When I first dumplung into the world of Chinese cuisine, I thought every dish would be a wok-tastic adventure. I was ready to rice to the occasion, savor every bite, and bao down to culinary greatness. The fragrant aromas, the sizzling sounds, the vibrant colors—what could possibly go wrong?
Well, as it turns out, not every dish is a dim sum dream. Some are just too oily, too salty, or simply don’t live up to the hype. So, to save you from a culinary wok of shame, I’ve put together a list of 30 dishes that might be better left unordered.
Let’s navigate this menu minefield with a sprinkle of humor, a dash of caution, and a whole lot of soy-sense!
1. Deep-Fried Ice Cream
Deep-fried ice cream sounds like an adventurous dessert, but it often results in a less-than-stellar experience. The combination of hot and cold can be intriguing; however, the dish frequently ends up greasy and heavy. Many restaurants fail to achieve the right balance, leaving the ice cream melted and the crust soggy.
While it may sound tempting, the execution usually falls short. Stick to traditional desserts like mango pudding or red bean soup for a more satisfying end to your meal. It’s a classic case of style over substance.
2. Lemon Chicken
Lemon chicken is often drowned in a syrupy sauce that overwhelms the palate. The tangy lemon flavor that should be the star of the dish gets lost in a sea of sweetness.
Moreover, the chicken itself can be overcooked and dry, making the overall experience less than enjoyable. The dish may look appealing with its bright yellow sauce, but it’s better to opt for something with a more balanced flavor profile. Try exploring more authentic options like Kung Pao Chicken for a delightful surprise.
3. General Tso’s Chicken
Despite its popularity, General Tso’s Chicken is notorious for being more sweet than savory. The rich, sticky sauce can be overpowering, masking the natural flavors of the chicken.
Additionally, the dish is often deep-fried, making it calorie-dense and not the healthiest choice. While it holds a place in many hearts, it might not satisfy those looking for a more authentic taste of China. Consider trying Szechuan Chicken for an option that offers a kick of spice and a more balanced flavor.
4. Egg Foo Young
Egg Foo Young, often described as an omelet, can be an oily mess. The dish is typically laden with too much brown gravy, which drowns out the delicate flavors of the eggs and vegetables.
It’s supposed to be light, yet it’s frequently served as a heavy and greasy dish. If you’re in the mood for eggs, why not opt for a simple vegetable stir-fry instead? You’ll find it refreshing and equally satisfying without the extra weight.
5. Sweet And Sour Pork
Sweet and Sour Pork is a classic that unfortunately often misses the mark. The sauce, while visually appealing, can be overly sweet, making it taste more like a dessert than a main course.
The pork can also suffer from being overcooked, resulting in a tough and chewy texture. Instead of this sugary concoction, consider trying a dish like Twice-Cooked Pork, which delivers a savory delight with a hint of spice.
6. Crab Rangoon
Crab Rangoon, a popular appetizer, is more of an American invention than a Chinese delicacy. The filling, often composed of cream cheese, overshadows any crab essence it might contain.
Additionally, the wonton wrappers can be thick and greasy, making it a heavy start to any meal. While they’re undeniably tasty for some, they don’t offer the authentic flavors you might be seeking. For a lighter and more genuine option, try shrimp dumplings or spring rolls.
7. Orange Chicken
Orange Chicken is another dish that tends to lean on the sweet side, much like its cousin, General Tso’s. The glaze can be overly sugary, detracting from the wholesome taste of the chicken itself.
Moreover, the zest, supposedly adding brightness, often gets lost amidst the syrupy coating. For those who prefer a citrus twist done right, consider opting for Lemon Chicken or perhaps a fresh orange salad on the side.
8. Moo Shu Pork
Although Moo Shu Pork boasts a vibrant assembly, it can sometimes be a letdown. The pancakes served with it may be too thick or chewy, detracting from the overall experience.
Furthermore, the hoisin sauce provided can be overpoweringly sweet. If you’re in the mood for a wrap, why not try Peking Duck instead? It offers a crispy texture and a delightful balance of flavors that Moo Shu often fails to deliver.
9. Chop Suey
Though you might think Chop Suey is a traditional dish, it’s actually more of an American creation. It’s often a jumble of leftovers, swimming in a thick sauce that can be overly salty or bland.
