Scanning the cost of appetizers and entrees first is a smart move for any impromptu dining plan. When you are thinking about takeout or a casual sit-down meal, the China Ocean Menu with Prices is often the deciding factor between a quick bite and a full feast. You want to know what you are paying for before you pick up the phone, and that is exactly what this guide covers today.
We have broken down the typical costs, portion sizes, and the best value picks. This way, you can walk in with confidence or order delivery without any surprise charges. Let’s get straight to the numbers and the dishes that matter most to your budget.
China Ocean Menu With Prices
Most locations of China Ocean operate as a standard American-Chinese restaurant. That means the menu is long, but the pricing structure is fairly predictable. You will see combo plates, family dinners, and à la carte items. The prices below reflect the average range you might see in 2024, but always check your local store for exact figures because they can vary by state or city.
Below is a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay for the most popular categories. We have focused on the core items that most customers order on a weekly basis.
Appetizers And Small Plates
Starting with the starters is the best way to gauge the overall value of the menu. Most appetizers here are priced to share, but they also work as a solo meal if you are just grabbing a light lunch.
- Pork Egg Roll (1 piece) – $1.75 to $2.50
- Vegetable Spring Roll (2 pieces) – $2.95 to $3.95
- Chicken Wings (6 pieces) – $7.95 to $9.95
- Boneless Ribs (Small) – $6.95 to $8.50
- Fried or Steamed Dumplings (6 pieces) – $6.50 to $8.95
- Wonton Soup (Quart) – $5.95 to $7.95
- Hot and Sour Soup (Pint) – $3.95 to $5.50
- Beef Teriyaki on Sticks – $7.95 to $9.50
If you are feeding two people, getting a single order of dumplings and an egg roll is usually enough to start. The portions are generous, and the fried items tend to hold up well during delivery.
Soup And Salad Options
Soup is often an afterthought, but China Ocean does a solid job with their broth bases. You can order by the pint or the quart, which changes the price significantly. For a family, the quart size is the better deal because you get roughly four bowls out of it.
- Egg Drop Soup (Pint) – $2.95 / (Quart) – $4.95
- Chicken Corn Soup (Pint) – $3.50 / (Quart) – $5.95
- House Special Soup (Pint) – $4.95 / (Quart) – $8.95
- Garden Salad – $4.95 to $6.95
- Chicken Salad – $6.95 to $8.95
One thing to note is that the house special soup is a meal in itself. It is loaded with shrimp, chicken, and vegetables. You might not need a main course if you order a quart of that.
Chef Specialties And House Favorites
This is where the menu gets interesting. The chef specials are usually the most expensive items, but they often come with a side of fried rice or white rice. The prices here reflect the premium proteins like shrimp and scallops.
- General Tso’s Chicken – $12.95 to $15.95
- Orange Beef – $13.95 to $16.95
- Mongolian Beef – $12.95 to $15.95
- Kung Pao Shrimp – $13.95 to $17.95
- Seafood Combination – $16.95 to $19.95
- Triple Delight (Chicken, Beef, Shrimp) – $14.95 to $18.95
- Sweet and Sour Pork – $11.95 to $14.95
- Moo Shu Pork (with pancakes) – $12.95 to $15.95
The Triple Delight is often the best value if you cannot decide on a single protein. You get a little bit of everything, and the sauce is usually a savory brown gravy that goes well with steamed rice.
Chicken And Pork Entrees
These are the workhorse dishes of the menu. They are cheaper than the chef specials, but they are still filling. Most of these come in a standard white takeout box, and they are enough for two meals if you are a light eater.
- Chicken with Broccoli – $10.95 to $13.95
- Kung Pao Chicken – $10.95 to $13.95
- Lemon Chicken – $11.95 to $14.95
- Chicken with Garlic Sauce – $10.95 to $13.95
- Sweet and Sour Chicken – $10.95 to $13.95
- Roast Pork with Vegetables – $10.95 to $13.95
- Twice Cooked Pork – $11.95 to $14.95
Do not sleep on the Chicken with Garlic Sauce. It is a slightly spicy, tangy dish that is often overlooked in favor of General Tso’s. It also reheats very well the next day.
Beef And Shrimp Dishes
Beef dishes will cost you a dollar or two more than the chicken options. Shrimp is usually the highest priced standard protein on the menu, excluding the lobster or crab specials.
- Beef with Broccoli – $12.95 to $15.95
- Pepper Steak – $12.95 to $15.95
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce – $13.95 to $16.95
- Shrimp with Garlic Sauce – $13.95 to $16.95
- Shrimp Fried Rice – $11.95 to $14.95
- Curry Shrimp – $13.95 to $16.95
If you are watching your budget, the Beef with Broccoli is a solid choice. The portion of beef is usually decent, and the broccoli is always fresh and crunchy.
Fried Rice And Lo Mein
You can order these as a side dish or as a main course. The side order is smaller and cheaper. The main course portion is large enough to feed two people, especially if you add a protein to it.
- Vegetable Fried Rice – $8.95 to $10.95
- Chicken Fried Rice – $9.95 to $11.95
- Pork Fried Rice – $9.95 to $11.95
- Beef Fried Rice – $10.95 to $12.95
- Shrimp Fried Rice – $11.95 to $13.95
- House Special Fried Rice – $11.95 to $13.95
- Vegetable Lo Mein – $8.95 to $10.95
- Chicken Lo Mein – $9.95 to $11.95
- House Special Lo Mein – $11.95 to $13.95
Here is a pro tip: order the plain vegetable fried rice and a separate order of General Tso’s Chicken. Mix them together at home. You get the same effect as the combo plate, but you often get more food for a lower total price.
