China Lee in Traverse City stands out as a premier destination for lovers of authentic Asian cuisine with a modern twist. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and innovative dishes, the restaurant offers a menu that beautifully balances traditional flavors and contemporary culinary techniques.
Guests are invited to explore an extensive selection of appetizers, entrées, and desserts, all crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of fiery Szechuan spices or delicate Cantonese dim sum, China Lee provides a diverse dining experience that caters to a variety of palates and preferences.
Traverse City’s culinary scene has been enriched by China Lee’s commitment to quality and authenticity. From quick lunches to leisurely dinners, the menu is thoughtfully designed to offer both comfort and excitement.
The restaurant’s dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in its carefully curated dishes that highlight the best of Asian gastronomy.
Visitors can expect not only flavorful food but also attentive service and a welcoming environment, making China Lee a perfect spot for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings. The menu itself is a journey through Asia’s culinary heart, showcasing the depth and diversity of this rich food culture in a way that’s accessible yet sophisticated.
Appetizers and Starters
The appetizer section of China Lee’s Traverse City menu is a vibrant introduction to the flavors that await. Designed to stimulate the palate, these starters blend classic Asian ingredients with modern presentation.
Each dish is crafted to offer a balance of texture and taste, setting the stage for the meal ahead.
Popular options include spring rolls, dumplings, and spicy edamame, each prepared with an emphasis on freshness. The appetizers are perfect for sharing, encouraging diners to sample a variety of flavors.
The menu also features vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring accessibility for different dietary needs.
One highlight is the house-made potstickers, known for their crispy bottoms and juicy fillings. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, they are a crowd favorite.
Another standout is the Kung Pao chicken wings, which combine a spicy and sweet glaze with a satisfying crunch.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy wrappers filled with fresh vegetables and served with a sweet chili sauce.
- Potstickers: Pan-fried dumplings stuffed with pork or vegetables.
- Edamame: Lightly salted steamed soybeans, a simple yet addictive starter.
- Kung Pao Chicken Wings: Spicy, sweet, and packed with flavor.
“The appetizers at China Lee perfectly balance bold flavors and delicate textures, making them a must-try for any visitor.”
Signature Entrées
The entrée choices at China Lee Traverse City reflect a deep respect for traditional Asian recipes while embracing innovation. These main dishes are hearty, flavorful, and beautifully presented, designed to satisfy both casual diners and culinary enthusiasts.
From stir-fries to noodle bowls, the menu offers an array of options that highlight regional specialties from across Asia. Each dish is prepared using authentic spices and cooking techniques, ensuring an immersive dining experience.
The menu also caters to those seeking gluten-free and vegan alternatives.
A signature dish is the Mongolian Beef, featuring tender slices of beef sautéed with onions and scallions in a savory sauce. Another favorite is the General Tso’s Chicken, known for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes.
For seafood lovers, the Szechuan Shrimp is a must-try, delivering a spicy kick complemented by fresh vegetables.
- Mongolian Beef: Tender beef with soy-based sauce and green onions.
- General Tso’s Chicken: Crispy chicken pieces in a tangy, spicy sauce.
- Szechuan Shrimp: Spicy shrimp stir-fried with vegetables and chili peppers.
- Vegetable Lo Mein: Stir-fried noodles with a medley of fresh vegetables.
| Dish | Main Protein | Spice Level | Gluten-Free Option |
| Mongolian Beef | Beef | Medium | Yes |
| General Tso’s Chicken | Chicken | Medium-High | No |
| Szechuan Shrimp | Shrimp | High | Yes |
| Vegetable Lo Mein | Vegetables | Low | Yes |
Dim Sum and Small Plates
China Lee’s dim sum and small plates section offers a delightful variety of bite-sized dishes perfect for sharing or enjoying as a light meal. These selections showcase the skillful art of Asian culinary traditions passed down through generations.
Each item is carefully prepared to bring out the rich, layered flavors that dim sum is known for. The menu includes steamed buns, dumplings, and other delicacies that offer a range of textures from soft and fluffy to crispy and crunchy.
The small plates are ideal for those who appreciate variety and wish to sample multiple flavors in one sitting.
Standout items include the pork siu mai, shrimp har gow, and the char siu bao (barbecue pork buns). These dishes are made fresh daily and are often paired with traditional dipping sauces to enhance their taste.
- Siu Mai: Pork and shrimp dumplings steamed to perfection.
- Har Gow: Delicate shrimp dumplings with a translucent wrapper.
- Char Siu Bao: Soft steamed buns filled with sweet barbecue pork.
- Turnip Cake: Pan-fried savory cakes made with shredded radish and rice flour.
“Dim sum at China Lee captures the essence of traditional Asian snack culture, inviting diners to savor every bite.”
Sushi and Sashimi Offerings
For those who crave fresh, expertly prepared sushi and sashimi, China Lee provides an impressive selection that highlights quality and creativity. The sushi bar offers both classic rolls and innovative creations that use the freshest fish and ingredients available.
The menu emphasizes balance and presentation, with each piece crafted to be both visually appealing and delicious. From simple tuna nigiri to complex specialty rolls, there is something to satisfy every sushi enthusiast.
The restaurant also caters to dietary preferences by offering vegetarian rolls and gluten-free soy sauce upon request.
