Nestled in the heart of Highlands Ranch, Oriental Cafe has established itself as a culinary gem where rich flavors and authentic Asian cuisine come together in a harmonious dining experience. The restaurant’s menu is thoughtfully curated to showcase a wide array of traditional dishes, reflecting a blend of Chinese, Thai, and other Southeast Asian influences.
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor eager to explore the vibrant tastes of the East, Oriental Cafe offers an inviting atmosphere paired with a diverse menu that caters to all palates.
From delicate appetizers to hearty entrees, the Oriental Cafe Highlands Ranch menu is designed to satisfy cravings for both classic and contemporary dishes. Each plate is prepared with fresh ingredients and bold spices, ensuring that every bite delivers a memorable taste journey.
The restaurant’s dedication to quality and authenticity shines through not only in its food but also in its commitment to excellent customer service, making every visit a delightful occasion.
Exploring the menu reveals a thoughtful balance between familiar favorites and adventurous selections, making it a perfect destination for casual lunches, family dinners, or special celebrations. With options ranging from light, flavorful soups to rich, savory stir-fries, Oriental Cafe invites diners to savor the essence of Asian cuisine in a warm, welcoming setting.
Appetizers: A Flavorful Prelude
The appetizer section at Oriental Cafe Highlands Ranch is crafted to awaken the palate and prepare diners for the delightful journey ahead. These starters offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, from crispy to creamy, spicy to mild.
Designed for sharing or enjoying solo, the appetizers are an essential part of the dining experience.
Popular appetizers include classic spring rolls, chicken satay, and dumplings, each made with fresh ingredients and authentic seasoning. The spring rolls feature a crispy exterior with a savory vegetable and meat filling, perfect for those who enjoy a light yet satisfying beginning.
Chicken satay is marinated in a blend of spices and served with a rich peanut sauce, offering a delightful combination of smoky and nutty flavors.
For those who appreciate dim sum-style dishes, the steamed or fried dumplings are a must-try. Filled with pork, shrimp, or vegetables, these bite-sized treats are bursting with flavor and make for an excellent shareable option.
Vegetarian diners will find plenty of choices here as well, including crispy tofu and vegetable egg rolls.
Popular Appetizer Highlights
- Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with seasoned vegetables and meat
- Chicken Satay: Grilled chicken skewers with peanut dipping sauce
- Dumplings: Steamed or fried, filled with pork, shrimp, or vegetables
- Vegetable Egg Rolls: Perfectly fried with a flavorful vegetable filling
“Appetizers at Oriental Cafe set the tone for an unforgettable meal, blending traditional flavors with a modern touch.”
Soups and Salads: Light and Nourishing Choices
The soups and salads on the Oriental Cafe Highlands Ranch menu provide a refreshing and wholesome option for diners seeking lighter fare. These dishes showcase the restaurant’s ability to balance nutrition with bold flavors, using fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and delicate broths.
Signature soups such as hot and sour soup and wonton soup are staples that offer a comforting start to any meal. The hot and sour soup combines a tangy, spicy broth with tender tofu and mushrooms, while the wonton soup features delicate dumplings swimming in a flavorful, clear broth.
Each soup is crafted to provide warmth and satisfaction without overwhelming the palate.
Salads at Oriental Cafe are equally impressive, featuring fresh greens, crunchy vegetables, and vibrant dressings inspired by Southeast Asian culinary traditions. The Thai beef salad, for example, pairs thinly sliced grilled beef with herbs, peanuts, and a zesty lime dressing, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
For those seeking vegetarian options, the cucumber salad offers a crisp and refreshing choice, enhanced with a light sesame dressing.
Soup and Salad Varieties
- Hot and Sour Soup: Spicy, tangy broth with tofu and mushrooms
- Wonton Soup: Clear broth with pork-filled wontons
- Thai Beef Salad: Grilled beef, herbs, and lime dressing
- Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers with sesame dressing
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Hot and Sour Soup | Tofu, mushrooms, vinegar, chili | Spicy, tangy, savory |
| Wonton Soup | Pork wontons, clear broth, green onions | Delicate, savory |
| Thai Beef Salad | Grilled beef, lime, herbs, peanuts | Zesty, fresh, spicy |
| Cucumber Salad | Cucumber, sesame oil, vinegar | Refreshing, light |
Main Entrees: Diverse and Satisfying
The main entrees at Oriental Cafe Highlands Ranch are where the menu truly shines, offering a robust selection of dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. From classic stir-fries to rich curries, the entrees combine bold flavors with expertly balanced ingredients.
