Chinese cuisine is one of the most sought after cuisines the world over. There’s very good reason for that dear readers: it’s delicious and for this writer it’s right up there with Italian and French cuisine, and PF Chang’s is the place to visit for epic Chinese cuisine.
The traditional recipes have been passed from generation to generation and they’ve survived migration from China and have lasted long here in North America as one of the most prominent takeout options across US and Canada (as well as the epic dining out experience).
The various Chinatowns set up from city to city promise a wide array of exceptional Chinese Cuisine…and don’t even get me started on the wonder that is the Chinese Buffet!
But it isn’t only the great restaurants nestled within the cozy confines of the many Chinatowns spread out over North America. There have been many successful chains that have gotten their start in the last few decades, and one in particular is none other than PF Chang’s.
Chang’s is a casual dining restaurant, only instead of that Olive Garden type of menu that borders on authentic Italian, PF Chang’s promises the classic Chinese dishes we’ve all come to know and love and yeah get a craving for more often than not…sometimes even in the wee hours of the night.
Come on….tell the truth. How many times have you been awoken by the call for some epic noodles and chicken; maybe even some dumplings? Don’t lie, now.
That’s the great thing about living in the heart of the city: Chinese food and yes even in the wee hours of the night.
Keep reading to learn all about some of the best menu items at PF Chang’s
It was only in 1993 that PF Chang’s came to be in existence (thank heavens). The restaurant was founded by Paul Fleming and Philip Chiang. It has passed through a few hands of ownership over the years, but it’s still going strong, with over or just about exactly 300 locations around the world, and yes with many of those locations in the US and yes, even Canada.
So without further ado, here are 10 items you’ve got to try next time you stop off at your local PF Chang’s location.
10. Crispy Green Beans
These are definitely special, and who says that you have to always go for the richer proteins on the menu? At Chang’s the veggies are delicious and done just right. Here, the green beans are done up in a tempura batter and deep fried to crispy perfection. Complete with a spicy dipping sauce.
9. Tempura Calamari
Tempura is a genius way that Asians have been battering their food for years, and for that I say thank the Good Lord. It’s delicious when fried and when it comes to calamari, it has the edge on the classic deep frying batter used by the Italians in their cuisine…and I’m of Italian descent! That’s definitely saying something.
8. BBQ Pork Spare Ribs
A classic on any Chinese food menu. The ones at PF Chang’s aren’t overly sweet and the term ‘just perfect’ comes to mind—an epic balance is found in this dish.
7. Dynamite Shrimp
Dy-no-mite! I had to, sorry. But when it comes to shrimp, they’re that much better with that epic kick of heat and spice, which these most definitely have. They lose nothing in the flavor department mind you, but be warned, as a stick of explosive flavor is likely to go off when you pop these bad boys into your mouth.
6. Handmade Dumplings
Dumplings are another staple of Chinese Cuisine, and the ones at this chain are phenomenal. The flavor is there and at the same time they’re filling and are likely to stay with you…as will the tremendous aftertaste that may just have you going back the next day…because you’ll think of these all night dear readers…trust me on that one.
5. Singapore Street Noodles
I cannot go to a Chinese restaurant without having some noodles dear readers, and these noodles here are the perfect choice. They’re heavily curried, but in this case that’s a good thing. They’re sautéed with chopped veggies and chicken and shrimp. You can’t go wrong with a serving of these delicious noodles.
4. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps
A classic Chang’s recipe that dates back years. These seem simple enough but they are delicious and with these you’ll have just more of that perfect balance that can be found in many if not all of the PF Chang’s menu options.
3. Wonton Soup
Yet another classic, but one that you should never do without when starting a classic Chinese meal. The perfect starter if you ask me, and a precursor to all the deliciousness that is sure to follow.
2. Buddha’s Feast
Again, you don’t have to stick just to the meat; this tofu vegetarian dish aptly named is delicious. Don’t be too hard on tofu. If prepared smartly the flavor components can be huge, and Chang’s definitely knows a thing or two about that. Trust old PF Chang on that one.
1. Kung Pao
This can be served with either chicken, or you guessed it, shrimp. Their sweet and spicy sauce is delicious and this protein goes well paired with any one of their other carb dishes.
The term ‘tip of the iceberg’ certainly comes to mind here, dear readers, and I find myself coming up short, because as I look over the menu even further, I see so many other epic items that deserved a spot on this list. So why not come up with an honorable mentions section?
Figured you’d like that.
Honorable mentions include: Their fried rice, the Great Wall Of Chocolate (dessert), their Signature Lo Mein, Beef with Broccoli, their Sesame Chicken, their Mongolian Beef, their Asian Cesar Salad, their Sushi options, their hand-folded crab wontons, and the list goes on.
What do you like to eat when you stop off at PF Chang’s, dear readers?