Exploring the culinary landscape of St. Louis reveals a vibrant and diverse collection of dining options, but few stand out quite like A Taste of China.
This restaurant has built a reputation for offering authentic Chinese cuisine that balances traditional flavors with approachable dishes suited for a wide range of palates. Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast of Chinese food or a newcomer eager to explore its rich variety, the menu at A Taste of China provides a delightful journey through some of the most beloved and iconic dishes.
The combination of fresh ingredients, skillful preparation, and an inviting atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking both comfort and culinary adventure.
The menu caters to many preferences, featuring everything from classic appetizers to hearty entrees, all presented with an eye for detail and authenticity. With options ranging from savory stir-fries to delicate dim sum offerings, diners can expect a well-rounded experience that honors the depth and diversity of Chinese cuisine.
Additionally, the restaurant’s attention to accommodating dietary needs and preferences ensures that everyone can find something enjoyable.
Beyond the food itself, the menu reflects a passion for tradition and innovation. Signature dishes are thoughtfully crafted, allowing diners to savor familiar tastes while discovering new favorites.
The thoughtful use of spices, sauces, and cooking techniques adds layers of flavor that make each dish memorable. Whether you’re dining solo, with family, or in a group, the A Taste of China menu is designed to impress and satisfy.
Appetizers: The Perfect Start
The appetizer section of A Taste of China’s menu sets the tone for the meal with a variety of flavorful and enticing starters. These small dishes are crafted to awaken the palate and provide a preview of the rich flavors to come.
Whether you prefer something light and refreshing or boldly spiced, the appetizers cater to diverse tastes.
One of the standout features of the appetizer menu is its blend of traditional choices and creative twists. Classic items such as egg rolls and dumplings share space with less common offerings like spicy tofu bites and crispy wontons.
These appetizers are designed to be easily shareable, making them ideal for groups or those wanting to sample a range of flavors.
Many of the appetizers are prepared fresh daily, emphasizing quality and texture. For example, the dumplings are handmade with a delicate wrapper that holds flavorful fillings, while the egg rolls are fried to a perfect crisp without being greasy.
Additionally, the restaurant offers vegetarian options to accommodate different dietary preferences.
Popular Appetizer Options
- Egg Rolls: Filled with a savory mix of cabbage, pork, and carrots, served with a tangy dipping sauce.
- Steamed Dumplings: Handmade with pork and chive filling, steamed to perfection for a juicy bite.
- Spicy Tofu Bites: Lightly fried tofu cubes tossed in a spicy chili sauce.
- Crab Rangoon: Crispy wontons stuffed with cream cheese and crab meat.
“The appetizers at A Taste of China are not just starters; they are a celebration of texture and flavor that prepares you for a memorable meal ahead.”
Soups and Salads: Light and Nourishing Choices
The soups and salads section offers an excellent balance to the richer entrees, providing options that are both nourishing and refreshing. These dishes are crafted to complement the flavors of the main courses without overwhelming the palate.
Soups at A Taste of China range from the hearty and comforting to the light and clear. The hot and sour soup, a favorite among regular diners, combines a perfect balance of tangy and spicy notes with ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.
Meanwhile, the egg drop soup offers a soothing and silky texture, making it an ideal starter or accompaniment.
Salads provide a fresh contrast, often incorporating crisp vegetables with flavorful dressings. For those seeking a lighter option, the cucumber salad with garlic and sesame oil is a refreshing choice.
The menu also features seaweed salad, which introduces a subtle umami flavor and a unique texture.
Highlights from Soups and Salads
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Hot and Sour Soup | Tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, vinegar, white pepper | Spicy, tangy, umami-rich |
| Egg Drop Soup | Egg, chicken broth, scallions | Smooth, savory, mild |
| Cucumber Salad | Cucumbers, garlic, sesame oil, vinegar | Fresh, tangy, slightly spicy |
| Seaweed Salad | Seaweed, sesame seeds, vinegar | Earthy, slightly sweet, umami |
“Light dishes like the soups and salads at A Taste of China provide a perfect balance to the meal, cleansing the palate while enhancing the overall dining experience.”
Signature Entrees: Heart of the Menu
The entree section is where A Taste of China truly shines, showcasing a variety of dishes that capture the essence of Chinese culinary traditions. These dishes are rich in flavor, often featuring a harmonious blend of savory sauces, fresh vegetables, and quality proteins.
