Neighborhood spots rarely post their full offerings online, but the Chinese Kitchen menu with prices circulates through every office break room. You have probably seen a crumpled takeout copy sitting by the coffee machine or stuck to a coworker’s monitor. Everyone wants to know what things cost before they call in an order.
This guide breaks down the typical pricing structure you will find at most Chinese Kitchen locations. We will look at appetizers, soups, chef specials, and combination plates. You will also learn how to read the menu symbols and avoid common ordering mistakes.
Why The Menu Pricing Varies By Location
Chinese Kitchen is not a single corporate chain with one set price list. Many independent restaurants use this name. So, the prices you see in one city might be higher or lower than another.
Several factors change the final bill. Your location plays the biggest role. A restaurant in a big city pays higher rent and wages. That cost shows up in the food prices.
Here is what usually affects the numbers:
- Cost of local ingredients and produce
- Minimum wage laws in your state
- Whether the restaurant offers dine-in service or is takeout only
- Delivery app fees and commission rates
You should always check the specific menu handed out at your local branch. The prices listed in this article represent common averages seen across the country.
Chinese Kitchen Menu With Prices
Below is a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to pay. These are standard price points for a typical Chinese Kitchen restaurant. Keep in mind that lunch specials often cost less than dinner portions.
Appetizers And Starters
Appetizers are usually the cheapest part of the meal. They are great for sharing or for adding a little variety to your main dish.
- Egg Roll (1 piece) – $1.75 to $2.50
- Spring Roll (1 piece) – $1.50 to $2.25
- Fried or Steamed Dumplings (6 pieces) – $6.95 to $8.95
- Pork or Chicken Fried Rice (pint) – $4.50 to $6.50
- Vegetable Lo Mein (pint) – $5.00 to $6.95
- Boneless Ribs (small) – $7.95 to $9.95
- Chicken Wings (6 pieces) – $7.50 to $9.00
- Crab Rangoon (6 pieces) – $5.95 to $7.50
Most places offer a “Pu Pu Platter” for two. This combo includes a mix of ribs, skewers, wings, and rolls. It usually costs between $18.00 and $24.00.
Soups And Salads
Soups come in two standard sizes: pint and quart. A pint feeds one or two people. A quart is better for a family or if you want leftovers.
- Wonton Soup (pint) – $4.25 / (quart) – $7.50
- Egg Drop Soup (pint) – $3.75 / (quart) – $6.50
- Hot and Sour Soup (pint) – $4.25 / (quart) – $7.50
- Chicken Corn Soup (pint) – $4.50 / (quart) – $7.95
- House Special Soup (pint) – $5.50 / (quart) – $9.95
Salads are less common on these menus. If they are available, a simple chicken or shrimp salad will run you about $6.95 to $8.95.
Chef Specials And House Favorites
This section of the menu is where you find the more complex dishes. These plates often use higher-quality ingredients or special sauces. They also take more time to prepare.
Chef specials are usually served with a side of white rice. Some locations include fried rice for an extra dollar or two.
- General Tso’s Chicken – $12.95 to $15.95
- Orange Beef or Chicken – $13.50 to $16.50
- Moo Shu Pork (with pancakes) – $11.95 to $14.95
- Hunan Shrimp – $13.95 to $16.95
- Sesame Chicken – $12.50 to $15.50
- Dragon and Phoenix (shrimp and chicken) – $15.95 to $18.95
- Seafood Combination – $16.95 to $19.95
These dishes are the most expensive items on the board. They are also the most popular for a reason. The portions are usually large enough for two meals.
Chicken, Pork, And Beef Entrees
Standard entrees are cheaper than chef specials. They come in a smaller portion size. You will pick your protein and then choose a sauce or preparation style.
Here is a look at the standard price range for these dishes:
- Chicken with Broccoli – $10.95 to $13.50
- Kung Pao Chicken – $11.50 to $14.50
- Sweet and Sour Pork – $10.95 to $13.95
- Beef with Snow Peas – $12.95 to $15.95
- Pepper Steak – $11.95 to $14.95
- Mongolian Beef – $12.50 to $15.50
- Chicken with Garlic Sauce – $11.50 to $14.50
When you order a lunch portion of these same dishes, the price drops significantly. Lunch specials usually cost between $7.95 and $9.95. They include an egg roll and soup.
Vegetable And Tofu Dishes
Vegetarian options are usually the most affordable on the menu. Dont let the low price fool you. These dishes are often packed with flavor and fresh vegetables.
- Vegetable Delight – $9.95 to $12.50
- Buddha’s Delight (mixed vegetables with tofu) – $10.50 to $13.50
- Ma Po Tofu – $10.95 to $13.95
- Garlic Green Beans – $9.50 to $12.95
- Broccoli in Garlic Sauce – $9.95 to $12.50
You can usually add chicken, beef, or shrimp to any vegetable dish. The restaurant will charge an extra $2.00 to $4.00 for the protein.
Fried Rice And Lo Mein
These staples are sold as sides or as full meals. If you order them as a side, you get a smaller container. As a main dish, the restaurant adds more protein.
