15 Overhyped Chinese Restaurant Orders And Smarter Choices You Should Try

Explore the world of Chinese cuisine beyond the stereotypical dishes that are often overhyped. This guide shines a light on smarter, tastier choices that offer authentic flavors and satisfying textures without the extra grease and sugar. Discover alternatives that not only please your palate but also offer a more genuine taste of Chinese culinary artistry. Step away from the familiar orders and embrace these 15 refreshed picks.

1. Orange Chicken

Often a favorite due to its sweet, tangy appeal, Orange Chicken is more sugar than substance. Each bite is a burst of syrupy heaviness, overshadowing the chicken itself. It’s a flashy, fried indulgence that leaves you craving something lighter. Enter Moo Goo Gai Pan. This alternative brings a refreshing twist. Sautéed chicken mingles with mushrooms and assorted vegetables. Bathed in a mild garlic sauce, it offers a gentle yet flavorful experience. Unlike its predecessor, Moo Goo Gai Pan does justice to the ingredients, allowing the natural flavors to shine.

2. General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken might win in terms of popularity, but not in authenticity. Its deep-fried exterior, glazed in sticky sweetness, bears little resemblance to traditional Chinese fare. The alternative? Kung Pao Chicken. Known for its spicy, savory character, it’s a dish that embraces the heat. Crunchy peanuts and fresh vegetables accompany tender chicken, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The lively, zesty notes dance on your palate, proving that Kung Pao Chicken is not just lighter, but a genuinely more exciting choice.

3. Lo Mein

Lo Mein, often overloaded with grease and lacking in substance, can leave you feeling weighed down. The noodles dominate, with scant attention to other ingredients. For a more balanced bite, try Singapore Mei Fun. This dish takes a lighter approach, using thin rice noodles stir-fried with curry spices and your choice of protein. It’s not burdened by oil, allowing each ingredient to contribute its unique flavor. Singapore Mei Fun is a vibrant, aromatic alternative that elevates the dining experience beyond the ordinary.

4. Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and Sour Pork, with its bright red sauce and deep-fried pork pieces, often masks the true taste of the meat. The sugary coating dominates the dish, leaving a one-dimensional flavor. Enter Twice-Cooked Pork. This alternative offers a more complex taste. Slices of pork belly are stir-fried with cabbage and chili bean paste, creating layers of flavor that engage the senses. Each bite reveals a subtly spicy, savory depth that the sugary original lacks, making it a choice that’s both satisfying and intriguing.

5. Egg Rolls

Egg Rolls are often just thick wrappers stuffed with cabbage and grease, making them a heavy appetizer. For a lighter, more flavorful option, choose Spring Rolls. These crisp, delicate alternatives feature thinner wrappers and a more balanced filling. Often packed with fresh vegetables, they offer a satisfying crunch without the extra oil. Spring Rolls celebrate the natural taste of their ingredients, providing a refreshing start to any meal. Their lighter nature allows the flavors to be appreciated, not overshadowed by excess grease.

6. Fried Rice

Fried Rice, though a staple, can often be bland and greasy, serving mainly as filler. In contrast, Buddha’s Delight (Lo Han Jai) offers a vibrant burst of flavors and textures. This veggie-forward dish is a stir-fry of tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, creating a mosaic of taste and nutrition. Each bite is a celebration of fresh ingredients, leaving behind the oiliness of traditional fried rice. It’s a choice that not only pleases the palate but also supports a healthier lifestyle, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean heavy.

7. Beef and Broccoli

Beef and Broccoli often finds itself on the menu, yet its execution is typically lackluster. The meat can be tough, the sauce watery. Sizzling Black Pepper Beef changes the narrative. It uses tender cuts of beef, cooked with vibrant vegetables, and offers a bold peppery flavor that delights the senses. This dish provides a more complex taste experience, elevating the standard takeout option to something extraordinary. The sizzling presentation adds to the allure, making it a choice that satiates both the eyes and the palate.

