Los Angeles - Cheap Eats For the Chinese Food Lover

Los Angeles County is home to over 400,000 Chinese-Americans. Undoubtedly, it has one of the largest ethnic Chinese populations outside of China. Many are first generation immigrants from China or are children of immigrant Chinese parents. In areas with a high population density of ethnic Chinese, one can find many skilled chefs and restaurateurs working in and running restaurants that serve good, authentic Chinese food, just like how they are being served in China. The prices are usually very affordable too.

Most of these restaurants are located in five main areas: the official Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, Alhambra and Rowland Heights. Except for Chinatown, all areas are in the San Gabriel Valley. All 5 areas are within the confines of Los Angeles County, California.

To give you an idea about good cheap Chinese restaurants that you will find in the above areas, consider these three popular restaurants where you can enjoy good food at bargain prices:

Kang Kang Food Court (2 branches: Monterey Park, Alhambra)* - Despite the name, this is not a food court with multiple food vendors, but a self-service restaurant. Once you walk into the restaurant, you will find over 15 varieties of delicious entrees and hot and cold side dishes displayed behind the counter. Pick out any 3 items, steamed rice and soup and your check is less than $5. The dining area features two big plasma TV screens that will show popular sporting events like NBA basketball games, World Cup soccer or the Olympics when in season.

Yum Cha Cafe (3 branches: Alhambra, San Gabriel, Chinatown)* - The place specializes in Dim Sum, a part of Cantonese cuisine that includes many small dishes like little dumplings, buns and pastries. Yum Cha Cafe serves arguably the cheapest Dim Sum you can find anywhere in the entire Los Angeles. The quality may not be quite what you will get in higher end restaurants, but it is extraordinary value for the money. A small plate of four pieces of Siu Mai, a small meat and shrimp dumpling, costs just 99 cents.

Shanghai Restaurant (San Gabriel)* - As the name of the restaurant indicates, this place serves Shanghainese cuisine, a type of Chinese cuisine that is fast gaining international recognition. The food is flavorful and rich. During lunch time, the restaurant offers an special value lunch menu with over 20 entree dishes from $5 - $8 each. If you like fish, the fried yellow croaker with seaweed is highly recommended. Visit with a group of friends and enjoy a scrumptious family style meal consisting of a variety of dishes.

These are just three examples of restaurants serving good, inexpensive Chinese food. If you visit the five main areas listed at the beginning of this article, you will be able to find similar gems as well. There are several upscale restaurants offering lunch specials or late night specials, making it very affordable to get a good meal in a pleasing atmosphere.

One last tip - bring some cash with you. Most of these places will accept cash only, no credit or debit cards. A number will accept credit cards but with minimum charge requirements of $10 to $20. The good news is that you will be able to enjoy a satisfying meal on the cheap.

*The prices and locations are accurate at the time of this article's writing in September 2009. For updated information, please contact the restaurants directly before you visit.

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Learn the Basic Terms of a Chinese Food Menu

Chinese cuisine is well known all over the world for its rich history and the various complicated techniques and traditions involved in its preparation. Owing to its rich quality and competitive pricing, there is a growing demand for Chinese foods around the globe.

But, what most Europeans and Americans find mysterious are the several exotic terms that are used in a Chinese food menu. Although most Chinese restaurants serve their menus with English translation and a vivid description of some authentic dishes, it is always better to know some basic terms of a Chinese food menu. These terms will not help you make a better choice at a Chinese restaurant, but also understand the Chinese food recipes when you decide to cook something Chinese.

Following is a list of some basic terms of a Chinese food menu and their meanings:

1) Choy: This term is used to describe vegetables that serve as an appetizer as well as a garnish, and are an important part of Chinese cuisine.

2) Crab Rangoon: Crab Rangoon, a popular American Chinese appetizer, actually refers to deep-fried wontons filled with scallions, cheese, cram, and crab.

3) Dun: This term is very commonly used in Chinese food menus and refers to eggs mixed with rice, beans, chicken, and vegetables.

4) Fon: When you come across the 'Fon', do not get confused. It is nothing but rice, boiled or fried, mixed with carrots, peas, and pork.

5) Gai: The term 'Gai' is used for chicken in Chinese cuisine. For instance, 'Moo Shu Gai' is nothing but chicken served with plum sauce and vegetables.

6) Ma Po Tou Fu: Sounds strange? When you find any such term in a Chinese menu, know that this term simply refers to 'spicy pork in bean curd'.

7) Mien: Although sounds obscure, it simply stands for Chinese noodles.

8) Tiem and Suen: If you wish to order something sour, look for the word 'Tiem' in the food menu. Similarly, things listed under the section titled 'Suen' are nothing but Chinese desserts.

There are many other exotic terms you will come across in a Chinese food menu, but the above-listed ones are the most fundamental ones.

Use the unique Chinese Food Locator to find some of the best Chinese Restaurants in your city.

Also, find more informative articles and tips on Cooking Chinese Food to experience the flavor of the rich Chinese Cuisine.

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Chinese Food Smart Picks

Chinese food can be some of the healthiest food available. It can also be some of the worst. It all depends on what you order.

Ask the server if you can order a child size entrée. That will also reduce the volume of food. It will bring the amount of food to a more manageable level.

Best Picks

1. Choose main courses with mostly vegetables and steamed rice.

2. Pick chicken instead of duck.

3. Avoid or try to eat very small quantities of the crispy fried noodles.

4. Ask that your food be prepared with less oil, soy sauce and salt.

5. Ask that your food be prepared without the MSG.

Instead

1. If you like egg drop soup, try the wonton soup instead.

2. If you like the egg rolls, try the steamed dumplings instead.

3. If like the fried main dishes, try them boiled, broiled, or steamed instead.

4. If you like the fried meat dishes, try dishes with lots of vegetables instead.

5. If you like the dishes with cashews and peanuts, try them with water chestnuts instead.

6. If you like the fried rice, try the steamed rice instead.

7. If you like the lobster sauce, try the sweet and sour sauce instead.

Practice the following

1. Can I have this without the sugar or starch?

2. Can I have the sauce on the side?

3. Can I have this without MSG?

4. Can I have a doggy bag before I start eating? The size of the portions of Chinese foods are often large, so try asking for a doggy bag upfront and putting some of the food away for another meal. Removing some of the food before you start eating will reduce your chances of overdoing it.

Also try sharing the larger portions with your dining companions to make more appropriate portion sizes.

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