Chinese food is good business, especially with an envelope of duck sauce on the side. Considering the relatively limited size of our Cape Region, we have a pretty good lineup of Chinese joints for every taste and wallet. Truth be told, I don’t think any ethnic cuisine inspires a more varied combination of sit-down dining, delivery and carryout in those iconic containers. Ironically, the design of the container is actually quite American, created in the 1890s by a Chicago inventor who based it on the intricate folds of Japanese origami. The folded box with the little metal handle (which provides an impromptu light show in the microwave) didn’t gain international recognition until after World War II, when Chinese immigrants began to arrive in California.
The Cape Region offers a wide range of possibilities, from buffets to carryout with nowhere to sit, all the way to a full-service, sit-down feast. The longtime crown jewel of downtown Rehoboth dining is still Confucius at 57 Wilmington Ave. Shawn and Danielle Xiong bring their native Hunan flavors to the bustling enclave of eateries that populates the intersection of Second Street and Wilmington Avenue. Everything is made fresh to order, and Shawn prides himself on a few exclusive dishes, including the Crispy Whole Sea Bass and his famous Five-Spice Duck.
Lewes offers two neighborhood spots where one can get slightly more Americanized Chinese food, i.e., egg foo young, chop suey and ho fun/mei fun (flat rice noodles) along with traditional favorites. China Garden is in the Villages of Five Points, and before you go, you’d better bone up on the menu, because China Garden offers more than 184 individual dishes including combos, soups, appetizers and lunch specials. They don’t deliver, but they do take orders by phone. A nice feature is that almost all the dishes may be ordered in half or whole portions. Perfect for the gastronomically anxious foodie who needs to try everything.
On Kings Highway across from Big Oyster Brewery is Hing Wang Chinese Restaurant. This popular family-operated carryout makes everything fresh to order. They don’t deliver, and ordering is by phone. Hing Wang also offers a choice of portion size for most dishes. If you’re lucky, the owners’ college-age son, Joey, will take your order and help with suggestions.
And that brings us to Wu’s Kitchen in Lighthouse Plaza near Casapulla’s Sub Shop north of Rehoboth. They don’t deliver, but online ordering is just a hungry click away. Along with the standard neighborhood Chinese fare, Wu’s sets itself apart with non-Asian dishes like Buffalo wings, fried chicken wings, shrimp with Old Bay and even sweet doughnuts. Let’s face it, there’s always one spoilsport when it comes time to order for a group, and Wu’s makes sure that even he or she can get something a bit more Americanized. Good for you, Wu!
Just across Coastal Highway is Hunan Chinese Restaurant near Pete’s Steak Shop. In addition to a huge selection of combos, Hunan’s selection of 11 different soups makes it a favorite with locals. Their Hawaii Five “O” entrée is quite popular, with scallops, lobster, roast pork, chicken and shrimp enrobed in South Pacific flavors. Book ‘em, Danno.
Can’t decide? Does scrolling through those long menus bring on decision paralysis? Then try the Lin family’s Chinatown Buffet & Grill in the Midway Galleria next to the Hideout Arcade Bar & Grill. They’re open every day, and there is no delivery or carryout (unless you have big pockets and can run really fast). It’s all waiting for you on the buffet table, and as with most buffets, people have their favorites. Chinatown Buffet & Grill offers all you can eat for one base price. There are some à la carte items, but one can fill up until one falls over and not put too much of a dent in the wallet. The place always seems to be busy.
Many of our local spots list specials at capegazette.com, and Android, iPhone and iPad users can access these restaurants on the newly upgraded Rehoboth In My Pocket travel app. Simply select “Chinese Restaurants” to call, order online, see photos and menus if available. So, without any further ado, Xiǎngshòu nǐ de shíwù!
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So many restaurants, so little time! Food writer Bob Yesbek gives readers a sneak peek behind the scenes, exposing the inner workings of the local culinary industry, from the farm to the table and everything in between. He can be reached at Bob@RehobothFoodie.com.
