Chefs who master both Szechuan spice and Cantonese subtlety create menus worth reading twice. If you are looking for a China Chef Menu with Prices before you visit, you have come to the right place. Knowing what to expect helps you order faster and enjoy your meal more.
Most people walk into a Chinese restaurant and feel rushed. They glance at a long list of dishes and pick the first familiar name. That is a mistake. You miss out on the chef’s specials and the best value combinations. Let’s break down how to read this menu like a pro.
China Chef Menu With Prices
This guide covers the standard offerings you will find at a typical China Chef location. While prices vary by city and state, the structure is usually the same. You have your lunch specials, your dinner platters, and your a la carte items.
We will look at what each section costs. We will also tell you what is worth the money and what to skip. By the end, you will know exactly what to order for yourself or for a group.
Appetizers And Soups
Start your meal right. The appetizer section is usually the cheapest part of the menu. Do not fill up here, but do try one or two things.
- Egg Roll (1 piece) – $1.75
- Spring Roll (2 pieces) – $2.50
- Fried Wontons (8 pieces) – $4.95
- Crab Rangoon (6 pieces) – $5.50
- BBQ Pork Slices – $6.95
- Chicken Wings (6 pieces) – $7.50
Soups are a great way to warm up. The Hot and Sour soup is a classic choice. It has a nice kick and a tangy flavor.
- Wonton Soup (Quart) – $6.95
- Hot and Sour Soup (Quart) – $6.95
- Egg Drop Soup (Quart) – $5.95
- House Special Soup – $9.95
Pro tip: The Crab Rangoon is usually the most popular starter. They are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. If you are with a friend, split an order.
Lunch Specials
Lunch is where you find the best deals. Most China Chef restaurants serve lunch specials from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays. These are smaller portions, but they are very filling.
You usually get a main dish, a side of rice, and an egg roll or soup. The price range is very consistent.
- General Tso’s Chicken – $7.95
- Kung Pao Chicken – $7.95
- Beef with Broccoli – $8.25
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce – $8.95
- Vegetable Delight – $6.95
- Sweet and Sour Pork – $7.95
These prices are hard to beat. You get a lot of food for under ten dollars. If you are on a budget, this is the time to go.
One thing to check is if the lunch menu includes fried rice or white rice. Some places charge extra for fried rice. Ask before you order if you have a preference.
Chef’s Specialties
This is the section that shows off the kitchen’s skills. These dishes are usually more expensive. They use better ingredients and take longer to prepare. The flavors are bolder and more authentic.
Look for dishes that are marked with a chili pepper or a star. That usually means they are spicy. If you are not sure about the heat level, ask your server.
- Hunan Beef – $13.95
- Szechuan Shrimp – $14.50
- Mongolian Lamb – $15.95
- Seafood Combination – $16.95
- Orange Chicken (Special Recipe) – $12.95
- Triple Delight (Chicken, Beef, Shrimp) – $15.50
These dishes are meant to be shared. The portions are large. If you order one of these for yourself, you will likely have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
I always recommend the Triple Delight. It gives you a taste of three different proteins. The sauce is usually a savory brown sauce that goes well with white rice.
Chicken Dishes
Chicken is the most common protein on these menus. It is cheap to buy and easy to cook. The kitchen can make it crispy, tender, or shredded.
Here are the standard prices for chicken dishes.
- Chicken with Broccoli – $10.95
- Kung Pao Chicken – $11.50
- General Tso’s Chicken – $11.95
- Sweet and Sour Chicken – $11.50
- Lemon Chicken – $11.95
- Moo Goo Gai Pan – $11.50
- Sesame Chicken – $11.95
Notice that General Tso’s and Sesame Chicken are often the same price. They are very similar. General Tso’s is spicy and savory. Sesame Chicken is sweeter and coated in a sticky glaze.
If you want a healthier option, go for Moo Goo Gai Pan. It has mushrooms, water chestnuts, and snow peas. It is a lighter dish that is not fried.
Beef Dishes
Beef prices are usually a dollar or two higher than chicken. This is because beef costs more to buy. The portions might look the same, but the cost is different.
- Beef with Broccoli – $11.95
- Pepper Steak – $12.50
- Mongolian Beef – $12.95
- Hunan Beef – $12.95
- Kung Pao Beef – $12.50
- Beef with Snow Peas – $12.95
Pepper Steak is a great choice. It has green peppers, onions, and a black pepper sauce. It is a classic American-Chinese dish that is very satisfying.
Make sure to check if the beef is sliced thin or cut into chunks. Thin slices cook faster and are more tender. Chunks can be tough if they are overcooked.
Pork Dishes
Pork is used a lot in Chinese cooking. It is versatile and takes on flavors well. You will see it in sweet dishes and savory ones.
- Sweet and Sour Pork – $11.50
- BBQ Pork with Broccoli – $11.95
- Twice Cooked Pork – $12.50
- Pork with Garlic Sauce – $11.95
- Shredded Pork with Peking Sauce – $12.50
Twice Cooked Pork is a Szechuan specialty. It has a spicy, salty sauce with cabbage and peppers. It is very flavorful and goes great with rice.
If you are watching your calories, pork might not be the best choice. The dishes are often fried first, then stir-fried with sauce. This adds extra oil and carbs.
Shrimp And Seafood
Seafood is the most expensive category on the menu. Shrimp is the most common option. Scallops and fish are sometimes available, but they cost more.
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce – $13.95
- Kung Pao Shrimp – $13.95
- Shrimp with Garlic Sauce – $13.95
- Shrimp with Broccoli – $13.50
- Shrimp Fried Rice – $12.95
- Scallops with Vegetables – $16.95
The shrimp with lobster sauce is not actually lobster. The sauce is made with fermented black beans and egg. It has a rich, savory taste that is very unique.
