Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire, Chen Yang Li restaurant stands as a culinary gem, offering a tantalizing fusion of Chinese and Japanese cuisine. With multiple locations across the state, including Manchester, Nashua, and Concord, this esteemed establishment has become a beloved destination for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic and diverse dining experience.
Chen Yang Li’s menu is a harmonious blend of two rich culinary traditions, seamlessly merging the bold flavors of Chinese cuisine with the delicate artistry of Japanese fare. From the sizzling woks of Sichuan to the meticulous precision of sushi preparation, Chen Yang Li’s chefs showcase their mastery, delivering dishes that tantalize the senses and transport diners on a flavorful journey through the East.
Appetizers
Chen Yang Li’s appetizer menu is a delightful exploration of flavors that tantalize the taste buds and set the stage for a memorable dining experience. One of the standout offerings is the Yang Brother’s Shao Mai, a delicate steamed dumpling filled with a savory blend of pork, shrimp, and vegetables. These bite-sized delicacies are meticulously crafted with a delicate wrapper and bursting with umami goodness.
For the adventurous palate, the Guangzhou Frog Legs are a must-try. Sourced from the finest suppliers, these succulent morsels are lightly battered and fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. The unique flavor profile is enhanced by a tangy garlic sauce that perfectly complements the delicate meat.
Other appetizer highlights include the Vegetable Spring Rolls, crispy on the outside and filled with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, and the Scallion Pancakes, a flaky and aromatic treat that pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s signature dipping sauces. Each appetizer is a testament to the culinary expertise of Chen Yang Li’s chefs, who masterfully blend traditional techniques with modern flavors to create unforgettable dishes.
Entrees
Chen Yang Li’s extensive entree menu is a testament to the culinary mastery of its skilled chefs, showcasing a diverse array of flavors and preparation styles. The restaurant’s commitment to using only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients ensures an unparalleled dining experience.
Chicken
The chicken entrees at Chen Yang Li are a true delight for the senses. The signature Kung Pao Chicken, a classic Sichuan dish, features tender morsels of chicken stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. For those seeking a milder option, the Lemon Chicken is a crowd-pleaser, with its crispy fried chicken coated in a tangy lemon sauce.
Beef
Beef lovers will be spoiled for choice at Chen Yang Li. The Mongolian Beef, a staple of Chinese-American cuisine, features thinly sliced beef sautéed with scallions and a savory brown sauce. For a more traditional experience, the Beef with Broccoli is a must-try, showcasing perfectly cooked beef paired with crisp broccoli florets in a rich garlic sauce.
Pork
Chen Yang Li’s pork entrees are a celebration of flavor and texture. The Twice Cooked Pork, a Sichuan specialty, features tender pork belly that is first boiled and then stir-fried with vegetables and a complex blend of spices. The Sweet and Sour Pork, a classic Chinese dish, offers a delightful contrast of crispy fried pork and a tangy, sweet-and-sour sauce.
Lamb
For those seeking a unique culinary adventure, Chen Yang Li’s lamb entrees are a true delight. The Lamb with Cumin and Scallions is a standout dish, featuring tender lamb sautéed with fragrant cumin and crisp scallions. The Mongolian Lamb, a variation of the popular Mongolian Beef, offers a delectable combination of succulent lamb and a rich, savory sauce.
Seafood
Chen Yang Li’s seafood entrees are a testament to the freshness and quality of their ingredients. The Shrimp with Lobster Sauce, a beloved Chinese-American dish, features plump shrimp enveloped in a creamy sauce with hints of egg and pork. For a lighter option, the Steamed Filet of Sole with Ginger and Scallions is a delicate and flavorful choice, showcasing the delicate flavors of the fish complemented by the subtle heat of ginger and the crunch of scallions.
Sushi and Japanese Menu
Chen Yang Li’s sushi bar is a true gem, offering a diverse array of fresh and flavorful sushi options. The skilled sushi chefs meticulously craft each roll and nigiri using only the finest ingredients, ensuring an authentic and delectable experience with every bite.
For those seeking a quick and satisfying lunch, the luncheon sushi specials are a must-try. These carefully curated combinations offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality and value.
Adventurous diners will delight in the special rolls, which feature unique and creative flavor combinations. From the spicy Dragon Roll, bursting with heat and umami, to the decadent Lobster Tempura Roll, each bite is a delightful fusion of traditional and modern tastes.
Beyond the rolls, Chen Yang Li’s sushi bar boasts an impressive selection of nigiri, featuring the freshest cuts of fish and seafood. Whether you prefer the buttery richness of otoro (fatty tuna) or the delicate sweetness of uni (sea urchin), each piece is a testament to the chef’s skill and dedication to their craft.
The sushi bar’s commitment to freshness is evident in every dish, with ingredients sourced from the finest purveyors and prepared with meticulous care. From the perfectly seasoned sushi rice to the vibrant wasabi and delicate soy sauce, every element is carefully considered to create a harmonious and unforgettable dining experience.