- Vegetable Fried Rice – $7.95 to $10.50
- Pork Fried Rice – $8.50 to $11.50
- Chicken Fried Rice – $8.50 to $11.50
- Shrimp Fried Rice – $9.95 to $12.95
- House Special Fried Rice – $10.95 to $13.95
- Vegetable Lo Mein – $8.50 to $11.50
- Chicken or Pork Lo Mein – $9.50 to $12.50
- Shrimp Lo Mein – $10.50 to $13.50
Lo mein noodles are soft and chewy. Fried rice is smoky and filling. Both are excellent bases for your main protein choice.
Combination Plates
Combination plates are the best value on the menu. They include an entree, an egg roll, and your choice of pork fried rice or white rice. Some places also add a can of soda.
These plates are designed for a single person. They are usually served on a large oval plate with the rice in the center.
- Chicken Chow Mein Combo – $8.95
- Sweet and Sour Chicken Combo – $8.95
- Beef Broccoli Combo – $9.95
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce Combo – $10.95
- BBQ Pork Combo – $8.95
The combo prices are close to the lunch special prices. However, combos are often available all day long. Lunch specials usually stop at 3:00 PM.
Side Orders And Extras
You will need extra sides to round out your meal. These are the cheapest items on the menu. They are perfect for feeding a crowd or for adding bulk to a small order.
- Steamed White Rice (pint) – $2.50 / (quart) – $4.00
- Steamed Brown Rice (pint) – $3.00 / (quart) – $4.50
- Plain Lo Mein Noodles (pint) – $4.50
- Gravy (side cup) – $1.00
- Fortune Cookies (5 pieces) – $1.00
- Extra Sauce (packet) – $0.50
Some restaurants charge for extra sauce packets. Others give them away for free. It is always smart to ask when you place your order.
How To Read The Menu Symbols
Chinese menus use symbols to communicate important information. You need to know what these marks mean before you order.
Here are the most common symbols you will see:
- A small chili pepper icon means the dish is spicy
- A leaf icon indicates a vegetarian dish
- A “Chef’s Special” tag means the dish is a house creation
- A number next to the dish is the spice level on a scale of 1 to 5
If you see a dish marked with a “P” or “Sh”, it means the price changes with the market. This is common for seafood items like crab or lobster.
Do not be afraid to ask your server about the symbols. They can tell you exactly what each one means for that specific restaurant.
Tips For Ordering On A Budget
You can eat well at Chinese Kitchen without spending a lot of money. You just need to know a few tricks.
First, always check for a lunch menu. Lunch specials are the cheapest way to get a full meal. They are served from opening until 3:00 PM on weekdays.
Second, order family style. Instead of everyone getting their own entree, order two or three dishes for the table. Add a large fried rice and a soup. This feeds four people easily for less money.
Third, skip the appetizers. The egg rolls are good, but they add $2.00 to your total. Use that money to upgrade your fried rice to “House Special” instead.
Here is a quick checklist for your next order:
- Call the restaurant directly instead of using a delivery app
- Ask if they have any current specials or coupons
- Order a combination plate for the best value
- Request extra sauce on the side to avoid dry leftovers
- Pick up your order to save on delivery fees and tips
Calling the restaurant directly is the best tip. Delivery apps charge high fees. The restaurant also has to raise prices on the app to cover the commission. You will save 15 to 20 percent just by calling in your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Chinese Kitchen Prices Differ From The Online Menu?
Many restaurants update their in-store menu before they update their website. Inflation and supply costs also cause frequent price changes. The menu you see online might be several months old. Always call to confirm the price before you order.
Is The Lunch Menu Cheaper Than The Dinner Menu?
Yes, lunch menus are almost always cheaper. Lunch portions are slightly smaller. They also include a soup and an egg roll. This makes them a better deal than a full dinner entree.
Can I Get A Discount For Paying In Cash?
Some Chinese Kitchen locations offer a small discount for cash payments. This is because they avoid credit card processing fees. You can save about 3 to 5 percent. It never hurts to ask when you call.
What Is The Average Price For A Meal For Two?
You can expect to pay between $25 and $35 for a meal for two. This includes one appetizer, two entrees, and a side of fried rice. If you order chef specials and drinks, the price goes up to about $45.
Are There Gluten-free Options On The Menu?
Most Chinese Kitchen menus are not gluten-free friendly. Soy sauce contains wheat. You can ask for dishes prepared without soy sauce. Your options will be limited to steamed proteins and vegetables.
Final Thoughts On Pricing
The Chinese Kitchen menu with prices is your key to a satisfying meal. You now know the average cost for every category. You understand how to spot a good deal and how to avoid overpaying.
Remember that prices vary by location. What costs $10 in Ohio might cost $14 in New York. The best strategy is to call ahead and ask for the current price list. This saves you from any surprises when the bill arrives.
Next time you are hungry for takeout, use this guide. You will walk in with confidence. You will order like a regular and you will know exactly what your meal will cost before you hand over your card.