When you’re craving Chinese food, it can be difficult to pick just one dish. Most diners rotate between a handful of their favorite menu items, so why not order something new? Here are some popular Chinese dishes that you might not be familiar with.

A Guide to Popular Chinese Dishes

1. Beef or Chicken Ong Choy

Ong choy, also known as “water spinach,” is a leafy green vegetable rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. In Chinese cuisine, it’s typically stir-fried with either chicken or beef and flavored with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, red chili, and Chinese five-spice. This savory and nutrient-dense dish is a favorite at authentic Chinese restaurants.

2. Lup Cheong

Smoky, rich, and slightly sweet, lup cheong is a common Chinese sausage made from pork and fat. It’s traditionally seasoned and smoked until dry, which allows the sausage to crisp up nicely when cooked. Although it’s often served with rice, lup cheong tastes excellent on its own, making it an ideal choice for pupu platters in Hawaii.

3. Crispy Gau Gee

Essentially a fried dumpling, crispy gau gee is a popular Hawaii-style take on the traditional Chinese food favorite. Each delightfully crunchy wrapper contains a savory meat filling, usually well-seasoned ground beef or pork. Like classic dumplings, the meat, herbs, sauces, and seasonings are mixed together in a bowl before a small dollop is placed in the center of the wrapping. Gau gee is always formed by hand. It’s then deep-fried and served with a sweet and sour or shoyu sauce.

4. Lup Cheong Fried Rice

Fried rice is a standard option at Chinese eateries, but adding lup cheong gives the dish a unique chewy texture and authentic flavors. Made with white rice, lup cheong, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a variety of veggies, this dish is mixed and prepared in a wok. It can be served as a full meal or a side item.

Are you ready to try one of these mouthwatering dishes? Indulge in your favorite Chinese food from 8 Fat Fat 8 Bar & Grille in Honolulu. For over 30 years, this family-owned and -operated sports bar has offered unique Hawaiian twists on Chinese takeout. Every menu item is carefully crafted with the highest quality ingredients, from their fresh ahi poke to homemade crispy gau gee. Take a look at their full menu online. To place a carryout order, call (808) 596-2779.