Appetizers and Starters: A Symphony of Beginnings
Spring Rolls
Crispy, golden brown wrappers encase a flavorful filling, often containing shredded vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts, and sometimes finely chopped meat like pork or shrimp. They are a classic for a reason: a satisfying blend of crunch and savory goodness. Variations might include vegetable spring rolls, which are entirely meat-free, or spring rolls filled with shrimp for a slightly different texture and flavor profile. Price-wise, spring rolls are usually quite affordable, making them a budget-friendly way to kick off your meal.
Dumplings
Often called potstickers or steamed dumplings, these are another cornerstone of Chinese cuisine. The soft, doughy wrappers are filled with a flavorful mixture that can vary significantly. The fillings themselves can range from savory pork, the most common, to tender chicken, or even delicious vegetarian options. Dumplings are often served with a dipping sauce, usually a blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil (if you like a little heat). They are an excellent sharing appetizer or even a light meal in themselves.
Crab Rangoon
These crispy wonton wrappers are filled with a creamy mixture of crab meat, cream cheese, and seasonings. They’re a unique take on a classic, combining the familiar flavors of Chinese cuisine with the richness of cream cheese. The sweet and savory combination is often a favorite, and they’re usually served with a sweet dipping sauce.
Depending on the specific location of Great Wall, you might also find other appetizers. These could include scallion pancakes, steamed buns, or even flavorful soup dumplings, which are always a treat.
Recommendations: For a classic experience, order the spring rolls and a plate of dumplings. If you’re looking for something with a touch of sweetness and creaminess, the Crab Rangoon is a great choice.
Soups: Bowls of Comfort and Flavor
Hot and Sour Soup
This soup is a complex mix of flavors: the hot comes from chili peppers and white pepper, and the sour comes from vinegar. The other ingredients include mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu, wood ear fungus, and eggs, all creating a diverse tapestry of textures and tastes. It’s a hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day.
Egg Drop Soup
This simple yet satisfying soup is made with a clear broth that is gently swirled with beaten eggs, creating delicate ribbons of egg throughout the soup. It is often seasoned with ginger, sesame oil, and green onions, and can provide a comforting and light start to any meal.
Wonton Soup
Wontons are small, delicate dumplings filled with seasoned pork or chicken. They’re served in a flavorful broth along with greens like bok choy or spinach. The combination of the tender wontons, the savory broth, and the fresh greens makes for a light, yet flavorful, and satisfying experience.
Depending on the location, Great Wall might also offer other soups, like noodle soups with various toppings.
Recommendations: Hot and Sour Soup is a great choice if you enjoy a complex and flavorful broth. The Egg Drop Soup is a lighter option, good for cleansing the palate.
Main Courses: The Classics
General Tso’s Chicken
This is a dish that has become synonymous with American Chinese food. The chicken is typically cut into bite-sized pieces, breaded, and deep-fried until crispy. It’s then coated in a sweet and savory sauce, often containing soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili peppers. The result is a flavor explosion: crispy chicken combined with the tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. It’s a highly popular choice.
Orange Chicken
Similar to General Tso’s Chicken, the chicken is breaded and fried. However, the sauce features orange zest and orange juice, giving it a bright, citrusy flavor. It’s a lighter, but equally appealing, choice.
Sweet and Sour Chicken or Pork
This dish features pieces of chicken or pork that are lightly battered and deep-fried, then served with a vibrant sweet and sour sauce. The sauce is typically made with pineapple, bell peppers, and onions, offering a satisfying balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes. The sweetness usually comes from sugar or pineapple, while the sourness comes from vinegar.
Beyond these well-known choices, Great Wall typically offers a range of other popular main courses. You might find Kung Pao Chicken, with its spicy chili peppers and peanuts, or Sesame Chicken, where the chicken is coated in a sweet sesame sauce. Beef with Broccoli, a simple but satisfying combination of tender beef and fresh broccoli, is another standard offering. Each location can vary in the precise selection, but these dishes are generally available.
Recommendations: If you enjoy something spicy and bold, try General Tso’s Chicken. For a citrusy and refreshing flavor, Orange Chicken is a good choice.
