Ordering well at Canton Chinese Food comes down to knowing the difference between lunch specials and dinner portions, along with what each costs. This Canton Chinese Food Menu with Prices guide breaks down the typical sections you will see, so you can plan your meal and your budget before you walk in or call for takeout.
Most locations keep things simple. The menu usually fits on two pages, and prices stay in a friendly range for families and solo diners alike.
What To Expect On A Typical Canton Chinese Food Menu
Canton style cooking focuses on stir fries, roasted meats, and light sauces. The menu reflects that. You will not find heavy cream sauces here. You will find rice, noodles, and fresh vegetables doing most of the work.
Appetizers And Small Plates
These are the cheapest items and the easiest way to start a meal. Most plates run between $3 and $8.
- Spring rolls, two pieces: $3 to $4
- Crab rangoon, six pieces: $5 to $7
- Fried wontons: $4 to $6
- BBQ pork slices: $6 to $8
- Potstickers, six pieces: $5 to $7
Soups And Rice Bowls
Soups are a staple of Cantonese dining. A small bowl often costs less then a soda at other restaurants.
- Wonton soup, small: $3 to $5
- Egg drop soup, small: $3 to $4
- Hot and sour soup, small: $3 to $5
- House special soup, large: $7 to $9
- Steamed rice, side: $1 to $2
Canton Chinese Food Menu With Prices For Main Dishes
This is where the bill adds up, so pay attention to portion sizes. A dinner plate usually feeds one hungry adult or two light eaters.
Chicken And Beef Entrees
Chicken dishes are the most popular category at most Canton spots. Beef costs a dollar or two more.
- General Tso’s chicken: $10 to $13
- Orange chicken: $10 to $13
- Chicken with broccoli: $9 to $12
- Beef with broccoli: $10 to $13
- Pepper steak: $11 to $14
- Kung Pao chicken: $10 to $13
Seafood And Vegetable Plates
Seafood sits at the top of the price range. Vegetable plates sit at the bottom.
- Shrimp with garlic sauce: $12 to $15
- Salt and pepper shrimp: $13 to $16
- Fish fillet with ginger: $12 to $15
- Buddha’s delight: $8 to $11
- Garlic green beans: $8 to $10
Noodles And Rice Dishes
These fill you up for less money. They are also the best choice for sharing with a group.
- Chicken lo mein: $8 to $11
- Beef chow fun: $9 to $12
- House fried rice: $9 to $12
- Singapore noodles: $9 to $12
- Yangzhou fried rice: $9 to $12
Lunch Specials Vs Dinner Portions
This is the biggest money saver on the whole menu. Lunch specials usually run Monday through Friday, from about 11 am to 3 pm.
How Lunch Specials Work
A lunch special normally includes an entree, steamed or fried rice, and sometimes a soup or spring roll. The portion is smaller, but the price drops a lot.
- Lunch special price range: $7 to $10
- Dinner portion of the same dish: $10 to $14
- Average savings: $3 to $4 per meal
When Dinner Portions Make Sense
Order dinner portions when you are sharing, or when you want leftovers for the next day. The price gap is small once you split the food between two people.
How To Order Without Overspending
Follow these steps and your total will stay low.
- Check the lunch hours before you go. Timing alone saves you a few dollars.
- Pick one appetizer to share instead of one per person.
- Choose a noodle or rice dish as your main. They cost less then meat only plates.
- Ask if the combo platter is cheaper then ordering items separately.
- Skip drinks and bring your own water if the restaurant allows it.
Extra Costs To Watch For
Some charges are not printed on the main menu board. Ask before you order.
- Takeout containers: usually free, sometimes $0.25 to $0.50
- Delivery fee: $2 to $5, plus a tip
- Extra rice: $1 to $2 per order
- Substituting brown rice: $1 to $2
- Credit card minimum: often $10
Prices vary by city and by restaurant, so treat these numbers as a range, not a rule. Call ahead or check the online menu for the exact cost at your local Canton Chinese Food spot. With this breakdown in hand, you can order a full meal, feed a few people, and still keep the bill under control.