Golden Dragon: A Florence Staple
Florence, Alabama, a charming city nestled along the Tennessee River, boasts a vibrant culinary scene. While Southern comfort food and barbecue often take center stage, sometimes a different craving arises: the desire for the savory, comforting flavors of Chinese cuisine. Luckily, Florence has a selection of Chinese restaurants ready to satisfy your appetite for egg rolls, General Tso’s chicken, and everything in between. This guide will explore some of the top-rated Chinese restaurants in Florence, AL, highlighting their specialties, atmosphere, and what makes them stand out in this growing market. If you’re searching for the best Chinese cuisine Florence AL has to offer, look no further. This is your ultimate guide!
For many residents of Florence, when they think of Chinese food, they think of Golden Dragon. Located on Florence Boulevard, near the heart of the city’s shopping district, Golden Dragon has been serving the Shoals area for years. It’s easily recognizable with its bold signage and consistent stream of customers.
Stepping inside Golden Dragon is like stepping into a comfortable and familiar space. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, making it a great option for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner with the kids, or a convenient takeout order. The decor is classic Chinese restaurant, with traditional artwork adorning the walls and comfortable booths providing ample seating.
The menu at Golden Dragon is extensive, offering a wide variety of classic Chinese dishes to suit every taste. From flavorful noodle dishes like lo mein and chow mein to rice plates piled high with delicious options, you’ll find plenty to choose from. However, the restaurant is particularly known for its excellent versions of sweet and sour chicken. The chicken is perfectly crispy and fried, while the sauce is the right balance of tangy and sweet. The service is fast and friendly, and the portions are very generous, making it a fantastic value for your money. If you’re looking for some delicious Chinese cuisine Florence AL locals recommend, look no further.
Another popular dish is the Mongolian beef, featuring tender slices of beef stir-fried with scallions and onions in a savory brown sauce. The texture of the beef is always tender, never chewy, and the sauce coats it perfectly. The General Tso’s chicken is another favorite, providing the perfect blend of savory spices and textures, the broccoli cooked to perfection.
Golden Dragon also offers a selection of lunch specials that are perfect for a quick and affordable midday meal. These specials typically include a smaller portion of a popular entree, served with fried rice and an egg roll. This is a great way to sample different dishes and find your favorites.
Golden Dragon is an easy choice if you want some classic Chinese food and plenty of options. The portions are big and the flavor is bold, making it the ideal choice for family dinners and casual dining.
Taste of China: A Flavorful Exploration
If you’re searching for a diverse and flavorful exploration of Chinese cuisine, Taste of China, situated near Cox Creek Parkway, offers a more expansive and modern experience. This restaurant strives to incorporate dishes from different regions in China, resulting in a broader menu that caters to more adventurous palates.
The interior of Taste of China is notably more contemporary than some other Chinese restaurants in the area. The decor is modern, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere perfect for a business lunch or a relaxing dinner.
While Taste of China offers all the classic Chinese dishes that you would expect, they also shine with their more unique and regional specialties. A particularly popular dish is the spicy Szechuan shrimp, which features succulent shrimp stir-fried with vegetables in a fiery Szechuan sauce. The dish is known for its intense flavor and spicy kick, making it a favorite among those who enjoy bold flavors.
Another standout dish is the Peking duck, which is a traditional Northern Chinese dish featuring roasted duck with crispy skin. Taste of China prepares their Peking duck with great care, and the result is a dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing. It’s a perfect dish to impress your guests.
In addition to their impressive menu, Taste of China also boasts a full bar, making it a great place to enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine with your meal. They offer a selection of Chinese beers as well as domestic and imported wines. Taste of China prides itself on its customer service, ensuring that all guests have a memorable dining experience. It’s a perfect addition to the Chinese cuisine Florence AL scene.
Hong Kong Buffet: Variety is the Spice of Life
Sometimes, the best way to experience a cuisine is through a buffet, and Hong Kong Buffet, located on Mall Road near Regency Square Mall, offers just that: a vast and varied selection of Chinese dishes that are sure to please everyone in your party. This is the go-to destination for an all-you-can-eat Chinese food experience in Florence.
The atmosphere at Hong Kong Buffet is bustling and lively, with a constant flow of customers making their way to the buffet tables. While the decor is not as fancy as some of the other restaurants, the sheer variety of food on offer more than makes up for it.
Hong Kong Buffet boasts an incredible selection of dishes, from classic favorites like General Tso’s chicken and fried rice to more unique options like seafood dishes and sushi. The buffet tables are constantly being replenished, ensuring that the food is always fresh and hot.
One of the highlights of Hong Kong Buffet is their seafood selection, which includes crab legs, shrimp, and mussels. These are all prepared fresh and are a popular choice among customers. They also offer a selection of Chinese desserts, including almond cookies and fortune cookies, to end your meal on a sweet note. If you are looking to try a wide range of Chinese cuisine Florence AL dining has available, this is the place to be.
The affordability of Hong Kong Buffet is another major draw. For one low price, you can sample a wide variety of dishes and eat as much as you like. This makes it a great option for families or large groups.
Hong Kong Buffet is the perfect option if you are looking to try everything. While it might not be the highest of high-end options, the affordable price, great service, and incredible flavors make it a worthwhile visit.
Honorable Mentions
While the restaurants above are some of the most popular and well-regarded Chinese restaurants in Florence, AL, there are several other options worth considering.
China Inn: A popular takeout spot, known for its fast service and affordable prices. They are great for a quick lunch or dinner.
Chen’s Garden: This spot is loved by locals for its consistent quality and friendly service. It is a family run business that is the pride of the community.
Florence and Flavor: A Happy Mix
So, the next time you’re craving Chinese food, be sure to check out one of these great restaurants in Florence, AL! Each restaurant offers a unique dining experience, from the comforting familiarity of Golden Dragon to the diverse flavors of Taste of China and the abundant variety of Hong Kong Buffet. Whether you’re in the mood for a sit-down dinner or a quick takeout meal, Florence has a Chinese restaurant to satisfy your cravings. Explore the Chinese cuisine Florence AL options and discover your new favorite dish! Bon appétit!
