Your neighborhood spot serves the best egg rolls in town, yet the handwritten menu by the register keeps adding numbers that surprise you each visit. You want the Number 1 Chinese Restaurant Menu with Prices before you walk in, not after you sit down. So here is a full guide to what you should expect, how to read the menu, and what those price ranges really mean.
We looked at dozens of menus from top-rated spots across the country. We also talked to regulars who order weekly. The goal is simple: help you order with confidence and avoid sticker shock.
Number 1 Chinese Restaurant Menu With Prices
Most people think a Chinese menu is just “sweet and sour chicken” plus “fried rice.” But the real menu is much bigger. You will find sections for appetizers, soups, chef specials, and family dinners. Each section has its own price logic.
Here is what a standard menu looks like at a top-rated Chinese restaurant, with realistic price ranges for 2024. Remember, prices vary by city. A spot in New York City will charge more than one in a small town in Ohio.
Appetizers And Their Price Range
Appetizers are the first thing you see. They are also the most affordable part of the menu. You can share these or eat them alone while you wait for your main course.
- Egg Roll (pork or vegetable): $1.50 – $3.00 each
- Spring Rolls (crispy, lighter wrapper): $2.00 – $4.00 for two
- Fried or Steamed Dumplings (6 pieces): $6.00 – $9.00
- Pork or Shrimp Dumplings (soup dumplings): $7.00 – $10.00
- Barbecue Spare Ribs (4 pieces): $8.00 – $12.00
- Boneless Ribs (sweet glaze): $7.00 – $10.00
- Chicken Wings (8 pieces, usually fried): $7.00 – $11.00
- Crab Rangoon (6 pieces): $5.00 – $8.00
- Wonton Soup (small bowl): $3.00 – $5.00
Do not skip the appetizer section. Many places offer a “combination platter” with a couple of egg rolls, ribs, and chicken wings for around $10. That is a good deal if you are sharing.
Soups And Hot And Sour Options
Soups are filling and cheap. A large bowl can feed two people easily. You will usually see these prices.
- Hot and Sour Soup (small): $3.00 – $5.00
- Hot and Sour Soup (large): $6.00 – $9.00
- Wonton Soup (large): $7.00 – $10.00
- Egg Drop Soup (small): $2.50 – $4.00
- Egg Drop Soup (large): $5.00 – $7.00
- Chicken Corn Soup (large): $6.00 – $8.00
- Seafood Soup (large, with shrimp and scallops): $10.00 – $14.00
Pro tip: If you order a large soup and a single entree, you will have leftovers. Most people do not finish a large soup by themselves.
Chicken, Pork, And Beef Entrees
This is the main section. These dishes come with a side of steamed rice (white or brown) at most places. Some restaurants charge extra for fried rice instead of steamed. Ask before you order.
Here are common price points for standard entrees:
- General Tso’s Chicken: $10.00 – $14.00
- Orange Chicken: $10.00 – $14.00
- Kung Pao Chicken: $10.00 – $13.00
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: $10.00 – $13.00
- Moo Goo Gai Pan (chicken with mushrooms): $10.00 – $13.00
- Chicken with Broccoli: $9.00 – $12.00
- Pork with Garlic Sauce: $10.00 – $13.00
- Twice Cooked Pork: $10.00 – $13.00
- Beef with Broccoli: $11.00 – $14.00
- Mongolian Beef: $12.00 – $15.00
- Pepper Steak: $11.00 – $14.00
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce: $12.00 – $15.00
Notice that beef is usually one to two dollars more than chicken. Shrimp is often the most expensive protein. That is normal. The restaurant pays more for those ingredients, and they pass that cost to you.
Seafood And Chef Specials
Chef specials are the priciest part of the menu. They often use higher-quality cuts of meat or larger shrimp. They also come with fancier sauces. You are paying for presentation and flavor complexity.
- Shrimp with Garlic Sauce: $13.00 – $16.00
- Scallops with Vegetables: $15.00 – $19.00
- Fish Fillet in Black Bean Sauce: $14.00 – $18.00
- Happy Family (mixed meat and seafood): $15.00 – $19.00
- Dragon and Phoenix (shrimp and chicken): $14.00 – $18.00
- Triple Delight (chicken, beef, shrimp): $14.00 – $18.00
If you see “market price” next to a seafood item, ask your server. That usually means the fish or crab is fresh, and the price changes daily. It could be $25 or more.
Fried Rice, Lo Mein, And Chow Mein
These are side dishes, but many people order them as a main course. They are filling and cheap. You can add protein (chicken, pork, shrimp) for an extra charge.
- Vegetable Fried Rice: $7.00 – $9.00
- Chicken or Pork Fried Rice: $8.00 – $10.00
- Beef Fried Rice: $9.00 – $11.00
- Shrimp Fried Rice: $10.00 – $12.00
- Vegetable Lo Mein: $7.00 – $9.00
- Chicken Lo Mein: $8.00 – $10.00
- Shrimp Lo Mein: $10.00 – $12.00
- Chicken Chow Mein (with crispy noodles): $8.00 – $10.00
Watch out for the “combo plate” section. A combo plate usually includes an entree, fried rice, and an egg roll. It is often cheaper than ordering those items separately. For example, a combo General Tso’s Chicken might be $11.00, while ordering the entree alone plus fried rice and an egg roll could cost $15.00.
