Nestled in the heart of Gardner, MA, Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant offers a culinary journey through the diverse and flavorful world of Chinese cuisine. With a menu that showcases both traditional and innovative dishes, this beloved establishment has become a local favorite for its commitment to quality ingredients and exceptional service.
From the moment you step inside, the welcoming atmosphere envelops you, creating a warm and inviting ambiance perfect for enjoying a memorable dining experience. The decor seamlessly blends contemporary elements with traditional Chinese accents, setting the stage for a truly authentic culinary adventure.
Yen Yen’s menu is a testament to the rich and varied flavors of Chinese cooking, catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of Chinese cuisine, you’ll find something to delight your palate.
With an extensive selection of appetizers, chef’s specialties, meat and seafood dishes, vegetarian options, and a tantalizing array of cocktails, Yen Yen promises a dining experience that will leave you craving for more.
Appetizers
Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant offers a tantalizing array of appetizers that tantalize the taste buds and set the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey. From the refreshing Seaweed Salad ($4.95) to the savory Edamame ($4.95), there’s something to whet every appetite.
For those seeking a burst of flavor, the Yen Yen Spicy Chicken Wings ($7.95) are a must-try. These crispy wings are tossed in a fiery blend of spices and served with a cooling ranch dressing for dipping. The Egg Roll ($2.95) and Shanghai Spring Roll ($3.95) are classic starters, featuring a crispy exterior and a savory filling of vegetables and pork.
Fans of barbecue will relish the Barbecued Spare Ribs ($8.95) and Boneless Ribs ($8.95), both slow-cooked to perfection and coated in a tangy, sweet sauce. The Crab Rangoons ($6.95), a customer favorite, are crispy wonton pockets filled with a creamy blend of crab meat, cream cheese, and seasonings.
With a range of prices catering to various budgets and appetites, Yen Yen’s appetizers are the perfect way to kick off your dining experience. Each dish is carefully prepared using fresh ingredients and time-honored techniques, ensuring a burst of authentic flavors in every bite.
Dietary’s Menu
For those seeking dietary-friendly options, Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant offers a delightful selection of dishes that cater to various preferences. Utilizing fresh, high-quality ingredients and employing healthy cooking techniques, the culinary team ensures that every bite is both flavorful and nourishing.
One standout dish is the White Coral Chicken, a delicate combination of tender chicken breast, crisp vegetables, and a light, savory sauce. This dish is a perfect choice for those seeking a protein-packed meal without the heaviness often associated with traditional Chinese cuisine.
The Scallops with Broccoli is another must-try for seafood lovers. Succulent sea scallops are sautéed to perfection and served alongside vibrant broccoli florets, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. This dish is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to incorporating fresh, seasonal produce into their offerings.
For those seeking a truly light and refreshing option, the Light Coral and Jade is a delightful medley of chicken, shrimp, and an array of crisp vegetables, all tossed in a delicate, flavorful sauce. This dish is a perfect representation of Yen Yen’s ability to craft dishes that are both satisfying and health-conscious.
Vegetarians and those following plant-based diets will find solace in the Moo Goo Gai Pan, a delectable combination of fresh mushrooms, snow peas, and other vibrant vegetables, sautéed to perfection and served in a savory sauce. This dish showcases the restaurant’s dedication to creating flavorful vegetarian options that are sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Last but not least, the Light Vegetarian’s Delight is a symphony of fresh, seasonal vegetables expertly prepared to highlight their natural flavors. This dish is a testament to the culinary team’s ability to transform simple ingredients into a truly remarkable and satisfying meal.
Chef’s Specialties
At Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant, the chef’s specialties are a true showcase of culinary artistry and flavor mastery. These signature dishes are meticulously crafted with the finest ingredients and unique blends of spices, resulting in an unforgettable dining experience.
One of the standout offerings is the Gai Poo Lo Mein (For Two), a delectable combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked lo mein noodles, tossed in a savory sauce that perfectly balances sweet and umami flavors. This dish is designed to be shared, making it an ideal choice for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends.
The Empress Chicken is a true testament to the chef’s skill and creativity. Succulent chicken is marinated in a secret blend of spices and then lightly battered and fried to perfection. It’s then topped with a sweet and tangy sauce that incorporates hints of ginger, garlic, and a touch of citrus, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
For those seeking a taste of adventure, the Marco Polo is a must-try. This dish features tender slices of beef, succulent shrimp, and a medley of crisp vegetables, all sautéed in a bold and aromatic Szechuan sauce. The perfect balance of heat and savory notes will transport your senses to the ancient Silk Road, where flavors from East and West converged.
