Over the years, many restaurants serving Chinese cuisine have opened, especially on the Eastside of Indianapolis. Anyone who reads this column often knows that I enjoy exploring them and finding out what makes each one unique.
Perhaps one of the most beloved Chinese establishments in the area is Oriental Inn, which has been located at its North Arlington location since 1985.
When you enter Oriental Inn, you will immediately notice its charming atmosphere. In terms of appearance, the inside of the restaurant has maintained its original “old school” décor with wood entryway, Asian decoration, fancy lanterns, gilded wallpaper and carved wooden chairs.
It might remind you of a Chinese joint you once visited as a kid, or the restaurants often seen in martial arts films from the 1970s and ‘80s.
Oriental Inn appears to be a family owned restaurant, and the staff is very friendly, helpful with carryout orders, and for those who dine in, highly attentive and genuinely interested in how satisfied their customers are.
They will enjoy a brief, cheerful chat with you and check to make sure you have everything that is needed. It is obvious that the owners and staff actually enjoy the work they do.
Of course, Oriental Inn has all of the well-known “American” Chinese favorites such as General Tso’s chicken, egg drop soup, Kung Pao beef and lo mein.
However, what makes Oriental Inn stand out is its version of entrées such as Kim Chee fried rice, crab Rangoon, hot n’ sour soup, and garlic and sesame chicken.
On the day I visited I had a taste for something along the heathy line, so I selected the tofu (or soy bean curd) with vegetables, which was actually very flavorful and tasty.
Oriental Inn has an amazingly diverse menu that enables everyone to find at least one item that can satisfy their taste desires.
Honestly, Oriental Inn’s prices are just a little higher than some competitors, but, to be fair, it also has some of the best bargains around, such as daily specials and plentiful family dinner combinations that range between $10 and $15.
Many bargains can also be found on the restaurant’s website in the form of printable coupons, with such specials as a free drink with any lunch purchase, or $4 off any two meals.
My only problem with Oriental Inn is that, like similar establishments, they sell shark fin soup (the first item on the menu), and anyone who has seen footage of how sharks are killed for their fins understands how horrific and inhumane this process is.
Outside of that disturbing detail, Oriental Inn is definitely worth a visit by those who enjoy timeless Chinese cuisine.
