If you are looking for a date spot, I’ll save you five minutes, stop reading. But, if you’re in the market for a reliable take out option that is cheaper than grocery shopping, I’ve got the place for you. China Bowl located right outside NoDa at 3101 The Plaza.

The Ambiance

Look, I know our moms raised us not to judge a book by its cover, but in China Bowl’s case you absolutely can. It has all of the intangibles that you look for in a Chinese take out spot. Pulling up to China Bowl is like being an NFL scout seeing Cam Newton play for the first time or Randy Jackson in the room for Kelly Clarkson’s audition; from first glance alone you can tell something magical is about to occur. The bright orange building is like an oasis in the desert, or in China Bowl’s case, a beacon of authenticity shining through its dull surroundings of Dominos and Papa Johns. Not only is the building painted an odd color, but it is almost certainly a converted fast cash building. A few years ago you could turn a check into cash within these walls, now an elderly Asian fella’s delicate hands turn wonton paper, cream cheese, and imitation crab into a little bundle of joy. A beautiful metamorphose.

I understand I am painting China Bowl out to be a neon orange Taj Mahal. Like some eighth wonder of the world has been under our noses in Plaza Shamrock this whole time. So, let me issue a disclaimer – the first time I pulled up to the China Bowl parking lot, I crossed paths with a gentleman taking a piss in the open; little peeper dangling in the wind and all. To me, that was the sign I was in the right place for good Chinese food, but that is because the best Chinese take out spots are barebones, bordering on sketchy. If you are looking for a more classy, clean cut experience go to P.F. Changs or something, I don’t know what to tell you. But if you are on the hunt for the best Crab Rangoon this side of the Mason Dixon, get in the car and keep your eyes peeled for that bright orange.

What to Order

You can’t order Chinese without getting Crab Rangoons. That would be like pizza without cheese on it or kissing your sister; it just ain’t right. They aren’t the easiest to find in the south, either. Sometimes they are called crab wontons, or in stranger fashion cream cheese triangles. If you’ve had them before, they are probably a prerequisite for you when evaluating a Chinese restaurant. If you haven’t, throw some goons on your order when you head over to China Bowl; you won’t regret it.

Protein, the basis of life and the basis of every great meal. When ordering at China Bowl, I recommend a nice variety. Specifically, the beef and broccoli and the General Tso’s chicken. China Bowl’s beef and broccoli is full of flavor, but light enough to feel like you are being somewhat healthy. Well, at least healthy enough to balance out the General Tso’s. If you aren’t familiar, General Tso’s is very similar to orange chicken, but with a subtle kick. I wouldn’t call it spicy per say, but it has more zing than sweetness.

You’ve got your goons, you’ve got your protein, but what’s missing? Carbs. You should be ordering your carbs from China Bowl like you are a marathon runner carbo-loading the night before the big race. You’ll have complimentary boxes of white rice coming with the entrees you ordered, but like I said earlier, you are basically grocery shopping here. Save those boxes of boring white rice for the chicken and broccoli you cook Monday night when you tell yourself it’s time to eat healthy again. Live in the moment here and pair those delicious goons and the assortment meats with some flavorful carbs. I go with the pork fried rice because it is a classic. It has delicious flavor and pairs perfectly with your entree. It soaks the sauce up well, but if you want to get crazy with it, grab some packets of duck sauce when you pick up your order and dump it on the rice. But we aren’t stopping with the fried rice, we are practically marathon runners, remember? Get you some chicken lo mein noodles too. These are my favorite lo mein noodles in Charlotte. They are coated in sauce and carry a ton of flavor. These noodles wrap you up in a blanket and tell you every little thing is going to be alright. In fact, China Bowl’s lo mein may be the only known cure to the Sunday Scaries.

Wrap Up

Whether you are deathly hungover, Jewish on Christmas Eve, or looking for a delicious meal that costs less than a grocery haul, China Bowl is the spot for you. Go get some take out and let me know what you think about the recommendation in the comments.

-Zanzibar