The Shanghai Style Steak is a true crowd-pleaser, featuring juicy slices of prime beef seared to perfection and served with a rich and flavorful sauce. The sauce is a masterful blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of Chinese five-spice, creating a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the tender steak.
Finally, the Dragon & Phoenix is a harmonious combination of succulent shrimp and tender chicken, expertly prepared with a medley of fresh vegetables in a light and fragrant sauce. This dish is a true celebration of balance, with the delicate flavors of the seafood and poultry complementing each other in perfect harmony.
Pork Dishes
For those who crave the rich and savory flavors of pork, Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant offers a delectable selection of dishes that are sure to delight. One of the standout options is the classic Sweet and Sour Pork, featuring tender chunks of pork coated in a tantalizing sweet and sour sauce, perfectly balanced with pineapple, bell peppers, and onions.
Another popular choice is the Twice Cooked Pork, a delightful combination of sliced pork belly that is first boiled and then stir-fried with vegetables and a flavorful sauce. This dish showcases the perfect harmony of textures and flavors, with the tender pork complemented by the crunch of the vegetables.
For those seeking a burst of heat, the Kung Pao Pork is an excellent choice. This dish features diced pork sautéed with peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy kung pao sauce, creating a delightful interplay of flavors and textures in every bite.
Yen Yen’s menu also features the beloved Moo Shu Pork, a northern Chinese specialty. Thinly sliced pork is stir-fried with mushrooms, eggs, and vegetables, served with delicate pancakes and a tangy hoisin sauce for wrapping and enjoying.
No matter your preference, Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant’s pork dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings with their authentic flavors and expert preparation.
Poultry Dishes
Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant’s poultry dishes showcase the versatility of chicken and other fowl in Chinese cuisine. One of the most popular items is the Kung Pao Chicken, featuring diced chicken breast sautéed with peanuts, vegetables, and a zesty kung pao sauce. The General Tso’s Chicken is another fan favorite, with crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and slightly spicy sauce.
For those seeking a lighter option, the Moo Goo Gai Pan is a delightful choice. This dish combines sliced chicken breast with fresh mushrooms, snow peas, and other vegetables in a savory sauce. The Lemon Chicken is also a tangy delight, with lightly battered chicken served in a tangy lemon sauce.
Adventurous diners may want to try the Sizzling Chicken, a sizzling platter of chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful brown sauce. The Chicken with Cashew Nuts is another popular option, with tender chicken pieces stir-fried with crisp vegetables and roasted cashews.
For those who prefer other poultry, the Duck with Vegetables is a must-try. Succulent slices of roasted duck are served with a medley of fresh vegetables in a savory sauce. The Crispy Duck is also a favorite, with its crispy skin and tender meat, often served with steamed buns and plum sauce.
Beef Dishes
Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant’s beef dishes are a testament to their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and expert cooking techniques. From classic favorites to unique creations, their beef offerings are sure to delight any palate.
One of the most popular beef dishes is the Beef with Broccoli, a timeless combination of tender beef slices sautéed with fresh broccoli florets in a savory brown sauce. This dish perfectly balances the rich flavors of the beef with the crisp texture of the broccoli, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
For those seeking a burst of flavors, the Hunan Beef is a must-try. This dish features sliced beef cooked with an array of vegetables in a spicy and tangy Hunan-style sauce, delivering a delightful kick of heat with every bite.
The Mongolian Beef is another fan favorite, featuring tender strips of beef cooked with scallions and a sweet and savory Mongolian sauce. The caramelized flavors and slightly crispy texture of the beef create an irresistible combination that keeps diners coming back for more.
Yen Yen’s Beef with Oyster Sauce is a true showcase of their culinary expertise. Sliced beef is expertly cooked with fresh vegetables and coated in a rich and flavorful oyster sauce, creating a dish that is both comforting and indulgent.
For those seeking a lighter option, the Beef with Snow Peas is a refreshing choice. Tender beef slices are stir-fried with crisp snow peas and a light, savory sauce, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through.
No matter your preference, Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant’s beef dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings for delicious and authentic Chinese cuisine.
Seafood Dishes
Seafood lovers will find a delightful array of options on the Yen Yen menu. One standout dish is the Scallops with Broccoli, featuring tender sea scallops sautéed to perfection and served with crisp broccoli florets in a savory garlic sauce. The Sweet and Sour Shrimp is another crowd-pleaser, with succulent shrimp coated in a tangy-sweet sauce that strikes the perfect balance of flavors.
