Tucson, Arizona is a diverse community offering eateries of nearly every nationality. Love Chinese food but you are visiting Tucson? Just moved to the Old Pueblo and haven�t a clue where to get the best fried rice? Or, perhaps you are a native Tucsonan just looking for a new favorite Chinese restaurant. Following is a list of five of the best Chinese restaurants in the Tucson area.
The Lotus Garden is Tucson’s oldest family owned and operated Cantonese and Szechuan Chinese restaurant. Located in Central Tucson at 5975 East Speedway Boulevard, Lotus Garden offers specialties such as spicy Triple Sizzling Rice, Lotus Blossom, and exotic Polynesian beverages. The take-out lunch menu lists favorites like Chow Mein, Pork Fried Rice, and Barbecued Spare Ribs. The dinner take-out menu offers Chop Suey, Egg Foo Young, and other delicious dishes. Sip a glass of wine at the inviting bar while you wait for a table. On balmy summer evenings, dine al fresco on the modestly decorated patio. Close your eyes and you can almost smell freesia and orchids. Lotus Garden accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and Diners Club. Check out Lotus Garden online at http://www.lotusgardentucson.com for printable menus or hours of operation. You can also call 520.298.3351 to find out if delivery to your area is available.
Located on Tucson’s Southwest side is The Bamboo Terrace. “The Bamboo,” as its regulars fondly call it, prides itself on serving fresh, flavorsome Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese food in a relaxed atmosphere at affordable prices. Always cooked to order, food at The Bamboo does not spend its time sitting under a heat lamp. Chef Specialties include Princess Delight (beef, chicken, shrimp, vegetables, and peanuts in Kung Pao sauce), and Sai Woo Duck (tender, boneless duck with bamboo shoots and vegetables). Plunk down with the gang in a comfy booth and sample delectable dishes from huge yet affordable family dinners; choose between Cantonese or Mandarin styles. The Bamboo Terrace is definitely worth visiting at 1754 West Ajo Way, or you can call 520.889.2563 to find out if they deliver to your address. Go to http://www.thebambooterrace.com for menus, hours, and directions. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
Winner of several local awards, Golden Dragon has five Tucson area restaurants, so one is sure to deliver in your neighborhood: Midtown, at 2601 East Speedway Boulevard; Northeast at 6878 East Sunrise; Northwest at 6433 North Oracle; Eastside at 6166 East Speedway; and on the North side at 4704 East Sunrise. Mouth-watering appetizers like Vegetarian Spring Rolls or Kuo-Teh (dumplings with pork and vegetables) make great starters. Feast your senses on entrees ranging from Duck to Chop Suey to Chow Ho-Fun while you take in authentic artwork such as mural-size Chinese photography. Golden Dragon restaurants are ideal business lunch locations with quick and friendly – yet never intrusive – service. To find a complete menu, hours, or the phone number of your nearest Golden Dragon restaurant, go to http://goldendragonrest.com.
The Mandarin Grill has been serving Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese food to Tucsonans for nearly two decades. Located at 505 East Grant Road, the Mandarin Grill restaurant delivers across Central Tucson as far west as Silverbell Road and as far north as Roger Road. The first thing you will notice is the friendly banter between staff and regular patrons: a sure sign that the food and service are both excellent. Choose from scrumptious starters like Bon Bon Chicken Salad and Pepper Spiced Calamari, house specials such as slightly sweet Honey Walnut Shrimp and Coconut Curry Lamb, and vegetarian dishes including Braised Tofu and Yui Shan Eggplant. Delivery is always speedy, and the food is consistently hot, fresh, and tasty. Peruse a menu online at http://www.mandaringrill.com and then phone in your order to 520.882.8028.
Panda Village Chinese Restaurant offers dine in, carry out, and delivery. Conveniently located at 6546 East Tanque Verde, Panda Village boasts a cozy dining room where you can sit back and pore over their extensive beer and wine list while nibbling on airy Crab Puffs with tantalizing sauces. Take an extra-long lunch break and benefit from Panda’s generous weekday lunch special. You will be rewarded with mounds of hot, crisp, succulent food. Take leftovers to munch later, or sit awhile and enjoy the ambience (oldies music is a favorite) until your tummy is ready for more! Choose from traditional dishes including Beef and Broccoli and – my personal favorite – tangy Lemon Chicken. Find out more about Panda Village at http://www.pandavillage.com or call 520.296.6159 for Tucson delivery.
The next time you are craving a savory Chinese dish, look over this list of five of the best Chinese restaurants in Tucson. Then pick up the phone, place your order, and prepare to be pleased!
