Craving Chinese takeout but trying to stick to your health goals? We get it. Navigating the expansive menu at your local China Wok can feel a little tricky when you’re counting calories, but it’s entirely possible to enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal without derailing your diet. The real key is knowing exactly what to look for and what to order.
For a quick, healthy choice, opt for steamed dishes like Steamed Chicken with Mixed Vegetables and always ask for the sauce on the side. This simple request puts you in control of the calorie, sodium, and sugar content. Be mindful that a typical order of Chicken Lo Mein contains around 278 calories per cup, so practicing portion control is essential for managing your calorie intake effectively.
Your Guide to the China Wok Menu and Prices
One of the best things about China Wok is the sheer variety. It’s a classic American-Chinese takeout menu, which means there’s something for absolutely everyone. While prices can vary slightly by location, China Wok is well-known for being an affordable Chinese food option, offering generous portions that often leave you with leftovers for the next day. Let’s break down what you can typically expect to find.
Popular Appetizers to Start Your Meal
No Chinese takeout order feels complete without a few starters. The appetizer menu is usually packed with crispy, savory favorites. You’ll almost always find classics like:
- Pork Egg Rolls and Shrimp Egg Rolls
- Spring Rolls (often a lighter, vegetable-only option)
- Crab Rangoon (also called Cheese Wontons)
- Fried or Steamed Dumplings
- Boneless Spare Ribs coated in a sweet BBQ sauce
- Fried Wontons
These are delicious, but they are often fried and can be high in calories. If you’re looking for a lighter start, steamed dumplings are generally a better choice than their fried counterparts.
Classic Soups: Egg Drop, Wonton, and More
A warm bowl of soup is a comforting way to begin your meal. China Wok menus typically feature the “big three” of Chinese-American soups, available in pint or quart sizes:
- Wonton Soup: A clear chicken broth with delicate pork-filled wontons.
- Egg Drop Soup: A savory, thickened chicken broth with ribbons of egg.
- Hot & Sour Soup: A thicker soup with a tangy and spicy kick, often containing mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots.
These soups are usually low in calories, but can be high in sodium. They are a great way to fill up without consuming a lot of fat.
Main Entrees: A Look at Chicken, Beef, and Pork Dishes
This is the heart of the menu. Most entrees are protein-based and can be customized. Popular choices include:
- General Tso’s Chicken: Crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce.
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: Battered and fried chicken with a bright, tangy sauce, often served with pineapple, bell peppers, and onions.
- Beef with Broccoli: A classic favorite, featuring tender slices of beef and crisp broccoli florets in a savory brown sauce.
- Pepper Steak with Onion: A simple but flavorful dish.
- Hunan and Szechuan Style: These dishes, available with chicken, beef, or pork, are known for their bold, spicy flavors from chili paste and peppercorns.
- Moo Goo Gai Pan: A lighter stir-fry with sliced chicken, mushrooms, and other mixed vegetables in a white sauce.
Seafood Selections from Shrimp to Scallops
For seafood lovers, there are plenty of options centered around shrimp. You’ll often see dishes like:
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce: A classic dish with shrimp in a savory white sauce.
- Kung Pao Shrimp: A spicy stir-fry with peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers.
- Shrimp with Broccoli or Shrimp with Mixed Vegetables.
These dishes can be a great source of lean protein. As with other entrees, the preparation method is key—steamed is always the healthiest.
Navigating the Lo Mein and Fried Rice Options
A staple of any order, Lo Mein (soft noodles) and Fried Rice are beloved comfort foods. Almost every protein option—vegetable, chicken, pork, beef, and shrimp—is available in these forms. A “House Special” version typically includes a combination of chicken, pork, and shrimp. While delicious, these dishes are very carb-heavy and can be high in calories and sodium, so portion control is crucial.
Combination Platters and Lunch Specials for Value
For the best bang for your buck, look no further than the combination platters. These meals typically include a main entree, an egg roll, and a side of pork fried rice. Lunch specials, offered during the day, provide a smaller, more affordable version of these platters, making them a popular choice for a quick and convenient meal.
What You’ll Need for a Healthier Takeout Night
Enjoying China Wok while staying on track with your dietary goals is easier than you think. At China Wok Menu With Prices and Calories, we believe it’s all about being prepared. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A link to the official or a representative China Wok online menu. Having the menu handy allows you to plan your order ahead of time instead of making an impulsive decision.
- Your favorite calorie-tracking app (e.g., MyFitnessPal, Lose It!). You can often find user-added entries for China Wok dishes that give you a solid estimate of your meal’s nutritional content.
- Knowledge of key terms: “Steamed” vs. “Fried,” “Sauce on the side.” Understanding that “crispy,” “battered,” or “General Tso’s” usually means fried and higher in calories is half the battle.
- Measuring cups for accurate portion control at home. A single takeout container often holds three or more servings. Measure out a one-cup portion and save the rest for later.
China Wok Nutrition Facts: A Deep Dive into Calories, Sodium, and Fat
Let’s be honest: authentic Chinese cuisine and American-style Chinese takeout are two very different things, especially when it comes to nutrition. Takeout dishes are often designed to be extra savory and satisfying, which can mean higher levels of fat, sodium, and calories. However, an informed choice can make all the difference.
What are the calories in China Wok chicken lo mein?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and for good reason. Chicken Lo Mein is a top-tier comfort food. According to several nutrition trackers, a one-cup serving of China Wok’s Chicken Lo Mein contains approximately 278 calories, 9g of fat, 33g of carbs, and 16g of protein. While this is a reasonable number for a single serving, it’s important to remember that a standard takeout order often contains 2-4 cups of Lo Mein, so it’s easy to consume over 1,000 calories if you eat the whole container.