Signature dishes like General Tso’s chicken, Pad Thai, and Mongolian beef are crafted with a careful attention to texture and taste. General Tso’s chicken features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, a favorite among those who enjoy a bit of heat with their meal.
Pad Thai offers a harmonious blend of rice noodles, peanuts, eggs, and fresh vegetables, tossed in a tamarind-based sauce that’s both tangy and satisfying.
Mongolian beef stands out for its tender slices of beef cooked with scallions and garlic in a savory soy-based sauce, providing a rich yet balanced flavor profile. Vegetarian options are plentiful, with dishes such as tofu stir-fry and vegetable curry offering hearty and flavorful alternatives that do not compromise on taste.
Entree Specialties
- General Tso’s Chicken: Crispy chicken in a sweet-spicy glaze
- Pad Thai: Classic Thai noodles with peanuts and tamarind sauce
- Mongolian Beef: Tender beef with garlic and scallions
- Tofu Stir-Fry: Fresh vegetables and tofu in a savory sauce
“Every entree at Oriental Cafe is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Asian cuisine, prepared with passion and precision.”
Noodle and Rice Dishes: Comfort in Every Bite
Noodles and rice form the backbone of many Asian meals, and Oriental Cafe Highlands Ranch offers an extensive selection of dishes that showcase these staples in vibrant and flavorful ways. These dishes are perfect for those looking for comforting, filling meals that don’t sacrifice taste.
From the aromatic fried rice to the richly sauced lo mein, each dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic seasoning. Fried rice options often include a combination of vegetables, eggs, and choice proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or pork, delivering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.
Lo mein noodles are stir-fried with crisp vegetables and your choice of protein, resulting in a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful.
For those who appreciate a touch of spice, the menu includes spicy Szechuan noodles, which feature a bold, peppery sauce that invigorates the senses. Vegetarian noodle dishes are equally impressive, often featuring tofu or a variety of fresh vegetables in savory sauces that highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Popular Noodle and Rice Options
- Fried Rice: Egg, vegetables, and choice of meat or tofu
- Lo Mein: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and protein
- Szechuan Noodles: Spicy, pepper-flavored noodle dish
- Vegetable Fried Rice: Vegetarian-friendly with fresh vegetables
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Spice Level |
| Fried Rice | Rice, eggs, vegetables, chicken/shrimp/pork | Low |
| Lo Mein | Egg noodles, vegetables, chicken/beef/tofu | Low |
| Szechuan Noodles | Noodles, chili peppers, garlic, vegetables | High |
| Vegetable Fried Rice | Rice, mixed vegetables, egg | Low |
Specialty Curries and Stir-Fries
Specialty curries and stir-fries at Oriental Cafe Highlands Ranch provide a rich palette of flavors that highlight the diversity of Asian cooking. These dishes are known for their vibrant spices, aromatic herbs, and the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy elements.
Thai green curry is a standout, featuring creamy coconut milk, fresh green chilies, and a medley of vegetables and proteins. This dish is both rich and fragrant, offering a complex flavor experience that is simultaneously comforting and exciting.
Stir-fries, on the other hand, are quick-cooked to retain freshness and crunch, often incorporating garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and fresh vegetables.
Beef and broccoli stir-fry is a popular choice, showcasing tender beef slices paired with crisp broccoli florets in a savory brown sauce. For those who prefer a lighter option, the vegetable stir-fry offers a colorful mix of seasonal vegetables cooked to perfection.
Each dish can be customized with your choice of protein or made vegetarian to suit dietary preferences.
