China Express keeps its counter service efficient, and the straightforward pricing reflects a kitchen that values consistency over constant change. When you look at the China Express menu with prices, you will notice that the cost of your meal depends mostly on the protein you select and the portion size you choose. This makes ordering quick for regulars who already know their usual combo.
Most locations operate as takeout counters inside food courts or strip malls. You walk up, order from the board, and wait a few minutes while they scoop fresh rice and stir-fried dishes from the hot trays. The menu is not complicated, which is part of the charm. You are not paying for fancy plating or table service. You are paying for generous portions of familiar Chinese-American food.
China Express Menu With Prices
Before you step up to the counter, it helps to know the general pricing structure. The China Express menu with prices typically breaks down into three main categories: individual plates, family meals, and side orders. Prices can shift slightly between states or cities, but the ranges below reflect the standard rates you will see in 2024.
Here is a quick look at the baseline costs you can expect:
- Small plate (one item plus rice): $6.50 to $7.99
- Regular plate (two items plus rice): $8.50 to $9.99
- Large plate (three items plus rice): $10.50 to $12.49
- Family meal (feeds 3-4 people): $22.00 to $28.00
- Side of fried rice: $3.00 to $4.50
- Side of white rice: $2.00 to $3.00
- Egg roll (single): $1.50 to $2.50
- Can of soda: $1.75 to $2.50
These prices are for the standard menu. Some locations run lunch specials before 3 PM, which can shave a dollar or two off the regular plate price. If you are on a budget, ask about the lunch combo when you walk in.
Main Entree Prices By Protein
The protein you pick changes the final price on the board. Chicken and tofu dishes sit at the lower end. Beef and shrimp dishes cost a bit more because the ingredients are pricier for the restaurant to buy. Here is the breakdown for the most common items you will see under the sneeze guard.
Chicken Dishes
Chicken is the workhorse of the China Express menu. You will find General Tso’s, orange chicken, sesame chicken, and sweet and sour chicken. These are all fried first, then tossed in a sticky sauce. Kung Pao chicken is stir-fried with peanuts, celery, and a mild chili kick.
- General Tso’s Chicken: $7.99 (small), $9.49 (regular), $11.49 (large)
- Orange Chicken: $7.99 (small), $9.49 (regular), $11.49 (large)
- Sesame Chicken: $7.99 (small), $9.49 (regular), $11.49 (large)
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: $7.99 (small), $9.49 (regular), $11.49 (large)
- Kung Pao Chicken: $7.49 (small), $8.99 (regular), $10.99 (large)
- Mongolian Chicken: $7.49 (small), $8.99 (regular), $10.99 (large)
The small size comes with one scoop of the entree. The regular size gets you two scoops. The large size gives you three scoops. Rice is always included in the plate price.
Beef Dishes
Beef items run about one dollar more than chicken at most counters. The portions are still generous, but the meat itself costs the restaurant more. You will usually see Mongolian beef, pepper steak, and broccoli beef on the hot line.
- Mongolian Beef: $8.49 (small), $9.99 (regular), $11.99 (large)
- Pepper Steak: $8.49 (small), $9.99 (regular), $11.99 (large)
- Broccoli Beef: $8.49 (small), $9.99 (regular), $11.99 (large)
- Beef with Mushrooms: $8.99 (small), $10.49 (regular), $12.49 (large)
If you want a mix of beef and chicken on the same plate, you can ask. Most cashiers will let you do one scoop of each for the regular price, but it depends on the location.
Shrimp And Seafood
Shrimp dishes are the priciest option on the standard China Express menu with prices. You will see shrimp with lobster sauce, fried shrimp, and shrimp with mixed vegetables. These are not on every location’s menu, so call ahead if you have your heart set on shrimp.
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce: $9.49 (small), $10.99 (regular), $12.99 (large)
- Fried Shrimp: $9.49 (small), $10.99 (regular), $12.99 (large)
- Shrimp with Vegetables: $9.49 (small), $10.99 (regular), $12.99 (large)
Some locations also offer a combo shrimp and chicken plate. This usually costs the same as a regular shrimp plate, so you get a little variety without paying extra.
Pork And Tofu Options
Pork dishes are less common on the menu, but you might find sweet and sour pork or pork fried rice. Tofu is usually available for vegetarians, though the sauce often contains chicken broth. Ask the counter person if you need it strictly vegetarian.
- Sweet and Sour Pork: $7.49 (small), $8.99 (regular), $10.99 (large)
- Vegetable Tofu: $6.99 (small), $8.49 (regular), $10.49 (large)
- Mapo Tofu: $6.99 (small), $8.49 (regular), $10.49 (large)
Tofu dishes are the cheapest protein option if you want to save a few bucks. The vegetable fried rice is also a good budget pick at around $5.99 for a full box.
Combination Plates And Meals
Combination plates are the best value if you are hungry. These come with the entree, a choice of fried rice or white rice, and one egg roll. The price is only slightly higher than the regular plate, but you get the appetizer included.
Here is the typical pricing for combo plates:
- Chicken Combo Plate: $9.99
- Beef Combo Plate: $10.99
- Shrimp Combo Plate: $11.99
- Vegetable Combo Plate: $8.99
The combo plate is the smart move for most people. You get the egg roll, which costs $2.00 on its own, for just a dollar more than the regular plate. That is a solid deal.
