The menu at Oriental Garden walks a line between Americanized Chinese classics and traditional offerings, with prices that vary by the dish’s complexity. If you are looking for the Oriental Garden menu with prices before you visit, you came to the right spot. This guide breaks down what things cost, what is worth ordering, and how to get the best value for your money.
We know that menu prices change. They also differ between lunch and dinner service. So, we looked at recent menus, online ordering portals, and customer receipts to give you a reliable snapshot. Let’s get right into the numbers and the dishes.
Appetizers And Small Plates Pricing
Starting with appetizers is a good way to sample the kitchen’s skill. The portions here are generous, so you might want to share a couple of plates.
Here is what you can expect to pay for starters at most locations:
- Pork or Vegetable Egg Rolls: $2.50 – $3.50 each
- Crab Rangoon (6 pieces): $7.95 – $9.50
- Chicken Wings (6 pieces): $9.95 – $11.00
- Beef on a Stick (2 skewers): $8.50 – $10.00
- Fried or Steamed Dumplings (6): $8.95 – $10.50
- Hot and Sour Soup (bowl): $4.50 – $6.00
- Wonton Soup (bowl): $5.00 – $6.50
- Egg Drop Soup (bowl): $3.95 – $5.50
You will often find a “Chef’s Special Platter” for two. That usually runs about $18.95 to $22.00. It includes a mix of ribs, skewers, and rolls. It is a solid deal if you want variety.
Soup And Salad Combinations
Many diners skip the separate soup order. Instead, they go for the lunch combo that includes soup and an egg roll. If you are eating dinner only, the soups are large enough to split between two people.
The house salad is simple. It is usually iceberg lettuce with a ginger dressing. You can get it as a side for $2.00. But honestly, the hot and sour soup is the better choice here.
Oriental Garden Menu With Prices For Lunch
Lunch is where you find the best bargains. The lunch menu is served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays. It is typically not available on Sundays or holidays.
Lunch combinations come with your choice of entree, fried rice or white rice, and an egg roll or wonton soup. The price range for these platters is very consistent.
- Lunch Combo (General Tso’s, Sweet and Sour Pork, etc.): $8.95 – $10.50
- Lunch Combo (Beef or Shrimp with Vegetables): $9.50 – $11.50
- Lunch Combo (Sesame Chicken or Orange Chicken): $9.25 – $10.95
- Vegetable Lunch Combo: $8.50 – $9.95
These lunch plates are huge. You will likely have leftovers for dinner. The price increase from chicken to beef or shrimp is usually around one dollar.
Why Lunch Beats Dinner For Value
The dinner menu prices are about 30% higher than lunch. This is standard practice. The dinner portions are larger, but the lunch portion is already enough for most people.
If you are on a budget, go for the lunch special. You get the same quality of meat and sauce. The only real difference is the portion size of the protein.
House Specialties And Chef Recommendations
This section of the menu is where you see the higher price points. These dishes are often more complex. They use better cuts of meat or include seafood.
Here is the typical price range for the house specialties:
- Happy Family (beef, chicken, shrimp, and veggies): $15.95 – $18.50
- Dragon and Phoenix (shrimp and chicken): $16.50 – $19.00
- Seafood Delight (lobster, scallops, and shrimp): $18.95 – $22.00
- Triple Delight: $15.50 – $18.00
- Moo Shu Pork or Chicken (with pancakes): $13.95 – $16.50
These dishes are meant to be the stars of the table. They are usually served on a large platter. The sauces are thicker and more flavorful than the standard lunch fare.
What To Look For In A Chef Special
Look for dishes that specify “fresh” vegetables. If the menu says “crisp” or “seasonal,” that is a good sign. Avoid the ones that just say “mixed vegetables” if you want higher quality ingredients.
Also, check if the price is “market price” for lobster. That means the cost changes daily. Always ask your server for the current price before ordering.
Chicken, Pork, And Beef Entrees
This is the core of the menu. These are the dishes that most people order on a weekly basis. The prices here are moderate.
