Dragon House Chinese in Albany offers a culinary journey that blends traditional flavors with modern twists, making it a beloved destination for both locals and visitors craving authentic Chinese cuisine.
The menu is thoughtfully curated to provide a wide range of options, from classic appetizers to hearty entrees, each crafted with fresh ingredients and authentic spices. Whether you’re a fan of spicy Szechuan dishes, savory Cantonese classics, or delicate dim sum, Dragon House has something to satisfy every palate.
What sets Dragon House apart is its commitment to quality and flavor, ensuring every dish bursts with the rich, vibrant tastes that define Chinese cooking. The restaurant balances tradition with innovation, offering dishes that honor time-tested recipes while introducing unique creations that keep the menu exciting.
The warm ambiance and attentive service further enhance the dining experience, making Dragon House a go-to spot for family dinners, casual lunches, or special occasions.
Exploring the Dragon House menu reveals a diverse selection that caters to various dietary preferences and cravings. From vegetarian choices to meat-laden favorites, the menu invites guests to indulge in a feast of textures and aromas.
Each section of the menu is designed to highlight the depth of Chinese culinary heritage, paired with the welcoming hospitality that Dragon House is known for.
Appetizers and Starters
The appetizer section at Dragon House sets the tone for a memorable meal, offering a variety of small plates that are perfect for sharing or starting your dining experience. These dishes combine bold flavors and crisp textures, designed to awaken the palate and tease the taste buds.
Popular choices include classic spring rolls filled with crunchy vegetables, and fried dumplings that boast a savory pork and chive filling. The appetizers are prepared fresh, with an emphasis on balancing seasoning and freshness.
Dragon House also features unique starters like salt and pepper calamari, which offers a delightful contrast of tender seafood and a lightly spicy crust. For those who prefer milder flavors, the steamed shrimp dumplings provide a delicate and fragrant option.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy exterior with a savory vegetable filling
- Fried Pork Dumplings: Juicy and flavorful, perfect with soy dipping sauce
- Salt & Pepper Calamari: A spicy seafood treat with a crunchy texture
- Steamed Shrimp Dumplings: Light and aromatic, ideal for a subtle start
“The appetizers at Dragon House are a perfect introduction to the rich and diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine.” – Local Food Critic
Soups and Noodles
Soups and noodles form an essential part of any Chinese dining experience, and Dragon House excels in this category with a wide selection that caters to different tastes and appetites. These dishes often serve as comforting, hearty options that showcase the depth of Chinese culinary tradition.
The menu includes classic choices like hot and sour soup, known for its tangy and spicy broth filled with tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Another favorite is the wonton soup, featuring delicate dumplings swimming in a clear, savory broth.
For noodle lovers, Dragon House offers an array of stir-fried and soup-based noodle dishes. The Dan Dan noodles are a must-try, combining a spicy sesame sauce with minced pork and fresh scallions.
Additionally, the house special lo mein provides a satisfying mix of vegetables, meats, and noodles tossed in a savory sauce.
Noodle Varieties
- Dan Dan Noodles: Spicy and nutty with a rich sesame base
- House Special Lo Mein: Stir-fried noodles with a colorful medley of ingredients
- Wonton Soup: Light broth with delicate pork dumplings
- Hot and Sour Soup: Boldly flavored with a perfect balance of sour and spice
| Dish | Flavor Profile | Spice Level | Recommended For |
| Hot and Sour Soup | Tangy, spicy, savory | Medium | Those who enjoy bold flavors |
| Wonton Soup | Light, savory, delicate | Low | Fans of gentle, comforting broths |
| Dan Dan Noodles | Spicy, nutty, rich | High | Spicy food enthusiasts |
| House Special Lo Mein | Savory, slightly sweet | Low | Anyone seeking a hearty noodle dish |
Classic Entrees
The heart of the Dragon House menu lies in its classic entrees, which showcase a range of traditional Chinese dishes that highlight the skillful balance of flavors and textures. These dishes are often the centerpiece of the meal and are perfect for sharing.
Signature items include General Tso’s Chicken, a beloved dish known for its deep-fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy sauce with a hint of heat. Another staple is Beef with Broccoli, which features tender strips of beef stir-fried with fresh broccoli in a savory oyster sauce.
For those seeking something lighter, the Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions offers a delicate and aromatic option that emphasizes freshness and subtle seasoning. Each entree is prepared with care, ensuring that traditional flavors are respected while providing a satisfying dining experience.
- General Tso’s Chicken: Crispy, sweet, and spicy
- Beef with Broccoli: Tender beef with fresh vegetables in oyster sauce
- Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions: Light, fragrant, and healthy
- Kung Pao Shrimp: Spicy, savory, with crunchy peanuts
“Dragon House’s classic entrees are a perfect blend of tradition and flavor, delivering comforting dishes that keep diners coming back.” – Albany Food Enthusiast
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Recognizing the growing demand for plant-based meals, Dragon House offers a robust selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes that do not compromise on flavor or texture. These options cater to diverse dietary needs while maintaining the restaurant’s high culinary standards.
Vegetarian dishes often feature an array of fresh vegetables, tofu, and savory sauces that deliver satisfying meals without meat. The Ma Po Tofu is a standout, featuring soft tofu in a spicy bean sauce that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Another popular choice is the Buddha’s Delight, a medley of vegetables cooked in a light soy-based sauce.
For vegan diners, the menu clearly marks suitable dishes and offers customization options to ensure that all meals meet dietary restrictions. The Vegetable Fried Rice and Stir-Fried Mixed Vegetables are excellent choices that offer wholesome, balanced flavors.
