, balanced with savory sauces.
Dan dan noodles offer a spicy, nutty flavor profile that excites the palate with every mouthful. These dishes are ideal for those seeking comfort food with a flavorful punch.
Rice dishes are equally delicious. Fried rice is prepared with eggs, scallions, and your choice of chicken, beef, or shrimp, providing a satisfying and hearty option.
Steamed rice serves as a simple yet essential side, complementing the more robust main dishes without overwhelming the palate.
Popular Noodle and Rice Options
- Chicken Chow Mein: Stir-fried noodles with tender chicken and mixed vegetables.
- Beef Lo Mein: Soft noodles tossed with strips of beef and savory sauce.
- Vegetable Fried Rice: A colorful medley of vegetables and eggs mixed with rice.
- Spicy Dan Dan Noodles: Wheat noodles served with spicy peanut sauce and ground pork.
“The noodles and rice dishes at No 1 Chinese are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into comfort food masterpieces.”
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
No 1 Chinese on Appleton Avenue recognizes the importance of accommodating vegetarian and vegan diners. The menu offers a variety of plant-based dishes that do not compromise on flavor or authenticity.
These options highlight fresh vegetables, tofu, and creative seasoning to deliver satisfying meals.
Vegetarian dumplings and spring rolls are available as starters, made without any animal products. For main courses, dishes such as Buddha’s Delight—a medley of stir-fried vegetables and tofu—stand out for their rich flavors and vibrant colors.
Other options include stir-fried mixed vegetables with garlic sauce and mapo tofu prepared in a vegan style.
The kitchen ensures that vegan dishes are carefully prepared to avoid cross-contamination, making the restaurant a safe and welcoming choice for those with dietary restrictions. These offerings demonstrate that plant-based cuisine can be just as exciting and delicious as traditional meat dishes.
Key Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes
- Buddha’s Delight: A colorful stir-fry of tofu and mixed vegetables in a savory sauce.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with seasoned vegetables.
- Mapo Tofu (Vegan): Silken tofu in a spicy, flavorful sauce made without meat.
- Garlic Stir-Fried Greens: Fresh leafy greens sautéed with garlic and light soy sauce.
“It’s refreshing to see a Chinese menu that fully embraces vegetarian and vegan options without sacrificing authenticity or taste.”
Dim Sum Delights
Dim sum is a cherished tradition in Chinese cuisine, and No 1 Chinese on Appleton Avenue offers an impressive selection. These bite-sized portions are perfect for sharing and provide an opportunity to sample a variety of flavors and textures in one meal.
The dim sum menu includes steamed and fried options, ranging from classic shrimp dumplings to pork buns. Each item is crafted with precision, using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes passed down through generations.
The balance of flavors and textures is carefully maintained to ensure every bite is delightful.
Dim sum is often enjoyed during brunch or lunchtime, making it an ideal choice for social gatherings. The variety allows diners to mix and match according to their preferences, creating a personalized dining experience.
The staff is knowledgeable and happy to recommend pairing options based on your tastes.
Popular Dim Sum Choices
- Shrimp Har Gow: Delicate steamed shrimp dumplings with translucent wrappers.
- Pork Siu Mai: Open-topped steamed dumplings filled with seasoned pork and shrimp.
- BBQ Pork Buns: Soft, fluffy buns stuffed with sweet and savory barbecue pork.
- Turnip Cake: Pan-fried savory cakes made from shredded turnip and rice flour.
Soups and Sides
Soups and side dishes at No 1 Chinese on Appleton Avenue add depth and variety to the meal. They are thoughtfully prepared to complement the main courses and provide balance to the overall dining experience.
The soup offerings include traditional favorites such as egg drop soup, wonton soup, and hot and sour soup. Each is made from scratch, using fresh ingredients and flavorful broths.
These soups are light yet satisfying, perfect as a starter or accompaniment.
Side dishes such as steamed vegetables, fried wontons, and crispy scallion pancakes offer additional texture and flavor contrasts. These sides are designed to be shared and enjoyed alongside larger dishes, enhancing the meal’s diversity.
Soup and Side Dish Favorites
- Egg Drop Soup: Light broth with wispy beaten eggs and scallions.
- Wonton Soup: Clear broth with delicate pork-filled wontons.
- Crispy Scallion Pancakes: Flaky pancakes bursting with fresh scallions.
- Steamed Broccoli with Garlic Sauce: Tender broccoli florets dressed in savory garlic sauce.
“Soups and sides at No 1 Chinese are the perfect complement to any meal, offering balance and a variety of textures.”
Desserts and Beverages
Completing the dining experience, the dessert and beverage offerings at No 1 Chinese on Appleton Avenue provide a sweet and refreshing finish. While traditional Chinese desserts are featured, the menu also includes options that appeal to a broad audience.
Popular dessert choices include mango pudding, sesame balls, and red bean cakes. These sweets are light and satisfying, designed to cleanse the palate after a flavorful meal.
The textures vary from creamy and smooth to crisp and chewy, offering a delightful conclusion.
Beverages range from classic Chinese teas to soft drinks and specialty drinks like bubble tea. The tea selection includes jasmine, oolong, and green tea, all served hot or cold.
These drinks not only complement the flavors of the food but also enhance the overall dining ambiance.
Dessert and Beverage Highlights
- Mango Pudding: Smooth, sweet pudding topped with fresh mango pieces.
- Sesame Balls: Deep-fried glutinous rice balls coated with sesame seeds, filled with sweet red bean paste.
- Red Bean Cake: Soft cake layered with sweet red bean filling.
- Jasmine Tea: Fragrant tea known for its delicate floral aroma.
| Beverage | Type | Temperature |
| Jasmine Tea | Tea | Hot/Cold |
| Bubble Tea | Specialty Drink | Cold |
| Soft Drinks | Carbonated Beverage | Cold |
| Oolong Tea | Tea | Hot/Cold |
Conclusion
No 1 Chinese on Appleton Avenue stands out as a culinary gem, offering a menu that is both diverse and consistently excellent. The attention to detail in every dish, from appetizers to desserts, reflects a commitment to authentic Chinese flavors and quality ingredients.
Diners are treated to a wide array of options, catering to meat-eaters, vegetarians, and those seeking traditional or innovative dishes alike.
The atmosphere and service further enhance the dining experience, making it a welcoming destination for families, friends, and solo diners. Whether indulging in flavorful main courses, sampling dim sum, or enjoying refreshing teas and desserts, guests leave satisfied and eager to return.
No 1 Chinese’s Appleton Avenue menu is a testament to the richness of Chinese cuisine and the joy of sharing good food in a friendly environment.
For anyone looking to explore authentic Chinese cuisine in a warm and inviting setting, No 1 Chinese on Appleton Avenue is a top choice. Each visit offers an opportunity to savor classic dishes, discover new favorites, and appreciate the culinary traditions that define this beloved restaurant.