Signature rolls like the Dragon Roll and Spicy Tuna Roll are particularly popular, known for their harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The sashimi platter is ideal for those who appreciate the pure taste of raw fish, served with traditional accompaniments such as wasabi and pickled ginger.
- Dragon Roll: Eel and cucumber topped with avocado and eel sauce.
- Spicy Tuna Roll: Fresh tuna mixed with spicy mayo and scallions.
- Sashimi Platter: Assortment of fresh raw fish slices.
- Vegetable Roll: Cucumber, avocado, and carrots wrapped in seaweed and rice.
| Roll | Main Ingredients | Spice Level | Gluten-Free Soy Sauce Available |
| Dragon Roll | Eel, cucumber, avocado | Low | Yes |
| Spicy Tuna Roll | Tuna, spicy mayo, scallions | Medium | Yes |
| Vegetable Roll | Cucumber, avocado, carrots | Low | Yes |
Soups and Noodle Dishes
China Lee offers a variety of soups and noodle dishes that are both comforting and flavorful. These options are perfect for warming up on a chilly Traverse City evening or enjoying as a satisfying meal on their own.
The noodle dishes range from classic stir-fried lo mein to spicy Szechuan-style noodles. Soups include traditional favorites like hot and sour soup and wonton soup, each made with a rich, savory broth.
The menu caters to all tastes and dietary preferences, with vegetarian versions of many dishes available.
A signature soup is the Tom Yum, a spicy and sour Thai-inspired broth packed with shrimp and fresh herbs. The Dan Dan noodles are another highlight, featuring a spicy peanut sauce and ground pork that deliver a complex flavor profile.
These dishes showcase the depth and variety of Asian cuisine, inviting guests to indulge in bold and comforting tastes.
- Hot and Sour Soup: Tangy and spicy soup with tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.
- Wonton Soup: Clear broth with pork-filled wontons and vegetables.
- Tom Yum Soup: Spicy and sour Thai-style shrimp soup with lemongrass and lime.
- Dan Dan Noodles: Noodles in spicy peanut sauce with ground pork.
“The soups and noodles at China Lee offer a comforting yet exciting palate experience, perfect for any season.”
Desserts and Sweet Treats
To conclude your meal, China Lee offers a selection of desserts that capture the delicate sweetness of Asian confections. These treats range from traditional desserts to creative interpretations that provide a satisfying end to the dining experience.
Popular choices include mango sticky rice, a classic Thai dessert featuring sweet coconut rice paired with fresh mango slices. The sesame balls, filled with sweet red bean paste, offer a delightful contrast of crispy exterior and soft interior.
For chocolate lovers, the green tea mousse is a unique option that combines rich flavor with subtle bitterness.
The dessert menu is thoughtfully curated to complement the bold flavors of the main courses without overwhelming the palate. Many desserts incorporate fresh fruits and natural sweeteners, emphasizing lightness and balance.
- Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet coconut rice served with ripe mango slices.
- Sesame Balls: Deep-fried glutinous rice balls with red bean filling.
- Green Tea Mousse: Light and creamy dessert infused with matcha.
- Fried Banana: Crispy fried banana served with honey drizzle.
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Sweetness Level | Gluten-Free |
| Mango Sticky Rice | Mango, coconut rice | Medium | Yes |
| Sesame Balls | Glutinous rice, red bean paste | High | No |
| Green Tea Mousse | Matcha, cream, sugar | Medium | Yes |
| Fried Banana | Banana, honey | Medium | Yes |
Beverage Selection
Complementing the diverse food menu, China Lee offers a well-rounded beverage selection designed to enhance the dining experience. From traditional Asian teas to creative cocktails, there is a drink for every preference.
The tea offerings include jasmine, green, and oolong varieties, each brewed with care to highlight their unique flavors. For those seeking alcoholic options, the cocktail menu features Asian-inspired drinks incorporating ingredients like lychee, ginger, and sake.
The wine list is curated to pair well with the menu’s bold, spicy, and savory dishes.
Non-alcoholic options include freshly made fruit juices, soft drinks, and specialty mocktails. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to recommend pairings based on individual tastes and meal choices, ensuring a harmonious balance between food and beverage.
- Jasmine Tea: Fragrant and soothing traditional tea.
- Lychee Martini: Sweet and refreshing cocktail with lychee and vodka.
- Sake: Classic Japanese rice wine served warm or cold.
- Ginger Lemonade: Non-alcoholic, zesty, and invigorating.
“Pairing the right beverage with your meal at China Lee elevates the entire dining experience to new heights.”
Conclusion
China Lee Traverse City offers an extraordinary menu that beautifully showcases the richness and diversity of Asian cuisine. From appetizers bursting with flavor to signature entrées that highlight traditional techniques, the menu is crafted with care and passion.
The inclusion of dim sum, sushi, soups, and desserts provides a well-rounded culinary journey that appeals to a wide range of diners.
The restaurant’s thoughtful attention to dietary preferences and ingredient quality ensures that every guest leaves satisfied. The atmosphere complements the food perfectly, making China Lee a destination not just for a meal, but for an experience.
Whether you are a longtime fan of Asian food or simply curious to explore new tastes, this menu invites you to savor every bite and discover the vibrant flavors that make China Lee a standout in Traverse City’s dining scene.
With its commitment to authenticity, innovation, and exceptional service, China Lee continues to earn a loyal following and glowing reviews. Exploring their menu is more than just dining; it’s a celebration of culture and culinary artistry that invites guests to return again and again.
