New China Menu Prices 2026: Chinese-American Food Guide

New China is one of the most common names for independent Chinese-American restaurants across the United States. It is not a single national chain but rather a widely shared brand name used by hundreds of independent family-owned restaurants. These establishments typically serve classic American-Chinese cuisine: egg rolls, fried rice, lo mein, General Tso's chicken, beef with broccoli, sweet and sour dishes, and combination platters. Most locations offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery.

At a typical New China restaurant, expect to pay $5–$10 for appetizers, $10–$16 for fried rice or lo mein, and $12–$22 for chicken, beef, pork or seafood entrees. Lunch specials (usually available weekdays until 3 PM) are the best value, running $9–$13 for an entree, rice and egg roll. Combination platters range from $11–$16 and include an egg roll, spare ribs or wings, fried rice and an entree. Prices vary by location, city and state.

General Tso's Chicken is the most-ordered Chinese-American dish in the United States. It consists of crispy-battered chicken pieces fried until golden and coated in a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy dark sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic and chili peppers. At most New China restaurants it costs $14–$18 for a dinner portion or $9–$13 at lunch special pricing. It is served with steamed or fried rice.

The most commonly ordered dishes at New China-style Chinese-American restaurants are: General Tso's Chicken (the #1 most-ordered Chinese-American dish nationwide), Sesame Chicken, Beef with Broccoli, Shrimp with Lobster Sauce, Chicken Fried Rice, Chicken Lo Mein, Hot and Sour Soup, and Combination Platters. Pu Pu Platters for two are a popular starter for groups.

Yes. Most New China-style restaurants offer a solid range of vegetarian dishes. Look for: Vegetable Dumplings, Buddha's Delight (mixed vegetables and tofu), Vegetable Lo Mein, Vegetable Fried Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Broccoli with Garlic Sauce, and Mapo Tofu (note: some versions contain pork — confirm with the restaurant). Egg Drop Soup and Wonton Soup typically contain meat. Staff can usually advise on substitutions.

A Pu Pu Platter is a Chinese-American appetizer sampler served on a large shared plate, often with a small flame in the center for tableside warming. It typically includes egg rolls, spare ribs, chicken wings, fried shrimp and dumplings — enough for two people to start their meal. At most New China restaurants it costs $18–$25 and is one of the most popular group starters.

Lo mein uses soft, thick egg noodles that are boiled and then stir-fried with sauce, giving them a chewy, saucy finish. Chow mein at Chinese-American restaurants typically means crispy-fried noodles (or a bean-sprout-based dish) with a lighter, drier texture and a separate brown sauce poured over. Both are served with chicken, pork, shrimp, beef or mixed vegetables. At New China restaurants, lo mein is more popular and typically costs $10–$16.

Yes. Lunch specials at Chinese-American restaurants like New China are consistently the best per-dollar value on the menu. A typical lunch special runs $9–$13 and includes a full entree portion, your choice of fried rice or steamed rice, and an egg roll. The same entree ordered at dinner would cost $14–$20 without the sides. Most locations serve lunch specials Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM, with some extending to Saturday. Confirm hours with your local restaurant.

Because 'New China' is a common name shared by hundreds of independent restaurants across the U.S., the easiest way to find one near you is to search 'New China restaurant [your city]' on Google Maps, Yelp, DoorDash or Uber Eats. Many New China locations have their own websites with menus and online ordering. Major review aggregators like Yelp will show hours, photos, and reviews filtered by your location.