New York City is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene is a testament to this diversity. Among the many culinary delights the city has to offer, Chinese cuisine stands out for its richness, variety, and authenticity. From hole-in-the-wall eateries to upscale establishments, New York’s Chinese restaurants offer a tantalizing array of dishes that showcase the depth and complexity of this ancient cuisine.
The goal of this piece is to serve as a comprehensive guide to the typical menu items found in Chinese restaurants across New York City. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious newcomer, this guide will help you navigate the diverse offerings, understand the ingredients and flavors, and make informed choices when dining out.
Appetizers
Chinese appetizers are the perfect way to start your meal, offering a tantalizing taste of what’s to come. Spring rolls and egg rolls are two classics that you’ll find on almost every menu. Spring rolls are delicate, crispy cylinders filled with shredded vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts, while egg rolls are heartier and often contain a savory blend of pork, shrimp, and vegetables.
Crab Rangoon, a deep-fried wonton stuffed with a creamy crab and cream cheese filling, is another beloved starter. Dumplings, whether steamed or pan-fried, are a must-try, with options ranging from pork and chive to vegetable-filled. Scallion pancakes, a flaky, savory flatbread studded with scallions, are a delightful accompaniment to any appetizer platter.
Vegetarian options abound, with spring rolls, dumplings, and scallion pancakes all offering meat-free variations. Prices for appetizers typically range from $4 to $8 for a small portion, making them an affordable way to sample a variety of flavors before your main course arrives.
Soups
No Chinese meal is complete without a steaming bowl of delicious soup. Chinese soups are not only flavorful but also offer a variety of health benefits. New York’s Chinese restaurants serve up some of the most authentic and mouthwatering soups you’ll find anywhere.
Wonton Soup is a classic and a must-try for any soup lover. This comforting soup features delicate wonton dumplings filled with a savory mixture of ground pork and shrimp, floating in a light, flavorful broth. The broth is typically made with chicken or vegetable stock, along with aromatics like ginger, scallions, and soy sauce. A bowl of wonton soup typically ranges from $3 to $6, making it an affordable and satisfying choice.
For those seeking a bold and tangy flavor, Hot and Sour Soup is a popular option. This iconic soup combines the perfect balance of spicy and sour notes, thanks to ingredients like chili peppers, vinegar, and black pepper. The broth is thickened with a mixture of cornstarch and egg, giving it a rich, velvety texture. Mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots add depth and texture to this flavorful soup. Expect to pay around $4 to $7 for a bowl of this Chinese classic.
Egg Drop Soup is a simple yet delicious option that showcases the essence of Chinese cuisine. This light and silky soup features a chicken or vegetable broth infused with scrambled eggs, creating delicate ribbons of cooked egg throughout the soup. Scallions, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil add layers of flavor to this comforting dish. Egg Drop Soup is often priced between $3 and $5, making it an affordable and satisfying choice.
Main Dishes
Chinese main dishes in New York restaurants are a delightful blend of flavors, textures, and culinary traditions. These dishes are often the centerpieces of a meal, showcasing the diverse cooking techniques and ingredients used in Chinese cuisine.
General Tso’s Chicken
One of the most popular and iconic Chinese dishes, General Tso’s Chicken, is a must-try for anyone exploring Chinese menus in New York. This dish features crispy, battered chicken pieces coated in a sweet, slightly spicy, and tangy sauce. The sauce is typically made with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers, creating a perfect balance of flavors. General Tso’s Chicken is usually served over steamed rice and can range in price from $12 to $18, depending on the portion size and restaurant.
Sesame Chicken
Another crowd-pleaser is Sesame Chicken, which features crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce made with sesame seeds, soy sauce, and sometimes honey or brown sugar. The dish is often garnished with toasted sesame seeds, adding a nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Sesame Chicken is a popular choice for those who prefer a slightly sweeter taste and can cost anywhere from $10 to $16.
Beef with Broccoli
For those who prefer a more classic and healthy option, Beef with Broccoli is a staple on many Chinese menus in New York. This dish features tender slices of beef stir-fried with fresh broccoli florets and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The combination of the juicy beef and crisp-tender broccoli creates a satisfying and well-balanced dish. Beef with Broccoli typically ranges from $12 to $18, depending on the portion size and the quality of the beef.
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish that originated from the Sichuan province of China. It features diced chicken, peanuts, vegetables (often bell peppers and celery), and a spicy sauce made with chili peppers, soy sauce, and vinegar. The dish is known for its bold, complex flavors and the perfect balance of heat, saltiness, and tanginess. Kung Pao Chicken can range from $10 to $16, depending on the portion size and the restaurant.
