Discovering the culinary gems of Cape Charles often leads food enthusiasts to one standout destination: China 1912. Known for its authentic and innovative Chinese cuisine, China 1912 delivers an exquisite dining experience that honors tradition while embracing modern tastes.
The restaurant’s menu is a carefully curated blend of classic dishes and creative specials, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and an eye for detail that elevates each bite. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors, delicate dim sum, or hearty entrees, China 1912’s menu offers something to satisfy every palate.
The ambiance coupled with the menu’s diversity makes China 1912 a beloved spot in Cape Charles. Diners frequently praise the balance of spice, texture, and presentation, all of which reflect the rich culinary heritage of China.
The menu’s structure invites guests to explore a variety of flavors, from savory starters to decadent desserts, providing a full journey through Chinese gastronomy. For those unfamiliar with the cuisine or seasoned adventurers alike, the menu at China 1912 offers a memorable and delectable experience.
Appetizers: The Perfect Start
The appetizer section at China 1912 sets the tone for the meal with a selection of dishes designed to awaken the palate. These starters range from light, refreshing options to more robust, flavorful bites that prepare diners for the main courses ahead.
Among the most popular choices are the crispy spring rolls, a timeless classic filled with a savory blend of vegetables and meats. The delicate balance of crunchy exterior and tender filling exemplifies the kitchen’s skill.
Another highlight is the spicy Szechuan chicken wings, which fuse heat and tang to create a dish that’s both addictive and satisfying.
Cold appetizers like the marinated cucumber salad offer a refreshing contrast, featuring a subtle vinegar dressing that complements the spicier options. These dishes showcase the restaurant’s commitment to variety and balance, ensuring every diner finds something they enjoy right from the start.
Recommended Starters
- Crispy Spring Rolls – Lightly fried with a savory vegetable and pork filling
- Szechuan Chicken Wings – Spicy and tangy, perfect for heat lovers
- Marinated Cucumber Salad – Cool and refreshing with a subtle vinegar dressing
- Steamed Pork Buns – Soft, fluffy buns filled with juicy pork
“The appetizers at China 1912 are a masterclass in balance—each bite is a perfect blend of texture and flavor that sets the stage for an unforgettable meal.”
Dim Sum Delights
Dim sum is a celebrated tradition in Chinese cuisine, and China 1912 offers a diverse selection that honors this heritage. These small, flavorful dishes are perfect for sharing and exploring a variety of textures and tastes.
Steamed dumplings filled with shrimp, pork, or vegetables showcase the chef’s expert hand in dough preparation and seasoning. Each dumpling is steamed to perfection, maintaining a tender yet firm texture that bursts with flavor.
The menu also features pan-fried options, like the crispy turnip cake, which provides a satisfying contrast to the steamed items.
For those seeking something a bit more indulgent, the restaurant offers steamed pork buns that are fluffy and generously filled with rich, savory pork. These dim sum options are not only delicious but also reflect the cultural significance of communal dining and sharing.
Popular Dim Sum Choices
- Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow) – Delicate wrappers enclosing juicy shrimp
- Pork Siu Mai – Traditional open-faced dumplings with pork and mushroom
- Turnip Cake – Pan-fried with a crispy exterior and soft interior
- Steamed Pork Buns – Fluffy buns filled with savory pork
| Dish | Texture | Flavor Profile | Recommended Pairing |
| Har Gow | Soft and tender | Light, sweet shrimp | Jasmine tea |
| Siu Mai | Firm and juicy | Earthy pork and mushroom | Oolong tea |
| Turnip Cake | Crispy outside, soft inside | Savory with subtle sweetness | Chrysanthemum tea |
| Pork Buns | Fluffy and tender | Rich and savory pork | Pu-erh tea |
Signature Entrees
The entree section is where China 1912 truly shines, offering a rich array of main dishes that represent various regions of China. These dishes combine bold flavors, intricate techniques, and fresh ingredients to create unforgettable meals.
One standout dish is the Kung Pao Chicken, which perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes with tender chicken and crunchy peanuts. The restaurant also features a classic Peking Duck, renowned for its crispy skin and succulent meat, served traditionally with pancakes and hoisin sauce.
Vegetarian options are thoughtfully crafted, such as the mapo tofu, which delivers a spicy and numbing sensation typical of Szechuan cuisine, but with a depth that appeals to diverse tastes. Overall, the entrees demonstrate China 1912’s commitment to culinary excellence and authenticity.
Must-Try Main Courses
- Kung Pao Chicken – Spicy, sweet, and savory with crunchy peanuts
- Peking Duck – Crispy skin, tender meat, served with traditional accompaniments
- Mapo Tofu – Silky tofu in a spicy, numbing Szechuan sauce
- Beef and Broccoli – Classic stir-fry with tender beef and fresh broccoli
“Each entree at China 1912 is a celebration of Chinese culinary heritage, masterfully prepared to deliver an authentic and satisfying experience.”
Noodles and Rice: Comfort in Every Bite
The noodle and rice dishes at China 1912 serve as comforting staples, perfect for those seeking hearty and flavorful meals. These dishes showcase the versatility of Chinese cuisine and the skill involved in balancing ingredients and textures.
Chow mein is a popular choice, featuring stir-fried noodles combined with fresh vegetables and your choice of protein. The noodles are cooked to a perfect chewiness, absorbing the savory sauces without becoming soggy.
Fried rice dishes are equally popular, with options like Yangzhou fried rice that include a medley of meats, vegetables, and scrambled eggs.
For a taste of something unique, the restaurant offers hand-pulled noodles, which are freshly made in-house and served in rich broths infused with aromatic spices. These dishes provide both comfort and excitement, appealing to those who appreciate traditional flavors with a modern touch.
