The Peoples 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
Ding Asian Fusion
6400 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany
405-603-8858
The newest neighbor in Bethany is Ding Asian Fusion. From the owners of popular Edmond eatery Szechuan Bistro, this restaurants 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 Dings delectable selection of clay pot meals.
Fungs Kitchen
3321 N. Classen Blvd.
405-525-8640
If life was truly a joke, Fungs 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. Its 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.
405-608-2388
Oklahoma Gazettes 2016 Best of OKC winner for Best Chinese Restaurant, Dot Wo Garden is a seafood lovers dream. Flip through the menu until you find Chefs Specialties and feast on hot and spicy soft shell crab, bean sauce scallops and oysters with ginger and green onions. Dot Wos kitchen staff is just as skilled at preparing beef, chicken and pork. Be sure to order some of the restaurants special sizzling rice soup to start the meal.
Golden Phoenix Bistro
7199 SE 29th St., Midwest City
405-455-3956
Burned out on all the usual places? Maybe its 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.
Mr. Huis
1522 W. Lindsey St., Norman
405-310-6659
Despite its formal prefix, Mr. Huis knows how to have lots of fun. Specifically, Mr. Huis 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!
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 youll eat it fast, too.
Chows Chinese Restaurant
3033 N. May Ave.
405-949-1663
Its easy to make friends at Chows Chinese Restaurant, where everybody is always asking people at the next table, Whoa! Whats that? The extensive menu at one of Oklahoma Citys 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.