Your standard order at Peking Garden could be costing you more than a lunch special that comes with soup and an egg roll. If you have been scanning the Peking Garden menu with prices before you go, you already know that the numbers can shift based on location and the time of day. But most people do not realize that the printed menu hides a few secrets that can save you a significant amount of cash.
We took a close look at the current offerings, portion sizes, and the actual cost of dining in versus taking out. Here is what you need to know before you place your next order, so you can eat well without blowing your budget.
Peking Garden Menu With Prices
The most common question we get is about the exact cost of the house specials. While the menu does vary slightly from one franchise to another, the core pricing structure remains pretty consistent across the board. Below, we break down the main categories you will see on the table in front of you.
Appetizers And Soups
You should never skip the appetizer section, but you also should not pay full price for it if you are dining alone. The portions here are generous, and the soups are often large enough to serve as a meal by themselves.
- Pork Egg Roll (1 pc) – $2.25
- Vegetable Spring Roll (2 pcs) – $3.50
- Fried or Steamed Dumplings (6 pcs) – $6.95
- BBQ Spareribs (4 pcs) – $8.75
- Hot and Sour Soup (Quart) – $7.50
- Wonton Soup (Quart) – $7.25
- Egg Drop Soup (Quart) – $6.95
If you are ordering for two, we suggest splitting a quart of soup and one appetizer. That will run you about ten dollars total, which is a solid start.
Chef Specials And House Favorites
This is where the menu gets a little tricky. The chef specials are priced higher, but they often include a side of fried rice and a soup. You need to check if the price listed is for the entree only or if it includes the extras.
- General Tso’s Chicken – $13.95
- Orange Beef – $14.50
- Moo Shu Pork (with 4 pancakes) – $12.95
- Happy Family (Shrimp, Chicken, Beef) – $15.95
- Peking Duck (Half) – $19.95
- Seafood Delight – $16.50
We have noticed that the Peking Duck is often cheaper if you call ahead and ask for the “early bird” price. Not every location advertises this, but it is worth asking about.
Chicken And Pork Dishes
These are your standard lunch and dinner options. The lunch portions are smaller, but the price difference is significant enough that you should pay attention to the clock.
- Kung Pao Chicken – $11.95 (Lunch $8.50)
- Sweet and Sour Chicken – $11.50 (Lunch $8.25)
- Chicken with Broccoli – $11.25 (Lunch $8.00)
- Twice Cooked Pork – $11.75
- Pork with Garlic Sauce – $11.50
Beef And Shrimp Entrees
Beef dishes tend to run a dollar or two higher than the chicken options. Shrimp is often the most expensive protein on the regular menu, not counting the lobster or crab specials.
- Mongolian Beef – $13.25
- Beef with Snow Peas – $13.50
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce – $13.95
- Shrimp with Garlic Sauce – $13.50
- Kung Pao Shrimp – $13.75
Fried Rice And Lo Mein
Do not pay for a separate side of rice if your entree already comes with it. The menu does not always make this clear, so you have to ask. Most combination plates include a small portion of pork fried rice.
- Vegetable Fried Rice – $8.95
- Chicken Fried Rice – $9.50
- Shrimp Fried Rice – $10.25
- House Special Lo Mein – $10.95
- Vegetable Lo Mein – $8.75
Combination Plates
This is the best value on the entire menu if you are hungry. A combination plate usually includes an entree, an egg roll, and your choice of fried rice or white rice. You also get a small cup of soup.
- Combination Plate (Chicken) – $9.25
- Combination Plate (Beef) – $10.50
- Combination Plate (Shrimp) – $10.95
- Combination Plate (Vegetable) – $8.75
We always reccomend the combination plate over ordering a la carte. You are essentially getting the soup and the egg roll for free compared to the price of the entree alone.
Lunch Special Pricing And Timing
The lunch menu is where you will find the most dramatic price cuts. Most Peking Garden locations serve lunch specials from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays only. Some spots also offer it on Saturday, but you should call to confirm.
Lunch specials generally include the following:
- One main entree
- Pork fried rice or white rice
- One egg roll or a small bowl of soup
- A fortune cookie
The price for these lunch plates ranges from $7.95 to $9.95 depending on the protein. Shrimp and beef are on the higher end. Chicken and pork are cheaper.
