The People’s Republic of China covers more than 3.6 million square miles, while the total landmass of our country is just a bit smaller at 3.5 million. If our cuisine is so varied by geography and ethnicity to include chicken-fried steaks, lobster rolls and eggs Benedict, think how many regional Chinese dishes there are to try. Get to it, Oklahoma City.

By Greg Elwell

Photos Garett Fisbeck and Gazette file

Gazedibles: Fine China
Garett Fisbeck
Szechuan style chicken at DING Asian Fusion in Bethany, Monday, Sept. 12, 2016.

Ding Asian Fusion

6400 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany

dingasianfusion.com

405-603-8858

The newest neighbor in Bethany is Ding Asian Fusion. From the owners of popular Edmond eatery Szechuan Bistro, this restaurant’s menu has heads turning and people talking. Try the the very spicy whole red snapper in hot bean paste or order the salt and pepper lamb rack. You can even go ultra-traditional with Ding’s delectable selection of clay pot meals.

Gazedibles: Fine China
The Triple Delight at Fung's Kitchen. mh

Fung’s Kitchen

3321 N. Classen Blvd.

fungskitchenoklahoma.com

405-525-8640

If life was truly a joke, Fung’s Kitchen would move from the Asian District to the Uptown 23rd District so we could make “Uptown Fung” puns. But until that change.org petition gets enough votes, Oklahoma City foodies will keep going to the Classen location for delightful dim sum service Saturday and Sunday mornings. It’s the perfect place for those with a taste for steamed buns and addictively delicious dumplings to get their weekly fix.

Dot Wo Garden

661 N. May Ave.

dot-wo.com

405-608-2388

Oklahoma Gazette’s 2016 Best of OKC winner for Best Chinese Restaurant, Dot Wo Garden is a seafood lover’s dream. Flip through the menu until you find Chef’s Specialties and feast on hot and spicy soft shell crab, bean sauce scallops and oysters with ginger and green onions. Dot Wo’s kitchen staff is just as skilled at preparing beef, chicken and pork. Be sure to order some of the restaurant’s special sizzling rice soup to start the meal.

Gazedibles: Fine China
Garett Fisbeck
Peking Duck at Golden Phoenix in Oklahoma City, Thursday, May 14, 2015.

Golden Phoenix Bistro

7199 SE 29th St., Midwest City

405-455-3956

Burned out on all the usual places? Maybe it’s time to rise again off the couch and take a ride to Midwest City for dinner at Golden Phoenix Bistro. Serving both Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, the restaurant is known for its Peking duck (pictured) and broken rice platters with a choice of grilled pork, egg casserole and Korean-style beef short ribs over the top. Vegetarians take note: Golden Phoenix Bistro also offers a tender Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce and a dynamite pan-fried tofu.

Gazedibles: Fine China
Garett Fisbeck
Shredded pork with bean curds and bamboo shoots, Szechuan wonton in red oil, at Mr. Hui's in Norman, Monday, Sept. 12, 2016.

Mr. Hui’s

1522 W. Lindsey St., Norman

mrhuisok.com

405-310-6659

Despite its formal prefix, Mr. Hui’s knows how to have lots of fun. Specifically, Mr. Hui’s serves a lot of chow mei fun, a dish of stir-fried ultra-thin rice noodles with vegetables, eggs and meat. A popular street food, chow mei fun is the perfect meal on which to hone those chopstick skills. Those who opt for the Singapore version of the dish receive a heaping helping of noodles, chicken, beef, pork and shrimp seasoned with tasty golden curry powder. Have fun!

Gazedibles: Fine China
Garett Fisbeck
Special fried rice at Egg Roll Express in Edmond, Monday, Sept. 12, 2016.

Egg Roll Express

1529 S. Boulevard, Edmond

405-348-9667

Whether Egg Roll Express diners are taking out or dining in, they can expect their food to arrive fresh, hot and fast. The menu is full of Americanized Chinese favorites, which is a very good thing. Diners always love egg rolls, sweet and sour chicken and moo goo gai pan as long as the restaurant making those dishes does them well. Egg Roll Express makes Chinese food so good you’ll eat it fast, too.

Gazedibles: Fine China
Mark Hancock
Seafood with tofu hot pot at Chow's Chinese, 3033 N. May Avenue in Oklahoma City, 1-29-16.

Chow’s Chinese Restaurant

3033 N. May Ave.

405-949-1663

It’s easy to make friends at Chow’s Chinese Restaurant, where everybody is always asking people at the next table, “Whoa! What’s that?” The extensive menu at one of Oklahoma City’s most venerable Chinese eateries has diners rubbing elbows as they search for their newest favorite dish. Adventurous palates will want to pay special attention to dishes like salt and pepper squid tentacles and pork belly with preserved vegetables. But sticking with sesame chicken is okay, too.

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