Nestled in the heart of Steger, Illinois, China Garden is a cherished local Chinese restaurant known for its diverse and flavorful menu. Whether you are a fan of classic American-Chinese fare or seeking authentic tastes from different Chinese regions, China Garden’s menu offers something for everyone.
This comprehensive guide will take you through each menu section, highlight popular dishes, and help you choose the perfect meal for any occasion.
“China Garden in Steger is our family’s go-to for delicious Chinese takeout. The variety and quality are unmatched!”
— Local Customer Review
Appetizers: Start Your Meal Right
The appetizer section is designed to awaken your palate. At China Garden Steger, you can select from both light bites and hearty starters.
Each item is crafted to provide a flavorful introduction to your meal, whether you’re dining in or taking out.
| Appetizer | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Egg Roll (1) | Crispy wrapper stuffed with cabbage, pork, and hints of spice; served with sweet and sour sauce. | 1.75 |
| Crab Rangoon (6) | Golden fried wontons filled with creamy crab and cheese blend. | 4.95 |
| Fried Wontons (8) | Crunchy morsels filled with seasoned pork, great for dipping. | 3.95 |
| Pot Stickers (6) | Pan-fried dumplings stuffed with pork and vegetables, served with soy-based sauce. | 5.50 |
| BBQ Spare Ribs (4) | Tender pork ribs glazed in a sweet-savory BBQ sauce. | 7.25 |
Kick off your meal with a classic egg roll or indulge in the creamy, crispy bite of crab rangoon. The pot stickers are a favorite among regulars, boasting a perfectly seared exterior and a savory filling.
Soups: Comfort in Every Spoonful
China Garden’s soups are renowned for their depth of flavor and soothing qualities. Each bowl is made fresh, blending seasonal ingredients and traditional seasonings.
| Soup | Description | Small | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egg Drop Soup | Silky beaten eggs swirling in a light, golden chicken broth. | 2.25 | 3.75 |
| Wonton Soup | Delicate pork-filled wontons in clear broth with scallion and napa cabbage. | 2.50 | 4.25 |
| Hot and Sour Soup | Spicy and tangy broth with tofu, pork, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. | 2.75 | 4.50 |
The Egg Drop Soup is perfect for those seeking a mild, comforting start, while the Hot and Sour Soup offers a robust kick for adventurous palates. Wonton Soup, with its tender dumplings, is a perennial crowd-pleaser.
Chef’s Specials: Signature Creations
Chef’s Specials are the highlight of the China Garden Steger Illinois menu. These dishes feature premium ingredients and showcase the kitchen’s creativity.
Each plate is thoughtfully prepared and presented for maximum enjoyment.
| Specialty Dish | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| General Tso’s Chicken | Chunks of crispy chicken tossed in a spicy, tangy brown sauce with steamed broccoli. | 10.95 |
| Sesame Chicken | Lightly battered chicken glazed with sweet sesame sauce, garnished with sesame seeds. | 10.95 |
| Orange Beef | Crispy beef strips in a zesty orange-infused sauce with hints of ginger. | 11.95 |
| Seafood Delight | Shrimp, scallops, and imitation crab sautéed with mixed vegetables in a light white sauce. | 13.95 |
| Happy Family | Combination of beef, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables in a savory brown sauce. | 12.95 |
The General Tso’s Chicken is a must-try, with its balance of sweetness, heat, and crunch. For seafood lovers, the Seafood Delight brings together ocean flavors in a delicate sauce.
The Happy Family is an excellent choice for those who can’t decide and want a bit of everything.