Vegetarian And Tofu Dishes
Vegetarian options are not always on the printed menu. You have to ask. But most places have them. Here is what you might see:
- Vegetable Delight (mixed veggies in brown sauce): $8.00 – $11.00
- Mapo Tofu (spicy tofu with ground pork or vegetarian): $9.00 – $12.00
- Buddha’s Delight (mixed vegetables with tofu): $9.00 – $12.00
- Eggplant with Garlic Sauce: $9.00 – $12.00
If you are vegan, ask if the sauce contains oyster sauce or chicken broth. Many brown sauces do. A good restaurant will make a custom vegetable broth version for you.
Family Dinners And Combination Plates
Family dinners are the best value on the menu. They are designed for groups of two, three, or four people. You get a soup, an appetizer, and several entrees. The price per person is usually lower than ordering a la carte.
Here is a typical structure for a family dinner for two (prices range from $25 to $35):
- Choice of soup (wonton, egg drop, or hot and sour)
- Two egg rolls or a small order of ribs
- Two entrees from a specific list (usually chicken, pork, or beef)
- Steamed or fried rice for the table
For a family dinner for four (prices range from $45 to $60), you might get:
- Large soup
- Combination appetizer platter (ribs, egg rolls, wings)
- Four entrees, including one shrimp dish
- Large fried rice
Ask the server which entrees are included. Sometimes the “chef’s special” dishes are not part of the family dinner. You have to pay extra to upgrade.
How To Order Without Overspending
You can eat well for under $15 per person if you know the system. Here is a simple strategy:
- Order one combo plate per person. It includes rice and an egg roll.
- Share one appetizer, like dumplings or crab rangoons, for the table.
- Skip the soft drinks. They are often $2.50 to $3.50 each. Drink water or bring your own tea.
- Check for lunch specials. Many restaurants offer a smaller portion with soup or an egg roll for $7 to $9 between 11 AM and 3 PM on weekdays.
Lunch specials are the hidden gem of Chinese restaurants. The portion is slightly smaller, but it is still enough for a full meal. You get a soup or an egg roll included. That is often 30% cheaper than the dinner price.
What Affects The Price On The Menu
You might see the same dish priced differently at two restaurants. That is not a mistake. Here is why:
- Location: Rent is higher in big cities, so food costs more.
- Ingredients: Fresh, never-frozen chicken costs more than frozen.
- MSG and additives: Some places use cheaper flavor enhancers, others use natural broths.
- Portion size: A “large” entree at one place might be a “regular” at another.
- Delivery apps: If you order through DoorDash or UberEats, the menu prices are often 15-20% higher than in-store. Plus, you pay service fees.
Always call the restaurant directly for takeout. You will get the in-store menu price, and you avoid the app markup.
How To Read The Menu Like A Regular
There is a code to Chinese menus. Once you learn it, you will never be confused again.
- “Combo” means it comes with rice and an egg roll.
- “Family style” means dishes are shared, not individual portions.
- “Spicy” level is usually marked with a chili icon or a number. Ask for “mild” if you are sensitive.
- “Chef’s special” means it is not on the regular menu. It is often fresher or more complex.
- “With garlic sauce” usually means it has a brown, slightly sweet sauce with minced garlic and sometimes fermented black beans.
If you see a dish you like but want it less oily, ask for “sauce on the side.” That is a common request, and the kitchen will oblige.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions people have about Chinese restaurant menus and prices.
Why is the price on the delivery app higher than the menu in the store?
Delivery apps charge the restaurant a commission fee, often 20-30% of the order. To cover that cost, restaurants raise the menu price on the app. You will save money by calling the restaurant directly and picking up your food.
Is it cheaper to order a combo plate or a la carte?
A combo plate is almost always cheaper. It bundles an entree, fried rice, and an egg roll for a single price. Ordering those three items separately will cost you $3 to $5 more.
What is the difference between lo mein and chow mein?
Lo mein uses soft, boiled noodles that are stir-fried with sauce. Chow mein uses crispy, fried noodles that are topped with a thick gravy. Chow mein is often crunchier and drier.
Can I ask for a half order of a dish?
Yes, many restaurants will make a half order of a regular entree. It will be about 60% of the price and 60% of the portion. This is a good option if you are dining alone or want to try multiple dishes.
Do Chinese restaurants charge extra for brown rice?
Some do, some do not. It is common to see a $1.00 to $2.00 upcharge for brown rice instead of white rice. Ask before you order to avoid a surprise on the bill.
Final Tips For Your Next Visit
Bring cash if you can. Some smaller restaurants offer a 5% discount for cash payments. That is because they avoid credit card processing fees.
Also, check the menu for a “spicy level” indicator. If you like heat, order a level 3 or 4. If you are unsure, start with level 1. You can always ask for extra chili oil on the side.
And do not be afraid to ask the server what they recommend. They eat the food every day. They know which dish is fresh and which one has been sitting under the heat lamp.
One last thing: look at the “house special” section. It is often at the back of the menu or on a separate sheet. These dishes are not always listed online. They are the chef’s personal favorites, and they are usually worth the extra dollar or two.
Now you know the menu. You know the prices. You know the tricks. Go ahead and order that General Tso’s chicken with an extra egg roll. You have earned it.