Sweet and Sour Pork/Chicken
Sweet and Sour Pork or Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that combines the contrasting flavors of sweet and tangy. The dish typically features battered and fried pieces of pork or chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and sour sauce made with vinegar, sugar, and sometimes pineapple or bell peppers. This dish is a great option for those who prefer a balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Sweet and Sour Pork or Chicken can range from $10 to $16, depending on the portion size and the restaurant.
Many Chinese restaurants in New York also offer variations of these main dishes, such as vegetarian options or the ability to customize the spice level or sauce. Additionally, some restaurants may offer family-style or shareable portions, allowing diners to sample multiple dishes at once.
Noodles and Rice
Noodles and rice dishes are staples in Chinese cuisine, offering a variety of flavors and textures to satisfy any craving. One of the most popular noodle dishes is Lo Mein, which consists of soft, thick noodles stir-fried with a savory sauce, vegetables, and your choice of protein. Chicken Lo Mein and Shrimp Lo Mein are among the most common options, typically ranging from $8 to $12.
Chow Mein, on the other hand, features crispy, fried noodles tossed with vegetables and meat. The noodles have a distinct crunch, complemented by the tender morsels of chicken, beef, or shrimp. Expect to pay around $9 to $14 for a hearty serving of Chow Mein.
Fried Rice is another beloved dish, combining steamed rice with a medley of vegetables, scrambled eggs, and your choice of protein. Popular varieties include Chicken Fried Rice, Shrimp Fried Rice, and Vegetable Fried Rice, with prices ranging from $6 to $10, making it an affordable and filling option.
Regardless of your preference, these noodle and rice dishes offer a range of meat and vegetable options to cater to different dietary needs. From succulent shrimp and tender chicken to crisp vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bean sprouts, you can customize your order to suit your taste buds.
Seafood
Seafood dishes are a staple in Chinese cuisine, and New York’s Chinese restaurants offer a tantalizing array of options for seafood lovers. Two standout dishes that are a must-try are Shrimp with Lobster Sauce and Seafood with Mixed Vegetables.
Shrimp with Lobster Sauce is a classic Cantonese dish that has become a beloved favorite across the city. Despite its name, this dish typically doesn’t contain any lobster meat. Instead, it features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, velvety sauce made with egg yolks, chicken broth, and a blend of savory seasonings like soy sauce, rice wine, and ground pork. The sauce is thickened with cornstarch, creating a silky texture that perfectly coats the shrimp. Prices for Shrimp with Lobster Sauce typically range from $15 to $25, depending on the portion size and the restaurant’s location.
Another seafood delight is Seafood with Mixed Vegetables. This dish combines a medley of fresh seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, and sometimes calamari or fish fillets, with a vibrant array of crisp vegetables like broccoli, carrots, snow peas, and water chestnuts. The seafood and vegetables are stir-fried in a savory sauce, often made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and rice wine. This dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the tender seafood complemented by the crunch of the vegetables. Seafood with Mixed Vegetables typically ranges from $18 to $28, depending on the seafood selection and portion size.
Vegetable Dishes
For those seeking a lighter and healthier option, Chinese menus in New York offer a variety of delectable vegetable dishes. These meatless options not only cater to vegetarians and vegans but also provide a refreshing and nutritious choice for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.
One of the most popular vegetable dishes is the Mixed Vegetables. This dish typically includes a medley of fresh vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, snow peas, mushrooms, and water chestnuts, stir-fried in a savory sauce. The vegetables are cooked to perfection, retaining their crunch and vibrant colors. Mixed Vegetables is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual preferences, with the option to add tofu or other plant-based proteins. Prices for Mixed Vegetables typically range from $8 to $12, making it an affordable and satisfying choice.
Another popular vegetarian option is the Eggplant in Garlic Sauce. This dish showcases the rich, velvety texture of eggplant combined with the aromatic flavors of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. The eggplant is cooked until tender and then tossed in a savory sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Eggplant in Garlic Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or shared as a side. Prices for this dish typically range from $10 to $14.
Vegetable dishes in Chinese restaurants offer a wealth of health benefits. They are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a nutritious choice for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet. Additionally, many vegetable dishes are low in calories and fat, making them an excellent option for those watching their weight or following a specific dietary plan.
Prices for vegetable dishes in New York’s Chinese restaurants vary depending on the specific dish and the restaurant’s location and reputation. However, most vegetable dishes fall within the range of $8 to $15, making them an affordable and accessible option for diners.
Combination Platters
Combination platters are a popular option in many Chinese restaurants across New York City, offering a complete meal at a reasonable price. These platters typically include an entrée, fried rice, and an egg roll or spring roll. They provide a convenient way to sample a variety of dishes in one serving.
