A favorite of both Winston-Salem residents and Wake students alike, China Chinese Restaurant caters to anyone with a hearty appetite and a love for fried rice. Located less than two miles from campus, China Chinese offers casual tables inside as well as provides reliable delivery service.

The interior of the restaurant is more suited for taking orders at the counter than for enjoying a pleasant meal. There are a few tables on either side of the counter and picturesque posters of Chinese landscapes decorating the walls. With the bright fluorescent lights and cafeteria style serving trays, however, it is ill-suited for romantic dinners. On a positive note, China Chinese can not be beat in terms of efficiency. Food can usually be ordered, served, and eaten within 20 minutes.

China Chinese Restaurant offers a medley of Asian and American cuisine, which helps when ordering food for large groups with disparate tastes. The novelty and convenience of ordering chicken nuggets and Mu Shu pork at the same place can only be surpassed by the fact that both options are equally delicious. For example, the Fried Chicken Nuggets ($2.75 dozen), taste as if they were cooked at any American chain restaurant, while the traditional Beef Lo Mein ($3.50 pint) uses crisp vegetables and an excellent sauce to spice up the dish.

Favorite choices among students include the Chicken and Broccoli ($3.95 pint), which is a medley of bite-sized chicken pieces and sautéed broccoli with a flavorful soy sauce. General Tso’s Chicken ($8.25) offers a non-traditional sauce which serves to boost the great taste of the dish. The good-quality meat and distinct tastes of each specific sauce truly set these options apart. The Egg Drop ($1.10 pint) and Wonton soups ($1.10), unfortunately, leave much to be desired in flavor and consistency.

While a list of diet-friendly options are helpful to those getting ready for bikini season, there are also larger combination platters ranging from $5-7 for those looking to fill their stomachs and have leftovers to spare. There are plenty of vegetarian choices in the section of cooked vegetables and Asian dishes can be ordered vegetarian. Lo Mein and Mu Shu vegetarian style are touted as being as tasty as their meaty counterparts, due to enhanced spices and sauces.

Along with American, Hunan, and Cantonese additions to the traditional Chinese menu, the Chef’s Specialties offer additional choices for those looking to try something new and different. For example, the Spicy Dragon and Phoenix ($8.95) consists of a combination of chicken, jumbo shrimp, and vegetables cooked with five-spice sauce, a flavorful addition to the dish. There is a special section for American specialties, such as Fried Spare Rib Tips ($3.25) and Fried Jumbo Shrimp ($4.00), which have not the slightest hint of ethnic flavor, and are perfect for groups with conflicting tastes.

Even if the restaurant itself lacks charm and ambience, the food, boasting a variety of options along with well-known Chinese favorites, is perfect for ordering delivery on a budget.