Popular Plant-Based Dishes
- Ma Po Tofu: Spicy, savory, and deeply satisfying
- Buddha’s Delight: Mixed vegetables with subtle seasoning
- Vegetable Fried Rice: Flavorful and filling without animal products
- Stir-Fried Mixed Vegetables: Crisp and fresh with garlic sauce
| Dish | Dietary Suitability | Main Ingredients |
| Ma Po Tofu | Vegetarian, Vegan (upon request) | Soft tofu, spicy bean paste, scallions |
| Buddha’s Delight | Vegetarian, Vegan | Cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, snow peas |
| Vegetable Fried Rice | Vegetarian, Vegan (upon request) | Rice, peas, carrots, corn, soy sauce |
| Stir-Fried Mixed Vegetables | Vegetarian, Vegan | Broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic sauce |
Chef’s Specials and Signature Dishes
Dragon House’s Chef’s Specials present an opportunity to experience creative dishes that blend traditional Chinese cooking with innovative techniques and flavors. These signature offerings are designed to surprise and delight diners looking for something beyond the usual menu items.
One such dish is the Crispy Duck with Plum Sauce, which features succulent duck with a perfectly crispy skin, paired with a sweet and tangy plum sauce that enhances the richness of the meat. Another highlight is the Szechuan Spicy Fish, a fiery dish that combines fresh fish fillets with bold chili and peppercorn flavors for an exhilarating taste experience.
The specials often showcase seasonal ingredients and unique flavor combinations, reflecting the chef’s passion and expertise. These dishes are perfect for adventurous eaters eager to explore new tastes.
- Crispy Duck with Plum Sauce: Tender meat with a crispy finish and sweet sauce
- Szechuan Spicy Fish: Bold, spicy, and packed with numbing heat
- Dragon House Triple Delight: A combination of shrimp, chicken, and beef in a savory sauce
- Salted Egg Yolk Prawns: Rich and flavorful with a creamy salted egg coating
“The Chef’s Specials at Dragon House are a testament to the culinary creativity and mastery that elevate the dining experience.” – Culinary Magazine
Rice and Side Dishes
Complementing the main courses, Dragon House offers a variety of rice and side dishes that round out the meal perfectly. These options provide balance and texture, allowing diners to customize their plates for the ideal combination of flavors.
Fried rice dishes come in several varieties, including vegetable, chicken, and shrimp fried rice, each cooked to perfection with fluffy grains and savory seasoning. Steamed white rice remains a staple, providing a neutral base that pairs well with intense main dishes.
Additional side dishes such as egg rolls or sautéed greens offer contrasting textures and flavors to create a well-rounded meal. These dishes are thoughtfully prepared to maintain freshness and enhance the overall dining experience.
Common Side Options
- Vegetable Fried Rice: Colorful and flavorful with fresh vegetables
- Chicken Fried Rice: Savory with tender pieces of chicken
- Steamed White Rice: Simple and fluffy, perfect for pairing
- Sautéed Chinese Broccoli: Lightly seasoned and crisp
| Side Dish | Description | Best Paired With |
| Vegetable Fried Rice | Mixed vegetables with soy sauce and aromatic seasonings | Vegetarian entrees, stir-fries |
| Chicken Fried Rice | Chicken pieces with eggs and vegetables in seasoned rice | Chicken and beef dishes |
| Steamed White Rice | Plain steamed rice with a fluffy texture | All dishes needing a neutral base |
| Sautéed Chinese Broccoli | Fresh broccoli sautéed with garlic and light soy sauce | Seafood and meat entrees |
Desserts and Beverages
To conclude the meal, Dragon House offers a selection of desserts and beverages that complement the bold flavors of the main courses. These sweet offerings provide a satisfying end to a flavorful dining experience.
The dessert menu features traditional Chinese sweets such as mango pudding, which is creamy and refreshing, and sesame balls filled with sweet red bean paste, offering a delightful combination of crunch and softness.
For those seeking something lighter, fresh fruit platters are available to cleanse the palate.
Beverage options include classic Chinese teas like jasmine and oolong, which aid digestion and enhance the meal. The restaurant also offers soft drinks, as well as wines and beers selected to pair harmoniously with the cuisine.
- Mango Pudding: Smooth and fruity with a tropical twist
- Sesame Balls: Crispy exterior with sweet red bean filling
- Jasmine Tea: Fragrant and soothing, perfect with any meal
- Fresh Fruit Platter: Seasonal fruits to refresh the palate
“Dragon House’s desserts are the perfect balance of tradition and indulgence, providing a sweet finale to any meal.” – Dessert Lover’s Review
Conclusion
Dragon House Chinese Albany offers a comprehensive menu that caters to diverse tastes and preferences, making it a standout choice for authentic Chinese cuisine in the area. From the enticing appetizers through to the rich and flavorful entrees, vegetarian delights, and indulgent desserts, every dish reflects a dedication to quality and authenticity.
The thoughtful menu design allows diners to explore a variety of textures and flavors, whether seeking comforting classics or adventurous specials. The attention to detail in each preparation ensures that meals are not only delicious but also satisfying and memorable.
The inclusion of vegan and vegetarian options further broadens the appeal, making Dragon House a welcoming destination for all.
Whether you’re enjoying a casual lunch or celebrating a special occasion, the Dragon House menu promises a culinary experience that honors Chinese tradition while embracing modern tastes. Its combination of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and expert preparation ensures that every visit delivers a fulfilling and enjoyable dining journey.