Signature entrees include classics such as General Tso’s Chicken, Beijing Duck, and Szechuan Beef, each prepared with distinctive techniques and authentic seasonings. The menu offers an array of meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetarian options, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Each entree is served with steamed rice or fried rice, providing a comforting base for the bold flavors. The portions are generous, designed to satisfy even the heartiest appetites while inviting sharing among diners.
Popular Signature Entrees
- General Tso’s Chicken: Crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds.
- Szechuan Beef: Thinly sliced beef stir-fried with chili peppers, garlic, and Szechuan peppercorns for a numbing heat.
- Beijing Duck: Roasted duck served with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and fresh scallions for wrapping.
- Ma Po Tofu: Silken tofu cooked in a spicy chili and bean sauce, a favorite among vegetarians.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Spice Level | Recommended For |
| General Tso’s Chicken | Chicken, sweet chili sauce, garlic, ginger | Medium | Fans of sweet and spicy flavors |
| Szechuan Beef | Beef, chili peppers, garlic, Szechuan peppercorn | High | Spice lovers seeking bold heat |
| Beijing Duck | Duck, hoisin sauce, scallions, pancakes | Low | Enjoyers of rich, savory dishes |
| Ma Po Tofu | Tofu, chili bean sauce, garlic | Medium | Vegetarians and spice enthusiasts |
“The signature entrees at A Taste of China exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to authentic flavors and culinary excellence, each bite telling a story of tradition and passion.”
Noodle and Rice Dishes: Comfort in Every Bite
Noodle and rice dishes are staples of Chinese cuisine, and A Taste of China offers a diverse selection that reflects this culinary heritage. These dishes are known for their satisfying textures and the ability to absorb and complement rich sauces and seasonings.
The noodle options range from chow mein to lo mein, each stir-fried with fresh vegetables and your choice of protein. The fried rice selections are equally popular, featuring combinations like shrimp with egg and vegetables or classic pork and peas.
These dishes are well-suited for both quick meals and leisurely dining.
Each dish in this section is prepared with an emphasis on freshness and balance. The noodles are cooked to the perfect al dente texture, while the rice is fluffy and well-seasoned.
The combination of ingredients is carefully curated to ensure harmony in flavor and presentation.
Favorite Noodle and Rice Dishes
- Chicken Chow Mein: Stir-fried noodles with chicken, cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts.
- Shrimp Fried Rice: Classic fried rice with plump shrimp, scrambled eggs, and peas.
- Vegetable Lo Mein: Soft noodles tossed with a medley of fresh vegetables and savory sauce.
- Beef Chow Fun: Wide rice noodles stir-fried with tender beef and onions.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Cooking Style | Best For |
| Chicken Chow Mein | Egg noodles, chicken, vegetables | Stir-fried | Light, flavorful noodle dish |
| Shrimp Fried Rice | Rice, shrimp, eggs, peas | Fried | Classic comfort food |
| Vegetable Lo Mein | Soft noodles, mixed vegetables | Stir-fried | Vegetarian option |
| Beef Chow Fun | Wide rice noodles, beef, onions | Stir-fried | Rich, hearty noodle dish |
“Noodle and rice dishes at A Taste of China bring comfort and satisfaction, blending textures and flavors that resonate with both tradition and innovation.”
Chef’s Specials: Unique Creations
The Chef’s Specials section highlights unique dishes that showcase the creativity and expertise of the kitchen. These items often feature less common ingredients or innovative combinations that elevate the dining experience.
These specials are perfect for adventurous diners looking to try something beyond the standard menu offerings. The dishes are crafted with attention to detail, balancing complex flavors and textures that surprise and delight the palate.
Chef’s Specials rotate seasonally, reflecting the freshest ingredients available and the evolving inspiration of the culinary team. This keeps the menu dynamic and encourages repeat visits to discover new favorites.
Noteworthy Chef’s Specials
- Dragon and Phoenix: A combination of lobster tail and chicken breast cooked in a savory garlic sauce.
- Salt and Pepper Squid: Lightly battered squid fried and tossed with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Five-Spice Braised Pork: Tender pork belly slow-cooked with aromatic five-spice powder and soy sauce.
- Lotus Leaf Rice: Sticky rice steamed with mushrooms, Chinese sausage, and wrapped in lotus leaf.
