How to Order Chinese Food - Chinese Food Menu Guide

Chinese cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, diverse ingredients, and rich culinary history. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or new to Chinese cuisine, navigating a Chinese food menu can be a bit challenging depending on the type of Chinese Restaurant that you’re dining in, and where it’s located.  

How American Chinese Food Differs from Food in China? 

Chinese food in America has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century, during the California Gold Rush. Chinese immigrants, who largely came from the Southern Guangdong province formerly known as Canton. These early Chinese immigrants faced discrimination and often worked in difficult conditions, including in the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Despite these challenges, Chinese food quickly gained popularity among Americans – especially as dishes adapted to suit the tastes and ingredients available in America. By the early 20th century, Chinese restaurants had become a staple in American cities, and dishes like chop suey and chow mein had become synonymous with Chinese cuisine in America. 

Compared to traditional Cantonese Chinese dishes, American Chinese dishes are often sweeter, heavier, saucier, and more likely to be deep fried. Some popular American Chinese dishes include General Tso's chicken, sweet and sour pork, chop suey, and fried wontons do not exist in China. In contrast, more traditional Chinese food is often lighter, less saucy, and more focused on showcasing the natural flavors of the ingredients. Also, more traditional Chinese restaurants often specialize on cuisine and cooking styles from specific regions. For example, Cantonese restaurants typically serve Dim Sum during brunch hours. Sichuan restaurants feature dishes with more pepper and spices. 

Top Dishes You Can Find in a Chinese Food Menu

American Chinese Restaurants 

• General Tso's Chicken: Crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, often served with steamed broccoli. 

• Egg Rolls: Deep-fried rolls filled with shredded vegetables, pork, and sometimes shrimp, served with a side of sweet and sour sauce. 

• Kung Pao Chicken: Stir-fried chicken with peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers in a savory and slightly spicy sauce. 

• Beef and Broccoli: Sliced beef and broccoli florets stir-fried in a savory brown sauce, served over steamed rice. 

• Sweet and Sour Pork: Crispy fried pork pieces tossed in a tangy sweet and sour sauce with bell peppers, onions, and pineapple. 

Cantonese Dim Sum Restaurant

• Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings): Steamed dumplings filled with succulent shrimp and wrapped in a translucent, slightly chewy wrapper. 

• Siu Mai (Pork and Shrimp Dumplings): Open-topped dumplings filled with a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and sometimes mushrooms, steamed to perfection. 

• Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls): Delicate rice noodle rolls filled with ingredients such as shrimp, beef, or vegetables, and topped with a savory sauce. 

• Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go): Pan-fried savory cake made from shredded radish, rice flour, and various ingredients like dried shrimp and Chinese sausage, offering a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. 

• Egg Custard Tart (Dan Tat): Small, flaky pastry shells filled with a creamy, sweet egg custard filling, often served warm and with a slightly caramelized top. 

Sichuan Restaurant

• Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐 - mápó dòufu): A spicy and flavorful dish featuring soft tofu cubes cooked in a spicy, oily, and savory sauce with minced pork and fermented black beans. 

• Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁 - gōngbǎo jīdīng): Stir-fried chicken with peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers in a spicy and tangy sauce. 

• Sichuan Hot Pot (四川火锅 - sìchuān huǒguō): A communal cooking pot filled with a spicy and numbing broth, where diners cook a variety of ingredients like thinly sliced meat, vegetables, and noodles. 

• Shui Zhu Yu (水煮鱼 - shuǐzhǔ yú): A spicy fish dish featuring tender fish fillets poached in a fiery red chili oil broth with Sichuan peppercorns and vegetables. 

• Dan Dan Noodles (担担面 - dàndàn miàn): Noodles served in a spicy, savory sauce made with chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, minced pork, and preserved vegetables, garnished with peanuts and scallions. 

Beijing Restaurant 

• Peking Duck (北京烤鸭 - běijīng kǎoyā): A famous dish consisting of roasted duck with crispy skin, served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. 

• Zhajiangmian (炸酱面 - zhájiàngmiàn): Noodles topped with a savory sauce made from ground pork or beef, fermented soybean paste, and fresh vegetables. 

