Springfield, Illinois, a city steeped in history and known for its iconic horseshoe sandwich, often overshadows other culinary delights it has to offer. While the horseshoe certainly has its place, the city boasts a surprisingly diverse and vibrant Chinese food scene, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. If you’re craving that perfect blend of sweet, savory, and sometimes spicy, and looking beyond the usual tourist fare, Springfield offers a wealth of options to satisfy your appetite for Chinese cuisine. From familiar American-Chinese favorites to more authentic regional dishes, this guide will take you on a culinary journey through the best Chinese food experiences Springfield has to offer, ensuring you find the perfect spot to quell that craving.
Classic American-Chinese Favorites
For many, the allure of Chinese food lies in its comforting familiarity. The dishes we’ve come to know and love, often slightly adapted for American palates, offer a taste of nostalgia and satisfying flavors. Springfield is home to several establishments that have perfected these classic American-Chinese dishes, providing a reliable and delicious experience.
The Corner Wok: A Springfield Staple
Located in the heart of downtown, The Corner Wok has been a Springfield institution for over two decades. Its bright, inviting atmosphere and friendly service make it a popular choice for lunch and dinner. The Corner Wok truly excels at serving up familiar favorites. Patrons consistently rave about their General Tso’s Chicken, a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying crispy coating. Their Crab Rangoon, golden and crispy with a creamy filling, is another crowd-pleaser. But The Corner Wok is more than just a one-trick pony. Their Lo Mein, available with a variety of protein options, is a testament to noodle perfection and a fantastic side dish or a meal of its own. Generous portions at reasonable prices make The Corner Wok a fantastic option for families and groups, generally falling into the mid-range pricing category. The Corner Wok is a classic, dependable option for those seeking a great take on familiar Chinese-American Cuisine.
China Buffet: An All-You-Can-Eat Extravaganza
For those seeking variety and abundance, China Buffet is the place to be. Located on the city’s west side, this expansive buffet offers a seemingly endless array of dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. While buffets can sometimes sacrifice quality for quantity, China Buffet manages to maintain a reasonable standard across its vast selection. From classic stir-fries to seafood dishes, to dumplings and egg rolls galore, the options are truly overwhelming. The sesame chicken is reliably good and a staple for many repeat customers. While focusing on quantity, the buffet is a good place to try new things for little extra risk. This is particularly popular with families with fussy eaters. The buffet also features a dessert section with a selection of fruit, ice cream, and other sweets. The price is very reasonable, making China Buffet a great choice for budget-conscious diners. For variety and large portions, China Buffet is definitely hard to beat in the Springfield Chinese food landscape.
Great Wall Restaurant: Serving Up Smiles and Classic Flavors
A little off the beaten path but worth the trip, Great Wall Restaurant provides friendly service alongside solid renditions of American-Chinese classics. Known for its consistently tasty food and warm atmosphere, this spot is a local favourite. Their sweet and sour chicken comes highly recommended, alongside their generous portions of fried rice. A big hit with families for its friendly atmosphere and dependable flavors, the Great Wall restaurant is popular with locals and a great place to get your staple dishes. Their service is usually very quick and the food reliably delicious, keeping up a solid trade with both walk-in and phone orders. For a great meal without breaking the bank, the Great Wall Restaurant is well worth a visit.
Authentic Regional Chinese Cuisine
While American-Chinese food holds a special place in our hearts, the world of Chinese cuisine is incredibly vast and diverse. Authentic regional Chinese cuisine offers a glimpse into the culinary traditions of different provinces and regions, each with its own unique flavors and ingredients. While Springfield’s selection of dedicated regional eateries may be limited, a few spots offer glimpses into that complexity.
Taste of Sichuan: Spicy Delights
Taste of Sichuan aims to transport diners to the heart of Sichuan province with its bold and flavorful dishes. This modest restaurant features a menu that leans heavily on the region’s signature flavors: intense heat from chili peppers and the unique numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns. One of the signature dishes is, predictably, Mapo Tofu, a braised tofu dish swimming in a fiery sauce with ground pork and fermented black beans. This is not for the faint of heart, but for those who appreciate authentic Sichuan heat, it’s a must-try. Dan Dan Noodles, another Sichuan staple, are also a popular choice. These noodles are served in a spicy sauce with ground pork, preserved vegetables, and peanuts, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile. While the atmosphere is simple, the focus is clearly on the food, which is prepared with care and attention to detail. Pricing is in the mid-range. Taste of Sichuan is an excellent place to experience the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine right here in Springfield. It is important to note that those unaccustomed to the intensity of Sichuan spices may want to ask for dishes to be prepared with a lower level of heat.
