20 Chinese Restaurant Orders That Aren’t Worth It
We all have our go-to orders at a Chinese restaurant—whether it’s a steaming bowl of fried rice, crispy egg rolls, or a plate of sweet and sour chicken. But not every menu item is worth your time (or your money). Some dishes are overpriced, lack authenticity, or just don’t live up to their reputation.
Before you place your next takeout order, it’s worth knowing which dishes might leave you disappointed. From soggy, sauce-drenched letdowns to meals that taste nothing like the real thing, here are 20 Chinese restaurant orders that just aren’t worth it—and what you should get instead!
1. Sweet and Sour Chicken
This dish may be a takeout favorite, but it’s often just fried batter in sugar-heavy sauce. The chicken inside is frequently overshadowed by the thick batter, providing little real meat. Instead, you get an overwhelming flavor of sweetness, lacking in authenticity.
If you want a better alternative, try steamed chicken with vegetables. It’s lighter, healthier, and lets you enjoy the natural taste of the ingredients. Plus, you avoid the artificial coloring and excessive sugar.
2. General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken is more American than Chinese. It’s a dish drenched in syrupy sauce, which masks any real flavor the chicken might have had. The coating is often soggy, lacking the crispness you’d expect.
For a dish with real depth, try Kung Pao Chicken. It offers a medley of flavors with its spicy, tangy sauce and crunchy peanuts. It’s a true Chinese classic.
3. Crab Rangoon
This one is a cream cheese-filled lie. Most versions don’t even contain real crab, just imitation. The filling is usually heavy on cream cheese, lacking any genuine seafood flavor.
Instead, savor some shrimp dumplings. They provide a real taste of the ocean, with a delightful texture and authentic ingredients. Plus, they pair perfectly with soy sauce.
4. Egg Foo Young
Egg Foo Young can be a greasy affair. Often drowned in a thick brown gravy, the dish becomes heavy and overly rich. The eggs lose their delicate texture amidst the sauce.
Consider trying a simple egg drop soup. It’s lighter, with a delicate flavor that doesn’t overwhelm. Plus, it’s a great starter to whet your appetite.
5. Orange Beef
Orange Beef often falls flat, with meat that is chewy and sauce overly sweet. The citrus element is usually lost in the sugary glaze, making the dish unbalanced.
Try Mongolian Beef for a savory alternative. It offers a rich, umami flavor with tender slices of beef and no unnecessary sweetness. Opt for dishes where the natural taste of the meat shines through without being masked by sugar.
6. Lemon Chicken
Lemon Chicken is frequently a letdown, with its overly tangy sauce and breaded, fried exterior. The lemon flavor tends to be artificial, reducing the appeal of the dish.
Instead, go for Szechuan Chicken. It’s spicy, savory, and offers real complexity with its mix of peppers and authentic spices. You’ll enjoy a more satisfying, authentic taste adventure.
7. Chop Suey
It is often a mismatched mix of vegetables and meats, lacking cohesion. The sauce can be bland, leaving the dish uninspiring and monotonous.
A better option would be to order a stir-fry with your choice of protein. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and showcases the ingredients beautifully. Your meal should be a delightful, cohesive experience.
8. Beef with Broccoli
Beef with Broccoli can often be less than exciting, with overcooked broccoli and chewy beef. The sauce is sometimes too salty, overpowering the natural flavors.
Consider trying a pepper steak stir-fry. It brings out the best in the beef and peppers without drowning them in sauce.
9. Sesame Chicken
Sesame Chicken is another sugar-laden entrée. The sauce can be overwhelmingly sweet, masking the chicken’s natural taste and leaving it unappealing.
For a truly flavorful meal, try Hunan Chicken. It’s filled with spicy and savory goodness, offering an authentic experience of Chinese flavors. Choose dishes that balance sweetness and spice for a more authentic taste of Chinese cuisine.
10. Spring Rolls
This popular dish can sometimes be a true disappointment, with more wrapper than filling. When poorly made, spring rolls are greasy and lacking in flavor.
Go for fresh summer rolls instead. They’re light, filled with herbs, and offer a refreshing burst of flavor. It’s a healthier, more flavorful choice that sets the tone for an enjoyable meal.
11. Moo Shu Pork
Moo Shu Pork can be a hit or miss, often too oily and lacking in authentic spices. The pancakes can feel more like a filler than a complement.
Favor dishes that emphasize fresh ingredients over heavy oils. For example, opt for a pork stir-fry with vegetables. It’s less greasy and highlights the meat’s natural flavors.
12. Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp is heavy on the mayo-based sauce, which can overwhelm the delicate shrimp. The sweetness from the sauce and candied walnuts often takes center stage, hiding the seafood.
For a lighter alternative, choose shrimp with garlic sauce. It enhances the shrimp without masking their flavor. Your meal will be more balanced and enjoyable.
13. Lobster Cantonese
It is frequently oversauced, with the ginger and garlic overpowering the lobster flavor. The lobster’s inherent sweetness may be lost in an overly rich meal.
Steamed lobster is a simple option. It is more gratifying and maintains the lobster’s original flavor. Instead of concealing the seafood’s inherent goodness, choose meals that bring it out.
14. Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken Chow Mein can be a greasy mess, with overcooked noodles and bland sauce. The vegetables tend to be soggy, losing their crispness and flavor.
Consider a vegetable stir-fry with lean chicken. It’s vibrant and full of natural flavors without the unnecessary oil.
15. Fried Rice
Fried Rice is often more rice than anything else, with sparse bits of vegetables or meat. It can also be oily, leaving you feeling heavy and unsatisfied.
Select side dishes that enhance the primary flavors rather than take away from them. This guarantees a satisfying and well-balanced supper. Opt for steamed rice paired with a side of fresh vegetables, for example. It’s lighter and highlights the meal’s main dishes.
16. Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and Sour Soup can be overly thick and salty, with a texture that’s more gelatinous than appetizing. The flavors can be muddled, lacking real zest.
You should look for soups that refresh instead of overwhelm your palate, providing a delightful start to your meal. Why not try a clear broth soup with wontons? It offers a clean, savory taste that’s both light and satisfying.
17. Egg Rolls
They are often filled with cabbage and little else, leaving them bland. The thick, greasy wrappers can overwhelm the subtle flavors within.
Fresh spring rolls offer a healthier alternative. They’re packed with fresh herbs, shrimp, and lean meats. They set the stage for a meal full of authentic Chinese delights.
18. Chinese BBQ Pork
Chinese BBQ Pork can be overly sweet, with the sauce masking the pork’s natural flavor. The meat is occasionally dry, losing its tenderness.
Try a roasted pig belly meal instead. It has a deliciously crispy skin and brings out the natural juices of the meat. Look for dishes that showcase the meat’s natural tastes and give it an authentic taste.
19. Wonton Soup
This soup can sometimes disappoint, with bland broth and rubbery wontons. The flavors are often muted, lacking the depth a true soup should offer.
A better choice would be a spicy seafood soup. It’s vibrant, full of flavor, and invigorates your palate. It is always better to choose soups that deliver bold flavors and quality ingredients.
20. Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein can be a greasy tangle of overcooked noodles and bland chicken. The dish often lacks the vibrant flavors that make Chinese cuisine special.
Try a dish of sautéed chicken with vegetables. It’s lighter and allows the natural flavors to shine. Select meals that celebrate the freshness of the ingredients. It’s a choice that guarantees a more authentic and delightful dining experience.