Here is the breakdown for standard dinner portions:
- Chicken with Broccoli: $12.95 – $14.50
- Kung Pao Chicken: $12.95 – $14.50
- Mongolian Beef: $13.95 – $15.50
- Beef with Snow Peas: $14.50 – $16.00
- Sweet and Sour Pork: $12.50 – $14.00
- Shredded Pork with Garlic Sauce: $12.95 – $14.50
- Hunan Beef: $13.95 – $15.50
Notice that beef dishes are almost always one to two dollars more than chicken. This reflects the wholesale cost of the ingredients. Pork is usually the cheapest option on the menu.
Spice Level And Preparation
You can ask for any dish to be made mild, medium, or hot. There is no extra charge for this. However, if you want them to add extra chili oil or peanuts, there might be a small surcharge of $0.50 to $1.00.
Also, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. This usually costs an extra $1.50 to $2.00 per order. Steamed rice is always included in the dinner price, but fried rice is not.
Seafood And Shrimp Dishes
Seafood prices are higher. You need to be careful here because some dishes use “frozen” shrimp while others use “fresh.” The menu should specify this.
Standard pricing for shrimp and fish entrees:
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce: $14.95 – $16.50
- Shrimp with Garlic Sauce: $14.50 – $16.00
- Kung Pao Shrimp: $14.95 – $16.50
- Scallops with Vegetables: $17.95 – $20.00
- Fish Filet in Black Bean Sauce: $15.95 – $18.00
- Shrimp Chow Mein or Lo Mein: $13.95 – $15.50
If you see “Jumbo Shrimp” on the menu, expect a higher price. Jumbo shrimp can cost $2 to $4 more than regular shrimp. The size difference is noticeable, so it might be worth it.
Combination Plates For Seafood
Some locations offer a “Seafood Combination” that includes shrimp, scallops, and crabmeat. This is usually priced around $17.95 to $21.00. It is a good way to try multiple types of seafood without ordering a full chef’s special.
Be aware that imitation crab meat is sometimes used in these dishes. Ask your server if you want real crab. The price will be higher for the real thing.
Chow Mein, Chop Suey, And Rice Dishes
These are the “filler” dishes that go well with a main entree. But they can also be a full meal on their own.
Here are the prices for noodles and rice:
- Vegetable Chow Mein: $10.95 – $12.50
- Chicken or Pork Chow Mein: $11.95 – $13.50
- Beef or Shrimp Chow Mein: $12.95 – $14.50
- Vegetable Fried Rice: $9.95 – $11.50
- House Special Fried Rice: $12.95 – $14.50
- Plain Steamed Rice (side): $2.50 – $3.50
House Special Fried Rice usually contains chicken, beef, and shrimp. It is a meal in itself. You do not need to order a separate entree if you get this.
Lo Mein Vs. Chow Mein
Lo mein is softer and has a thicker noodle. Chow mein is usually crispier. The prices are the same. If you have a preference, just ask. There is no price difference between the two preparation styles.
When you order takeout, the noodles will steam in the container. This makes chow mein soft by the time you get home. If you want it crispy, ask for the sauce on the side.
Vegetarian Options And Tofu
Oriental Garden is not a vegetarian restaurant, but they do have a decent selection. The prices are lower than the meat dishes.
Typical vegetarian pricing:
- Vegetable Delight (broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms): $10.95 – $12.50
- Ma Po Tofu: $11.95 – $13.50
- Vegetable Moo Shu: $11.50 – $13.00
- Eggplant with Garlic Sauce: $11.95 – $13.50
- Buddhist’s Delight: $12.50 – $14.00
Make sure you tell them you want it vegetarian. The wok is often seasoned with chicken stock or oyster sauce. If you are strict about this, you must specify “no meat stock” when ordering.
Can You Make Meat Dishes Vegetarian?
Yes, you can ask for tofu instead of chicken or beef. The price will usually drop by about $1.00 to $2.00. However, the sauce might still contain fish sauce or oyster sauce. Ask your server to check with the kitchen.
If you are vegan, the options are limited. Most fried rice contains egg. The noodles might also contain egg. Stick to the steamed vegetable dishes and plain rice.
Desserts And Drinks
The dessert menu is short. You will usually find standard American-Chinese options here.