Popular Noodle and Rice Dishes
- Chicken Chow Mein – Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and tender chicken
- Yangzhou Fried Rice – Classic fried rice with shrimp, pork, and vegetables
- Hand-Pulled Noodles in Beef Broth – Fresh noodles served in a flavorful broth
- Vegetable Fried Rice – A lighter option packed with fresh vegetables
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Texture | Flavor Notes |
| Chicken Chow Mein | Noodles, chicken, mixed vegetables | Soft with slight chewiness | Savory and slightly sweet |
| Yangzhou Fried Rice | Rice, shrimp, pork, vegetables, egg | Fluffy and tender | Umami-rich with hints of sweetness |
| Hand-Pulled Noodles | Fresh noodles, beef broth, spices | Firm and chewy | Rich and aromatic |
| Vegetable Fried Rice | Rice, assorted vegetables | Light and fluffy | Fresh and mildly savory |
Seafood Selections
Given Cape Charles’ coastal location, seafood naturally plays a starring role on the China 1912 menu. The restaurant expertly combines fresh catches with authentic Chinese cooking techniques to create dishes that are both flavorful and elegant.
The salt and pepper shrimp is a signature dish, featuring perfectly fried shrimp seasoned with a fragrant blend of spices and served with fresh chili peppers. Another highlight is the steamed whole fish, prepared simply with ginger and scallions to highlight the natural sweetness of the fish.
Seafood stir-fries offer a vibrant combination of textures and flavors, often incorporating a mix of scallops, squid, and shrimp tossed with seasonal vegetables and light sauces. These dishes emphasize freshness and balance, making the seafood offerings a must-try for any visitor.
Top Seafood Dishes
- Salt and Pepper Shrimp – Crispy fried shrimp with spicy seasoning
- Steamed Whole Fish – Simple and elegant with ginger and scallions
- Seafood Stir-Fry – Mixed seafood with fresh vegetables
- Garlic Lobster – Lobster sautéed in a fragrant garlic sauce
“The seafood at China 1912 captures the essence of the ocean’s bounty, prepared with precision and respect for natural flavors.”
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
China 1912 thoughtfully caters to vegetarian and vegan diners, crafting dishes that are as flavorful and satisfying as their meat-based counterparts. The vegetarian options highlight fresh produce, tofu, and creative use of sauces and spices.
The Buddha’s Delight is a popular choice, a medley of vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms stir-fried with light soy sauce. Another option is the vegetarian mapo tofu, which swaps traditional pork for mushrooms and plant-based ingredients while maintaining bold flavors.
For a heartier meal, the restaurant offers vegetable dumplings and stir-fried noodles packed with a variety of seasonal vegetables. These dishes demonstrate that vegetarian cuisine can be both nourishing and exciting.
Popular Vegetarian Dishes
- Buddha’s Delight – Stir-fried mixed vegetables and tofu
- Vegetarian Mapo Tofu – Spicy tofu with mushrooms
- Vegetable Dumplings – Steamed or pan-fried with savory filling
- Vegetable Chow Mein – Stir-fried noodles with fresh vegetables
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Suitable For |
| Buddha’s Delight | Tofu, mushrooms, mixed vegetables | Light and savory | Vegetarian, Vegan |
| Vegetarian Mapo Tofu | Tofu, mushrooms, chili sauce | Spicy and numbing | Vegetarian, Vegan |
| Vegetable Dumplings | Cabbage, mushrooms, tofu | Umami-rich and savory | Vegetarian, Vegan |
| Vegetable Chow Mein | Noodles, assorted vegetables | Savory with mild sweetness | Vegetarian, Vegan |
Desserts and Beverages
The meal at China 1912 concludes with a selection of desserts and beverages that provide a sweet and refreshing finish. The dessert offerings blend traditional Chinese sweets with subtle Western influences, creating a balanced and satisfying end to the dining experience.
Popular desserts include mango pudding, which is silky and sweet, offering a tropical contrast after a savory meal. Red bean mochi provides a chewy texture and earthy sweetness that appeals to those seeking a classic treat.
The restaurant also offers green tea ice cream, a light and refreshing palate cleanser.
Beverage options range from traditional teas like jasmine and oolong to specialty cocktails inspired by Chinese flavors. These drinks complement the meal by enhancing flavors and providing refreshing notes throughout the dining experience.
Sweet Endings and Drinks
- Mango Pudding – Creamy and tropical
- Red Bean Mochi – Chewy with sweet red bean filling
- Green Tea Ice Cream – Light and refreshing
- Jasmine Tea – Fragrant and soothing
“Desserts at China 1912 offer the perfect balance of tradition and innovation, leaving diners with a lasting impression of sweetness and satisfaction.”
Conclusion
China 1912 in Cape Charles stands out as a beacon of authentic Chinese cuisine, skillfully blending traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques. The menu is thoughtfully designed to cater to a wide range of tastes, from adventurous diners seeking bold, spicy dishes to those preferring subtle, comforting flavors.
Each section of the menu offers carefully prepared dishes that showcase the rich diversity of Chinese gastronomy, from delicate dim sum to robust entrees and refreshing desserts.
What truly elevates China 1912 is the restaurant’s dedication to quality and authenticity. The use of fresh ingredients, expert preparation, and attention to detail ensure that every dish is a memorable experience.
Whether you visit for a casual meal or a special occasion, the menu promises a culinary journey that honors tradition while embracing innovation. For anyone in Cape Charles seeking a top-tier Chinese dining experience, China 1912 remains an unmatched choice that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