• Jing Jiang Rou Si (京酱肉丝 - jīng jiàng ròusī): Shredded pork stir-fried with a sweet bean sauce and julienne cucumbers, carrots, and other vegetables. 

• Douzhi (豆汁 - dòuzhī): A fermented mung bean soup with a strong and unique flavor, often served with deep-fried dough sticks (youtiao). 

• Chaogan (炒肝 - chǎogān): Stir-fried pig liver with green peppers, onions, and bean sprouts, seasoned with soy sauce and other spices.  

Shanghai Restaurant 

• Xiaolongbao (小笼包): Steamed soup dumplings filled with pork and a savory broth, a signature dish of Shanghai cuisine. 

• Shengjianbao (生煎包): Pan-fried pork buns with a crispy bottom and juicy filling, often served with a flavorful dipping sauce. 

• Hong Shao Rou (红烧肉): Braised pork belly cooked in soy sauce, sugar, and spices until tender and flavorful. 

• Shanghai Fried Noodles (上海炒面): Stir-fried noodles with vegetables, pork, and a savory sauce, commonly found in Shanghai's local eateries. 

• Lion's Head Meatballs (狮子头): Large pork meatballs cooked with cabbage and other ingredients in a savory sauce, named for their resemblance to lion heads. 

Taiwanese Restaurant 

• Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉面 - niúròu miàn): A hearty soup featuring tender beef, noodles, and vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth, often spiced with soy sauce, garlic, and spices. 

• Lu Rou Fan (滷肉饭 - lǔròu fàn): Braised pork belly served over steamed rice, often topped with pickled vegetables and a boiled egg. 

• Gua Bao (割包): Steamed buns filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, and ground peanuts, creating a flavorful and satisfying snack. 

• Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎 - ézǎi jiān): A savory omelette made with fresh oysters, eggs, and a starchy batter, pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. 

• Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐 - chòu dòufu): Fermented tofu with a strong odor, deep-fried until crispy and served with pickled cabbage and chili sauce, beloved by many for its unique flavor 

 How to Order Chinese Food in Chinese Politely 

When ordering Chinese food in Chinese, it's important to be polite and respectful. Here are some phrases you can use: 

• "我想点菜单上的糖醋排骨。" (Wǒ xiǎng diǎn càidān shàng de tángcù páigǔ.) - I would like to order the sweet and sour pork from the menu. 

• "请给我一杯热茶。" (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi rèchá.) - Please give me a cup of hot tea. 

• "我要结账。" (Wǒ yào jiézhàng.) - I would like to pay the bill. 

 Chinese Food Related Vocabulary  

 Tips to Order Chinese Food: 

• Familiarize yourself with the menu: Take some time to read the menu and familiarize yourself with the names and descriptions of dishes. 

• Ask for recommendations: If you need clarification on what to order, ask your server for recommendations based on your preferences. 

• Be mindful of portion sizes: Chinese dishes are often family-style, so consider ordering various dishes to share with your dining companions. 

 FAQs: 

What order do you eat Chinese food? 

In a formal Chinese meal, dishes are typically served in a specific order, starting with cold dishes, followed by hot dishes and rice or noodles. Depending on the region, soup is served at the meal's beginning or end. 

How many dishes should I order at a Chinese restaurant? 

The number of dishes to order depends on your party's size and appetite. A common rule of thumb is to order one dish per person plus one or two extra dishes to share. 

What is the most ordered Chinese food dish? 

Some famous Chinese dishes include Kung Pao chicken, sweet and sour pork and fried rice. 

How much tip should I give in a Chinese restaurant? 

Tipping practices vary. For Chinese restaurants in the U.S., follow the same tipping etiquette that you would use at any other American restaurant. But in China, tipping is not expected. However, a service charge may be included in the bill in upscale restaurants or hotels. 

Is there really a secret menu at Chinese restaurants? 

Some Chinese restaurants may have a "secret menu" or off-menu items not listed on the regular menu. These items are often more traditional or authentic dishes not commonly known to Western diners. 

In conclusion, ordering Chinese food can be a fun and rewarding experience. By familiarizing yourself with the menu, learning some basic Chinese phrases, and being open to trying new dishes, you can enjoy a delicious meal that reflects China's rich and diverse culinary traditions. 

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