If you’re looking for authentic Chinese cuisine and a comfortable dining experience this winter, Yen Ching Restaurant is the place to go.
Many Chinese restaurants in the Midwest (especially those of the general “buffet” style variety) serve Mandarin and Cantonese dishes.
However, other restaurants like Mandarin House, P.F. Chang’s and of course, Yen Ching offer customers Mandarin and Szchuan Chinese food, which some connoisseurs believe is a bit more exotic than other varieties.
Many culinary experts say Mandarin and Szchuan recipes (which come from the Bejing area) represent the best tradition of Chinese cuisine, which was inspired by early emperors of China, who recruited some of the best chefs in the empire to come up with new dishes.
These recipes have been passed on from generation to generation, and Yen Ching apparently does a good job of maintaining them.
Some of the most popular items at Yen Ching include cashew chicken, Kung Pao shrimp, Mongolian beef, egg drop soup, hot and sour soup and chicken vegetable deluxe. A personal favorite of mine is the almond chicken (which is basically diced chicken with water chestnuts, carrots, celery and bamboo shoots).
I know it’s true that a General Tso’s chicken dish can be found at virtually any Chinese restaurant, but Yen Ching’s version comes with a very tasty sweet/sour sauce and plenty of good vegetables.
Everyone should be able to find at least one item on the menu that can satisfy their taste desires, whether they’re looking for a dish with beef, chicken, seafood or pork (although you’ll have to look elsewhere if you want to top everything off with dessert).
Admittedly, some items at Yen Ching (with the exception of appetizers) are not that cheap, and range from $6.95 for vegetarian plates such as the Oyster Sauced Broccoli, to $17.95 for “chef’s suggestions” like the Black Bean Sauce Lobster.
The best bargains actually come with the combination platters for $4.95, which have a main meat (or vegetable) entree as well as fried won tons, crab rangoon, fried rice and a choice of soup.
Yen Ching is excellent for large parties of family, friends or co-workers. A special “Imperial Mandarin Banquet” is available for groups of 10 or more people.
Yen Ching currently has three locations, including 9150 N. Michigan Road, 8512 E. Washington St., and 2332 E. 116th St., Carmel. However, I highly recommend visiting the Michigan Road facility because of its relaxed atmosphere and friendly, attentive servers.