The dish lacks the harmony and balance typical of authentic Chinese cuisine. If you’re looking for a mix of vegetables and meat, consider ordering a well-executed stir-fry that highlights fresh ingredients and balanced flavors.
10. Fortune Cookies
While not technically a dish, fortune cookies are an afterthought rather than a fitting end to a meal. Originating in California, these treats don’t hold any culinary value in traditional Chinese dining.
The fortunes inside are often amusing but don’t make up for the lack of authenticity. Instead, consider finishing your meal with a cup of jasmine tea or a slice of mooncake for something truly reflective of Chinese culture.
11. Egg Drop Soup
Egg Drop Soup is a staple on many menus but often falls flat. The broth can be overly salty, overshadowing the delicate ribbons of egg that should be the highlight.
Additionally, some versions may contain thickening agents that give the soup a less than pleasant mouthfeel. For a more satisfying soup experience, try hot and sour soup, which offers a depth of flavor and a delightful kick of spice.
12. Beef And Broccoli
Even though Beef and Broccoli is a classic, it can sometimes be disappointing. The beef is often overcooked, leaving it tough and chewy. The sauce, meanwhile, can be overly salty, masking the freshness of the broccoli.
Instead, look for dishes that highlight beef’s natural flavor and tenderness, such as Szechuan Beef, where spices complement the meat rather than overpower it.
13. Shrimp Toast
Shrimp Toast may sound like a catch, but it often turns out to be a shellfish disappointment—greasy and lacking that fresh shrimp flavor. The toast base tends to be so oily, you might wonder if it’s been deep-fried in regret.
Additionally, the shrimp paste used as a topping can taste more shrimp-osterous than fresh. Instead, sea-ze the opportunity to try steamed shrimp dumplings. They let the natural sweetness of shrimp shine without drowning in grease!
14. Hot And Sour Soup
While Hot and Sour Soup can pack a punch with flavor, it sometimes falls flat due to an overly thick consistency. The balance between heat and sourness can also be a bit out of wack, leaving a one-dimensional taste.
If you’re craving a soup experience, wonton let you down—try Wonton Soup instead, with a cleaner broth and delightful dumplings. Or, for a truly spicy adventure, explore regional variations like Sichuan spicy soup for an authentic kick that’ll soup-prise your taste buds!
15. Spring Rolls
Spring Rolls, though a popular choice, can often be rolled in disappointment, with more wrapper than filling. The outer layer might be too thick, wrapping up the delicate balance of ingredients inside.
Why not go for fresh summer rolls? With a lighter rice paper wrap and fresh, vibrant fillings, they offer a spring in your step, perfect for those seeking something less greasy and more roll-tastic! Plus, they’re like a little burst of freshness, with every bite a wrap around your taste buds!
16. Lo Mein
While Lo Mein is a classic, it often noodles you into disappointment with heavy sauces that weigh down the noodles. The combination of ingredients can feel more like a stir-fried mystery than a harmonious dish.
Why not go for a simple noodle soup or stir-fried rice noodles instead? They offer cleaner flavors and a more satisfying texture, giving you a noodle experience that’s light and balanced, without the heavy baggage!
17. Kung Pao Chicken
Although Kung Pao Chicken is a fan favorite, it can sometimes peanut its way into disappointment with an overload of nuts and not enough spice. The balance of flavors can get lost in the crunch, leaving you with more texture than taste.
For a spicier and more authentic experience, try Ma Po Tofu. It offers a delightful heat and a rich, savory sauce that tofu-lly complements the dish, delivering the perfect balance of flavors.
18. Fried Dumplings
Fried Dumplings can often be more about the fry than the filling. The outer layer tends to be overly greasy, greasing over the delicate flavors inside.
Why not try steamed or boiled dumplings instead? They let the filling dumpling shine without all the added oil, offering a lighter, more authentic taste of traditional dumplings that’s sure to wrap up your meal in flavor! Plus, they’re a great way to savor the true essence of dumplings without feeling like you’ve fried your taste buds!
19. Sesame Chicken
Sesame Chicken can turn into a sticky, sugary affair that sticks around a little too long. The sauce, though glossy, can easily overpower the chicken, leaving little room for other flavors to simmer through.
