Nestled in the heart of Chicago, Lee’s Garden Chinese Restaurant has long been a favorite destination for those craving authentic Chinese cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant blends traditional flavors with fresh, high-quality ingredients, offering a menu that caters to both classic tastes and adventurous palates.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Lee’s Garden promises an unforgettable dining experience through its diverse selection of dishes, warm ambiance, and attentive service. The menu captures the essence of Chinese culinary artistry, balancing bold spices, delicate textures, and vibrant presentations.
Every item reflects a commitment to excellence, making it easy to find something that satisfies any craving or occasion.
From appetizers to desserts, Lee’s Garden’s offerings are thoughtfully curated to showcase the rich tapestry of Chinese flavors. Their dishes span various regions, reflecting the culinary diversity that makes Chinese food so beloved worldwide.
This menu is not just a list of options; it is a celebration of culture, tradition, and innovation. Diners can explore everything from comforting noodle soups to sizzling stir-fries, all crafted to delight the senses.
The restaurant also emphasizes fresh vegetables, seafood, and premium meats, ensuring each plate is both delicious and nourishing. With generous portions and artful seasoning, Lee’s Garden invites you to savor every bite.
At Lee’s Garden, the menu is more than just food—it’s an invitation to explore the rich heritage of Chinese cooking in the vibrant setting of Chicago. Whether enjoying a casual meal or celebrating a special event, the menu provides a wealth of choices that cater to all tastes and dietary preferences.
From vegetarian options to spicy specialties, every dish is prepared with care and authenticity. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor makes it a must-visit spot for anyone seeking the best Chinese dining experience in the city.
Appetizers: A Flavorful Introduction
The appetizer section at Lee’s Garden serves as the perfect beginning to any meal, offering a wide array of tempting starters that awaken the palate. These dishes balance traditional favorites with innovative creations, providing something for everyone.
Whether you prefer crispy, savory bites or lighter, refreshing options, the appetizers set the tone for the culinary journey ahead.
One of the standout items is the Crab Rangoon, featuring crispy wonton wrappers filled with a creamy crab and cream cheese mixture. This classic appetizer is loved for its perfect blend of texture and flavor.
Another crowd-pleaser is the Potstickers, pan-fried to golden perfection and served with a tangy dipping sauce that complements the savory pork filling.
Vegetarians will appreciate the Vegetable Spring Rolls, which are packed with fresh shredded vegetables and herbs, wrapped in a delicate, crunchy shell. These rolls offer a light yet satisfying start to the meal.
Additionally, the BBQ Pork Buns provide a soft, steamed option filled with sweet and savory pork, showcasing the restaurant’s skill in traditional dim sum preparation.
Popular Appetizer Choices
- Crab Rangoon – Crispy fried wontons with crab and cream cheese filling
- Potstickers – Pan-fried dumplings with pork and vegetables
- Vegetable Spring Rolls – Fresh veggies wrapped and fried to a crisp
- BBQ Pork Buns – Steamed buns filled with barbecue pork
“Appetizers at Lee’s Garden are not just starters; they are a flavorful promise of the culinary delights to come.” – Local Food Critic
Soups and Noodles: Comfort in Every Bowl
Lee’s Garden’s soups and noodle dishes provide both comfort and complexity, catering to those who seek warming, hearty meals. The menu offers a variety of broths infused with herbs and spices, alongside perfectly cooked noodles, creating satisfying combinations that soothe and energize.
The Hot and Sour Soup is a signature dish, balancing spicy heat with tangy vinegar and tender tofu pieces. Its robust flavor profile makes it a favorite among regulars.
For a lighter option, the Egg Drop Soup offers a silky texture with delicate strands of egg floating in a savory broth, perfect for a gentle start or accompaniment.
Noodle lovers will find the Beef Chow Fun irresistible, featuring wide rice noodles stir-fried with tender beef, bean sprouts, and scallions. The dish’s smoky, wok-charred aroma is a testament to authentic Cantonese cooking methods.
Another popular choice is the Szechuan Dan Dan Noodles, which bring a spicy kick with a rich, nutty sauce and minced pork topping.
