Nestled in the heart of Seattle, Green Lake Chinese Restaurant has long been a beloved culinary destination for locals and visitors alike. Renowned for its authentic flavors and warm ambiance, the restaurant offers a menu that perfectly balances tradition with innovation.
Whether you’re craving classic Cantonese dim sum or adventurous Szechuan specialties, Green Lake’s selections promise a delightful experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of Chinese cuisine. Every dish is crafted with care, employing fresh ingredients and authentic techniques that reflect the diversity and depth of China’s regional flavors.
The menu is thoughtfully curated to cater to diverse palates, ranging from light appetizers to hearty main courses and decadent desserts. Diners can expect an array of vibrant dishes, each telling a story through its unique blend of spices, textures, and aromas.
The staff’s commitment to exceptional service complements the culinary offerings, ensuring that every visit feels special. Green Lake Chinese Restaurant’s menu is more than just a list of dishes—it’s an invitation to explore the cultural heritage and culinary artistry embedded in every bite.
Appetizers and Small Plates
The appetizer section at Green Lake Chinese Restaurant sets the tone for an exciting meal ahead. These small plates are designed to awaken the palate with bold flavors and contrasting textures.
Perfect for sharing or starting a solo meal, the appetizers range from crispy delights to delicate steamed options.
One of the standout items is the crispy spring rolls, filled with fresh vegetables and served with a tangy dipping sauce. These golden rolls offer a satisfying crunch that complements the subtle sweetness of the filling.
Another popular choice is the pork dumplings, steamed to perfection and bursting with juicy, savory goodness. For those seeking a lighter option, the cucumber salad provides a refreshing balance with its cool, crisp texture and mildly spiced dressing.
Signature Starters
- Hot and Sour Soup: A bold combination of vinegar, pepper, tofu, and mushrooms, this soup invigorates the senses.
- Scallion Pancakes: Flaky and aromatic, these pancakes are a perfect blend of crispy edges and chewy centers.
- Steamed Shrimp Shumai: Delicately wrapped dumplings filled with succulent shrimp and subtle seasonings.
“The appetizers at Green Lake are a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to authentic flavors and quality ingredients.” — Food Critic, Seattle Times
Soups and Broths
Soups hold a revered place in Chinese dining, serving both as a nourishing start and a comforting conclusion to the meal. Green Lake’s menu features a variety of broths that range from light and clear to rich and hearty, each crafted to highlight natural flavors.
The bird’s nest soup is one of the most luxurious offerings, prized for its delicate texture and health benefits. Meanwhile, the classic egg drop soup is a staple that combines silky egg ribbons with a savory broth, delivering warmth and satisfaction.
For those who prefer something with a bit of a kick, the Szechuan spicy beef soup brings heat and depth, infused with chili oil and aromatic spices.
Comparison of Popular Soups
| Soup Name | Flavor Profile | Key Ingredients | Recommended Pairing |
| Bird’s Nest Soup | Delicate, slightly sweet | Edible bird’s nest, rock sugar | Steamed Fish with Ginger |
| Egg Drop Soup | Light, savory | Egg, chicken broth, scallions | Fried Rice |
| Szechuan Spicy Beef Soup | Spicy, rich | Beef, chili oil, garlic | Kung Pao Chicken |
Main Courses: Poultry and Meat
Green Lake Chinese Restaurant’s main courses feature a diverse selection of poultry and meats, each prepared with expert technique to bring out the best flavors. From crispy duck to tender pork, these dishes showcase the depth of Chinese culinary traditions.
The Peking duck is a highlight, known for its crispy skin and succulent meat, traditionally served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce. The Kung Pao chicken offers a spicy and savory profile, balancing fiery chili peppers with the crunch of peanuts.
Pork lovers will appreciate the twice-cooked pork belly, where the meat is first boiled then stir-fried with chili bean paste, creating a dish that is rich, smoky, and satisfying.
Popular Meat Dishes
- Beef and Broccoli: Tender strips of beef sautéed with fresh broccoli in a savory oyster sauce.
- Sweet and Sour Pork: Crispy pork pieces glazed in a tangy and sweet sauce.
- General Tso’s Chicken: Deep-fried chicken coated in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce that has become a Western favorite.
“The balance of textures and flavors in the meat dishes at Green Lake truly demonstrates the kitchen’s mastery of traditional Chinese cooking.” — Culinary Expert, Northwest Food Magazine
Seafood Specialties
Seafood holds a special place on the Green Lake menu, highlighting fresh catches with delicate seasoning and expert preparation. The restaurant sources its seafood locally whenever possible, ensuring peak freshness and flavor.