- Fortune Cookies: Free (usually 2 per person)
- Fried Bananas with Honey: $5.95 – $7.50
- Ice Cream (Vanilla or Green Tea): $3.95 – $5.00
- Cheesecake (sometimes available): $6.50 – $8.00
For drinks, you can get soft drinks for $2.50 to $3.00. Hot tea is usually charged per pot. A pot of jasmine tea costs about $2.00 to $3.50. They do not have a full bar at most locations, but they serve beer and wine.
Beer And Wine Pricing
A domestic beer (Budweiser, Coors) costs about $4.50 to $6.00. Imported beers (Tsingtao, Sapporo) cost $6.00 to $8.00. A glass of house wine is usually $7.00 to $9.00. These prices are standard for a sit-down Chinese restaurant.
You cannot bring your own alcohol. The restaurant makes money on drink sales, so they will not allow outside bottles.
Tips For Saving Money On Your Order
You can eat well here without spending a fortune. Here are some practical tips that regulars use.
First, always check the lunch menu. Even if it is 2:45 PM, ask if they will still honor it. Many places will if you are ordering takeout.
Second, order family style. If you are with three or more people, order two entrees and one appetizer. Split the rice. This is cheaper than everyone ordering their own combo.
Third, look for the “Special Diet” section. Steamed dishes are usually cheaper. You can get steamed chicken and vegetables for about $11.95. It is healthy and costs less.
Fourth, skip the appetizers if you are ordering a combo. The combo already includes an egg roll or soup. That is enough to start with.
Finally, ask for extra rice. It costs about $2.50. But if you have leftover sauce, you can make a second meal out of it at home.
Takeout And Delivery Pricing Differences
Takeout prices are usually the same as dine-in prices. However, delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats will mark up the menu prices.
You might see a 15% to 20% increase on the app. Then you also pay delivery fees and tips. If you want the cheapest option, call the restaurant directly and pick it up yourself.
Most locations have a “Takeout Special” that is not on the delivery apps. This might be a free order of crab rangoon if you spend over $30. Ask about this when you call.
How To Read The Takeout Menu
Sometimes the takeout menu is different from the dine-in menu. The takeout menu might have a “Family Dinner” section. This is a set meal for 2, 3, or 4 people. It costs about $35 to $60 depending on the size.
These family meals are a good value. They usually include an appetizer, two entrees, and fried rice. You save about $10 compared to ordering everything separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the menu and pricing that we get from readers.
Does Oriental Garden offer a senior discount?
Yes, many locations offer a 10% discount for seniors over 65. You need to ask for it before you pay. It is not always advertised. The discount applies to dine-in orders only, not takeout.
Is the price on the online menu accurate?
Usually, but not always. The online menu might be outdated. The prices on the physical menu at the restaurant are the ones you will pay. Call ahead to confirm if you are worried about a specific dish.
Can I order half orders of any entree?
No, half orders are not available for most entrees. The kitchen does not do this because it messes up their prep times. You can, however, order a “small” portion of rice or soup.
Are there any hidden charges on the bill?
Some locations add a 3% to 5% surcharge for credit card use. This is becoming more common. Also, if you dine in with a group of 6 or more, an 18% gratuity is added automatically. Check your bill carefully.
What is the price difference between white meat and dark meat?
There is no price difference on the menu. However, if you ask for all white meat chicken in a dish like Kung Pao, they might charge an extra $1.50. This is not always the case, so ask first.
Final Thoughts On The Menu Costs
Dinner for two at Oriental Garden will cost you between $40 and $60. This includes one appetizer, two entrees, and rice. If you add drinks and dessert, expect to pay closer to $75.
For a family of four, the bill will be higher. Ordering the Family Dinner combo is the smartest move. It keeps the cost per person down to about $15 to $18.
Always check the receipt before you leave. Mistakes happen. Look for the “market price” items and make sure you were charged the correct amount for lobster or seasonal fish.
We hope this guide helps you navigate the menu with confidence. The food is good, the portions are big, and the prices are fair for the quality. Go hungry and bring cash if you want to avoid the card surcharge.