For something with a bit more balance, try Cashew Chicken. It offers a harmonious combination of textures and flavors, with a sauce that nuts the right balance, complementing the dish rather than dominating it.
20. Chow Mein
Often, Chow Mein finds itself caught between being crispy or soft, leading to a dish that doesn’t quite hit the mark. The noodles can end up greasy, overshadowing the other ingredients and leaving you with a noodle of disappointment.
For a noodle dish that’s more consistent in texture and flavor, give Dan Dan Noodles a try. They offer a spicy, savory experience that noodles its way into your heart with every bite!
21. Fried Rice
Greasy Fried Rice, while a staple, can be a letdown if not prepared well. The rice may clump together, and the added soy sauce can make it overly salty, leaving you with a rice of regret.
For something lighter and more balanced, try Yangzhou Fried Rice. It features a carefully blended mix of ingredients, without the heavy reliance on oil, offering a more nuanced flavor profile and a satisfying, less greasy bite!
22. Char Siu
Why did the Char Siu go to therapy? Because it had too much glaze and not enough depth! The red glaze can be overly sweet, char-ing the savory richness of the pork.
For a more balanced barbecue experience, try ordering Peking Pork Chops. They offer a satisfying blend of sweet and sour, complementing the meat without overshadowing its natural flavor. It’s a pork-chop that knows how to keep it real!
23. Szechuan Chicken
Szechuan Chicken can sometimes be a fiery experience without much else to offer. The heat can overshadow the other flavors, leaving a one-note dish.
If you’re looking for something with complexity, try Three Cup Chicken, which combines soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine for a robust, flavorful experience that keeps you coming back for more.
24. Black Bean Sauce Dish
Dishes with Black Bean Sauce can be overpoweringly salty and pungent. The sauce can dominate the other ingredients, leaving little room for the natural flavors to shine.
Consider opting for a lighter sauce alternative, such as garlic sauce, which enhances rather than masks the delicate balance of flavors in the dish.
25. Peking Duck Roll
Peking Duck Rolls can be a hit or miss, depending on the freshness of the duck and the thickness of the pancakes. Sometimes, the rolls can be too heavy, overshadowing the delightful crispiness of the duck skin.
If you want a true taste of Peking Duck, order it as a main dish, where you can enjoy the crispy skin and succulent meat in all its glory.
26. Diced Chicken With Cashew Nuts
Diced Chicken with Cashew Nuts can sometimes lack the exciting flavors one might hope for. The sauce can be overly viscous, making the dish feel heavy rather than refreshing.
For a nutty delight with a twist, try Almond Chicken, which balances the nuttiness with a lighter touch, allowing the chicken and vegetables to shine through.
27. Wonton Soup
Wonton Soup is a comforting dish that can sometimes be a little wonton in flavor, either too bland or too salty. The broth, while clear, may not always carry the depth of flavor you’d hope for in a good soup.
Try Beef Noodle Soup instead. It offers a rich broth and tender slices of beef, creating a fulfilling and comforting meal that’ll beef up your appetite! Plus, the hearty flavors will have you noodle your way back for more!
28. Mapo Tofu
Mapo Tofu, while flavorful, can sometimes be overwhelmingly spicy, leaving little room for the subtle flavors of the tofu to be appreciated.
For a milder alternative that still offers depth, try Eggplant in Garlic Sauce, which combines spice and sweetness in a harmonious way, allowing each ingredient to shine.
29. Lemon Shrimp
Lemon Shrimp often suffers from a sauce that is too thick or gelatinous, overshadowing the delicate shrimp. The lemon flavor might not come through as vividly as desired.
If you’re looking for a fresh seafood dish, consider trying Salt and Pepper Prawns, which highlight the natural sweetness of the prawns with a subtle spice that enhances without overpowering.
30. Dragon’s Breath Noodles
Dragon’s Breath Noodles might sound enticing, but these fiery noodles are not for the faint-hearted. The dish features a bright red hue that hints at its extreme spice level, enough to make even the bravest spicy food lover hesitate.
Served with a side of ice water, these noodles are packed with a blend of exotic spices and chili oils that create a burning sensation akin to a dragon’s fiery breath. Though visually alluring, the spiciness can overpower the senses, making it difficult to enjoy the intricate flavors.