Beijing Garden: A taste of the Capital
Beijing Garden is a smaller venue, tucked away in a quieter part of town, but offers an authentic taste of Beijing-style Chinese cooking. A great spot for a quiet meal that is nonetheless bursting with flavour, Beijing Garden is highly regarded among locals in the know, who keep the restaurant busy. Beijing-style cooking is known for lighter sauces and for a focus on the ingredients themselves, so is popular with those seeking a more refined style of Chinese cuisine. Prices tend to be a little higher than at other restaurants on this list, but it is well worth it for the atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Springfield has several restaurants that are cherished by locals but might not be on the radar of tourists or newcomers. These hidden gems often offer unique dishes, exceptional service, or a combination of both, making them worth seeking out.
Golden Dragon: A Legacy of Flavor
Tucked away in a small strip mall, Golden Dragon is a true hidden gem. This family-owned restaurant has been serving Springfield for decades, and its loyal following is a testament to its consistent quality and friendly service. There are no fancy gimmicks or elaborate decor here; the focus is on the food, which is prepared with fresh ingredients and a generous helping of love. Golden Dragon is particularly known for its Egg Foo Young, a savory omelet that’s a far cry from the often-bland versions found elsewhere. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Golden Dragon is a place where you can feel like a regular, even on your first visit. This local favourite is a sure bet for a delicious meal in comfortable surroundings.
Mandarin Pavilion: Friendly Service and Delicious Classics
Another contender for Springfield’s best kept secret is the Mandarin Pavilion, a small establishment serving up a mixture of Sichuan and Cantonese classics. Known for its excellent service and huge portions, the restaurant provides a great experience and delicious food to both locals and visitors. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself at the Pavilion during a quieter time, you can expect to be treated to personalized attention and plenty of conversation from the staff.
Vegetarian/Vegan Options
Thankfully, many of Springfield’s Chinese restaurants are very accommodating when it comes to those of us who follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Thankfully, the nature of much of Chinese cooking, particularly vegetable stir-fries, means that there are plenty of vegetarian or vegan options to choose from at most venues.
The Bamboo Garden: A Vegetarian Paradise
The Bamboo Garden stands out for its extensive vegetarian menu, offering a wide range of dishes that are packed with flavor and nutrition. From classic vegetable stir-fries to tofu-based entrees, there’s something for every vegetarian palate. The restaurant is also happy to accommodate vegan requests, ensuring that all diners can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. Their vegetable spring rolls are a fantastic starter and their tofu dishes are consistently excellent. Bamboo Garden is a great choice for vegetarians and vegans looking for authentic Chinese flavors in Springfield.
Takeout and Delivery Options
For those evenings when you simply don’t feel like leaving the house, Springfield’s Chinese restaurants offer convenient takeout and delivery options. Many restaurants have their own delivery drivers, ensuring that your food arrives hot and fresh.
Speedy Wok: Fast and Reliable Delivery
As the name suggests, Speedy Wok is known for its fast and reliable delivery service. They offer a wide range of American-Chinese classics, and their online ordering system makes it easy to place your order from the comfort of your own home. They partner with several local delivery services, and you can expect food to arrive quickly and reliably. Speedy Wok is the perfect choice for a quick and easy Chinese food fix.
Springfield, Illinois, may be famous for its history and horseshoes, but its Chinese food scene is a delicious surprise waiting to be discovered. From the comforting familiarity of American-Chinese classics to the bold flavors of regional specialties, there’s something for every palate and budget. So, next time you’re in Springfield and looking for more than just a horseshoe, embark on a delicious adventure through the city’s vibrant Chinese food scene. You might just discover your new favorite spot. Don’t hesitate to explore these recommendations and share your own discoveries. Happy eating!