Calorie Counts of Popular Dishes: From Highest to Lowest
The calorie count of China Wok dishes can vary dramatically based on the ingredients and cooking method. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect from a typical serving:
- Highest Calorie Dishes: Items that are deep-fried and coated in sweet sauces tend to be the highest. Think General Tso’s Chicken (around 850-950 calories), Sesame Chicken, and Sweet and Sour Chicken.
- Mid-Range Calorie Dishes: Standard stir-fries fall into this category. Beef with Broccoli, Hunan Beef, and Pork Lo Mein often range from 500-700 calories per serving.
- Lowest Calorie Dishes: Your best bets are dishes from the “Diet” or “Healthy” menu. Steamed Chicken with Mixed Vegetables can be as low as 250-300 calories (before sauce).
The “Diet Menu”: Finding China Wok’s Low-Calorie and Healthy Options
Many China Wok locations offer a dedicated “Healthy Food” or “Diet Menu” section. This is your secret weapon for guilt-free takeout. Dishes from this part of the menu are typically steamed instead of stir-fried in oil. They usually consist of a lean protein (chicken or shrimp) and a generous portion of mixed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, and snow peas.
The most important part? The sauce (usually a simple brown, white, or garlic sauce) comes on the side. This allows you to add just enough for flavor without drenching your meal in sodium and sugar. These steamed dishes are excellent for anyone focused on weight management.
Sodium Alert: How to Manage Salt in Your Order
One of the biggest nutritional hurdles with Chinese takeout is the high sodium content. Soy sauce and other flavorings can cause a single meal to exceed your entire recommended daily sodium intake. A serving of Chicken Lo Mein can have over 530mg of sodium, while other saucy dishes can easily top 1,500mg.
Here’s how to manage it:
- Choose steamed dishes. This is the most effective method.
- Ask for “light sauce” on stir-fried dishes.
- Drink plenty of water with your meal to help your body process the sodium.
- Avoid adding extra soy sauce from the packets provided.
China Wok Reviews: What Customers are Saying
When it comes to local takeout joints, consistency is everything. Based on customer feedback across various platforms, China Wok is often praised for its reliability and value.
A Look at Food Quality and Taste
The majority of reviews for China Wok highlight a few key strengths:
- Consistent Quality: Customers often mention that the food is “always good” and reliable. You know what you’re going to get, and it satisfies that specific craving for American-Chinese food.
- Generous Portions: This is a recurring theme. Many reviewers love that the large helpings provide great value and often mean a second meal.
- Freshness: Many people note that their food arrives hot and fresh, whether for takeout or delivery.
Of course, experiences can be mixed. Some negative reviews point to dishes being bland or certain items, like egg foo young, not meeting expectations. However, the overall sentiment leans positive, especially for classic dishes like Lo Mein, fried rice, and General Tso’s Chicken.
Customer Service and Order Accuracy
For a takeout and delivery-focused restaurant, service speed and accuracy are paramount. Most customers report positive experiences, with friendly staff and orders that are prepared quickly. However, like any restaurant, there are occasional reports of messed-up orders. We recommend double-checking your bag before you leave the restaurant or as soon as your delivery arrives to ensure you’ve received everything you ordered.
Is China Wok an Affordable Chinese Food Option?
Absolutely. This is one of China Wok’s biggest selling points. With entrees often priced around $10-$16 and combination platters offering a full meal for a similar price, it’s considered a very budget-friendly option for families and individuals. The lunch specials provide even greater value, making it a go-to spot for an inexpensive and filling midday meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does China Wok have a delivery menu?
Yes, most China Wok locations offer a delivery menu. They often partner with third-party services like DoorDash and Grubhub, making it incredibly convenient to get your favorite dishes delivered right to your door. You can typically find their full takeout menu available for delivery.
What are the best dishes to order at China Wok?
Based on popularity and reviews, the “best” dishes are the classics. You can rarely go wrong with General Tso’s Chicken, Beef with Broccoli, House Special Lo Mein, or simple Pork Egg Rolls. For a healthier but still delicious option, the Steamed Chicken with Mixed Vegetables is one of the best healthy options available.
Are there vegetarian options available?
Yes, there are several vegetarian options. You can order Vegetable Lo Mein, Vegetable Fried Rice, or Steamed Mixed Vegetables. Many tofu dishes, like General Tso’s Tofu or Ma Po Tofu, are also commonly available. Just be sure to specify that you want a strictly vegetarian dish when ordering.
How can I find the closest China Wok restaurant?
The easiest way to find the China Wok nearest to you is to use an online mapping service like Google Maps or a food delivery app. Simply search for “China Wok,” and it will show you the locations, hours, and contact information for restaurants in your area.
China Wok offers a convenient and affordable way to satisfy your craving for Chinese-American cuisine. While a China Wok restaurant review often points out that many dishes are high in calories and sodium, the availability of a dedicated “diet menu” with steamed options provides a fantastic alternative for health-conscious diners. By understanding the China Wok menu and nutrition facts, paying attention to cooking methods like wok cooking versus steaming, and practicing portion control, you can easily fit a meal from China Wok into a balanced diet. It’s all about making informed choices to enjoy the flavors you love.
What is your favorite healthy (or not-so-healthy!) dish from China Wok? Share your go-to orders and any tips you have in the comments below