China Town’s dim sum carts circulate through the dining room, and the small-plate pricing encourages trying dishes beyond the usual order. If you are looking for a China Town menu with prices before you head out the door, you have come to the right place. This guide breaks down what things cost, what is worth ordering, and how to get the best value for your money.
Most people walk into a Chinese restaurant and feel overwhelmed by the sheer size of the menu. You see hundreds of numbers and names, but you do not know what is a appetizer, what is a main course, or what is meant for sharing. We are going to fix that right now by looking at the standard pricing structure you will find at most China Town locations.
Keep in mind that prices vary by city and by specific restaurant. A spot in New York or San Francisco will charge more than a location in a smaller suburb. However, the general price ranges below will give you a solid baseline for budgeting your meal.
China Town Menu With Prices
Let us get straight to the numbers. The menu is usually divided into clear sections, and each section has its own price logic. Below is a breakdown of the typical cost for each category, based on standard mid-range restaurants that are not fine dining but also not greasy spoons.
Appetizers And Small Plates
These are the dishes that come out fast. They are meant to wake up your palate. You will often find these on the “Chef’s Special” list or the regular appetizer page.
- Spring Rolls (2 pieces): $4.50 – $6.95
- Pork Dumplings (6 pieces, steamed or pan-fried): $7.95 – $10.50
- Shrimp Toast (4 pieces): $6.50 – $8.95
- Barbecue Pork (Char Siu) Plate: $10.95 – $14.95
- Hot and Sour Soup (bowl): $3.50 – $5.95
- Wonton Soup (bowl): $4.95 – $6.50
You should always ask if the restaurant has a lunch special that includes a soup and an egg roll. Many locations will bundle these for a flat rate, which saves you a few dollars compared to ordering a la carte.
Dim Sum Pricing Per Cart
If you go during the morning or early afternoon, you will see the carts. The pricing here is usually based on the color of the plate or the size of the steamer basket. This is where the China Town menu with prices gets a little tricky because the menu might just say “Small,” “Medium,” or “Large.”
- Small (Steamed Buns, Rice Noodle Rolls): $4.95 – $6.50
- Medium (Shrimp Dumplings, Siu Mai): $6.50 – $8.95
- Large (Spare Ribs, Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf): $8.95 – $12.00
- Special (Chef’s Seasonal Selection): $12.00 – $18.00
Do not be shy about asking the cart pusher what is inside. They are used to questions. Also, remember that the carts often have a minimum order, so if you are alone, you might have to order two or three items to get service.
Chow Mein And Lo Mein
These noodle dishes are the backbone of the takeout menu. The difference is that chow mein is usually crispy or pan-fried, while lo mein is soft and tossed in sauce.
- Vegetable Lo Mein: $8.95 – $11.95
- Chicken Lo Mein: $10.95 – $13.95
- Beef Lo Mein: $11.95 – $14.95
- Shrimp Lo Mein: $12.95 – $15.95
- House Special (Combination) Lo Mein: $13.95 – $16.95
You can almost always substitute noodles for rice at no extra cost. But if you ask for extra sauce or extra noodles, expect a charge of about $1.50 to $2.50 on top of the base price.
Fried Rice Dishes
Fried rice is cheap to make, so the markup is usually lower here. This is a good option if you are on a budget but still want a filling meal.
- Plain Fried Rice: $7.95 – $9.95
- Vegetable Fried Rice: $8.95 – $10.95
- Chicken or Pork Fried Rice: $9.95 – $12.95
- Shrimp Fried Rice: $11.95 – $14.95
- House Special Fried Rice: $12.95 – $15.95
If you are dining in, the portion is usually large enough for two people. If you are taking out, the box is packed to the top. Do not order two portions unless you are very hungry or plan to have leftovers.
Mains And Entrees
This is the section where you pick your protein and your sauce. The price is often determined by the protein, not the sauce. For example, Kung Pao Chicken and General Tso’s Chicken will be the same price.
- Chicken Dishes (General Tso’s, Sesame, Orange): $12.95 – $16.95
- Pork Dishes (Sweet and Sour, Mu Shu): $11.95 – $15.95
- Beef Dishes (Pepper Steak, Broccoli Beef): $13.95 – $17.95
- Shrimp Dishes (Kung Pao Shrimp, Shrimp with Lobster Sauce): $14.95 – $18.95
- Tofu or Vegetable Dishes (Mapo Tofu, Buddha’s Delight): $10.95 – $13.95
Most of these entrees come with a side of white rice. If you want brown rice or steamed vegetables instead of rice, there is often a small upcharge of $1.00 to $2.00.
Chef’s Specials And Family Dinners
These are the pricier items on the menu. They often feature premium ingredients like lobster, scallops, or duck. They are designed for sharing.
- Peking Duck (Whole, served with pancakes): $38.00 – $55.00
- Salt and Pepper Squid: $16.95 – $21.95
- Seafood Combination (Scallops, Shrimp, and Crab): $22.95 – $28.95
- Family Dinner for Two (Soup, Appetizer, Two Mains, Rice): $45.00 – $60.00
- Family Dinner for Four (Soup, Appetizers, Three Mains, Rice): $80.00 – $110.00
The Family Dinner is often the best deal on the menu if you do the math. Ordering the components separately will almost always cost you 20% to 30% more. If you see a “Dinner for Two” that includes a whole duck, take it.
Drinks And Desserts
Do not forget to budget for beverages. The drink prices are usually standard, but they add up quickly if you are ordering for a group.
