Nestled in the heart of Hamilton, Ontario, Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant stands as a beloved culinary destination for those seeking authentic and flavorful Chinese cuisine. With its warm and inviting ambiance, this restaurant has earned a well-deserved reputation for delivering an exceptional dining experience that transports guests to the vibrant flavors of China.
Established by a family with deep roots in traditional Chinese cooking, Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant takes pride in offering a menu that showcases the rich diversity of regional specialties from across the vast expanse of China. From the fiery Sichuan dishes to the delicate flavors of Cantonese cuisine, each dish is meticulously prepared using fresh, high-quality ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques.
The restaurant’s interior exudes a sense of elegance and sophistication, with intricate decor elements that pay homage to the grandeur of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Warm lighting, traditional Chinese artwork, and a touch of modern flair create an inviting atmosphere where diners can savor the flavors of China in a comfortable and welcoming setting.
Soups
At Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant, the soup selection is a delightful start to your culinary journey. One standout option is the Hot and Sour Vegetarian Soup, a tantalizing blend of flavors that will awaken your senses. This hearty soup features a harmonious combination of tofu, wood ear mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and a variety of vegetables in a savory broth. The perfect balance of hot and sour notes will leave you craving for more.
Priced at $4.95 for a small bowl and $6.95 for a large, the Hot and Sour Vegetarian Soup is a steal for its rich and authentic flavors. What sets this soup apart is the use of traditional Chinese ingredients like black vinegar and white pepper, which lend a distinct tanginess and a subtle kick that will tantalize your taste buds.
Other soup options include the Wonton Soup, a classic filled with tender pork dumplings floating in a savory broth, and the Egg Drop Soup, a comforting and light choice perfect for any occasion. No matter your preference, the soup selection at Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant is sure to delight and prepare your palate for the delectable main courses to come.
Appetizers
The Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant offers a tempting selection of appetizers that tantalize the taste buds and whet the appetite for the main course. One of the standout options is the Veggie Spring Roll, a crispy and golden fried roll filled with a savory blend of shredded vegetables, including cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts. These bite-sized delights are served with a zesty dipping sauce, adding a burst of flavor to every bite.
For those seeking a more substantial starter, the Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a popular choice. Tender pieces of chicken are stir-fried with water chestnuts, mushrooms, and a flavorful sauce, allowing diners to create their own wraps by scooping the mixture into crisp lettuce leaves.
Another crowd-pleaser is the Crab Rangoon, a delectable combination of cream cheese, crab meat, and a hint of garlic, wrapped in a crispy wonton wrapper and fried to perfection. These bite-sized morsels are a perfect accompaniment to any meal, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Prices for appetizers range from $4.95 for the Veggie Spring Roll to $8.95 for the Crab Rangoon, making them an affordable and satisfying start to your dining experience.
Chow Mein
The chow mein offerings at Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant are a true delight for noodle lovers. One of the standout dishes is the Vegetable Mushroom Chow Mein, a vegetarian-friendly option that showcases the restaurant’s mastery of flavors and textures.
This dish features a harmonious blend of crisp vegetables, succulent mushrooms, and perfectly cooked chow mein noodles. The noodles are expertly stir-fried to achieve a delightful chewiness, while the vegetables retain their crunch and freshness. The mushrooms add an earthy depth to the dish, complementing the vibrant flavors of the other ingredients.
The chow mein is seasoned with a savory sauce that incorporates a carefully balanced blend of soy sauce, garlic, and other aromatic spices. The result is a dish that is bursting with umami flavor, making it a satisfying and comforting choice for any meal.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply seeking a delicious and healthy option, the Vegetable Mushroom Chow Mein at Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant is sure to impress. It’s a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and showcasing the authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine.
Rice Dishes
At Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant, rice dishes are a staple offering that caters to diverse palates. From classic steamed rice to flavorful fried rice varieties, the menu presents a delightful range of options.
One of the most popular choices is the Yangzhou Fried Rice, a delectable combination of rice, eggs, vegetables, and savory soy sauce. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, with its perfectly cooked grains and a harmonious blend of flavors.
For those seeking a heartier option, the House Special Fried Rice is a must-try. Packed with an array of meats, including chicken, beef, and shrimp, it offers a satisfying and protein-rich meal. The restaurant’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients ensures that each bite is bursting with authentic flavors.
Vegetables
At Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant, the vegetable dishes are a true celebration of freshness and quality. One of the standout options is the Beef and Broccoli, a classic dish that showcases the restaurant’s commitment to using only the finest ingredients.
The Beef and Broccoli features tender strips of beef, expertly marinated and seared to perfection, paired with crisp, vibrant broccoli florets. The broccoli is carefully selected and cooked to maintain its vibrant green hue and delightful crunch, ensuring that every bite bursts with natural flavors.
