China Cook keeps its lunch specials affordable, but the dinner menu with prices reveals why locals skip the fast food line. You might be looking for a full breakdown of the China Cook menu with prices before you place your next order. This guide covers the most popular dishes, portion sizes, and what each item actually costs in 2024.
We have looked at the standard menu, the lunch specials, and the family dinner combos. You will find exact numbers for popular items like General Tso’s chicken and shrimp fried rice. We also point out which dishes give you the best value for your money.
China Cook Menu With Prices: The Basics
China Cook is a classic American-Chinese takeout spot. They focus on quick service, large portions, and flavors that appeal to a wide range of customers. The menu is extensive, but it is organized into clear sections like appetizers, soups, chef specials, and combo plates.
Before you order, you should know that prices can vary slightly by location. The figures below reflect the standard pricing at the main branch. If you are ordering through a delivery app like DoorDash or Uber Eats, expect a small markup on each item.
Appetizers And Sides
You can start your meal with a few classic appetizers. These are perfect for sharing, but they also work well as a light meal on their own.
- Egg Roll (1 piece) – $1.75
- Spring Roll (1 piece) – $1.75
- Fried Wontons (8 pieces) – $5.25
- Crab Rangoon (6 pieces) – $6.50
- Chicken Wings (6 pieces) – $8.95
- Barbecue Spare Ribs (4 pieces) – $9.75
- Shrimp Toast (4 pieces) – $6.25
The crab rangoon is a customer favorite. You get a crispy shell with a sweet, creamy center. The barbecue ribs are also generous, but they are sticky and sweet, so have napkins ready.
Soup And Salad Options
Most people skip the soup to save room for the main course. If you want a starter, the hot and sour soup is a solid choice. It has a good kick without being overpowering.
- Wonton Soup (Quart) – $7.50
- Hot and Sour Soup (Quart) – $7.50
- Egg Drop Soup (Quart) – $6.95
- Chicken Rice Soup (Quart) – $7.25
- House Special Soup (Quart) – $9.95
A quart is usually enough for two people. If you are dining alone, you might want to order a pint instead, which is roughly half the price.
Lunch Specials Versus Dinner Pricing
The lunch menu is where you find the best deals. China Cook serves lunch specials from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays. These meals come with an egg roll and your choice of fried rice or white rice. You also get a small bowl of soup.
Dinner portions are larger. You get more meat and more rice, but you pay for that increase. Dinner entrees do not include the soup or egg roll unless you order a combo plate.
Popular Chicken Dishes
Chicken is the backbone of the menu. You will see these dishes ordered constantly, and they are cooked to order.
- General Tso’s Chicken (Lunch) – $8.95
- General Tso’s Chicken (Dinner) – $13.95
- Orange Chicken (Lunch) – $8.95
- Orange Chicken (Dinner) – $13.95
- Kung Pao Chicken (Lunch) – $8.95
- Kung Pao Chicken (Dinner) – $13.95
- Sweet and Sour Chicken (Lunch) – $8.95
- Sweet and Sour Chicken (Dinner) – $13.95
- Sesame Chicken (Dinner) – $13.95
- Moo Goo Gai Pan (Dinner) – $12.95
General Tso’s is the spiciest of the group. It has a slight heat that builds as you eat. The orange chicken is sweeter and has a brighter citrus flavor. If you cannot decide, go with the sesame chicken. It is a happy medium between sweet and savory.
Beef And Pork Entrees
Beef dishes usually cost a dollar or two more than chicken. This is because the ingredients are more expensive for the restaurant.
- Beef with Broccoli (Lunch) – $9.25
- Beef with Broccoli (Dinner) – $14.50
- Mongolian Beef (Dinner) – $14.95
- Pepper Steak with Onion (Dinner) – $14.50
- Kung Pao Beef (Dinner) – $14.95
- Roast Pork with Vegetables (Dinner) – $13.50
- Sweet and Sour Pork (Dinner) – $13.95
Beef with broccoli is the go-to for many health-conscious eaters. The sauce is light, and the broccoli stays crisp. Mongolian beef is a bit sweeter and has a hint of garlic. It comes with scallions, which add a nice crunch.
Seafood Specialties
Seafood is the premium category on the menu. Shrimp dishes are common, but you will also find scallops and lobster sauce options.
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce (Dinner) – $15.95
- Kung Pao Shrimp (Dinner) – $15.50
- Shrimp with Broccoli (Dinner) – $15.50
- Shrimp Fried Rice (Dinner) – $12.95
- Happy Combination (Chicken, Beef, Shrimp) – $16.95
- Triple Delight (Chicken, Beef, Shrimp) – $16.95
The Happy Combination is a good way to sample multiple proteins. It is a large portion, so you can easily get two meals out of it. The shrimp are usually large and cooked properly, not rubbery.
Fried Rice And Lo Mein
You cannot have a Chinese takeout meal without rice or noodles. These are available as sides or as full meals with protein mixed in.
Fried Rice Varieties
Fried rice at China Cook is wok-fried with soy sauce, peas, carrots, and egg. You can choose your protein.
- Vegetable Fried Rice – $8.95
- Chicken Fried Rice – $9.95
- Roast Pork Fried Rice – $9.95
- Beef Fried Rice – $10.95
- Shrimp Fried Rice – $11.95
- House Special Fried Rice – $12.95
The house special fried rice includes chicken, beef, and shrimp. It is the most filling option. If you order a dinner entree, you can substitute fried rice for white rice for an extra $1.50.
Lo Mein And Chow Mein
Lo mein noodles are soft and chewy. Chow mein at this restaurant is actually crispy noodles, not soft. Make sure you know which one you want before ordering.