The entrée options in combination platters can range from classic dishes like Sweet and Sour Chicken or Beef with Broccoli to more adventurous choices like Kung Pao Shrimp or Mongolian Beef. The fried rice is usually a vegetable or pork-based variety, providing a hearty accompaniment to the main dish.
One of the most popular combination platter choices is the General Tso’s Chicken combo, which features the famous crispy, sweet, and slightly spicy chicken dish alongside fried rice and an egg roll. Another crowd-pleaser is the Sesame Chicken combo, where the crispy, sesame-coated chicken is paired with fried rice and a spring roll.
Vegetarian options are also available, such as the Buddha’s Delight combo, which includes a variety of stir-fried vegetables, tofu, and fried rice, along with a vegetable spring roll.
Combination platters are often priced between $10 and $15, making them an affordable option for a satisfying meal. Some restaurants may offer larger or smaller portions, adjusting the price accordingly. These platters are a great choice for those seeking a taste of multiple Chinese dishes in one convenient package.
Lunch Specials
For those seeking a quick and affordable meal, Chinese restaurants in New York offer a wide variety of lunch specials. These combos typically include an entrée, a side of steamed or fried rice, and a complementary soda or soup, providing a complete and satisfying dining experience.
Common lunch special entrées include classics like General Tso’s Chicken, Beef with Broccoli, and Sweet and Sour Pork or Chicken. These dishes are often served in a slightly smaller portion than the regular dinner size, making them perfect for a midday meal. Vegetarian options, such as Mixed Vegetables or Tofu with Broccoli, are also available for those following plant-based diets.
The accompanying sides of fried or steamed rice provide a perfect balance to the flavorful entrées, while the included soda or soup helps to quench your thirst and round out the meal.
Lunch specials in New York’s Chinese restaurants typically range from $6 to $12, offering exceptional value for the quality and quantity of food provided. This affordable pricing makes them an attractive option for those looking to enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
One of the greatest advantages of lunch specials is their convenience. Many restaurants offer these combos for a limited time during the midday hours, allowing busy professionals and students to quickly grab a satisfying meal before heading back to work or class. Additionally, some establishments offer the option to call ahead and place orders for pick-up, making the process even more streamlined.
Specialties
New York’s Chinese restaurants offer a diverse array of specialty dishes that showcase the rich culinary traditions of various regions in China. Among these specialties, Dim Sum and Szechuan-style dishes stand out as unique and flavorful experiences.
Dim Sum is a beloved Cantonese tradition that originated as a way for travelers to enjoy small portions of food alongside tea. In New York, Dim Sum houses offer an extensive selection of steamed dumplings, buns, and other bite-sized delicacies served in bamboo baskets. Popular Dim Sum items include Shumai (pork and shrimp dumplings), Char Siu Bao (barbecued pork buns), and Har Gow (translucent shrimp dumplings). Dim Sum is typically served during brunch hours, and prices can range from $3 to $8 per plate, making it a great option for sharing and sampling a variety of flavors.
Szechuan cuisine, originating from the Sichuan province of China, is renowned for its bold, spicy, and complex flavors. Szechuan-style dishes in New York often feature a generous use of chili peppers, Szechuan peppercorns, and a unique blend of spices that create a tingling and numbing sensation on the palate. Popular Szechuan dishes include Kung Pao Chicken (diced chicken with peanuts and chili peppers), Mapo Tofu (soft tofu in a spicy sauce), and Dan Dan Noodles (noodles with ground pork and chili oil). These dishes are not for the faint of heart, and their intense flavors often come with a higher price tag, ranging from $15 to $25 for an entrée.
Both Dim Sum and Szechuan-style dishes offer unique and authentic flavors that showcase the diversity of Chinese cuisine. While Dim Sum provides a delightful and shareable experience, Szechuan dishes challenge the palate with their bold and fiery flavors. These specialties are a must-try for those seeking to explore the depth and complexity of Chinese culinary traditions in New York.
Conclusion
New York’s Chinese restaurant scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, textures, and culinary traditions. From the crispy spring rolls and steaming hot and sour soup to the sizzling kung pao chicken and comforting lo mein noodles, the menu offerings are as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new to discover and savor.
Exploring the city’s Chinese restaurants is an adventure in itself, with each establishment offering its own unique spin on classic dishes. Some may specialize in fiery Szechuan fare, while others excel in delicate dim sum delicacies. Regardless of your preference, there’s a menu item waiting to tantalize your taste buds.
So, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and indulge in the rich culinary heritage that New York’s Chinese restaurants have to offer. Ask your server for recommendations, try something new, and savor the flavors that have been perfected over generations. Whether you’re seeking a quick lunch special or a leisurely multi-course feast, the city’s Chinese menus are sure to leave you satisfied and craving more.