If you are on a tight schedule, we suggest ordering the lunch special for takeout. It is usually ready in about ten minutes, and you skip the tip if you pick it up yourself.
Why The Dinner Menu Costs More
You might be wondering why the same dish costs four dollars more at dinner time. The answer is portion size. Dinner entrees come with a larger serving of meat and vegetables. They also include a bigger side of rice.
However, we have found that the dinner portion is often too large for one person. You can easily split a dinner entree between two people if you order an extra side of rice. That brings the cost per person down to about seven dollars, which is a great deal.
How To Order To Save Money
You do not need to be a coupon expert to save money at Peking Garden. You just need to know how the system works. Here is a simple step-by-step process to get the best price on your meal.
- Check the clock. If it is before 3 PM, order from the lunch menu.
- Ask if the dinner entree comes with soup and rice. Many locations include it but do not list it on the menu.
- Skip the appetizer if you are ordering a combination plate. You already get an egg roll.
- Look for the “Family Dinner” section. This is a set meal for two or more people that includes soup, appetizers, and multiple entrees for a fixed price.
- Ask about a senior discount. Some locations offer 10% off for customers over 60, but they do not advertise it.
The family dinner is often the best hidden gem. For example, a Family Dinner for Two might cost $32.95 and include wonton soup, two egg rolls, two entrees, and a large portion of fried rice. If you ordered those items separately, you would pay closer to forty dollars.
Takeout Versus Dine-In Costs
There is a common misconception that takeout is always cheaper. That is not true. The menu prices are the same whether you eat in or take out. However, the total cost is different because of tipping.
If you dine in, you are expected to tip 15% to 20% on the pre-tax amount. On a $30 meal, that is an extra $4.50 to $6.00. If you pick up the food yourself, you save that money. But you also have to factor in the cost of gas and your time.
We have also noticed that some locations charge a small fee for takeout containers if you dine in and ask for a box. This is rare, but it happens. Ask before you assume it is free.
Peking Garden Menu With Prices For Large Groups
If you are ordering for a party of six or more, do not use the regular menu. You should ask for the catering menu or the banquet menu. These are not always printed, but the manager can tell you the options over the phone.
Banquet menus usually include a selection of appetizers, three to five entrees, and a large amount of rice. The price per person is often lower than if you ordered individual plates.
For example, a banquet for ten people might cost $120. That breaks down to twelve dollars per person. If you ordered ten combination plates, you would pay around ninety dollars, but you would get much less food. The banquet style is better for sharing and tasting multiple dishes.
Drinks And Desserts
Do not waste your money on soft drinks at the restaurant. A can of soda costs about $2.50, and refills are rarely free unless you dine in. You are better off ordering water or bringing your own drink if you are doing takeout.
Desserts are limited. The most common options are fried bananas or fortune cookies. The fried bananas cost about $4.95 and are usually enough for two people. The fortune cookies are free with your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Peking Garden have a secret menu?
No, there is no official secret menu. However, you can ask for dishes to be made “Szechuan style” or “with extra garlic” at no additional cost. Some locations will also make a vegetable version of any meat dish if you ask nicely.
Are the prices on the Peking Garden menu with prices the same for delivery?
No. Delivery prices are usually higher by about $1.00 to $2.00 per item. You also have to pay a delivery fee and a tip for the driver. If you can, pick up your order instead.
Can I get a discount for paying in cash?
Some locations offer a 5% discount for cash payments. This is not advertised, but it is worth asking about when you call in your order.
What is the cheapest item on the menu?
The cheapest item is usually the vegetable fried rice at around $8.75. The lunch special for vegetable or chicken is also a good low-cost option at about $8.00.
Do the prices include tax?
No. The prices listed on the menu do not include sales tax. You will pay tax on top of the listed price, and you should tip on the pre-tax amount if you dine in.
One last tip: always check the receipt before you leave the counter. We have seen mistakes where the cashier charges you for the dinner price even when you ordered during lunch hours. A quick look at the receipt can save you a few dollars right there.
Now that you know the real costs, you can order with confidence. Stick to the combination plates for lunch, ask about the family dinner for groups, and never pay for an extra side of rice if your meal already includes it. That is the smartest way to enjoy your meal without overspending.