Featured Curries and Stir-Fries
- Thai Green Curry: Coconut milk base with green chilies and vegetables
- Beef and Broccoli: Tender beef with crisp broccoli in savory sauce
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Seasonal vegetables sautéed with garlic and soy
- Chicken Basil Stir-Fry: Spicy stir-fry with fresh basil and chicken
“The specialty curries and stir-fries capture the essence of Asian flavors with each sizzling bite.”
Chef’s Specials and Signature Dishes
Oriental Cafe Highlands Ranch offers a selection of chef’s specials and signature dishes that showcase the culinary creativity and expertise of the kitchen team. These dishes often feature unique ingredient combinations and cooking techniques that elevate traditional recipes.
One such special is the Crispy Duck with Plum Sauce, which pairs succulent duck skin with a sweet and tangy sauce, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Another signature dish is the Seafood Hot Pot, a hearty medley of fresh shrimp, scallops, and fish simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables and noodles.
For adventurous eaters, the spicy Szechuan lobster offers a bold, fiery experience with tender lobster meat coated in a spicy chili sauce. These specials often rotate seasonally, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to discover.
They are perfect for special occasions or when you want to indulge in something truly exceptional.
Chef’s Creations
- Crispy Duck with Plum Sauce: Rich, crispy duck with sweet sauce
- Seafood Hot Pot: Mixed seafood simmered in aromatic broth
- Spicy Szechuan Lobster: Lobster in bold chili sauce
- House Special Fried Rice: Signature blend of ingredients and flavors
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Recommended For |
| Crispy Duck with Plum Sauce | Duck, plum sauce, scallions | Special occasions, rich taste lovers |
| Seafood Hot Pot | Shrimp, scallops, fish, vegetables, noodles | Seafood enthusiasts, communal dining |
| Spicy Szechuan Lobster | Lobster, chili peppers, garlic | Spicy food lovers, adventurous eaters |
| House Special Fried Rice | Rice, eggs, vegetables, assorted meats | Classic dish lovers |
Desserts and Beverages: Sweet Finales and Refreshing Drinks
No meal at Oriental Cafe Highlands Ranch is complete without sampling the delightful desserts and refreshing beverages offered. These selections provide a sweet conclusion to the meal or a perfect accompaniment to the dining experience.
Traditional desserts such as mango sticky rice and fried banana with honey offer a sweet, satisfying finish that highlights the natural flavors of fresh fruit and subtle sweetness. Mango sticky rice features ripe mango slices served atop sticky rice infused with coconut milk, a dish celebrated for its balance of creamy and fruity notes.
The beverage menu includes a variety of hot teas, refreshing iced drinks, and specialty cocktails inspired by Asian flavors. Jasmine tea and green tea are popular choices to cleanse the palate, while unique drinks like lychee martinis and Thai iced tea add an exotic touch to the dining experience.
Dessert and Drink Favorites
- Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet mango with coconut-infused sticky rice
- Fried Banana with Honey: Crispy fried bananas drizzled with honey
- Jasmine and Green Tea: Traditional teas for a calming finish
- Thai Iced Tea: Creamy and sweet iced tea with spices
“The dessert and beverage offerings at Oriental Cafe are the perfect way to end a memorable meal, combining tradition and innovation.”
Conclusion
Oriental Cafe Highlands Ranch offers a comprehensive menu that beautifully reflects the rich diversity and depth of Asian cuisine. Every section, from appetizers to desserts, is carefully crafted to deliver authentic flavors and memorable dining experiences.
The menu’s versatility ensures that whether you’re craving a light soup, a hearty stir-fry, or a decadent dessert, there is something to satisfy every palate.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients, traditional preparation methods, and innovative dishes makes it a standout choice in the Highlands Ranch dining scene. Whether dining solo, with family, or in a group, Oriental Cafe provides a welcoming atmosphere where guests can explore a broad spectrum of tastes and textures reflective of Asian culinary heritage.
From the first bite to the last sip, the Oriental Cafe menu invites guests to enjoy a journey through vibrant flavors and thoughtful combinations. It is a destination that honors tradition while embracing the dynamic nature of Asian food, ensuring every meal is a celebration of taste, culture, and community.
