Asian Express keeps things straightforward with combination plates and lunch specials, making their menu prices particularly attractive for quick weekday meals. If you’re searching for the Asian Express menu with prices before you visit, you’ve come to the right place. We have broken down the costs, portion sizes, and the best value items so you can order with confidence.
This guide covers everything from sizzling entrees to boxed lunches. You will learn exactly what fits your budget. We also include tips on how to save a few bucks during the lunch rush.
Why The Asian Express Menu Is Easy To Navigate
The menu is not cluttered with hundreds of items. That is a good thing. It focuses on classic American-Chinese dishes that people actually order every day. You will find the usual suspects like General Tso’s, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and Beef with Broccoli.
Prices are clearly listed for each size. Most locations offer a Small, Regular, and Large option. The price difference between sizes is usually around two to three dollars. For most people, the Regular size is more than enough for a filling meal.
Combination Plates And Lunch Specials
The combination plates are the heart of the operation. These plates come with an entree, a choice of fried rice or steamed rice, and an egg roll. Sometimes you also get a choice of soup.
Here is the breakdown of what you typically pay:
- Small Combination Plate: $7.50 to $8.50
- Regular Combination Plate: $9.50 to $10.50
- Large Combination Plate: $11.50 to $12.50
Lunch specials are where the real savings happen. They are usually served until 3:00 PM on weekdays. You get a smaller portion, but the price is significantly lower. Expect to pay around $6.95 to $7.95 for a lunch plate that includes an entree, rice, and an egg roll.
Asian Express Menu With Prices: Entree Breakdown
Let’s get into the specific dishes. The prices below reflect the average cost for a Regular portion. Keep in mind that prices can vary slightly depending on the state or city where the restaurant is located. Franchise owners set their own rates based on local costs.
Chicken Dishes
Chicken is the most popular protein on the menu. The cooking style ranges from crispy fried to lightly sauteed with vegetables.
- General Tso’s Chicken: $10.25
- Orange Chicken: $10.25
- Kung Pao Chicken: $10.25
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: $10.25
- Chicken with Broccoli: $9.95
- Moo Goo Gai Pan: $9.95
- Sesame Chicken: $10.25
The General Tso’s is usually the spiciest option. If you want less heat, go for the Sesame Chicken. It has a similar sweet glaze but without the dried red chilies.
Beef Dishes
Beef dishes tend to be slightly more expensive than chicken. This is due to the higher cost of the meat itself.
- Beef with Broccoli: $10.95
- Mongolian Beef: $11.25
- Pepper Steak: $10.95
- Kung Pao Beef: $11.25
- Orange Beef: $11.25
Mongolian Beef is a crowd favorite because of the sweet and savory sauce. It usually comes with a bed of crispy rice noodles underneath the meat.
Pork And Shrimp Dishes
Pork is less common on the menu but still available. Shrimp dishes are priced at a premium due to the cost of seafood.
- Sweet and Sour Pork: $10.25
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce: $11.95
- Shrimp with Vegetables: $11.95
- Kung Pao Shrimp: $12.25
- Shrimp Fried Rice: $9.95
If you are watching your budget, the Shrimp Fried Rice is a good middle ground. You get the shrimp flavor without paying the full entree price.
Vegetable And Tofu Options
Vegetarian options are limited but available. They are also the cheapest entrees on the board.
- Vegetable Delight: $8.95
- Buddha’s Delight: $8.95
- Mapo Tofu: $9.25
- Vegetable Fried Rice: $7.50
Be careful with the Mapo Tofu. It often contains ground pork, so ask if you are strictly vegetarian. The Vegetable Delight is usually steamed and served with a side of white sauce.
Appetizers And Sides Pricing
Appetizers are great for sharing. They are also cheap enough to add to your meal without breaking the bank. The prices are very consistent across different locations.
- Egg Roll (1 piece): $1.95
- Spring Roll (1 piece): $1.95
- Crab Rangoon (4 pieces): $4.95
- Fried Wontons (6 pieces): $4.95
- Chicken Wings (6 pieces): $6.95
- BBQ Ribs (4 pieces): $7.95
- Fried or Steamed Dumplings (6 pieces): $5.95
If you are dining with a group, order the Pu Pu Platter. It is a combination of several appetizers. It usually costs around $12.95 and serves two to three people.
Side Orders And Extras
You can always add extra sides to your meal. These are useful if you are feeding a family or want leftovers for lunch the next day.
- Steamed Rice (pint): $2.50
- Fried Rice (pint): $3.50
- Lo Mein Noodles (pint): $4.25
- Brown Rice (pint): $3.00
- Extra Sauce Packet: $0.50
Pro tip: If you order a combo plate, you usually get the rice included. But if you want to swap steamed rice for fried rice, there is often a small upcharge of about $1.00. It is worth it if you like the smoky flavor of fried rice.
Soup And Salad Prices
Soup is a classic starter. Most combo meals include a small bowl of soup. If you order a la carte, you will pay the following prices.