Comparison of Signature Soups
| Soup | Flavor Profile | Main Ingredients | Spice Level |
| Hot and Sour Soup | Spicy, tangy | Tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots | Medium |
| Egg Drop Soup | Mild, savory | Egg, chicken broth, scallions | Low |
| Wonton Soup | Light, savory | Wontons, bok choy, chicken broth | Low |
Main Courses: Hearty and Flavorful
The main courses at Lee’s Garden offer a diverse selection that highlights the depth and variety of Chinese cuisine. From meat-centric dishes to seafood specialties, each entree is crafted to deliver bold flavors and satisfying textures.
The menu emphasizes both traditional recipes and modern interpretations, ensuring an exciting dining experience.
One of the signature dishes is the General Tso’s Chicken, known for its crispy coating and sweet-spicy glaze. This dish combines the crunch of fried chicken with a sticky sauce that perfectly balances heat and sweetness.
Alternatively, the Mongolian Beef features thin slices of beef stir-fried with scallions and garlic in a savory soy-based sauce, a dish that is both hearty and rich.
Seafood lovers will appreciate the Salt and Pepper Shrimp, a dish characterized by its crispy exterior and flavorful seasoning of garlic, chili, and peppercorns. For those seeking a vegetable-forward option, the Ma Po Tofu offers a spicy, numbing sensation from Szechuan peppercorns combined with silky tofu and minced pork in a rich sauce.
Popular Main Course Highlights
- General Tso’s Chicken – Crispy chicken in a sweet and spicy sauce
- Mongolian Beef – Tender beef stir-fried with scallions and garlic
- Salt and Pepper Shrimp – Crispy shrimp with bold seasoning
- Ma Po Tofu – Spicy Szechuan tofu with minced pork
“The main courses at Lee’s Garden are a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to bold flavors and authentic techniques.”
Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Thoughtfully Crafted
Lee’s Garden recognizes the importance of catering to vegetarian and vegan diners, offering a variety of flavorful, plant-based dishes that do not compromise on taste or texture. These options are carefully prepared to ensure a satisfying and balanced meal for those avoiding animal products.
The Vegetable Lo Mein is a popular choice, featuring tender noodles tossed with a medley of fresh vegetables in a savory soy sauce. It is both comforting and nutritious, appealing to a broad range of tastes.
Another standout is the Tofu and Broccoli Stir-Fry, where firm tofu is cooked with crisp broccoli and a flavorful garlic sauce, delivering a perfect balance of protein and greens.
For diners seeking something heartier, the Eggplant in Garlic Sauce offers a rich, tangy flavor with tender eggplant pieces cooked in a garlicky, slightly spicy sauce. Additionally, the Vegetarian Fried Rice is a classic option, combining fragrant rice with assorted vegetables and subtle seasonings.
Featured Vegetarian Dishes
- Vegetable Lo Mein – Noodles with mixed fresh vegetables
- Tofu and Broccoli Stir-Fry – Tofu and broccoli in garlic sauce
- Eggplant in Garlic Sauce – Spicy and tangy eggplant dish
- Vegetarian Fried Rice – Fried rice with assorted vegetables
| Dish | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Vegan Friendly |
| Vegetable Lo Mein | Egg noodles, mixed vegetables, soy sauce | Savory, slightly sweet | Yes |
| Tofu and Broccoli Stir-Fry | Tofu, broccoli, garlic sauce | Garlicky, savory | Yes |
| Eggplant in Garlic Sauce | Eggplant, garlic, chili | Spicy, tangy | Yes |
| Vegetarian Fried Rice | Rice, mixed vegetables, soy sauce | Umami, mild | Yes |
Chef’s Specials: Unique Creations and Seasonal Delights
Lee’s Garden frequently updates its menu to include chef’s specials that showcase seasonal ingredients and innovative preparations. These dishes reflect the culinary creativity of the kitchen and offer guests a chance to try exclusive flavors not found on the regular menu.
One notable special is the Dragon Well Shrimp, which features succulent shrimp stir-fried with Dragon Well tea leaves, imparting a subtle, aromatic flavor. Another special is the Five-Spice Duck, slow-cooked to perfection and finished with a crispy skin, served alongside a rich plum sauce that complements the dish’s warm spices.
For a vegetarian special, the Lotus Root and Mushroom Stir-Fry combines crunchy lotus root with earthy mushrooms and a delicate soy glaze, offering a unique texture and flavor experience. These specials highlight the chef’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients while experimenting with traditional Chinese flavors.
