Feeling that familiar pang of hunger? The craving for perfectly seasoned noodles, the crispy crunch of an egg roll, the comforting warmth of a steaming bowl of wonton soup? We’ve all been there. The desire for delicious Chinese food hits hard, but sometimes the thought of cooking, or even leaving the house, feels like a monumental task. Thankfully, in St. Paul, satisfying your Chinese food cravings is easier than ever, thanks to the abundance of fantastic restaurants and the ever-growing popularity of food delivery apps.
But with so many options at your fingertips, how do you choose? Scrolling endlessly through countless menus and reviews can be overwhelming. Which restaurant offers the most authentic flavors? Which delivery app is the most reliable? And which dishes are guaranteed to arrive hot and delicious at your doorstep? This guide is your answer. Consider it your ultimate resource for navigating the world of Chinese food delivery in St. Paul, helping you discover hidden culinary gems and revisit beloved classics, all from the comfort of your own home.
Why St. Paul Loves Chinese Food Delivery
The love affair between St. Paul residents and Chinese food delivery is no mystery. At its core, it’s about unparalleled convenience. After a long day at work, or on a weekend when relaxation is the only item on the agenda, the prospect of cooking can seem daunting. Delivery eliminates the need for grocery shopping, meal preparation, and the dreaded post-meal cleanup. It’s a simple, efficient way to enjoy a satisfying meal without lifting a finger.
Beyond convenience, the sheer variety of Chinese cuisine available in St. Paul is a major draw. From the fiery heat of Szechuan peppercorns to the subtly sweet and savory notes of Cantonese classics, there’s a dish to please every palate. Whether you’re a fan of spicy Kung Pao chicken, comforting Lo Mein, or the delicate flavors of steamed dumplings, St. Paul’s Chinese restaurants offer a diverse culinary landscape ready to be explored.
Delivery services have also made this culinary diversity incredibly accessible. Regardless of your location within St. Paul, delicious Chinese food is just a few taps away on your smartphone. This accessibility has made Chinese food delivery a staple for everything from quick weeknight dinners to celebratory gatherings. It’s perfect for a solo meal when you’re craving comfort food, a family feast on a busy weekend, or even a convenient and crowd-pleasing option for office lunches. The versatility of Chinese cuisine, combined with the ease of delivery, makes it a perennial favorite among St. Paul diners.
Top Chinese Restaurants in St. Paul for Delivery
Let’s dive into some of St. Paul’s best Chinese restaurants offering delivery, each bringing its unique flavors and specialties to the table.
First up is Golden Dragon, a long-standing St. Paul institution known for its generous portions and classic Cantonese dishes. A true family favorite, Golden Dragon has been serving the community for decades, building a loyal following with its consistently delicious food and friendly service.
Key Dishes
For delivery, you can’t go wrong with their General Tso’s Chicken, a perfectly balanced blend of sweet, spicy, and savory. The Honey Walnut Shrimp is another crowd-pleaser, boasting crispy, succulent shrimp coated in a creamy, candied walnut sauce. And, of course, no order is complete without their perfectly crispy and flavorful Egg Rolls. They are set apart from the competition because they use recipes passed down by generations, and everything is made from scratch.
Delivery Platforms
Golden Dragon partners with DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats, ensuring widespread availability throughout St. Paul. Keep an eye out for special promotions offered through these apps, such as free delivery or discounts on certain menu items. They also offer direct delivery within a limited radius, which can sometimes be a more cost-effective option.
Price Range
Moderate ($$)
Next, we have Szechuan Spice, a relative newcomer to the St. Paul scene but quickly gaining a reputation for its authentic and intensely flavorful Szechuan cuisine. If you’re a fan of spice, this is the place for you.
Key Dishes
The Dan Dan Noodles are a must-try, featuring chewy noodles in a spicy, savory sauce with ground pork and preserved vegetables. The Mapo Tofu is another standout dish, with silky tofu swimming in a fiery bean sauce. For a truly authentic experience, try the Twice Cooked Pork, a dish that showcases the depth and complexity of Szechuan flavors. They stand out because they import their spices directly from the Szechuan province and make all of their sauces in house.
Delivery Platforms
Szechuan Spice primarily uses Grubhub and Uber Eats for delivery. They often offer discounts for first-time customers, so be sure to check for those promotions.