What sets this dish apart is the attention to detail in the preparation process. The beef is marinated in a delicate blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, infusing it with a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the earthy notes of the broccoli. The sauce is a masterful balance of savory and slightly sweet notes, expertly coating each piece of beef and broccoli without overwhelming the natural flavors.
Beyond the Beef and Broccoli, the vegetable selection at Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant is truly impressive. From the vibrant and crisp Mixed Vegetables to the flavorful and aromatic Garlic Broccoli, each dish is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to using only the freshest and highest-quality produce.
Whether you’re a vegetarian seeking delectable meatless options or simply a lover of fresh, flavorful vegetables, Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant’s vegetable dishes are sure to delight your senses and leave you craving for more.
Dim Sum Delights
Dim sum is a beloved tradition in Chinese cuisine, offering a delightful array of small plates and bite-sized delicacies. At Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant, we take pride in our authentic dim sum selection, carefully crafted to transport you to the vibrant streets of Hong Kong or the bustling teahouses of Shanghai.
Our dim sum menu is a celebration of flavors, textures, and culinary artistry. From the delicate folds of steamed dumplings to the crispy exteriors of fried delicacies, each item is a masterpiece in its own right. Explore the traditional favorites like succulent Shumai dumplings, pillowy Char Siu Bao (barbecue pork buns), and the ever-popular Har Gow (shrimp dumplings) with their translucent rice flour wrappings.
For those seeking a more adventurous dim sum experience, we offer unique and lesser-known specialties. Indulge in the savory delights of Chicken Feet, a beloved street food in Hong Kong, or savor the delicate flavors of Phoenix Talons, a delicacy made from chicken feet wrapped in glutinous rice. Vegetarians can delight in our selection of plant-based dim sum, such as the flavorful Vegetable Dumplings and the crispy Taro Puffs.
Dim sum is not just about the food; it’s an experience that brings people together. At Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant, we encourage you to embrace the tradition of sharing and sampling from the diverse array of dishes. Our dim sum carts, manned by skilled servers, will navigate through the dining room, offering you a front-row seat to the culinary spectacle.
Whether you’re a dim sum aficionado or a newcomer to this delightful tradition, our menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Chinese culinary excellence.
Egg Foo Young
Egg Foo Young is a classic Chinese-American dish that has become a staple on the Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant’s menu. This delectable dish consists of a fluffy egg omelet filled with a variety of vegetables, meat, and savory sauces.
The restaurant offers several variations of Egg Foo Young, each with its unique blend of flavors and textures. The Vegetable Egg Foo Young is a popular choice for those seeking a meatless option, featuring a medley of fresh vegetables like carrots, bean sprouts, and mushrooms enveloped in a light and airy egg patty.
For meat lovers, the Pork Egg Foo Young and Chicken Egg Foo Young are must-tries. The pork version is infused with tender pieces of savory pork, while the chicken variation boasts juicy chunks of chicken breast, both complemented by the velvety egg mixture.
What sets the Forbidden City’s Egg Foo Young apart is the secret blend of sauces that accompanies each dish. The savory brown gravy adds depth and richness, while the tangy and slightly sweet sauce provides a delightful contrast, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Egg Foo Young is a recommended dish for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a versatile option that caters to various dietary preferences, making it an excellent choice for groups or families with diverse tastes. Secondly, the dish’s unique combination of textures and flavors makes it a satisfying and comforting meal. Finally, the Forbidden City’s skilled chefs have perfected the art of creating light and fluffy omelets, ensuring that each bite is a delightful experience.
Curry (Spicy)
At Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant, the curry dishes are a true delight for those who crave bold and flavorful spices. The menu offers a tantalizing array of curries, each with its unique blend of aromatic spices and rich sauces. One standout dish is the Shanghai Lo Mein, a delectable combination of tender noodles tossed in a savory curry sauce.
The curry dishes at Forbidden City are not for the faint of heart. They pack a punch of heat, with spice levels ranging from mild to fiery. For those who prefer a gentler warmth, the milder curries offer a delightful balance of flavors, allowing the intricate spice blend to shine through without overwhelming the palate.
On the other hand, the spicier curries are a true test of culinary bravery. These dishes are infused with a potent blend of chili peppers, ginger, and an array of aromatic spices, creating a fiery sensation that will set your taste buds ablaze. Yet, beneath the heat lies a depth of flavor that is simply unmatched, with each bite revealing layers of complexity and richness.
Whether you opt for the milder or the bolder curries, you can expect a harmonious fusion of flavors that will tantalize your senses. The skilled chefs at Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant expertly balance the spices, ensuring that each dish is a culinary masterpiece, bursting with authentic flavors that transport you to the vibrant streets of Shanghai.
Pork, Seafood, Chicken, and Beef
The Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant offers an extensive selection of mouth-watering dishes featuring pork, seafood, chicken, and beef. Each dish is expertly prepared with the freshest ingredients and traditional Chinese cooking techniques, ensuring an authentic and flavorful experience.
