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A Chinese Food Guide for the Adventurous Beginner

Chinese Restaurant

For many, Chinese food means one thing: the familiar, sweet, and tangy Americanized fare of takeout menus. While comforting, these dishes only scratch the surface of a vast and ancient culinary tradition. In China, cuisine is a mosaic of regional styles, each with its own distinctive flavors, cooking methods, and history. Ready to move beyond fried rice and explore the possibilities? Here's your road map to discovering what Chinese food you truly love.

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Panda Express, Jamaica, NY

Panda Express, Jamaica, NY Sign

Sometimes you need Chinese food fast, and for some of those times, Panda Express (yes, I am weak), fits the bill. Nearest location per my GPS was in Jamaica, NY. Did it hit the spot this time? Their food is always consistent. But, did it deliver? Read on to find out. What are your thoughts on the entire Panda Express experience?

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Where Luck Swims: The Quest for the Best Chinese Restaurant Fish Tank

Deep Sea Restaurant with Patrons Featured Image

It’s an almost universal experience. You step through the doors of a Chinese restaurant, the aroma of soy sauce and sizzling ginger hanging in the air, and there it is: the magnificent, glowing fish tank. More than just decor, these aquariums are vibrant focal points, a source of fascination for children, and, perhaps most importantly, a centuries-old cultural statement. But among the thousands of tanks across the country, which ones truly stand out? We dive into the quest for the best. Questing. It's what we do best!

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Ode to a Chopstick(s)

Jerry Seinfeld said regarding flatware, "I admire the Chinese hanging in there with the chopsticks. You know they’ve seen the fork." Chinese food is a big part of my life. I waxed poetic and created two odes: 1) Ode to a Chopstick, and 2) Ode to Chopsticks. I’m undecided about which I prefer, so I present them here for you to choose. I also included some humor, links to articles on how to properly use chopsticks, dining etiquette, and the differences between forks and chopsticks. I hope you enjoy reading this. Please cast your vote for one of the two Odes.

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“Ding Ho”, Cantonese Cuisine, Columbus, Ohio

With a short list of sit-down "authentic" Chinese restaurants to choose from in Columbus, OH, one really caught my eye. Ding Ho. Cantonese cuisine in a very very old-school Chinese restaurant. Would it bring back those memories that I hold near and dear? The second dish we ordered will surprise you!

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Ode to a Fortune Cookie

Fortune Cookie: Eat me!

Ode to a Fortune Cookie, harkens back to our days of Innocence, when the thrill of cracking open your fortune at the end of every Chinese meal, was a joy upon itself. And in some (Guilty!) it stil is! What's in your fortune?

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Soup Dumplings: A Bite of Broth Bliss (with Photos!)

Steamed Soup Dumplings

Soup dumplings, also known as xiaolongbao, are delicate parcels of joy that burst with savory broth and tender fillings. At the same time, their intricate folds and flavorful essence may seem intimidating, but fear not! With a little practice and this guide, you'll be crafting soup dumpling masterpieces in no time with the easy to follow recipe with pictures! You’ll be wowing your friends and family with homemade soup dumplings in no time. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to experience a taste of broth-filled bliss!

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Chinese New Year 2024 – The Year of the Dragon

February 10, 2024 marks the beginning of Chinese New Year. This important cultural event that commemorates the new year and good fortune among many Eastern and Southeastern Asian cultures, and also celebrates the optimism of the coming year while honoring the past. Click to learn more about the traditions, celebrations, and meanings behind some of the rituals, and anything you want to know (even the questions you were afraid to ask) as we enter the Year of the Dragon!

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Enter the Year of the Dragon!

Year of the Dragon

On February 10th, Chinese around the world will celebrate the Chinese New Year and usher in the Year of the Dragon. Wait... is it Year of the Dragon, or Enter the Dragon? Think I'm confused? Read the article!

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The Rich History and Culture of Chinese Cuisine

Traditional Chinese Dish

Chinese cuisine is a rich and diverse cuisine that has a long history. Each region of China has its own unique style of cooking, and the dishes that are popular in one region may not be as popular in another. Read about each region and cuisine. Why not try your favorite cuisine at a Chinese restaurant or be bold and try different Chinese cuisines. The Chinese Quest is your gateway and road map, to the world of Chinese restaurants, with our unbiased reviews of Chinese restaurants.

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