Combo Plates And Lunch Specials
This is the real value section of the China Ocean Menu with Prices. Combo plates usually include an entree, an egg roll, and your choice of fried rice or white rice. They are served all day, but the lunch specials are only available until 3 PM on weekdays.
- Lunch Special (Chicken or Pork) – $7.95 to $9.95
- Lunch Special (Beef or Shrimp) – $8.95 to $10.95
- Dinner Combo (Chicken or Pork) – $10.95 to $12.95
- Dinner Combo (Beef or Shrimp) – $11.95 to $13.95
- Two Item Combo – $12.95 to $14.95
- Three Item Combo – $14.95 to $16.95
The lunch special is the best deal on the entire menu. You get a smaller portion, but it is still enough for a full meal. If you are on a tight budget, try to hit the lunch window during the week.
Family Dinners And Value Packs
For groups of three or more, the family dinner is the way to go. These are priced per person, and they include a soup, an appetizer, and multiple entrees. The per-person price usually drops as the group size increases.
- Family Dinner for 2 – $35.00 to $42.00
- Family Dinner for 3 – $50.00 to $60.00
- Family Dinner for 4 – $65.00 to $78.00
- Party Tray (Serves 6-8) – $45.00 to $65.00
When you order a family dinner, you are usually asked to pick one appetizer, two soups, and three or four entrees. Make sure you specify if you want white rice or fried rice, because the fried rice often costs an extra dollar or two per person.
Desserts And Drinks
Dessert is simple here. You are mostly looking at fried items or canned lychee fruit. Drinks are standard sodas and bottled water.
- Fortune Cookies – Free (usually included with order)
- Fried Banana or Apple – $3.95 to $5.95
- Cheesecake (sometimes available) – $4.95 to $6.95
- Can of Soda – $1.50 to $2.50
- Bottled Water – $1.50 to $2.00
Do not pay extra for the fried banana unless you are really in the mood for it. The portion is small, and it is often just a single banana sliced in half and fried.
How To Save Money On Your Order
You do not have to pay full price every time. There are a few simple tricks to keep the total bill lower, especially if you are ordering for the whole family.
- Order Lunch Instead of Dinner: The portions are smaller, but the price is often 30% lower. If you are eating alone, this is the smart play.
- Skip the Extra Rice: Most entrees already come with a side of rice. If you order a separate pint of fried rice, you are paying an extra $3 to $5 for something you might not finish.
- Check for Coupons: Many China Ocean locations have a coupon sheet in the local mailer or on their website. Look for “Buy One Get One Free” on lunch specials.
- Ask for Sauce on the Side: This does not save money, but it stops the food from getting soggy. You can reheat the leftovers better.
- Share a Family Dinner: If you are two people, the Family Dinner for 2 is often cheaper than ordering two separate combo plates.
Another way to save is to order the “Chef’s Special” but ask for the sauce on the side. You can stretch the dish into two meals, which brings the cost per serving down to around $7. That is a great deal for the amount of protein you get.
What To Look Out For
There are a few hidden costs on the menu that you should be aware of. Some locations charge extra for brown rice instead of white rice. Others will add a surcharge for shrimp if you swap it into a chicken dish. Always ask before you order if you are making substitutions.
Delivery fees are also a factor. If you order through a third-party app like DoorDash or Uber Eats, the prices on the menu are often inflated by 10% to 15%. It is almost always cheaper to call the restaurant directly and pick up the order yourself.
Also, be careful with the “Spicy” level. The menu might say “Mild,” “Medium,” or “Hot,” but the heat level is not always consistent. If you are sensitive to spice, order the sauce on the side so you can control the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the pricing and ordering process at China Ocean.
Is the China Ocean Menu with Prices the same for delivery and takeout?
No, not always. If you order directly from the restaurant for takeout, the prices are usually the same as the dine-in menu. However, if you use a third-party delivery app, the prices can be higher to cover the app’s commission fees.
Do China Ocean lunch specials include a drink?
Usually, no. The lunch special includes the entree, an egg roll, and rice. A can of soda or a bottle of water is typically an extra charge. Some locations might include a free soda with a minimum order, but that is not the standard.
Can I get a discount for paying in cash?
Some independent Chinese restaurants offer a small discount (usually 3% to 5%) for cash payments because they avoid credit card processing fees. It is worth asking when you place the order, but do not expect it at every location.
Are there any vegetarian options on the China Ocean menu?
Yes, there are usually several vegetarian dishes. Look for items like Buddha’s Delight, Vegetable Delight, or Ma Po Tofu (ask for no meat). The price for these is usually in the $9.95 to $12.95 range, making them a budget-friendly option.
Why do the prices vary between different China Ocean locations?
The franchise or independent owners set their own prices based on local rent, labor costs, and food supply chain expenses. A location in a big city will often charge $2 to $3 more than a location in a small town.
Final Thoughts On Pricing
Knowing the average costs helps you plan your meal without stress. The China Ocean Menu with Prices is not overly expensive, but it is easy to overspend if you start adding on appetizers and specialty drinks. Stick to the lunch specials for the best value, and always check the portion size before you order a second entree.
If you are feeding a crowd, the family dinner is the most efficient route. It saves you money per person and cuts down on the number of containers you have to deal with. Just remember to confirm the rice type and the spice level when you call in your order.
Next time you are thinking about Chinese food, you can look at this guide and know exactly what to expect. You will not have to guess or squint at the small print on the menu board. Just pick your protein, choose your sauce, and enjoy the meal.
One last note: prices do change. The figures listed here are based on recent averages, but you should always confirm the final total when you place your order. A quick phone call can save you from a shock at the register.
That is the full breakdown of the costs. Go ahead and order that combo plate, and do not forget to ask for extra fortune cookies. They are usually free, but sometimes you have to ask.