New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Chinese food is pretty much American food. Most of what is served at Chinese restaurants in America bears little to no resemblance to what you would find in China. Regardless, Chinese cuisine feels American – we order take out regularly, order it on Holidays when we don’t feel like cooking, and love sitting at the bar ordering cocktails with umbrellas in them, especially Borpion Scowls – which I believe sober people call Scorpion Bowls.
There is something so very American about sitting up late night with a special someone, cuddling and watching movies while having Chinese takeout. It’s delicious, affordable, and with an astounding array of choices, there’s surely something to appeal to anyone and everyone.
While you might have had one of these dishes, they rarely, if ever, pop up during a discussion of favorite Chinese dishes. Almost always, you hear General Gao/Tso/Tsao’s Chicken, Pu Pu Platter, boneless spareribs, Egg Foo Young, Chow Mein sandwiches or something similar. However, I’m willing to bet that most people would actually love the dishes on this list and even turn some into their new favorite, they just never hear about them.
We all know those friends who are terrified of leaving their food comfort zone. You know that one who has only ever order Luncheon Combo #5 and never tried anything else? I have friends who will not stray from the same 4-5 dishes no matter what. They just aren’t interested. We all have that strange friend who even orders a burger or French Fries when he goes to a Chinese Restaurant. I joke with my friends that I am pretty sure that if you order the burger enough times at you favorite Chinese restaurant, it will summon Jerry Seinfeld.
Anyhow, you may have never heard of these dishes (though the true foodies will scoff) but they are or were some of my favorite dishes to order. I intentionally only chose the ones that garnered a positive response from those who ventured out. So, nothing hardcore. You’re in good hands.
I’m trying to expand my diet to more exotic foods, and I appreciate your tips on how to be more explorative with Chinese food. You’re right that I, like a lot of people, tend to stick with my favorite foods and not branch out often. The Mu Shi Pork you talked about sounds amazing, though, and I’ll definitely have to give it a try next time I’m in a Chinese restaurant.
I have never heard of the Egg Foo Young dish before. What kind of dish is that? My husband is always in the market for new Chinese dishes, as that is his favorite type of cuisine. I will have to share these dishes with him, so he has something new to try the next time we go out.
I can totally relate to the part where you mentioned that you mostly order dishes that have gained positive reviews from other people. I’m not someone who would usually explore Chinese restaurants, but seeing a lot of them online makes me want to try it. It would be better if I’ll check the reviews first before ordering from a specific restaurant.