13 Takeout Favorites From Chinese Restaurants Around The World
Foodies everywhere have a particular place in their hearts (and appetites) for Chinese takeout. Few options are as dependable, flavorful, and comforting as your favorite Chinese dishes, whether you’re hosting a last-minute dinner party or just grabbing dinner after a long workday. Furthermore, despite the fact that many of these dishes have been modified to suit regional tastes and ingredients, they continue to be influenced by China’s extensive and varied culinary traditions. The popularity of Chinese takeout around the world demonstrates how tasty and adaptable it is, with dishes ranging from steaming soups to saucy stir-fries and crispy bites. The 13 most popular Chinese restaurants in the world—those that are constantly being reordered, remade, and reimagined: from New York to New Delhi are highlighted in this article.
1. General Tso’s Chicken
In Chinese-American takeout culture, this dish of crispy, sticky, sweet, and spicy chicken is legendary. Despite its widespread appeal, General Tso’s Chicken is a dish that was created for American palates and was probably influenced by Hunan flavors rather than being a traditional Chinese dish from the mainland. Chunks of battered and deep-fried chicken are covered in a thick, glossy sauce consisting of soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes. Green onions and sesame seeds are frequently added at the end. Its potent blend of sweetness, heat, and crunch is what makes it so enticing. People frequently order it repeatedly because, once done correctly, it’s difficult to resist.
2. Sweet and Sour Pork (or Chicken)
One of the most recognizable Chinese foods consumed worldwide is sweet and sour pork (or chicken), which is vivid, robust, and aesthetically captivating. This dish, which has its origins in Cantonese cuisine, combines crispy meat with a vibrant mixture of peppers, onions, and occasionally pineapple, all of which are coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. The international takeout versions are frequently more colorful, with ketchup or tomato paste adding a rich red hue, whereas the original Chinese versions might be more savory. The end product is a dish that is familiar and comforting in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. Its distinctive sauce is what sets it apart, whether it’s chicken or pork.
3. Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is the preferred dish for people who enjoy a little spiciness. The traditional version, which comes from the province of Sichuan, is scorching and full of peanuts, dried red chilies, numbing Sichuan peppercorns, and tender chicken mixed with a dark, flavorful sauce. The main components—tender chicken, sweet soy glaze, and crunchy peanuts—remain, but the spice is frequently mellowed in takeout versions across the globe to appeal to a larger clientele. It’s one of the menu’s most complex-tasting yet approachable dishes because of its blend of flavors and textures. For those who enjoy spice and want to try something different from the more subdued takeout options, it’s a hit.
4. Beef and Broccoli
Beef and broccoli are a popular choice if you’re searching for a well-balanced protein and vegetable combination that still fulfills your desire for rich flavor. In this dish, bright green broccoli is stir-fried with thin beef slices in a savory, mildly sweet sauce. Usually made with garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a small amount of sugar, the end product is flavorful and filling. To give the beef the velvety texture found in restaurant dishes, it is frequently marinated (sometimes with cornstarch or baking soda). It is a mainstay in Chinese restaurants across Canada and Australia due to its universal flavor profile and simple ingredients.
5. Fried Rice (Especially Yangzhou Style)
Without a side dish (or entire container) of fried rice, no Chinese takeout order is complete. One of the most popular types of fried rice is Yangzhou fried rice, which is made with day-old rice and stir-fried with roast pork, shrimp, egg, peas, carrots, and scallions for the most flavor and texture. Fried rice is a universal favorite because it is incredibly satisfying, simple to reheat, and incredibly customizable. Whether it’s a protein-rich “special” or just plain egg fried rice, this dish is the best way to savor every bite—sometimes even better the next day. Its appeal extends to both high-end Chinese restaurants and modest takeout stands across the globe.
6. Lo Mein or Chow Mein
Lo Mein and Chow Mein are the most popular noodles for takeout. Soft, chewy egg noodles are combined with a variety of meats and vegetables in a flavorful sauce to create lo mein. Chow mein can be deep-fried for a crispy noodle texture or stir-fried with similar ingredients. The main distinction is texture: Chow Mein is light and crispy, while Lo Mein is soft and saucy. Both are incredibly fulfilling and incredibly adaptable. The delight of slurping saucy, umami-rich noodles is still a takeout classic everywhere, regardless of the version you like.
