The culinary landscape of Collinsville, Illinois, is enriched by the vibrant flavors and authentic dishes offered by New China, a renowned local restaurant celebrated for its diverse menu and exceptional dining experience.
For both longtime patrons and first-time visitors, understanding the intricacies of the New China Collinsville IL menu is essential to fully appreciate the rich blend of traditional Chinese recipes and innovative culinary twists that define this establishment.
Whether craving classic favorites or adventurous new flavors, the menu offers a carefully curated selection to satisfy a variety of palates.
New China’s commitment to quality ingredients, expert preparation, and balanced flavors is evident throughout its menu. From savory appetizers to hearty entrees and delightful desserts, the restaurant showcases a harmonious fusion of textures and tastes that highlight the best of Chinese cuisine.
The menu not only emphasizes authenticity but also caters to modern dietary preferences, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.
Exploring the New China Collinsville IL menu reveals a culinary journey that blends tradition with creativity. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to offer a memorable meal, whether dining in or ordering takeout.
This overview delves into the key sections of the menu, providing insights into signature dishes, popular categories, and special offerings that define the New China dining experience.
Appetizers: A Flavorful Start
The appetizer section at New China Collinsville IL is designed to awaken the senses and prepare diners for the main course. These small plates offer a variety of tastes and textures, ranging from crispy and crunchy to soft and savory.
Each appetizer is crafted to showcase the restaurant’s dedication to authentic flavors and fresh ingredients.
Popular choices include traditional spring rolls, fried wontons, and hot and sour soup, each bringing a distinct taste that reflects Chinese culinary heritage. These starters are perfect for sharing and provide an excellent introduction to the meal ahead.
Signature Appetizer Highlights
Among the appetizers, the Crab Rangoon stands out for its creamy yet crispy profile, blending cream cheese with crab meat wrapped in a delicate shell. The Egg Rolls offer a heartier option filled with vegetables and savory pork, ideal for those seeking a more substantial bite before the main course.
“Our appetizers are crafted to balance bold flavors with textures that delight the palate, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience.” – New China Chef
- Spring Rolls: Light, crispy, filled with fresh vegetables
- Fried Wontons: Crunchy exterior with savory pork filling
- Hot and Sour Soup: Tangy and spicy, with tofu and mushrooms
- Crab Rangoon: Creamy crab and cheese wrapped and fried
Main Courses: Diverse and Satisfying
The main course offerings at New China Collinsville reflect a broad spectrum of traditional Chinese dishes, each prepared with care and attention to detail. The menu includes a variety of meat, seafood, and vegetarian options, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.
From classic stir-fries to slow-cooked specialties, each dish is rich in flavor and balanced with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. The menu’s versatility ensures that every diner finds something to enjoy, whether craving the fiery heat of Szechuan cuisine or the subtle sweetness of Cantonese dishes.
Popular Entrees and Their Ingredients
Signature dishes like General Tso’s Chicken and Mongolian Beef are favorites among locals. These entrees combine tender proteins with bold sauces and perfectly cooked vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
For seafood lovers, the Salt and Pepper Shrimp offers a crispy, lightly spiced alternative that is both satisfying and flavorful.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| General Tso’s Chicken | Chicken, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, chili | Sweet, spicy, tangy |
| Mongolian Beef | Beef, green onions, soy sauce, garlic | Savory, slightly sweet, umami-rich |
| Salt and Pepper Shrimp | Shrimp, salt, pepper, garlic, chili flakes | Spicy, crispy, aromatic |
| Vegetable Stir Fry | Broccoli, carrots, snow peas, soy sauce | Fresh, savory, light |
Chef’s Specials: Unique Creations
The Chef’s Specials section offers dishes that highlight the culinary creativity and expertise of New China’s kitchen. These plates often incorporate seasonal ingredients or innovative cooking techniques to deliver something fresh and distinctive.
These specials rotate regularly, providing returning guests with new tastes to explore. The specials often feature a fusion of traditional Chinese flavors with modern twists, making them a must-try for adventurous diners.
Exploring the Specials
One standout dish includes the Dragon and Phoenix, which combines crispy chicken with sautéed shrimp in a savory sauce. Another favorite is the Peking Duck, known for its tender meat and crispy skin served with pancakes and hoisin sauce.
“Our Chef’s Specials represent the heart of our kitchen’s creativity, blending tradition with innovation to surprise and delight our guests.” – Head Chef
- Dragon and Phoenix: Crispy chicken and shrimp with a rich sauce
- Peking Duck: Classic preparation, served with thin pancakes
- Szechuan Spicy Fish: Boldly flavored with chili and peppercorns
- House Special Fried Rice: Enhanced with shrimp, chicken, and vegetables
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
New China Collinsville IL ensures that vegetarian and vegan guests find plenty of delicious options. The menu includes dishes that emphasize fresh vegetables, tofu, and plant-based ingredients without compromising on flavor or authenticity.
These dishes are prepared carefully to maintain the integrity of traditional cooking while adapting recipes to meet dietary needs. Whether seeking something light and healthy or richly spiced and satisfying, vegetarians and vegans will find several enticing choices.