8. Crab Rangoon

Crab Rangoon is often more about the cream cheese than the crab, leaving diners with a rich, but unbalanced appetizer. Steamed Dumplings offer a more authentic and satisfying alternative. Packed with real meat and vegetables, these dumplings prioritize flavor over filler. The steamed cooking method allows the natural taste of the ingredients to shine through, while still offering the comforting warmth of an appetizer. This choice respects the integrity of traditional ingredients, bringing a touch of authenticity to the table.

9. Chow Mein (American Style)

Chow Mein, particularly the American version, can be disappointing with its soggy noodles and overcooked cabbage. For a more genuine experience, opt for Chow Fun. This dish features wide, chewy rice noodles stir-fried with beef or shrimp in a smoky wok sauce. The texture alone is a delight, and the rich, deep flavors elevate the dish beyond the ordinary. Chow Fun provides a satisfying chew and a taste that captures the essence of Chinese cooking, making it a more rewarding choice for noodle enthusiasts.

10. Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken often arrives fried beyond recognition, drenched in a neon sauce that overshadows the subtlety of the meat. Instead, try Steamed Chicken with Ginger and Scallions. This dish highlights the clean, fragrant qualities of the ingredients. The ginger and scallions add aromatic depth without overpowering the chicken. It’s a refreshing alternative that emphasizes the natural flavors of its components, offering a more nuanced taste. Steamed Chicken with Ginger and Scallions is a testament to the elegance of simplicity in cuisine.

11. Teriyaki Chicken (at Chinese spots)

Teriyaki Chicken, though popular, is misplaced in Chinese restaurants and often overly sweet. Char Siu, a true Cantonese delight, is a wiser choice. This BBQ pork dish is renowned for its caramelized edges and savory depth. The preparation involves a delicate balance of flavors, showcasing the skill of Cantonese barbecue. With its rich, mouth-watering aroma, Char Siu offers an authentic taste experience that stands apart. It’s a dish that not only satisfies cravings but also honors Chinese culinary traditions, making it a standout option.

12. Sesame Chicken

Sesame Chicken falls into the same trap as many fried, sugary dishes. It’s more about the sauce than the chicken. Meanwhile, Mala Chicken from Sichuan menus offers a spicy alternative. This dry-fried chicken is tossed with chilies and peppercorns, delivering real spice. The flavor explosion is intense, yet balanced, offering a unique taste experience. Mala Chicken engages the palate with its bold, fiery notes, making it a choice for those seeking adventure in their meal. It’s a dish that honors the vibrant flavors of Sichuan cuisine.

13. Wonton Soup (Basic Version)

Wonton Soup, particularly the basic kind, can be a letdown with its watery broth and rubbery dumplings. For a more flavorful experience, try Hot and Sour Soup. This dish is spicy and tangy, with a hearty blend of ingredients that make each spoonful rewarding. The complex flavors and textures captivate the senses, providing a satisfying depth. It’s a soup that not only warms you up but also excites the taste buds, proving that comfort food can also be exhilarating and full of character.

14. Chicken and Cashew

Chicken and Cashew often presents as a mild, overly sweet offering, lacking in textural interest. Three Cup Chicken, a bold Taiwanese dish, provides a flavorful alternative. Cooked with sesame oil, soy sauce, and basil, it creates a rich tapestry of flavors. The aroma and taste of this dish are instantly engaging, making it a standout choice. Each bite resonates with the depth of its ingredients, offering a satisfying complexity that the original dish lacks. Three Cup Chicken is a testament to the possibilities within Taiwanese cuisine.

15. Fortune Cookies

Though a staple at the end of a meal, Fortune Cookies are neither Chinese nor particularly tasty. For a sweet ending with more authenticity, try Sesame Balls (Jian Dui). These fried glutinous rice treats offer a delightful contrast of crunchy exterior and chewy interior, filled with sweet red bean paste. Each bite is a satisfying fusion of texture and flavor. Sesame Balls provide a true taste of traditional Chinese desserts, leaving behind the novelty of Fortune Cookies for something genuinely pleasurable and culturally significant.