The steamed whole fish is a signature dish, typically prepared with ginger, scallions, and soy sauce to enhance the natural sweetness of the fish. Another crowd favorite is the salt and pepper shrimp, which offers a crispy, flavorful bite with a peppery zing.
For those who enjoy more complex flavors, the clay pot seafood casserole combines shrimp, scallops, and fish with mushrooms and vegetables, slow-cooked to meld the flavors beautifully.
Seafood Highlights
- Crab with Garlic and Chili: Fresh crab stir-fried in a savory garlic and chili sauce.
- Salted Fish Fried Rice: A fragrant rice dish featuring salted fish for an umami boost.
- Lobster with Ginger and Scallions: Lobster sautéed with aromatic ginger and scallions for a refined taste.
Vegetarian Options
Green Lake Chinese Restaurant takes pride in offering a variety of vegetarian dishes that do not compromise on flavor or satisfaction. These options highlight fresh vegetables, tofu, and creative uses of plant-based ingredients.
The mapo tofu is a spicy favorite, traditionally made with ground pork but here available in a vegetarian version that uses mushrooms for texture. Stir-fried mixed vegetables offer a colorful and healthy choice, prepared with garlic and light sauces to preserve natural flavors.
The vegetable spring rolls provide a crispy, savory starter that is perfect for sharing.
Vegetarian Dishes Breakdown
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Suggested Pairings |
| Vegetarian Mapo Tofu | Silken tofu, mushrooms, chili bean paste | Spicy, savory | Steamed Rice, Stir-Fried Bok Choy |
| Stir-Fried Mixed Vegetables | Broccoli, carrots, snow peas, mushrooms | Light, fresh | Vegetable Spring Rolls |
| Vegetable Spring Rolls | Cabbage, carrots, mushrooms | Crispy, savory | Hot and Sour Soup |
“Offering robust vegetarian dishes ensures that Green Lake caters to every guest’s preferences without sacrificing authenticity.” — Local Vegan Food Blogger
Rice and Noodle Dishes
Integral to Chinese cuisine, rice and noodle dishes at Green Lake serve as both accompaniments and main courses. The restaurant’s menu presents a range of options that highlight different textures and flavors, satisfying a variety of tastes and dietary needs.
Fried rice is a staple, with options such as the classic Yangzhou fried rice boasting an array of meats, vegetables, and eggs for a harmonious taste. Noodles come in many forms, from the chewy hand-pulled varieties to delicate rice vermicelli.
The Dan Dan noodles offer a spicy and nutty flavor profile, reflecting Szechuan influences.
Popular Rice and Noodle Choices
- Yangzhou Fried Rice: A colorful dish with shrimp, BBQ pork, peas, and egg.
- Lo Mein: Soft egg noodles stir-fried with vegetables and choice of meat or tofu.
- Dan Dan Noodles: Spicy, savory noodles topped with ground pork and peanuts.
Desserts and Beverages
To round out the meal, Green Lake offers a selection of desserts and beverages that provide a sweet finale and refreshing complement to the savory dishes. These options reflect traditional Chinese flavors with a modern twist, perfect for satisfying different cravings.
The mango pudding is a creamy, fruity favorite that balances sweetness with a silky texture. Red bean soup offers a warm and comforting end to the meal, featuring a subtly sweet bean base that is both nutritious and delicious.
For beverages, the restaurant serves a variety of teas including jasmine, oolong, and pu-erh, which aid digestion and enhance the dining experience.
Dessert and Drink Highlights
| Dessert/Drink | Description | Taste Profile | Best Paired With |
| Mango Pudding | Silky pudding made with fresh mango puree | Sweet, fruity | Light Appetizers |
| Red Bean Soup | Warm dessert soup with sweetened red beans | Sweet, earthy | Spicy Meat Dishes |
| Jasmine Tea | Fragrant green tea infused with jasmine flowers | Floral, light | All Courses |
“A well-chosen tea or dessert can elevate the entire dining experience, providing both balance and satisfaction.” — Tea Sommelier, Seattle Tea House
Green Lake Chinese Restaurant’s menu is a celebration of culinary craftsmanship, offering dishes that are thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. From the first bite of an appetizer to the last sip of tea, each element is designed to delight and satisfy.
Whether you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors or prefer gentle, delicate tastes, the diverse menu ensures there is something for everyone. The attention to detail in sourcing ingredients, balancing flavors, and honoring tradition makes every meal here an unforgettable journey through the rich world of Chinese cuisine.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity continues to make it a standout choice for anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience in Seattle’s vibrant food scene.