- Egg Drop Soup (quart): $4.95
- Hot and Sour Soup (quart): $4.95
- Wonton Soup (quart): $5.95
- Chicken Corn Soup (quart): $5.95
A quart is about four cups. That is enough for two people to share as a starter. The Hot and Sour soup is the most flavorful option if you like a bit of spice.
Chef’s Specialties
Some locations have a section for “Chef’s Specials.” These are larger, more elaborate dishes. They are usually served on a sizzling platter or in a large bowl. Prices for these range from $13.95 to $16.95.
Examples include:
- Happy Family: $14.95
- Dragon and Phoenix: $15.95
- Triple Delight: $14.95
- Seafood Combination: $16.95
These dishes are meant to be shared. The portions are huge. You could easily split one of these with another person and still have leftovers.
Drinks And Desserts
The drink menu is basic. You will find standard sodas, iced tea, and sometimes bubble tea depending on the location.
- Canned Soda: $1.75
- Bottled Water: $1.50
- Hot Tea (pot): $2.50
- Thai Iced Tea: $3.95
- Bubble Tea: $4.95
Desserts are limited. The most common item is the fried banana or a fortune cookie, which is usually free with your meal. If they have ice cream, it is typically vanilla or green tea flavor.
How To Save Money On The Asian Express Menu
You do not have to pay full price if you plan ahead. Here are some practical tips to lower your bill.
- Go during lunch hours. The lunch special is the best deal on the menu. You save about 30% compared to the dinner price.
- Skip the appetizer. The combo plates are filling enough. You do not need an egg roll if it is already included.
- Share a large plate. A Large order of General Tso’s can feed two people if you also order a side of rice.
- Check for online coupons. Many locations have digital coupons on their website or apps like DoorDash and UberEats.
- Ask for extra sauce. Sometimes the sauce makes the rice taste better, so you can stretch the meal further.
Another trick is to order the Family Dinner. This is a bundle that includes several entrees, rice, and appetizers. It is designed for 3 to 4 people and usually costs around $35 to $40. If you split that between four people, it is less than $10 per person.
Portion Sizes And What To Expect
Portion sizes at Asian Express are generous. The “Regular” size is actually quite large. It is served in a standard takeout box that is packed full. You will likely have leftovers.
The “Small” size is suitable for a light eater or a child. The “Large” size is almost double the Regular. It is best for sharing.
Here is a quick guide:
- Small: ~1 cup of rice, ~1/2 cup of entree
- Regular: ~1.5 cups of rice, ~1 cup of entree
- Large: ~3 cups of rice, ~2 cups of entree
If you are ordering for a family of four, getting two Large entrees and a quart of rice is usually the most economical way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about the menu and pricing.
Does Asian Express Have A Senior Discount?
Yes, many locations offer a 10% discount for senior citizens. You usually have to ask for it at the register. It is not always advertised on the menu board.
Are The Prices On The Online Menu The Same As In-store?
Sometimes they differ. Online ordering platforms like Grubhub or Postmates add a markup to cover their fees. The prices listed on the official Asian Express website or the in-store menu are usually lower. It is best to call the store directly to confirm current pricing.
Can I Order Gluten-free Options?
It is difficult. Most sauces contain soy sauce, which has wheat. You can ask for steamed chicken or vegetables with no sauce. But the cross-contamination risk is high in a wok kitchen.
What Is The Cheapest Item On The Menu?
The cheapest item is usually the plain steamed rice or a small order of vegetable fried rice. If you want a full meal, the lunch special is the best value for the price.
Do They Accept Credit Cards?
Yes, most locations accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Some smaller franchise locations are cash-only, so it is wise to carry a little cash just in case.
Final Thoughts On Pricing
The Asian Express menu with prices is designed to be affordable. It sits in the fast-casual price range, meaning you pay a bit more than McDonald’s but much less than a sit-down Chinese restaurant. The quality of the ingredients is decent, and the portions are large.
For a single person, a lunch special is the smartest purchase. For a family, the Family Dinner bundle offers the best savings. The food is consistent, the service is fast, and the prices are fair.
One thing to note is that prices have gone up slightly over the last year due to inflation. What used to be $8.95 is now $9.95. But compared to other takeout options, it still remains one of the more budget-friendly choices in the neighborhood.
If you are celiac or have a severe food allergy, be cautious. The kitchen uses shared fryers. This means that even the “fried rice” might contain traces of egg or shellfish.
Overall, you get a lot of food for your money. The taste is familiar and comforting. It is the kind of meal that hits the spot when you want something savory, salty, and a little sweet.
Next time you are hungry and short on time, check the menu board carefully. Look for the “Lunch Special” sign. That is where you will find the best bang for your buck. And don’t forget to grab a handful of fortune cookies on your way out. They are usually free.
We hope this guide helps you order with confidence. Now you know exactly what to expect when you walk in. Go ahead and enjoy your meal without worrying about the bill.
Remember to check the exact prices at your local store, as franchise owners have the freedom to adjust rates. A quick phone call can save you from any surprises at the counter.
Enjoy your next takeout night. The food is hot, the portions are big, and the prices are reasonable. That is a winning combination in our book.