Reliable orders
Starters
- Scallion pancakes – Crisp, salty, easy shareable start.
- Dumplings (pork, chicken, or veggie) – Steamed or pan-fried; great for the table.
- Hot & sour soup – Comforting, with a little tang. Ask for mild if you’re spice-shy.
Mains
- Beef with broccoli – Classic, balanced, not too spicy.
- Chicken with mixed vegetables – Light, saucy, and usually not too sweet.
- Kung pao chicken (mild) – Good if you want a bit of spice and crunch from peanuts.
- Mapo tofu (mild) – Soft tofu in a savory sauce; great with rice. Ask them to keep it low on spice if you’re not used to Sichuan heat.
- Stir-fried seasonal vegetables with tofu – A clean, veg‑forward main.
Carbs / sides
- Steamed white rice or jasmine rice – Safe default with saucy dishes.
- Egg fried rice – Good if you want something more substantial without committing to a heavy main.
What to ask
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“How spicy is this, 1–10?”
Many menus mark spice with chilies, but it varies a lot by restaurant. Ask them to dial it down if you’re not sure. -
“Is this more sweet, salty, or spicy?”
Helps you avoid getting a dish that tastes like pure syrup when you wanted something savory. -
“Can you make this with a bit less oil?”
Most kitchens can easily do a lighter stir‑fry if you ask. -
“Does this have peanuts or tree nuts?”
Critical for allergies, especially with kung pao, some sauces, and desserts.
Good orders if you’re sharing
If you’re ordering for 2–4 people, a safe pattern:
- 1 noodle or rice dish (e.g., egg fried rice or lo mein)
- 1 protein + veg (e.g., beef with broccoli)
- 1 lighter veg‑heavy plate (e.g., stir‑fried seasonal vegetables with tofu)
- 1 starter to share (e.g., dumplings or scallion pancakes)
This gives you a good spread with different textures and flavors without being overwhelming.
Skip or rethink if…
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You’re about to order three heavy, deep‑fried mains (e.g., sweet & sour chicken, orange chicken, General Tso’s) and nothing green.
→ Swap one out for a veg dish or a lighter stir‑fry. -
Everything you’ve picked is very sweet + fried and you know you’ll feel sluggish after.
→ Ask for at least one lighter plate and a plain veg. -
You have a shellfish allergy and you’re ordering lots of mixed dishes (fried rice, mixed stir‑fries, soups).
→ Tell the staff clearly, ask what’s cooked in the same oil or on the same wok, and when in doubt, keep it very simple (plain veg + rice).