Your regular order at China Garden might be second nature, but checking their updated prices before you call could change your mind about the lunch specials. The China Garden Menu with Prices has shifted slightly over the last year, and knowing exactly what you will pay before you walk in the door saves you from that awkward moment at the register. Whether you are a local regular or a first-time visitor, having a clear picture of the cost structure helps you plan a better meal without overspending.
In this guide, we break down the full price list, portion sizes, and the best value items on the menu. We also look at how the dinner combos compare to the a la carte options, so you can make a smart choice every time.
Why The China Garden Menu With Prices Matters
Prices at Chinese restaurants tend to fluctuate based on food supply costs and local demand. China Garden is no exception. If you have not visited in a few months, you might be surprised to see that your usual shrimp fried rice now costs a bit more.
Knowing the current price list also helps you budget for family meals. A party of four can easily spend over sixty dollars if you are not careful. But, with the right information, you can feed everyone for under forty bucks by sticking to the lunch specials or the family dinner combos.
How To Read The Price List
The menu is usually divided into several sections. You have appetizers, soups, chef specials, and the standard chow mein or chop suey dishes. Each section has a different price point, and the lunch menu is often cheaper than the dinner menu for the exact same item.
Most locations also add a small charge for extra rice or for splitting a dish. Always ask about these add-ons when you call in your order, because they can add up quickly.
Appetizers And Sides Pricing
You can not start a meal without a few appetizers. The prices here are generally reasonable, but they are the easiest way to blow your budget if you order too many.
- Egg Roll (pork or vegetable) – $1.95 each
- Shrimp Roll – $2.50 each
- Fried or Steamed Dumplings (6 pieces) – $7.25
- Barbecue Spare Ribs (4 pieces) – $9.95
- Boneless Ribs (small) – $8.75
- Chicken Wings (6 pieces) – $8.50
- Fried Wontons (8 pieces) – $6.95
- Pu Pu Platter for Two – $18.95
The Pu Pu Platter is a great deal if you want to try a little bit of everything. It includes ribs, skewered beef, chicken wings, egg rolls, and fried wontons. For two people, this is often enough to skip the soup course entirely.
Soup And Salad Options
Soups are usually served in two sizes. A small bowl is good for one person, while a large quart is perfect for sharing.
- Wonton Soup (small) – $3.50 / (large) – $7.95
- Egg Drop Soup (small) – $3.25 / (large) – $7.50
- Hot and Sour Soup (small) – $3.75 / (large) – $8.25
- Chicken Corn Soup (small) – $4.25 / (large) – $9.50
- House Special Soup (small) – $5.95 / (large) – $12.95
The hot and sour soup is a crowd favorite. It has a nice kick to it, and the large size is enough for three people if you are also ordering entrees.
China Garden Menu With Prices: Lunch Specials
The lunch specials are the best value on the entire menu. They are served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays only. Each lunch special comes with an entree, a choice of pork fried rice or white rice, and an egg roll or a can of soda.
Here is the current pricing for the most popular lunch combos:
- Chicken Chow Mein – $8.95
- Shrimp Chow Mein – $9.95
- Beef with Broccoli – $9.25
- Kung Pao Chicken – $9.25
- Sweet and Sour Pork – $8.95
- Moo Goo Gai Pan – $9.25
- Vegetable Delight – $8.50
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce – $10.25
If you choose the fried rice, you will get a generous portion. The white rice option is lighter, but the fried rice is more flavorful. We suggest the fried rice because it makes the meal feel more complete.
Lunch Combo Add-Ons
You can upgrade your lunch special for a small fee. For example, you can swap the egg roll for a cup of wonton soup for an extra $1.25. You can also get extra sauce on the side for free, but extra meat will cost you about $3.00.
Some locations also offer a “Lunch Boat” which includes a bit more food. This is usually priced around $12.50 and includes an appetizer, soup, and a smaller entree. It is a good option if you are really hungry.
Dinner Entrees And Chef Specials
Dinner portions are larger than lunch portions, but they come with a higher price tag. Most dinner entrees do not include rice. You have to order that separately, which is an extra cost.
Here is a breakdown of the standard dinner menu items:
- Chicken with Garlic Sauce – $13.95
- General Tso’s Chicken – $14.50
- Orange Chicken – $14.50
- Shrimp with Snow Peas – $15.95
- Scallops with Garlic Sauce – $17.95
- Beef with Mushroom – $14.95
- Twice Cooked Pork – $13.50
- Vegetable Tofu – $11.95
The chef specials are listed on the back of the menu. These are usually more elaborate and use higher quality ingredients. Expect to pay between $16.00 and $22.00 for these dishes. The “Dragon and Phoenix” which is a combination of chicken and shrimp, is usually around $18.95.
