China Garden Grand Forks is a cozy little Chinese restaurant tucked away in a strip mall that serves up delicious, authentic Chinese food at affordable prices. As a Chinese food lover living in Grand Forks, I was thrilled to discover this hidden gem when I first moved to town.
The purrpose of this article is that, I’ll share my full experience dining at China Garden Grand Forks, from the food and service to the ambiance and value. I’ll also provide some tips and recommendations so you can make the most of your visit to this excellent local restaurant. Let’s dig in!
A Warm and Inviting Atmosphere
Stepping into China Garden Grand Forks instantly makes you feel at home. The dining room is modestly sized with around 10 tables, decorated in traditional Chinese style with lanterns, wall scrolls, and decorative screens. Despite the small space, the seating is nicely spaced out, so you don’t feel crammed in.
The lighting is dim but not too dark, giving the restaurant a cozy vibe. Soft Chinese music plays in the background, just loud enough to be noticeable but not overpowering. The warm reddish-orange walls and dark wood furnishings add to the comforting ambiance.
During my visits, the dining room was never overly crowded or noisy. The relaxed pace and quiet chatter among diners make for a pleasant, intimate dining experience. This is a great spot for a casual meal with friends and family.
Friendly, Attentive Service
The service at China Garden Grand Forks always impresses me. The staff are incredibly friendly, attentive, and efficient. As soon as you’re seated, someone comes over to take your drink order and deliver menus.
The servers check in periodically to see if you need anything but aren’t overbearing. They are happy to make recommendations and patiently answer any menu questions you may have. I appreciate how they customize the spice level of dishes upon request.
From providing extra napkins to boxing up leftovers, the service staff handles every request quickly and with a smile. The owner herself is often working and mingling with customers, ensuring everyone is having a good time. The excellent service makes the whole dining experience smooth and enjoyable.
Authentic Chinese Dishes Made with Fresh Ingredients
Let’s get to the most important part – the food! China Garden Grand Forks serves a diverse array of authentic Chinese cuisine made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu includes over 100 items spanning appetizers, soups, rice and noodle dishes, chef’s specialties, and more.
Some of my go-to dishes here include:
- Egg Rolls – Crispy and stuffed with pork, carrots, cabbage, and glass noodles.
- Hot and Sour Soup – A savory broth mixed with tofu, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and eggs. Perfectly balanced between spicy and sour flavors.
- General Tso’s Chicken – Lightly battered chicken wok-fried in a sweet and spicy General Tso’s sauce. An American Chinese classic done right!
- Sesame Chicken – Boneless chicken pieces coated in a crunchy sesame seed batter and glazed with a delicious sweet and salty sauce.
- Kung Pao Shrimp – Plump shrimp stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and chiles in a mouthwatering Kung Pao sauce.
In addition to the usual American Chinese favorites, they also serve harder-to-find regional specialties like Twice Cooked Pork, Dan Dan Noodles, and Tea Smoked Duck.
I’m always impressed by the freshness and quality of ingredients used in all of the dishes. The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable, given the top-notch food.
Chef’s Specials – New Dishes to Discover
One of my favorite parts of the menu is the Chef’s Specials section. It features around 10-15 dishes that change periodically, giving diners an opportunity to try new and seasonal offerings.
Some standout chef’s specials I’ve enjoyed include:
- Pineapple Chicken – Chicken and pineapples stir-fried in a sweet glaze, along with bell peppers and onions.
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce – Plump shrimp cooked in a savory Chinese brown sauce with ground pork and egg.
- Szechuan Beef – Slices of beef sautéed with onions and peppers in a tongue-numbing Szechuan peppercorn sauce.
The rotating chef’s specials incentivize me to keep coming back to see what new flavors the talented chef has whipped up this time. It’s a treat finding a new favorite dish with each visit!
Helpful Lunch Combos for Dining on a Budget
For fantastic value, check out China Garden’s lunch combo options. Available 11 am – 3 pm on weekdays, these combos allow you to pick one entree along with rice and either soup or egg roll. Prices range from $6 to $8, depending on your entree choice.
Some examples of combo entree choices:
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Vegetable Delight
- Chicken Chow Mein
- Beef with Broccoli
The lunch combos provide a filling, satisfying meal for an incredible bargain. It’s a great way to sample new menu items without breaking the bank. Portion sizes are plentiful enough to take home leftovers, too.
Convenient Takeout and Delivery
While I prefer dining in, China Garden Grand Forks also offers takeout and delivery for added convenience. Call in or order online to have your food packaged up or delivered to your door.
Delivery is only available within a 5-mile radius of the restaurant. There’s a $20 minimum order for delivery service. Pickup orders don’t have a minimum requirement.
The food travels well and is just as tasty when enjoyed in the comfort of home. The takeout packaging is sturdy and seals in the heat. Prices are the same for takeout/delivery as dining in.
Consider ordering takeout for easy family meals or to sample several dishes in one go. It’s my go-to for takeout when I’m craving Chinese food at home.
Tips for Enjoying the Best Experience at China Garden Grand Forks
Here are my top tips for making the most of your visit to China Garden Grand Forks:
- Visit at lunchtime – To avoid crowds and noise, target the 1 pm – 2 pm time slot if possible. Lunch combos provide great value, too.
- Bring cash – They do accept cards, but cash payments are preferred and move quicker. ATM is available on-site.
- Request mild spice – If unsure, order dishes made mild and ask for chili oil or soy sauce on the side to adjust heat preferences.
- Share family-style – Order several dishes to sample a variety. Steamed rice is endless. Ideal for groups.
- Save room for dessert – Don’t miss out on the fried ice cream or banana spring rolls topped with honey for a sweet finish.
- Make reservations for large parties – Call ahead for groups of 6 or more to ensure seating together.
- Sign up for rewards – Join their loyalty program to earn points towards free food. Details available on site.
- Check the whiteboard specials – Scan the whiteboard near the entrance for additional daily specials not listed on the regular menu.
Restaurant Info Summary
Here are the key details about China Garden Grand Forks at a glance:
- Address – 430 N Washington St #104, Grand Forks, ND 58203
- Phone Number – (701) 775-0088
- Website – www.chinagardengrandforks.com
- Hours – Open 7 days a week:
- Monday To Thursday: 11- 9:30 pm
- Friday To Saturday: 11 – 10 pm
- Sundays: 11:30 – 9 pm
- Dress Code – Casual attire
- Cost for Two – Approximately $25 – $35
- Payment Options – Cash is preferred, but cards are accepted. ATM on site.
- Parking – Free lot parking is available
- Takeout/Delivery – Takeout is available at all hours. Delivery within 5 miles for orders $20+. Call to arrange.
The Verdict? Excellent Authentic Chinese Cuisine in Grand Forks
China Garden Grand Forks has become my go-to Chinese restaurant since moving to Grand Forks. Everything from the cozy atmosphere to the friendly service makes you feel right at home. Importantly, the food is phenomenal – fresh, authentic flavors expertly prepared at reasonable prices.
The broad menu offers familiar American Chinese dishes along with hard-to-find regional specialties, vegetarian options, and ever-changing chef’s features. Lunch combos provide fantastic value for budget-friendly meals. Everything I’ve tried has impressed me, even simple staples like fried rice.
While small in size, China Garden Grand Forks stands out for quality and consistency. I’m willing to bet it’s the best Chinese food in town. The owners and staff are passionate about sharing real Chinese cuisine with their adopted North Dakota community.
For excellent Chinese food in a relaxed setting, you can’t go wrong with China Garden Grand Forks.