- Soft Drinks (Can or Bottle): $2.50 – $3.50
- Hot Tea (per pot, refillable): $1.50 – $3.00
- Thai Iced Tea or Milk Tea: $4.50 – $6.00
- Fortune Cookies (often free, but some places charge): $0.50 – $1.00 for a bag
- Fried Ice Cream: $5.95 – $7.95
Hot tea is the cheapest drink option and it is usually refillable. If you are trying to keep the bill low, skip the sugary drinks and stick with the tea.
Lunch Specials Vs. Dinner Prices
This is where you can save the most money. Most China Town restaurants have a separate lunch menu that is only valid from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays. The portions are slightly smaller, but the price is often 30% to 40% lower than the dinner menu.
- Lunch Combo (Entree, Rice, Soup, Egg Roll): $8.95 – $11.95
- Dinner Entree (Same Dish, Larger Portion): $13.95 – $16.95
If you have a flexible schedule, go for lunch. You get the same kitchen, the same recipes, and the same quality, but you pay significantly less. Also, the lunch rush means the food is cooked fresh and fast because the woks are constantly in use.
How To Read The Menu Symbols
Many menus use symbols to indicate spiciness or chef recommendations. You need to understand these before you order to avoid surprises.
- One Chili Pepper (Mild Heat): Safe for most people
- Two Chili Peppers (Medium Heat): Has a noticeable kick
- Three Chili Peppers (Hot): Will make you sweat
- Star or “Chef’s Recommendation”: Usually a higher profit margin, but often the best-tested recipe
- Leaf Symbol: Vegetarian or Vegan option
If you do not see a symbol, ask the waiter. Do not assume that a dish is spicy just because it has red sauce. Many red sauces in American-Chinese food are actually sweet, not hot.
Tips For Ordering On A Budget
You do not need to spend a fortune to eat well. Here are some practical steps to keep your total bill under control.
- Order the lunch special if you are dining before 3 PM.
- Skip the appetizers and order an extra main dish instead. The mains are bigger and better value.
- Share a family dinner if you are with two or more people.
- Ask for the sauce on the side. This lets you control how much you eat and often makes the dish last longer.
- Check if the restaurant has a “No MSG” or “Less Oil” option. Sometimes this is free, but it changes the flavor profile.
- Bring cash. Many smaller restaurants offer a 3% to 5% discount for cash payments because they save on credit card fees.
Also, do not be afraid to ask if they have any off-menu specials. The printed menu is often the baseline, but the chef might have a fresh fish or a seasonal vegetable that is not listed. These items are usually priced by market rate, so ask for the price before you commit.
Common Pricing Mistakes To Avoid
People often get surprised by the final bill because they misread the menu. Here are the most common errors.
- Assuming “Market Price” means cheap. It means expensive, usually for lobster or crab.
- Ordering “Combination Plates” thinking they are small. They are usually large enough for two meals.
- Forgetting that rice is not always included with Chef’s Specials. Read the description carefully.
- Not checking if the menu has a “Minimum Order” for credit cards. Some places require a $20 or $25 minimum.
If you are ordering takeout, the prices on the phone might be slightly higher than the dine-in menu. This is because of packaging costs and third-party delivery fees. If you pick it up yourself, you might get a discount.
Portion Sizes And Sharing
Most American-Chinese food portions are designed for sharing. A single entree is usually enough for one hungry adult, but if you order rice and an appetizer, you can easily split one entree between two people.
If you are ordering for a family of four, a good rule of thumb is to order one appetizer, two mains, and one large fried rice or noodle dish. This gives you enough food without going overboard. You will spend roughly $50 to $70 for a family meal, which is very reasonable compared to other cuisines.
Delivery And Takeout Price Differences
If you order through a third-party app like DoorDash or Uber Eats, expect the prices to be inflated by 15% to 30%. The restaurant has to pay commission to the app, so they raise the menu prices to compensate. You are better off calling the restaurant directly and picking up the food yourself if you want the true China Town menu with prices.
Some restaurants offer a “Takeout Special” that is not available for dine-in. This might be a free soda or a discount on large orders. Always ask when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is The Price On The Delivery App Higher Than The In-store Menu?
Delivery apps charge restaurants a commission fee of about 15% to 30% per order. To cover that cost, the restaurant raises the item prices on the app. You pay for the convenience of delivery, but you can save money by ordering directly for pickup.
Do China Town Restaurants Charge Extra For Brown Rice?
Yes, most locations will charge an additional $1.00 to $2.50 for brown rice or fried rice instead of steamed white rice. Some lunch specials include the rice substitution for free, but dinner menus usually have an upcharge.
Is It Cheaper To Eat Dim Sum For Lunch Or Dinner?
Dim sum is almost exclusively a lunch item. If you go for dinner, you will be looking at the regular entree menu, which is more expensive. The dim sum carts stop running in the late afternoon, so go early if you want the small plates.
Can I Negotiate The Price For A Large Group Order?
For groups of 10 or more, many restaurants will offer a set menu at a fixed price per person. This is often negotiable if you call ahead and speak to the manager. You can usually get a better price than ordering a la carte, but you have to ask.
What Does “Market Price” Mean On The Menu?
It means the price changes based on the wholesale cost of the ingredient, usually seafood like lobster, crab, or fresh fish. You should always ask for the current price before ordering. It is rarely a bargain.
Now you have a clear picture of what things cost. The next time you sit down, you can order with confidence. You know which sections are overpriced, which ones offer the best value, and how to navigate the lunch specials. Take your time, ask questions, and enjoy the meal without worrying about the bill.