Main Courses: Noodles and Rice – the Heart of the Meal
Lo Mein
This dish features thick, wheat-based noodles that are stir-fried with a variety of ingredients. The ingredients can include your choice of meat (chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp) and vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, onions, and peppers. It’s often tossed in a flavorful sauce, which contributes a savory depth. Lo Mein is a versatile dish.
Chow Mein
Chow Mein is another noodle dish, often featuring thinner, crispy noodles that are stir-fried with a sauce and other ingredients. It’s similar to Lo Mein, offering a different texture. The vegetables, meats, and sauces used can vary, which is a good choice for its versatility and broad appeal.
Besides the classic Lo Mein and Chow Mein, some Great Wall locations may also offer other noodle dishes, such as Singapore noodles, which is a unique dish from a specific region.
Fried Rice
Fried Rice is a dish of steamed rice that is stir-fried in a wok. Along with the rice, other ingredients like soy sauce, meat or seafood, eggs, and vegetables can be added. Fried rice is a filling and flavorful dish, and a good complement to other dishes. The options will vary.
You can also find plain White Rice or Brown Rice options. These are simple sides that provide a base for other dishes.
Recommendations: Try a Lo Mein dish with your choice of protein and vegetable combinations. Fried rice is a reliable and delicious side dish.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Embracing Plant-Based Choices
Great Wall, recognizing the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan options, typically offers a selection of dishes that cater to plant-based eaters. This is a crucial aspect of today’s menus, providing inclusivity and catering to a wider audience.
Look for specifically labeled Vegetarian Dishes. These will usually include Vegetable Spring Rolls, certain Tofu dishes (like Ma Po Tofu), and Vegetable Lo Mein, which are made without meat or animal products. Ask the staff about the dishes to confirm.
Many other dishes can often be easily modified to suit vegan preferences. For example, you can often request that dishes be prepared without eggs, oyster sauce, or fish sauce. The staff is usually happy to accommodate these requests, so don’t hesitate to ask about modifications.
Side Dishes, Desserts, and Drinks: The Finishing Touches
To complete the meal, Great Wall offers side dishes, desserts, and drinks.
Side dishes may include Egg Fried Rice, or Vegetable Fried Rice.
For dessert, you’ll often find classic choices such as Fried Banana, a simple and delicious treat. Fortune Cookies, with their cryptic messages, are another staple. Some locations may also offer Ice Cream.
Regarding drinks, Great Wall generally offers a selection of soft drinks (soda), teas (like green tea or jasmine tea), and sometimes beer or wine.
Pricing and Value: Finding Your Sweet Spot
One of the appeals of Great Wall is that it generally offers a good value for money. The prices of the dishes are typically moderate, and you can usually enjoy a satisfying and filling meal without breaking the bank. The portion sizes are usually generous, especially with the entrees.
Great Wall locations often offer combo meals or lunch specials. These can provide even better value, allowing you to sample multiple dishes at a discounted price.
Restaurant Atmosphere and Service
The dining experience also encompasses the restaurant’s ambiance and the quality of service. Depending on the specific location, Great Wall restaurants can have a casual and relaxed atmosphere. The focus is typically on providing a comfortable dining experience. The service is generally efficient and friendly, with staff eager to assist you with your order and answer any questions you might have.
Conclusion: Savor the Journey
Navigating the Great Wall Chinese Food menu is an adventure in itself. From the crispy appetizers to the comforting soups, the flavorful main courses, and the finishing touches of desserts and drinks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Great Wall is committed to providing a delicious meal at an accessible price, a place to go to enjoy a flavorful experience with family and friends. We’ve given you a guide on how to pick the right dishes, and the various flavor options available.
So, the next time you are craving Chinese food, visit Great Wall.
Tips
Ask about spice levels. If you are sensitive to spice, be sure to let the staff know.
Don’t be afraid to customize your order. The staff is generally happy to accommodate special requests.
Consider the combo meals and lunch specials for a great value.
Consider ordering family style and sharing dishes.