Popular Plant-Based Dishes
The Ma Po Tofu offers a spicy, hearty option made with soft tofu and a flavorful bean paste sauce. Vegetable Lo Mein and Buddha’s Delight are other favorites, featuring a medley of fresh vegetables and noodles or rice prepared with subtle seasonings.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Dietary Notes |
| Ma Po Tofu | Tofu, chili bean paste, garlic, green onions | Vegan, spicy |
| Vegetable Lo Mein | Egg noodles, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers | Vegetarian |
| Buddha’s Delight | Mixed vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, soy sauce | Vegan, gluten-free options available |
| Steamed Vegetable Dumplings | Cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, tofu | Vegan |
Soups and Noodles: Comfort in a Bowl
Soups and noodle dishes at New China offer comforting, hearty options that are perfect for any time of day. They combine nourishing broths, fresh ingredients, and skillful preparation to create satisfying meals in a bowl.
Whether craving a light starter or a substantial main dish, the soups and noodles section has something to appeal to every preference. These dishes often feature fresh vegetables, tender meats, or tofu, all simmered or stir-fried to perfection.
Popular Soups and Noodle Dishes
Classic Hot and Sour Soup and Egg Drop Soup are staples that impress with their depth of flavor and warmth. The Lo Mein and Chow Mein options offer a variety of protein choices, prepared with stir-fried noodles and fresh vegetables.
“Our noodle and soup offerings are crafted to provide warmth and comfort, combining tradition with bold flavors in every spoonful.” – Senior Sous Chef
- Hot and Sour Soup: Spicy and tangy with tofu and mushrooms
- Egg Drop Soup: Light broth with delicate egg ribbons
- Chicken Lo Mein: Stir-fried noodles with chicken and vegetables
- Beef Chow Mein: Crispy noodles topped with savory beef
Rice Dishes: Essential Complements
Rice is a fundamental component of Chinese cuisine, and New China Collinsville’s rice dishes are no exception. These dishes are designed to complement and enhance the flavors of main entrees or stand alone as satisfying meals themselves.
From simple steamed rice to more elaborate fried rice options, the menu offers a range of preparations to suit different tastes and occasions. Fried rice dishes are particularly popular for their balance of texture and flavor.
Rice Variety and Pairings
Steamed white rice serves as a neutral base, allowing the flavors of the main dishes to shine. Fried rice versions include the House Special Fried Rice, which incorporates shrimp, chicken, and vegetables for a hearty, flavorful dish.
| Rice Dish | Ingredients | Best Paired With |
| Steamed White Rice | Plain steamed rice | All entrees |
| House Special Fried Rice | Shrimp, chicken, eggs, vegetables | Chef’s Specials, stir-fries |
| Vegetable Fried Rice | Mixed vegetables, eggs, soy sauce | Vegetarian dishes |
| Yangzhou Fried Rice | Shrimp, pork, eggs, peas, carrots | Seafood and meat entrees |
Desserts and Beverages: Sweet Finishes
To conclude a meal at New China Collinsville, the dessert and beverage offerings provide a delightful balance of sweetness and refreshment. These options are designed to complement the bold flavors of the meal with lighter, soothing tastes.
Traditional desserts such as fortune cookies and almond cookies are available alongside more indulgent choices like fried ice cream. Beverage selections include classic teas and refreshing soft drinks to pair perfectly with any dish.
Sweet Treats and Drinks
The Green Tea Ice Cream offers a subtle, slightly bitter contrast to the meal’s richness, while the Fried Banana is a warm, crispy dessert that delights with its texture and flavor. For beverages, Jasmine Tea and Hot Oolong provide aromatic, calming options that aid digestion.
“Our dessert and beverage menu is carefully crafted to offer a perfect balance, ensuring a satisfying end to every dining experience.” – Beverage Manager
- Fortune Cookies: Classic crisp cookies with a fun message inside
- Fried Ice Cream: Creamy ice cream with a crispy shell
- Green Tea Ice Cream: Light, refreshing, mildly bitter
- Jasmine Tea: Fragrant, soothing, perfect with meals
Conclusion
Exploring the New China Collinsville IL menu reveals a rich tapestry of authentic Chinese flavors thoughtfully prepared to satisfy a wide range of tastes and preferences. This menu offers everything from delicate appetizers to hearty entrees, creative chef’s specials, and comforting soups and noodles, ensuring that every dining experience is both memorable and fulfilling.
The restaurant’s attention to fresh ingredients, balanced seasoning, and culinary tradition shines through each dish, making it a favorite destination for those seeking genuine Chinese cuisine in Collinsville.
Whether visiting for a casual dinner or a special occasion, the New China menu accommodates diverse dietary needs with its variety of vegetarian, vegan, and meat-based options.
By combining classic recipes with innovative touches and presenting them in an inviting atmosphere, New China continues to earn its reputation as a culinary gem in the region. Guests are encouraged to explore the menu’s depth and discover their own favorites, confident in the knowledge that every plate served reflects a passion for quality and flavor.