For those seeking a more indulgent option, the Seafood Delight is a must-try. This dish showcases a medley of shrimp, scallops, and calamari stir-fried with an assortment of fresh vegetables in a flavorful brown sauce. The Crispy Shrimp is a fan favorite, with jumbo shrimp coated in a light, crispy batter and served with a side of tangy dipping sauce.
Those who prefer a lighter fare will enjoy the Steamed Filet of Sole, a delicate fish filet steamed and served with a side of fresh vegetables and a tantalizing ginger soy sauce. The Shrimp with Lobster Sauce is another popular choice, featuring plump shrimp in a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the seafood’s natural sweetness.
Vegetarian and Bean Curd Dishes
For those seeking delicious plant-based options, Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant offers a tempting array of vegetarian and bean curd dishes. Prepared with the freshest vegetables and expertly seasoned, these dishes are sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
One standout dish is the Vegetarian’s Delight, a harmonious blend of broccoli, snow peas, carrots, mushrooms, and water chestnuts, sautéed to perfection in a light, savory sauce. The vibrant colors and textures make this dish a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
Another must-try option is the Moo Goo Gai Pan, a vegetarian twist on the classic dish. Tender chunks of tofu are stir-fried with an array of crisp vegetables, including mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts, creating a delightfully flavorful and satisfying meal.
For those who love the versatility of bean curd, the Ma Po Tofu is a true delight. Silky tofu cubes are simmered in a rich, spicy sauce made with fermented black beans, chili peppers, and aromatic spices, creating a bold and comforting dish that will tantalize your taste buds.
Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant also offers a variety of vegetable dishes, such as the Sautéed String Beans, where crisp green beans are tossed with garlic and a touch of soy sauce, and the Braised Eggplant, where tender eggplant is cooked in a savory sauce until it melts in your mouth.
Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant’s vegetarian and bean curd dishes are sure to impress with their flavors, freshness, and attention to detail.
Cocktails
Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant boasts an impressive cocktail menu that perfectly complements its delectable cuisine. Prepared with premium ingredients and a touch of flair, these libations are sure to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dining experience.
One of the standout offerings is the Mai Tai, a tropical delight that transports you to the sun-kissed beaches of Hawaii. Crafted with a blend of light and dark rums, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, this iconic cocktail strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart.
For those seeking a unique and refreshing concoction, the Navy Grog is a must-try. This rum-based cocktail features a harmonious blend of light and dark rums, complemented by the vibrant flavors of fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice, and a hint of aromatic bitters, creating a delightfully complex and invigorating sip.
Yen Yen’s signature cocktail, the Spring in the Jade Hall, is a true testament to their mixology prowess. This captivating libation combines the smoothness of vodka with the subtle sweetness of melon liqueur, finished with a delicate touch of lemon-lime soda, resulting in a refreshingly light and effervescent elixir.
For those who appreciate a touch of exoticism, the Rangoon Ruby is a must-try. This ruby-hued cocktail blends gin with the tantalizing flavors of pomegranate juice, lime juice, and a hint of orange bitters, creating a delightfully tart and fruity sipper that is sure to awaken your senses.
No tropical cocktail menu would be complete without the classic Pina Colada and Blue Hawaii. Yen Yen’s renditions of these beloved drinks are sure to transport you to a sun-drenched paradise with every sip. The Pina Colada is a creamy blend of rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream, while the Blue Hawaii combines light rum with blue curaçao and a splash of pineapple and lime juices, creating a vibrant and refreshing escape.
Whether you’re seeking a tropical escape, a unique twist on a classic, or a signature creation that showcases Yen Yen’s mixology mastery, their cocktail menu promises to delight and surprise with every sip.
Conclusion
Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant in Gardner, MA offers a truly diverse and delectable menu that caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. From the flavorful appetizers to the mouthwatering chef’s specialties, every dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients and expert culinary techniques.
The dietary’s menu provides a wonderful selection of healthy and light options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a satisfying meal. Meanwhile, the extensive cocktail list, featuring signature creations like the Rangoon Ruby and Spring in the Jade Hall, offers the perfect accompaniment to your dining experience.
Whether you’re in the mood for succulent pork, tender poultry, juicy beef, or fresh seafood, Yen Yen’s menu has something to tantalize your taste buds. And for those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, the flavorful bean curd and vegetable dishes are sure to delight.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to savor the authentic flavors of Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant. Visit their website to explore the full menu and make a reservation, or take advantage of their convenient takeout and delivery services. Treat yourself to a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for more.