Pork Dishes
One of the standout pork dishes is the Honey Garlic Pork, which features tender pork morsels coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. The Twice Cooked Pork, a Szechuan specialty, is another must-try dish, with its perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors.
Seafood Dishes
For seafood lovers, the Seafood Delight is a true delight. This dish combines succulent shrimp, scallops, and squid in a tantalizing sauce, served over a bed of crisp vegetables. The Honey Walnut Shrimp is another crowd-pleaser, featuring lightly battered shrimp tossed in a sweet and creamy honey walnut sauce.
Chicken Dishes
The chicken dishes at Forbidden City are a true testament to the restaurant’s culinary expertise. The Honey Coconut Chicken is a fan favorite, with its crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and creamy coconut sauce. The General Tao’s Chicken is another popular choice, featuring juicy chicken morsels coated in a tangy and slightly spicy sauce.
Beef Dishes
For beef enthusiasts, the Beef and Broccoli is a classic dish that never disappoints. Tender beef strips are stir-fried with fresh broccoli and a flavorful sauce. The Mongolian Beef is another must-try dish, with its savory and slightly sweet sauce complementing the tender beef perfectly.
Whether you’re in the mood for pork, seafood, chicken, or beef, the Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant has something to satisfy every craving. With their commitment to using only the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking methods, each dish is a true celebration of authentic Chinese cuisine.
Family Dinner
The Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant offers an excellent selection of family dinner combos, perfect for sharing a delightful meal with loved ones. The “Dinner for Two” is a popular choice, providing a generous portion that satisfies two hearty appetites. This combo typically includes an appetizer, such as the delectable Veggie Spring Rolls or the flavorful Hot and Sour Vegetarian Soup, followed by two main entrees and a side of steamed rice.
For larger gatherings, the “Dinner for Four” is an exceptional value. This combo meal generously serves four people, offering a variety of appetizers, including the crowd-pleasing Chicken Balls and the crispy Spring Rolls. The main course features four different entrees, allowing everyone to sample a range of flavors and dishes. Popular choices include the succulent Honey Coconut Chicken, the classic Beef and Broccoli, and the tantalizing General Tao’s Chicken. Accompaniments like steamed rice or chow mein noodles complete this satisfying feast.
Both family dinner combos provide an excellent opportunity to experience the diverse and authentic flavors of Forbidden City’s cuisine while enjoying the company of loved ones. The portion sizes are generous, ensuring that everyone leaves feeling thoroughly satisfied, and the value for money is unbeatable, making these combos a popular choice for families and larger groups.
Other Popular Dishes
The Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant’s menu boasts a wide array of mouthwatering dishes that have become customer favorites. One such dish is the Singapore Noodles, a flavorful combination of rice vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, vegetables, and a tantalizing curry-based sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of spicy and savory flavors, offering a unique and unforgettable taste experience.
Another popular choice is the Cantonese Chow Mein, a classic Chinese dish that features crispy noodles stir-fried with an assortment of fresh vegetables, meat, and a savory sauce. The Forbidden City’s version of this dish is renowned for its perfectly cooked noodles and the perfect balance of flavors.
For those who love seafood, the Lemon Shrimp is a must-try. Succulent shrimp are coated in a tangy lemon sauce, creating a delightful contrast of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The dish is also garnished with fresh vegetables, adding a crisp and refreshing element to the overall experience.
Chicken Balls, a beloved Chinese appetizer, are also a popular choice at the Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant. These bite-sized morsels are made with tender chicken meat, wrapped in a crispy batter, and served with a sweet and savory dipping sauce. They are the perfect starter to whet your appetite before diving into the main course.
Last but not least, the restaurant’s Spring Rolls are a true crowd-pleaser. Filled with a delicious combination of vegetables and meat, these crispy rolls are served with a tangy dipping sauce, making them a perfect accompaniment to any meal. The unique blend of flavors and textures in these spring rolls is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Conclusion
The Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant in Hamilton offers an extensive and diverse menu that caters to various tastes and preferences. From the flavorful soups and appetizers to the delectable main courses and family dinner combos, the menu showcases the rich culinary traditions of Chinese cuisine. The dishes are meticulously prepared using fresh, high-quality ingredients and authentic recipes, ensuring a truly authentic and satisfying dining experience.
Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of Hot and Sour Vegetarian Soup, a crispy Veggie Spring Roll, or a hearty serving of Beef and Broccoli, the menu has something to delight every palate. The restaurant’s dedication to quality and flavor is evident in every bite, making it a standout choice for those seeking exceptional Chinese and Asian cuisine in Hamilton.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to savor the delicious flavors of the Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant. Visit the restaurant and immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere, or conveniently order your favorite dishes online through platforms like Uber Eats. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for more.