Recent Chef’s Specials
- Dragon Well Shrimp – Shrimp infused with green tea flavors
- Five-Spice Duck – Aromatic duck with plum sauce
- Lotus Root and Mushroom Stir-Fry – Textured vegetable medley
- Seasonal Vegetable Medley – Fresh vegetables prepared daily
“Our chef’s specials are designed to surprise and delight, blending tradition with innovation for a truly memorable dining experience.” – Executive Chef
Dim Sum and Small Plates: Perfect for Sharing
Lee’s Garden offers a well-curated selection of dim sum and small plates, ideal for sharing among friends or family. These dishes provide a variety of tastes and textures, making them a favorite choice for those who enjoy tasting multiple flavors in one meal.
Some of the most popular dim sum items include the Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow), known for their delicate, translucent wrappers and juicy shrimp filling. The Pork Siu Mai dumplings are another staple, featuring seasoned pork and a hint of mushroom, steamed to perfection.
Other favorites are the Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf, which combines savory glutinous rice with meat and mushrooms, wrapped in fragrant lotus leaves, and the Turnip Cake, a savory pan-fried delicacy made from shredded radish and rice flour.
Dim Sum Highlights
- Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow)
- Pork Siu Mai Dumplings
- Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf
- Turnip Cake – Pan-fried radish cake
| Dish | Preparation | Main Ingredients | Suitable for Sharing |
| Har Gow | Steamed | Shrimp, wheat starch wrapper | Yes |
| Siu Mai | Steamed | Pork, mushroom, wrapper | Yes |
| Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf | Steamed | Glutinous rice, pork, mushroom | Yes |
| Turnip Cake | Pan-fried | Radish, rice flour | Yes |
Dim sum at Lee’s Garden is a celebration of tradition and texture, perfect for communal dining and discovery.
Desserts: Sweet Conclusions to Your Meal
To complete the dining experience, Lee’s Garden offers a variety of desserts that provide a sweet and satisfying ending. These treats range from classic Chinese sweets to innovative creations that fuse flavors and textures in delightful ways.
The Mango Pudding is a beloved dessert, featuring smooth, creamy pudding made from fresh mango puree and topped with diced fruit. It’s a refreshing choice that balances sweetness with a tropical tang.
Another favorite is the Fried Sesame Balls, which are crispy on the outside and chewy inside, filled with sweet red bean paste.
For those who prefer something lighter, the Almond Jelly offers a delicate flavor with a slightly nutty taste, often served with fruit cocktail or lychee. These desserts are crafted to complement the meal without overpowering the palate, leaving diners with a memorable taste of sweetness.
Popular Dessert Options
- Mango Pudding – Creamy mango-flavored pudding
- Fried Sesame Balls – Crispy balls filled with red bean paste
- Almond Jelly – Light and nutty jelly with fruit
- Fortune Cookies – Classic crunchy cookies with messages
“Desserts at Lee’s Garden provide the perfect sweet finale, balancing tradition with fresh, modern flavors.”
Conclusion
Lee’s Garden Chinese Restaurant in Chicago offers a menu that is both expansive and meticulously crafted, reflecting the rich diversity of Chinese cuisine. Every section, from appetizers to desserts, showcases the restaurant’s dedication to authenticity, quality, and flavor.
Diners can expect dishes that are thoughtfully prepared, featuring fresh ingredients and a balance of textures and tastes. Whether indulging in the crispy delights of the appetizers, savoring the comforting soups and noodles, or sharing dim sum with friends, the menu provides an experience that satisfies a wide range of preferences and dietary needs.
The inclusion of vegetarian and vegan options alongside classic meat and seafood dishes demonstrates Lee’s Garden’s commitment to inclusivity and culinary excellence. Chef’s specials add an element of surprise and innovation, inviting guests to explore new flavor combinations and seasonal ingredients.
The desserts offer a sweet, refreshing finish that leaves a lasting impression.
In a city renowned for its vibrant food scene, Lee’s Garden stands out by combining tradition with creativity, ensuring every meal is memorable. Whether you’re dining casually or celebrating a special occasion, the menu promises an authentic taste of China, brought to life with passion and precision.
For those seeking a comprehensive and satisfying Chinese dining experience in Chicago, Lee’s Garden is an exceptional choice that delights in every bite.