“The Chef’s Specials at A Taste of China embody culinary artistry, inviting guests to explore bold and exciting flavors beyond the familiar.”
Desserts: Sweet Endings
Ending a meal at A Taste of China with dessert is a delightful experience, as the menu offers a selection of treats that blend traditional Chinese sweets with modern touches. These desserts provide a satisfying conclusion without being overly heavy.
Popular dessert options include fried sesame balls filled with sweet red bean paste, mango pudding, and almond cookies. Each dessert is crafted to balance sweetness with texture, offering a variety of flavors from fruity to nutty.
The dessert menu caters to those looking for both familiar tastes and something a bit different. Light and refreshing options are available alongside warm, comforting sweets, ensuring a perfect finish for every diner.
Dessert Highlights
- Fried Sesame Balls: Crispy on the outside with a sweet red bean paste filling.
- Mango Pudding: Smooth, creamy pudding made with fresh mango puree.
- Almond Cookies: Crunchy cookies with a delicate almond flavor.
- Fortune Cookies: A classic finish with a fun, personalized message.
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Texture | Taste Profile |
| Fried Sesame Balls | Glutinous rice flour, red bean paste, sesame seeds | Crispy exterior, chewy interior | Sweet, nutty |
| Mango Pudding | Mango puree, gelatin, cream | Silky, smooth | Fruity, sweet |
| Almond Cookies | Almond flour, sugar, butter | Crunchy | Nutty, slightly sweet |
| Fortune Cookies | Flour, sugar, vanilla | Crisp | Lightly sweet |
“Desserts at A Taste of China offer a perfect harmony of texture and taste, providing a sweet finale that complements the richness of the meal.”
Beverages: Complementing the Flavors
The beverage menu at A Taste of China is thoughtfully curated to enhance the dining experience. From traditional Chinese teas to refreshing soft drinks and specialty beverages, there is something to pair perfectly with every dish.
Tea plays a central role, with selections such as jasmine, oolong, and pu-erh available to cleanse the palate and aid digestion. These teas are served hot and brewed fresh, emphasizing their aromatic qualities.
For those seeking something cold or more indulgent, the menu includes options like bubble tea, plum wine, and specialty soft drinks. These beverages provide both traditional and contemporary choices, satisfying a broad range of tastes.
Featured Beverage Selections
- Jasmine Tea: Fragrant and soothing, perfect alongside savory dishes.
- Oolong Tea: Rich and smooth with a slightly floral note.
- Bubble Tea: Sweet milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls, available in various flavors.
- Plum Wine: Lightly sweet alcoholic beverage with fruity undertones.
| Beverage | Type | Flavor Profile | Best Paired With |
| Jasmine Tea | Hot Tea | Floral, fragrant | Light appetizers, seafood |
| Oolong Tea | Hot Tea | Rich, smooth | Meat dishes, spicy entrees |
| Bubble Tea | Iced Beverage | Sweet, creamy | Desserts, snacks |
| Plum Wine | Alcoholic | Sweet, fruity | Appetizers, light meals |
“The beverage offerings at A Taste of China are designed to harmonize with the flavors on the plate, elevating the overall dining experience.”
Conclusion: A Culinary Journey Worth Taking
A Taste of China in St. Louis presents an extensive and carefully curated menu that invites diners to explore the richness and diversity of Chinese cuisine.
Each section of the menu—from appetizers to desserts—reflects a dedication to authentic preparation, fresh ingredients, and thoughtful flavor combinations. The restaurant balances traditional favorites with innovative dishes, ensuring there is something to satisfy every taste and dietary preference.
What makes A Taste of China truly special is its commitment to quality and authenticity without sacrificing approachability. The menu is versatile, allowing guests to indulge in bold, spicy dishes or enjoy lighter, nuanced flavors.
Whether sampling the crispy egg rolls or savoring the tender Beijing Duck, diners experience a harmony of textures and tastes that celebrate Chinese culinary arts.
For anyone seeking a memorable dining experience that combines tradition, innovation, and a welcoming atmosphere, A Taste of China’s menu offers a compelling reason to visit. It is more than just a meal—it’s a journey through the vibrant flavors and cultural heritage that Chinese cuisine embodies.
With its diverse offerings and attention to detail, A Taste of China solidifies its place as a cornerstone of St. Louis’s dining scene.