Family Dinner Combos
If you are feeding a group, the family dinner combos are the way to go. They include soup, appetizers, and several entrees. The price varies based on how many people you are feeding.
- Family Dinner for Two – $32.95
- Family Dinner for Three – $46.95
- Family Dinner for Four – $58.95
These combos include a choice of two or three entrees from a specific list. You also get an order of pork fried rice and two egg rolls. This is significantly cheaper than ordering everything a la carte.
Fried Rice, Lo Mein, And Chow Mein
These staple dishes are available as sides or as main courses. If you order them as a side, they are cheaper. As a main dish, they often come with extra meat and vegetables.
- Vegetable Fried Rice – $9.95
- Chicken Fried Rice – $11.95
- Shrimp Fried Rice – $13.50
- House Special Fried Rice – $13.95
- Vegetable Lo Mein – $10.50
- Chicken Lo Mein – $12.50
- Shrimp Lo Mein – $14.25
- Chicken Chow Mein (with noodles) – $12.95
A side order of plain steamed rice is usually around $2.50. A side of brown rice is a bit more, usually $3.00. The house special fried rice is loaded with pork, chicken, and shrimp, making it a meal on its own.
Portion Sizes And Sharing
Most dinner entrees are big enough for two people if you also order an appetizer. The lunch specials, however, are just right for one person. If you are on a budget, you can order one dinner entree and two extra sides of rice to feed a family of three.
Do not forget to ask for extra gravy or sauce. It is usually free, and it helps stretch the meal further.
Desserts And Drinks
Desserts are limited at most China Garden locations. You will typically find fried bananas or fortune cookies. These are very cheap, usually under $3.00.
- Fried Banana (2 pieces) – $2.95
- Fortune Cookies (5 pieces) – $1.00
- Lychee Fruit Cup – $3.50
Drinks are standard. Soft drinks are around $2.50 per can. Hot tea is usually free when you dine in. If you order takeout, they might not include the tea, so ask for it if you want it.
How To Save Money On Your Order
There are several ways to reduce your total bill at China Garden. It is not just about picking the cheapest item. It is about making smart choices.
- Always order the lunch special if you are dining before 3 PM. You get more food for less money.
- Skip the appetizers and order an extra soup instead. Soups are filling and cheaper.
- Share a family dinner combo. Even the two-person combo can feed three light eaters.
- Ask for extra rice. It costs a little, but it makes the main dish last longer.
- Check for online coupons or delivery app deals. Many times you can get 10% off your first order.
- Order water instead of soda. This saves you about $2.50 per person.
If you are ordering for pickup, call the restaurant directly. Delivery apps often add a markup to the menu prices. You might pay $1.50 more per item just for the convenience of the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does China Garden have a senior discount?
Yes, many locations offer a 10% discount for seniors over the age of 65. You have to ask for it when you pay. It is not always advertised.
Are the prices on the China Garden Menu with Prices the same for delivery?
No, delivery prices are usually higher. The restaurant raises the price by about 15% to cover the delivery service fees. Pickup is always cheaper.
Is there a gluten-free menu available?
Most China Garden locations do not have a dedicated gluten-free menu. However, you can ask for dishes without soy sauce. Steamed rice and plain vegetables are safe options.
Can I order just the sauce or gravy?
Yes, you can order a small container of sauce for about $0.75. Some locations give it away free if you are already ordering a large meal.
What is the cheapest item on the menu?
The cheapest item is usually the small bowl of plain rice or a single egg roll. The vegetable lunch special is the cheapest full meal, coming in around $8.50.
Final Thoughts On Pricing
The prices we listed here are accurate for most locations, but they can vary slightly from state to state. A restaurant in a big city might charge a dollar or two more than one in a small town. Always check the menu at your specific location before you order.
If you are watching your spending, stick to the lunch specials and the family combos. If you want to try the chef specials, be ready to pay a premium. The food quality is generally high, but the price difference is noticeable.
Keep this guide handy the next time you pick up the phone. You will know exactly what to expect, and you will not have to guess about the final total. That way, you can enjoy your meal without worrying about the bill.
Remember to ask about the daily specials too. Sometimes they offer a dish that is not on the regular menu, and it might be a better deal than the standard options. The staff is usually happy to tell you what is fresh that day.
So, go ahead and plan your next meal. With these prices in mind, you can order with confidence and get the best value for your money.