Family Meals For Groups
If you are feeding a family or a group of friends, the family meal is the way to go. It includes three pints of entree, a large container of fried rice, and four egg rolls. The price ranges from $22.00 to $28.00 depending on the proteins you choose.
For example:
- All chicken family meal: $22.99
- Two chicken, one beef family meal: $24.99
- Two chicken, one shrimp family meal: $26.99
This easily feeds four adults. If you have big eaters, you might want to add an extra pint of rice for $4.00. The family meal is not always listed on the printed menu, so you have to ask for it at the register.
Side Orders And Appetizers
The sides at China Express are cheap and meant to supplement the main plates. You can order them individually if you just want a snack or if you are building your own meal without the rice.
Appetizers
- Egg Roll: $2.00 each
- Spring Roll: $1.75 each
- Crab Rangoon (4 pieces): $3.99
- Fried Wontons (8 pieces): $4.49
- Chicken Wings (6 pieces): $6.99
The crab rangoon is a crowd favorite. It is cream cheese and a tiny bit of crab mixed together, wrapped in a wonton skin, and fried until crispy. Four pieces for $3.99 is a fair price.
Rice And Noodles
Rice is the base for every plate, but you can also order it as a side. The fried rice is made with egg, peas, carrots, and a little soy sauce. It is not greasy, which is nice.
- Small Fried Rice: $3.00
- Large Fried Rice: $4.50
- Small White Rice: $2.00
- Large White Rice: $3.00
- Lo Mein Noodles (small): $4.99
- Lo Mein Noodles (large): $6.99
- Chow Mein Noodles: $4.99
If you are watching carbs, you can ask for extra vegetables instead of rice. Some locations will do this at no extra charge, but others might add $1.00.
How To Order To Save Money
You can keep your bill low if you know how to work the system. Here are a few tips that regulars use when they visit China Express.
- Go before 3 PM on weekdays. The lunch special is usually $1.50 cheaper than the dinner price.
- Skip the combo plate if you do not want the egg roll. You save about $1.00.
- Ask for extra sauce on the side. The saucier dishes stretch further with more rice.
- Share a large plate between two people. The portion is big enough to split.
- Check if your location has a loyalty card. Some stores give a free drink after ten visits.
These small tricks can save you $3 to $5 per visit. Over a month of eating there twice a week, that adds up to real money.
What Is The Best Value Item
The best value on the China Express menu with prices is the regular two-item plate with chicken and broccoli beef. You get two different proteins, a mountain of rice, and enough food for two meals if you are a light eater. At $9.99, it is hard to beat.
The worst value is the small single-item plate. You pay $7.99 for one scoop of chicken and rice, which is only about a dollar less than the regular plate that gives you double the protein. Always size up if you can.
Drinks And Desserts
Drinks are standard fountain sodas. You will see Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, and sometimes orange soda or root beer. A medium drink costs about $1.99. A large is $2.49.
Some locations sell bottled water for $1.50 and canned sodas for $1.75. If you are watching your budget, ask for a cup of water. It is free.
Desserts are limited. You might find a small display of almond cookies or fortune cookies near the register. These are usually included free with your meal, so grab a couple on the way out.
Prices Can Vary By Location
Keep in mind that China Express is not a single corporate chain. There are many independently owned restaurants using this name. The menu and prices can vary from one store to the next. A location in a high-rent shopping mall will charge more than a standalone store in a strip mall.
If you are visiting a new city, expect the prices to be slightly different. The ranges in this article cover the vast majority of locations, but you might see a dollar or two difference in either direction. Always check the board before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does China Express Have A Secret Menu?
No, there is no secret menu. However, you can mix proteins on a plate. Ask for half chicken and half beef on the regular plate. Most cashiers will allow this at no extra charge.
Are The Prices On The China Express Menu With Prices The Same For Dine-in And Takeout?
Yes, the prices are the same. China Express is primarily a takeout counter. If they have a few tables, you can eat there, but you still order at the counter and pay the same price.
Does China Express Accept Credit Cards?
Most locations do accept credit cards and mobile payments now. Some older counters are still cash only. Look for the card reader on the counter or ask before you order.
Can I Order China Express Online?
Many locations are listed on third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The prices on those apps are higher because the app takes a cut. You will pay less if you order directly over the phone or in person.
Is The Food At China Express Halal Or Kosher?
No, the food is not halal or kosher. The kitchen uses shared cooking surfaces and sauces that contain non-halal ingredients. If you have strict dietary requirements, this is not the right place for you.
Final Thoughts On Pricing
The China Express menu with prices is simple, fair, and geared toward fast service. You will not find gourmet ingredients or complex preparations. What you will find is hot, fresh Chinese-American food served in portions that do not leave you hungry.
For under $10, you can get a filling meal with two proteins and rice. That is a hard deal to match anywhere else. The prices have stayed stable over the last few years, which is rare in the fast food world.
Next time you are near a China Express counter, skip the burger joint and grab a plate. Your wallet and your stomach will both thank you. Just remember to check the board for the daily special, and do not forget to grab a few extra soy sauce packets on your way out.