Price Range
Moderate ($$)
For those seeking a more refined and modern Chinese dining experience, Eastside Asian Bistro offers a contemporary take on classic dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Key Dishes
Their signature dish, the Peking Duck, is a showstopper, featuring crispy duck skin and tender meat served with delicate pancakes and hoisin sauce. Their Spicy Tuna Roll is a delicious fusion of Asian and Japanese flavors, perfect for those seeking something a bit different. They also offer a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options, making it a great choice for diners with dietary restrictions. They source their ingredients from local farms.
Delivery Platforms
Eastside Asian Bistro offers delivery through DoorDash and also provides its own in-house delivery service. The in-house delivery often has faster delivery times due to smaller radius.
Price Range
Higher End ($$$)
If you are looking for something more casual, look no further than Wok This Way.
Key Dishes
From their flavorful sesame chicken and fried rice, this place always hits the spot. They serve large portion sizes for a decent price.
Delivery Platforms
They offer delivery through Doordash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats.
Price Range
Inexpensive ($)
These are just a few examples of the many fantastic Chinese restaurants offering delivery in St. Paul. Take some time to explore the different options and find the restaurants that best suit your taste and preferences. Don’t be afraid to try something new!
Choosing the Right Delivery App or Service
Once you’ve decided which restaurant to order from, the next step is to choose the right delivery app or service. Several popular options are available in St. Paul, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
DoorDash is one of the most widely used delivery apps, offering a broad selection of restaurants and generally reliable service. Grubhub is another popular choice, known for its user-friendly interface and extensive search filters. Uber Eats, as part of the Uber ecosystem, offers convenient integration with ride-sharing services and often features competitive pricing.
Direct delivery from the restaurant itself can also be a great option. Some restaurants offer their own delivery service, which can often be faster and cheaper than using a third-party app. Plus, you’re directly supporting the restaurant without the commission fees charged by delivery apps.
When choosing a delivery app or service, consider the following factors:
Delivery Fees
Delivery fees can vary significantly between apps and restaurants. Compare fees before placing your order to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Delivery Time
Estimated delivery times can also vary, especially during peak hours. If you’re in a hurry, choose an app or restaurant with a shorter estimated delivery time.
Restaurant Selection
Not all restaurants are available on all delivery apps. If you have a specific restaurant in mind, make sure it’s available on the app you’re using.
Promotions and Deals
Many delivery apps offer promotions and discounts, such as free delivery or discounts on certain menu items. Check for these promotions before placing your order.
Order Tracking
Most delivery apps offer real-time order tracking, allowing you to monitor the progress of your delivery and estimate its arrival time.
Tips for a Smooth Chinese Food Delivery Experience
To ensure a smooth and satisfying Chinese food delivery experience, keep these tips in mind:
Order Early
Especially during peak hours, such as lunch and dinner, delivery times can be longer. Order early to avoid long waits.
Double-Check Your Order
Before submitting your order, carefully review it to ensure you’ve ordered everything you want and that your address is correct.
Provide Clear Instructions
Include specific delivery instructions, such as “leave at front door” or “call on arrival.” This will help the delivery driver find your location and ensure a smooth delivery.
Tip Your Driver
Tipping your delivery driver is a customary way to show appreciation for good service.
Review the Restaurant
After receiving your order, leave a review of the restaurant and the delivery service. This will help other customers make informed decisions and provide valuable feedback to the restaurant.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Regional Chinese Cuisine for Delivery
While familiar favorites like General Tso’s Chicken and Lo Mein are always a safe bet, consider exploring the diverse landscape of regional Chinese cuisine for delivery. Szechuan cuisine, known for its bold and spicy flavors, features dishes like Mapo Tofu and Dan Dan Noodles. Cantonese cuisine, characterized by its delicate flavors and use of fresh ingredients, offers dishes like Honey Walnut Shrimp and steamed dumplings. Hunan cuisine, with its focus on smoky and tangy flavors, features dishes like Hunan Beef and Steamed Fish with Chili Sauce. St. Paul is home to restaurants specializing in each of these regions, offering a chance to expand your culinary horizons. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new!
Conclusion
From the convenience of ordering from your couch to the delightful variety of flavors available, Chinese food delivery in St. Paul offers a truly satisfying culinary experience. By exploring the recommended restaurants, carefully choosing the right delivery app, and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure a seamless and delicious meal every time. So, go ahead, embrace the ease and excitement of Chinese food delivery in St. Paul.
Ready to embark on your culinary adventure? Try one of the recommended restaurants tonight, or venture into a new regional cuisine. Share your favorite Chinese food delivery experiences in the comments below! Your insights might just lead someone else to their new favorite dish. After all, nothing beats the joy of discovering delicious Chinese food delivered right to your door in St. Paul. Happy eating!