Chicken, Pork, and Beef Entrees: Classic Flavors
China Garden’s core entrees feature tried-and-true favorites crafted with fresh meats and vegetables. Each section offers a variety of stir-fried and saucy options, from sweet to spicy, to satisfy every craving.
| Chicken Dishes | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken with Broccoli | Tender chicken breast stir-fried with crisp broccoli in a light garlic sauce. | 9.95 |
| Moo Goo Gai Pan | Sliced chicken, mushrooms, and snow peas in a delicate white sauce. | 9.95 |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Spicy diced chicken with peanuts, bell peppers, and chili peppers in a savory sauce. | 10.25 |
| Szechuan Chicken | Chicken sautéed with mixed vegetables in a spicy Szechuan sauce. | 10.25 |
For pork and beef, the menu is just as enticing. Favorites include savory Pepper Steak with Onion and Sweet and Sour Pork—each dish offering its own unique twist on classic Chinese flavors.
| Pork/Beef Dishes | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pepper Steak with Onion | Juicy beef slices stir-fried with green peppers and onions in a brown sauce. | 10.50 |
| Sweet and Sour Pork | Battered pork cubes tossed in house-made sweet and sour sauce with pineapple. | 9.95 |
| Mongolian Beef | Beef strips sautéed in a sweet-savory Mongolian sauce with scallions and onions. | 11.25 |
| Pork with Garlic Sauce | Sliced pork in a spicy, garlicky brown sauce with bell peppers and carrots. | 10.25 |
“The Mongolian Beef is always tender and rich in flavor. It’s a must-order for anyone who loves bold tastes.”
— Steger Foodie Blog
Seafood Selections: Ocean-Inspired Delights
Seafood dishes at China Garden highlight fresh shrimp, scallops, and fish, prepared using traditional Chinese techniques. These entrees are perfect for those seeking lighter fare without sacrificing taste.
| Seafood Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp with Lobster Sauce | Shrimp cooked in a savory egg-based sauce with peas and carrots. | 11.95 |
| Kung Pao Shrimp | Spicy shrimp stir-fried with peanuts, bell peppers, and chili peppers. | 12.25 |
| Crispy Fish Fillet | Lightly battered fish fillets served with tangy sweet and sour sauce. | 12.95 |
| Shrimp with Snow Peas | Shrimp and crisp snow peas tossed in a light, savory sauce. | 12.25 |
The Shrimp with Lobster Sauce is a classic, offering a comforting and mild flavor profile, while the Kung Pao Shrimp is ideal for spice lovers. These dishes pair excellently with steamed white rice or fried rice.
Vegetarian and Tofu Options
Vegetarian diners will be pleased by the number of flavorful plant-based choices at China Garden. These dishes utilize fresh vegetables, tofu, and traditional sauces for satisfying, meat-free meals.
| Vegetarian Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable Delight | Assorted seasonal vegetables stir-fried in a light garlic sauce. | 8.95 |
| Ma Po Tofu | Soft tofu cubes simmered in a spicy, garlicky bean paste sauce with vegetables. | 9.50 |
| Broccoli with Garlic Sauce | Fresh broccoli florets stir-fried in a spicy garlic sauce. | 8.95 |
| Tofu with Mixed Vegetables | Crispy or soft tofu stir-fried with a medley of vegetables in brown sauce. | 9.50 |
The Ma Po Tofu stands out for its spicy, aromatic sauce, and is a favorite among both vegetarians and meat-eaters. For something lighter, the Vegetable Delight provides a healthy, satisfying plate.
Noodles and Rice: Hearty and Filling
No Chinese meal is complete without a side of noodles or rice. China Garden offers numerous options, each one tailored to different tastes and preferences.
| Noodle/Rice Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Lo Mein | Soft egg noodles stir-fried with chicken and mixed vegetables in a savory sauce. | 9.75 |
| Beef Chow Fun | Wide rice noodles sautéed with beef, onions, and bean sprouts. | 10.25 |
| Shrimp Fried Rice | Fragrant rice stir-fried with shrimp, eggs, peas, and carrots. | 9.95 |
| Vegetable Lo Mein | Egg noodles tossed with assorted vegetables in a light soy sauce. | 8.95 |
| House Special Fried Rice | Rice with shrimp, chicken, pork, eggs, and vegetables for a hearty meal. | 10.25 |
The House Special Fried Rice is a meal in itself, packed with meats and veggies. For noodle enthusiasts, Chicken Lo Mein and Beef Chow Fun are consistently recommended by locals for their generous portions and robust flavor.
