Chinese Food Guides
Guides
Plain explanations of the dishes on a Chinese menu, and practical help with ordering.
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MSG and Chinese Food: What the Evidence Actually Says
A seasoning found in tomatoes and parmesan became a health scare attached to one cuisine. What the evidence says, and where the story started.
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Food Allergies and Chinese Takeout: What to Ask
Dish names on a Chinese menu tell you very little about what is actually in the pan. A practical guide to asking the right questions.
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Chinese Menu Terms: A Glossary for Ordering
A plain-English reference for the terms that appear on almost every Chinese takeout menu, and what each one tells you before you order.
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Which Fried Rice Should You Order?
Every Chinese menu offers the same fried rice half a dozen ways. Which one you pick depends on whether it is the meal or the accompaniment.
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Chinese Food Delivery vs Pickup: Which Should You Choose?
The same order can arrive in noticeably different condition depending on how it gets to you. What actually changes, and when each option makes sense.
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Egg Roll vs Spring Roll: What’s the Difference?
The two names get used interchangeably and they should not be. One is a Chinese dish, the other was invented in America, and they eat completely…
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Wonton vs Dumpling: What’s the Difference?
Both appear on the same page of the menu and both are filled parcels of dough. The difference is the wrapper, and it changes everything about…
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Sweet and Sour Explained: What It Is and How to Order It
The most familiar sauce on a Chinese menu and the one most often ordered badly. Why the sauce comes on the side, and which version to…
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Getting the Most From a Chinese Takeout Order
Chinese menus are built around sizes and bundles. Understanding how they fit together is the difference between a good order and an expensive one.
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Chinese Dinner Specials and Combination Plates Explained
The combination plate is the most efficient thing on a Chinese menu and the one people most often scroll past. Here is how it works.