7. Dumplings (Jiaozi, Potstickers, Wontons)
Chinese dumplings, whether steamed, boiled, or pan-fried, are incredibly satisfying and a universal comfort food. Usually made of thin dough, jiaozi are filled with ground meat (such as chicken or pork), cabbage, and seasoning. Potstickers, which are pan-fried versions, have soft tops and crispy bottoms. These are popular as light meals or appetizers and are served with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce. Not to be overlooked are wontons, which are tiny dumplings typically found in soup. Dumplings provide the kind of comforting, familiar satisfaction that transcends boundaries and cultures, whether they are consumed as an appetizer, a snack, or a meal.
8. Hot and Sour Soup
A common item on many Chinese takeout orders is hot and sour soup, which is tangy, spicy, and comforting. Typically, tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, pork slivers, and occasionally egg ribbons are added to the thickened, rich broth. White pepper or chili oil provide the “hot,” while vinegar provides the “sour.” Each spoonful feels both calming and energizing, and the combination is strong yet well-balanced. Restaurants all over the world may change the ingredients and degree of spice to suit local tastes, but the essence of the soup never changes. It’s the ideal side dish for a heartier main course or a satisfying meal by itself.
9. Spring Rolls/Egg Rolls
Some of the most famous Chinese takeout appetizers are spring rolls and egg rolls, which are crispy, golden, and consistently satisfying. Spring rolls are typically filled with vegetables or a combination of meat and cabbage and have a thinner, crispier wrapper. More frequently found on Western menus, egg rolls feature thicker wrappers, a savory filling, and are deep-fried until golden and bubbly. Usually, a dipping sauce (sweet and sour, soy-based, or spicy mustard) accompanies both. They are popular appetizers in Chinese restaurants worldwide because they are simple to prepare and excellent for sharing.
10. Mapo Tofu
Mapo Tofu is incredibly comforting, spicy, and robust. This Sichuan dish consists of silken tofu simmered in a hot sauce made with Sichuan peppercorns, fermented broad bean paste, ground meat (typically beef or pork), and garlic. The end result is “mala,” a complex, numbing flavor that characterizes Sichuan cuisine as a blend of spice and tingling numbness. When prepared properly, Mapo Tofu offers a rich flavor without overpowering the senses, but international versions frequently turn down the heat. It’s popular with both meat eaters and vegetarians, and it frequently shows up on menus as a spicy substitute for milder tofu dishes.
11. Peking Duck (Takeout Style)
One of Beijing’s most well-known dishes is peking duck, which is typically served in courses with a theatrical presentation, but many takeout establishments serve a simpler but equally delectable version. The duck is served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and slivers of cucumber and scallion after being roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. It feels like a unique treat and is flavorful and rich. Even though it might be more expensive on the takeout menu, people frequently order it for parties or get-together dinners. It never fails to impress and adds elegance to the takeout table.
12. Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
One of the most well-known and popular types of Chinese roast meat is char siu. Roasted until caramelized and lightly charred, this glossy, bright red pork is marinated in a blend of honey, soy sauce, five-spice powder, and hoisin or oyster sauce. Juicy on the inside, sticky on the outside, and bursting with umami, the flavor is a sweet-savory bomb. It can be eaten sliced as part of a meat combo plate, chopped into noodle soups, or served over rice. Fans of Asian BBQ will recognize its unique aroma and appearance right away, and it’s a comfort food with serious longevity.
13. Corn Crab Soup
Corn crab soup is a common appetizer or side dish at Chinese restaurants worldwide. It is light, sweet, and slightly creamy. Typically thickened with cornstarch and gently swirled with beaten egg, it is made with chicken or seafood broth, sweet corn kernels, and real or imitation crab meat. It is comparable to egg drop soup, but it has more body and a deeper flavor. It has a mild yet filling flavor, making it ideal for people who prefer warm food without being overly spicy or heavy. Its calming qualities and silky texture appeal to both kids and adults.