Healthy and Diet Food
For those seeking a lighter, more health-conscious dining experience, Chen Yang Li offers an impressive selection of steamed dishes and other nutritious options. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures that every bite is not only delicious but also nourishing.
One of the standout offerings is the steamed vegetable platter, a colorful array of seasonal vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and snow peas, gently steamed to perfection and served with a flavorful ginger-soy dipping sauce. This dish is a true celebration of nature’s bounty, providing a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Another popular choice among health-conscious diners is the steamed tofu with mixed vegetables. Tender cubes of tofu are paired with a medley of crisp vegetables, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. This dish is not only low in calories but also rich in plant-based protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious option.
For those seeking a heartier yet still health-conscious meal, the steamed fish fillet is a must-try. Delicate white fish is steamed until flaky and tender, then served with a light soy-ginger sauce and a side of steamed greens. This dish is a perfect example of how Chen Yang Li elevates simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
In addition to these steamed delights, the menu also features an array of stir-fried dishes that incorporate an abundance of fresh vegetables. The kung pao chicken, for instance, features tender chicken morsels tossed with bell peppers, water chestnuts, and a zesty kung pao sauce, providing a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Health-conscious diners can also indulge in the restaurant’s selection of brown rice and whole wheat noodle options, which offer a nutritious alternative to their white counterparts. These hearty grains provide a satisfying base for a variety of flavorful sauces and toppings, ensuring that every bite is both nourishing and delectable.
Soups
At Chen Yang Li, soups are a beloved staple, offering a comforting and flavorful start to any meal. The restaurant’s soup selection showcases the rich culinary traditions of both Chinese and Japanese cuisines, with each variety meticulously crafted using fresh, high-quality ingredients and time-honored recipes.
One of the standout offerings is the Hot and Sour Soup, a delightful balance of bold and tangy flavors. This iconic Chinese soup is a harmonious blend of savory broth, tender vegetables, and succulent strips of meat or tofu. The perfect amount of heat and sourness from vinegar and spices creates a truly invigorating and satisfying experience.
Another beloved option is the Wonton Soup, a comforting and hearty choice. Delicate wontons, filled with a savory mixture of ground pork and seasonings, float in a rich, aromatic broth. Each spoonful is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with the tender wontons complemented by the warmth of the broth.
Chen Yang Li’s soups are a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity and quality. Every batch is prepared with care, using traditional techniques and recipes passed down through generations. The chefs carefully select the freshest ingredients, ensuring that each soup is bursting with vibrant flavors and aromas that transport diners to the heart of Chinese and Japanese culinary traditions.
Special Dishes
At Chen Yang Li, the menu features a selection of unique and culturally significant dishes that showcase the restaurant’s commitment to authentic flavors and traditions. Two standout offerings are the Happy Family and the Dragon And Phoenix.
The Happy Family dish is a harmonious blend of various meats and vegetables, symbolizing the unity and prosperity of a traditional Chinese family. This stir-fry masterpiece combines tender slices of chicken, beef, shrimp, and roasted pork with an array of fresh vegetables like bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, and baby corn. The flavors are expertly balanced with a savory brown sauce, creating a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite.
Another iconic dish is the Dragon And Phoenix, a culinary representation of the yin and yang balance in Chinese culture. This dish features a perfectly seared filet mignon, representing the dragon, and a succulent jumbo shrimp, symbolizing the phoenix. The contrasting yet complementary flavors are further enhanced by a rich and aromatic sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and a touch of Chinese wine. The presentation is equally impressive, with the dragon and phoenix artfully arranged on the plate, showcasing the chef’s skill and attention to detail.
Both dishes are not only visually stunning but also steeped in cultural significance, paying homage to traditional Chinese beliefs and values. The Happy Family dish celebrates the importance of family unity and togetherness, while the Dragon And Phoenix represents the harmonious balance of opposites, a fundamental principle in Chinese philosophy.
Conclusion
Chen Yang Li’s menu is a culinary journey that celebrates the rich diversity of Chinese and Japanese cuisines. From the tantalizing appetizers to the meticulously crafted entrees, each dish is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients.
The sushi bar offers a mouthwatering array of fresh and innovative sushi rolls, while the healthy and diet food options cater to those seeking nutritious and flavorful alternatives. The soups, prepared with care and attention to traditional recipes, are comforting and satisfying.
Special dishes like Happy Family and Dragon And Phoenix showcase the restaurant’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity. With its extensive menu, Chen Yang Li caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, making it an ideal destination for food enthusiasts and families alike.
Whether you’re seeking a casual dining experience or planning a special event, Chen Yang Li promises a memorable culinary adventure. Visit their website to explore the full menu, make reservations, or place an online order. For those considering hosting an event, reach out to the restaurant to discuss their catering and event hosting capabilities.