- Vegetable Lo Mein – $8.95
- Chicken Lo Mein – $9.95
- Roast Pork Lo Mein – $9.95
- Beef Lo Mein – $10.95
- Shrimp Lo Mein – $11.95
- House Special Lo Mein – $12.95
Lo mein portions are huge. A single order can feed two people if you also have an appetizer. The noodles are coated in a savory sauce that is not too salty.
Chef Specials And Family Dinners
If you are feeding a group, the family dinners are the smartest choice. They bundle several entrees together at a discount compared to ordering a la carte.
Family Dinner Options
These are designed for 2 to 4 people. They include an appetizer platter, soup, and multiple entrees.
- Family Dinner for 2 – $38.95 (Includes 2 entrees, 2 egg rolls, and soup)
- Family Dinner for 3 – $52.95 (Includes 3 entrees, 4 egg rolls, and soup)
- Family Dinner for 4 – $64.95 (Includes 4 entrees, 6 egg rolls, and soup)
You can pick any combination of chicken, beef, or pork for these dinners. Seafood dishes usually require an upgrade fee of $2.00 per item. The family dinner comes with white rice. Upgrading to fried rice costs an extra $3.00 per order.
Chef’s Special Plates
These are unique dishes that you will not find in the regular sections. They are often more complex and use higher-quality ingredients.
- Hunan Chicken – $14.95
- Szechuan Beef – $15.50
- Lemon Chicken – $14.50
- Mango Chicken – $15.95
- Dragon and Phoenix (Shrimp and Chicken) – $17.95
The Dragon and Phoenix is a visual treat. The shrimp are arranged in a circle with the chicken in the middle. It is a popular choice for celebrations.
Combination Plates And Sides
Combination plates are the easiest way to order a full meal. They include an entree, an egg roll, and fried rice. These are available all day, not just at lunch.
Standard Combo Plates
- Chicken Chow Mein Combo – $10.95
- Sweet and Sour Pork Combo – $10.95
- Beef with Broccoli Combo – $11.95
- Shrimp with Garlic Sauce Combo – $12.95
Combos are a great value if you want a single serving. The portion is smaller than a full dinner entree, but it is still enough for one person. You get a lot of food for under $12.
Extra Sides And Sauces
You can always add extra items to your order. These are the standard prices for sides.
- White Rice (Pint) – $2.50
- White Rice (Quart) – $4.00
- Fried Rice (Pint) – $3.50
- Fried Rice (Quart) – $5.50
- Gravy (Side) – $1.00
- Duck Sauce (Packet) – $0.25
- Fortune Cookies (5 pieces) – $1.00
You should always ask for extra duck sauce and hot mustard. They usually give it to you for free if you ask nicely. The hot mustard here is strong, so use it sparingly.
How To Save Money On Your Order
There are several ways to reduce your total bill at China Cook. You just need to know the system.
- Order during lunch hours (11 AM – 3 PM) on weekdays for the best prices.
- Skip the delivery apps and call the restaurant directly. You save on service fees and delivery charges.
- Order the family dinner if you have more than two people. It is cheaper than buying separate entrees.
- Ask for white rice instead of fried rice. It is healthier and sometimes cheaper.
- Check if the restaurant has a loyalty card. Some locations offer a free entree after 10 purchases.
Another tip is to order the dinner entree and split it. The portions are large enough for two meals. You pay for one dinner and get lunch for the next day.
What To Avoid On The Menu
Not everything on the menu is a winner. Some items are overpriced for what you get. The shrimp toast is often greasy. The wonton soup is bland compared to the hot and sour soup.
The “Happy Family” dish is also overpriced at $17.95. You are better off ordering the Happy Combination, which has the same ingredients for a dollar less. The difference is just the presentation.
Also, be careful with the spice levels. The menu marks items as spicy, but the heat level is inconsistent. If you are sensitive to spice, ask for the sauce on the side. You can always add it later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does China Cook Have A Secret Menu?
No, China Cook does not have an official secret menu. However, you can ask for customizations like extra vegetables or a specific spice level. The kitchen is usually willing to adjust dishes to your preference.
Is The China Cook Menu With Prices The Same For Delivery?
No, delivery prices are usually 10-15% higher than the in-store menu. Third-party apps also add their own fees. If you want the lowest price, order for pickup.
Are There Any Vegetarian Options On The Menu?
Yes, there are several vegetarian options. You can order vegetable fried rice, vegetable lo mein, or the Buddhist Delight. Make sure to ask for no oyster sauce if you are strict about it.
What Is The Most Popular Dish At China Cook?
General Tso’s Chicken is the most ordered item. It is followed closely by Crab Rangoon and Beef with Broccoli. These are the dishes that most regulars recommend to first-timers.
Does China Cook Accept Credit Cards?
Yes, China Cook accepts all major credit cards and mobile payments. They also accept cash, but they do not offer a discount for paying in cash.
Final Thoughts On Pricing
The China Cook menu with prices shows a clear pattern. You pay a premium for dinner portions and seafood. The lunch specials are the best value, but the family dinners are also worth it for groups.
If you are on a budget, stick to the chicken and pork dishes. They are filling and affordable. If you want to treat yourself, the shrimp and scallop dishes are worth the extra cost. The quality is consistent, and the portions are generous.
Next time you are deciding where to eat, look at the full menu before you call. Knowing the prices ahead of time helps you avoid sticker shock at the register. You can plan your meal, pick your sides, and stay within your budget.
China Cook might not be the fanciest restaurant in town, but it delivers exactly what you expect. Good food, fast service, and fair prices. That is why the parking lot is always full at dinner time.