Lunch Specials: Great Deals Every Day
China Garden’s lunch menu offers value-packed specials, perfect for a mid-day meal. Each special includes your choice of entree, along with an egg roll and fried rice, at a wallet-friendly price.
| Lunch Special | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet & Sour Chicken | Battered chicken chunks with sweet and sour sauce, egg roll, and fried rice. | 7.25 |
| Beef with Broccoli | Beef and broccoli stir-fried in brown sauce, served with egg roll and fried rice. | 7.50 |
| Chicken with Mixed Vegetables | Chicken breast and assorted veggies in light sauce, with egg roll and fried rice. | 7.25 |
| Vegetable Delight | Stir-fried seasonal vegetables, egg roll, and fried rice. | 6.95 |
| General Tso’s Chicken | Crispy chicken in spicy brown sauce, egg roll, and fried rice. | 7.95 |
Lunch specials are available Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM. These combos are ideal for a quick lunch break or a casual business meeting.
Family Dinners and Combination Plates
For groups and families, China Garden offers combination plates and family dinner packages. These are specially priced and include a variety of dishes to ensure everyone at the table is satisfied.
| Family Dinner | Includes | Price per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Family Dinner A | Egg Roll, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Pork Fried Rice, Chicken with Broccoli | 12.95 |
| Family Dinner B | Egg Roll, Mongolian Beef, Shrimp Fried Rice, Sesame Chicken | 14.25 |
These dinners are an excellent way to sample a variety of flavors in one sitting. Each meal is served family-style, encouraging sharing and conversation.
Sides and Extras
Round out your meal with a variety of sides and extras. From steamed white rice to extra dipping sauces, China Garden ensures your meal is complete and customizable.
| Side | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Steamed White Rice | Fluffy, perfectly cooked white rice. | 1.50 |
| Fried Rice (Small/Large) | Fried rice with egg, peas, and carrots. | 2.50 / 4.50 |
| Shrimp Chips | Light, crispy chips made from shrimp flour. | 2.75 |
| Extra Sauce | Choice of sweet & sour, soy, or hot mustard. | 0.75 |
Ordering and Service Options
China Garden Steger provides flexible dining options to suit every guest. You can enjoy your meal in the cozy dining area, order takeout for a quick meal at home, or arrange delivery within the Steger area.
The restaurant prides itself on fast, friendly service and generous portions. Most dishes are available for customization, including adjustments to spice levels and substitutions for dietary needs.
“I love how accommodating China Garden is! They always make my food just the way I like it.”
— Satisfied Patron
Tips for Enjoying the China Garden Menu
To make the most of your visit, consider these helpful tips:
- Mix and Match: Try ordering a couple of appetizers and sharing entrees family-style to experience a broader range of flavors.
- Spice Level: Many dishes can be made mild or extra spicy. Don’t hesitate to ask for your preferred heat.
- Lunch Specials: The lunch menu offers excellent value; it’s a great way to sample popular dishes at a lower price.
- Vegetarian Choices: If you’re vegetarian or vegan, ask about customizing dishes like Ma Po Tofu or Vegetable Delight.
- Call Ahead: For large orders or family dinners, calling ahead can ensure quick service and availability.
Conclusion: Why China Garden Stands Out
China Garden Steger Illinois is more than just a neighborhood Chinese restaurant. With its extensive menu, attention to quality, and dedication to customer service, it stands as a culinary gem in the community.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl of soup, a spicy stir-fry, or a family feast, you’ll find something to love.
From classic dishes like General Tso’s Chicken to lighter fare such as Vegetable Delight, the menu is both approachable and full of surprises. The combination of traditional recipes and modern flavors ensures that every visit brings new delights.
Next time you’re in Steger, treat yourself to the diverse offerings at China Garden. Discover new favorites, enjoy generous portions, and experience Chinese cuisine at its best.