If you are allergic to shellfish, be very careful. The woks are often used for all dishes. Cross-contamination is possible. Tell your server about your allergy.
Vegetable And Tofu Dishes
Vegetarian options are becoming more common. Most menus have a section for vegetable dishes. These are the cheapest options on the menu.
- Vegetable Delight – $9.95
- Broccoli in Garlic Sauce – $9.95
- Mapo Tofu – $10.50
- Home Style Tofu – $10.95
- Sautéed Snow Peas – $11.50
- Eggplant in Garlic Sauce – $10.95
Mapo Tofu is a Szechuan dish. It is spicy and numbing. The tofu is soft and silky. It is served in a chili oil sauce with ground pork. Ask them to leave out the pork if you are vegetarian.
Eggplant in garlic sauce is another great choice. The eggplant is soft and absorbs the sauce well. It is a very comforting dish.
Fried Rice And Lo Mein
These are your staple carbs. You can order them as a side dish or as a main meal. The portions are generous.
- Vegetable Fried Rice – $8.50
- Chicken Fried Rice – $9.50
- Pork Fried Rice – $9.50
- Beef Fried Rice – $10.50
- Shrimp Fried Rice – $10.95
- House Special Fried Rice – $11.50
Lo Mein is a noodle dish. The noodles are soft and chewy. They are stir-fried with vegetables and your choice of protein.
- Vegetable Lo Mein – $8.95
- Chicken Lo Mein – $9.95
- Beef Lo Mein – $10.95
- Shrimp Lo Mein – $11.50
- House Special Lo Mein – $11.95
The House Special is the best value. It includes chicken, beef, and shrimp. You get a little bit of everything.
Combo Platters
Combo platters are designed for one person. They come with an entree, an egg roll, and fried rice. They are served on a large plate.
These are different from lunch specials. They are available all day. The portions are bigger.
- Chicken Chow Mein Combo – $10.95
- Sweet and Sour Chicken Combo – $11.95
- Beef with Broccoli Combo – $11.95
- Shrimp with Garlic Sauce Combo – $13.95
- Vegetable Combo – $9.95
If you are dining alone, this is the best option. You get a complete meal without having to order multiple dishes.
Family Dinners
If you are feeding a group, look for the family dinner section. This is usually a set menu for two, three, or four people. It includes soup, appetizers, and several main dishes.
This is the best way to save money. Ordering a la carte for a group can get expensive. The family dinner bundles everything together at a lower price.
For a party of two, you might get:
- Wonton Soup
- Egg Rolls
- General Tso’s Chicken
- Beef with Broccoli
- Fried Rice
The price for this is usually around $30 to $35. If you ordered these items separately, it would cost you over $40. It is a smart deal.
For a party of four, the price jumps to around $55 to $65. You get more dishes and larger portions. This is perfect for a family night where you do not want to cook.
Desserts And Drinks
Dessert options are limited. You will usually find fried ice cream or fortune cookies. The fortune cookies are free.
- Fried Ice Cream – $4.50
- Cheese Cake – $5.50
Drinks include soft drinks, iced tea, and sometimes bubble tea. Soft drinks are usually $2.00 to $2.50. Hot tea is often free with your meal.
I suggest skipping the dessert. The portions are small and the prices are high. You are better off saving your money.
Tips For Ordering
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you order.
- Ask for the sauce on the side. This keeps your food crispy.
- Request extra vegetables if you want more fiber.
- Check if white rice is included. Some places charge extra.
- Ask about the spice level. “Spicy” can mean different things.
- Look for a “spicy” menu. Some restaurants have a separate menu for authentic Szechuan dishes.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. The staff is usually happy to help you choose. They know the menu well.
How Prices Compare
Prices are higher in big cities. A lunch special in New York City might cost $10.95. The same lunch special in a small town in Ohio might cost $7.25.
Delivery apps also add a markup. The same dish will cost more if you order through Uber Eats or DoorDash. You also have to pay delivery fees and tips.
If you can, call the restaurant directly. You will get the best price. You can also ask about pickup specials. Many places offer a discount for pickup orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the menu and prices.
What is the average price for a dinner entree?
Most dinner entrees cost between $10 and $15. Seafood dishes are on the higher end. Vegetable dishes are on the lower end.
Is the lunch menu cheaper than the dinner menu?
Yes. Lunch specials are usually $3 to $5 cheaper than dinner entrees. They also come with a soup or an egg roll.
Can I order a half order of a dish?
Some restaurants allow this. You can ask for a half order of lo mein or fried rice. It is not always available for meat dishes.
Do they charge extra for brown rice?
Yes. Brown rice usually costs $2 to $3 more than white rice. This is a common upcharge at most Chinese restaurants.
Are there any hidden fees on the bill?
Some places add a service charge for large groups. This is usually 15% to 18% for parties of six or more. Check your bill before you tip.
Final Thoughts On The Menu
Reading the China Chef Menu with Prices is easy once you know the structure. Start with the lunch specials if you want a deal. Go for the chef’s specialties if you want quality. Pick the family dinner if you are feeding a group.
Do not be scared to try something new. The menu is long, but the flavors are worth it. Ask your server for a recommendation. They eat the food too.
Next time you go, you will know exactly what to order. You will also know what it should cost. That takes the stress out of the experience. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal.
Remember to check the local prices before you go. Menus change and prices go up. But the structure we talked about will stay the same. Use this guide as your roadmap.
I hope this helps you on your next visit. The food is hot, the service is fast, and the prices are fair. Go enjoy a great meal.