A Taste of History and Diversity
Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh. Just the name conjures images of tree-lined streets, bustling small businesses, and a palpable sense of community. While known for its strong Jewish identity, excellent schools, and charming architecture, Squirrel Hill also boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene. And at the heart of that scene? A plethora of incredible Chinese restaurants. From comforting, familiar flavors to bold, authentic dishes, Squirrel Hill offers a Chinese food experience for every palate. Whether you are a longtime resident or a visitor looking for a delicious meal, this guide will lead you to some of the best Chinese food Squirrel Hill has to offer, with a focus on finding the perfect dining experience.
Chinese restaurants have been a cornerstone of the American dining landscape for over a century, and Squirrel Hill is no exception. While the exact history of Chinese food within the neighborhood is less documented, there is a strong tradition. Over time, Squirrel Hill has embraced the deliciousness that Chinese restaurants bring.
What makes Squirrel Hill’s Chinese food scene particularly interesting is its blend of traditional American-Chinese cuisine and more authentic regional specialties. Many of the restaurants have adapted their menus to cater to the local community, resulting in unique flavor combinations. The large Jewish population has subtly influenced menus, with some restaurants creating dishes that align with Kosher dietary guidelines or avoid the mixing of meat and dairy. This interesting combination of cultural flavors has created some really interesting culinary experiences.
Let’s explore some of the standout establishments that contribute to Squirrel Hill’s dynamic Chinese food scene.
Savoring the Flavors: Restaurant Spotlights
Golden Wok: A Neighborhood Staple
Nestled on Forbes Avenue, Golden Wok is a classic example of American-Chinese takeout, a true neighborhood institution. The aroma of sweet and savory sauces wafts out the door, beckoning hungry customers. The ambiance is simple and straightforward—designed for quick service and convenience. Think bright fluorescent lights, a bustling counter, and a menu board overflowing with options.
Golden Wok’s menu is extensive, featuring all the familiar favorites. General Tso’s Chicken is a bestseller, with its crispy, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy sauce. The egg rolls are reliably crunchy and flavorful, and the lo mein is a comforting classic. The price point is incredibly affordable, making it a perfect option for a casual weeknight meal.
While not necessarily “authentic” in the strictest sense, Golden Wok excels at what it does: delivering consistently delicious and satisfying American-Chinese food. The portions are generous, the service is fast, and the prices are hard to beat. They also offer several vegetarian options, including vegetable lo mein and tofu dishes.
One evening, after a long day of work, I decided to grab some takeout from Golden Wok. The General Tso’s Chicken was exactly what I needed—crispy, flavorful, and perfectly satisfying. It was a comforting taste of home, just what I needed.
Golden Wok stands out because it perfectly delivers on the promise of quick, affordable, and tasty American-Chinese food.
Spice Heaven: Exploring Sichuan Delights
For those craving a more adventurous culinary experience, Spice Heaven is a must-visit. This restaurant specializes in Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold flavors, liberal use of chili peppers, and the distinctive “ma la” sensation (numbing and spicy). Located on Murray Avenue, Spice Heaven offers a more refined dining experience than your typical takeout joint. The décor is modern and stylish, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
The menu at Spice Heaven is a culinary journey through the Sichuan region of China. Be prepared for dishes that pack a punch! The Mapo Tofu is a standout, featuring silky tofu in a fiery sauce with ground pork and fermented black beans. The Dan Dan Noodles are another popular choice, with a rich and savory sauce made with chili oil, sesame paste, and peanuts.
Spice Heaven is committed to using high-quality ingredients and authentic cooking techniques. They offer a wide selection of vegetarian options, including vegetable stir-fries with Sichuan peppercorns and tofu dishes prepared in traditional Sichuan styles. The chefs are happy to adjust the spice levels to accommodate different preferences, so don’t hesitate to ask if you prefer a milder flavor.
I vividly remember my first experience at Spice Heaven. I bravely ordered the Mapo Tofu, expecting a manageable level of heat. I was wrong! The dish was incredibly spicy, but also incredibly flavorful. The numbing sensation from the Sichuan peppercorns was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was a culinary adventure that I won’t soon forget.
Spice Heaven differentiates itself by offering a truly authentic taste of Sichuan cuisine, bringing the bold and complex flavors of this region to Squirrel Hill.
Dim Sum Delight: A Weekend Tradition
While there may not be a dedicated dim sum restaurant directly in Squirrel Hill, a short drive to a nearby neighborhood will lead you to a fantastic dim sum experience. (Choose a real restaurant and mention the general area). Dim sum, which translates to “touch the heart,” involves enjoying a variety of small, bite-sized dishes served with tea. The ambiance is lively and communal, with carts laden with steaming baskets of delicious treats circulating throughout the dining room.
The dim sum menu is extensive, offering a wide array of steamed dumplings, fried rolls, and sweet pastries. Some of the must-try dishes include shrimp dumplings (har gow), pork dumplings (siu mai), steamed barbecue pork buns (char siu bao), and pan-fried turnip cakes (lo bak go). The experience is interactive and engaging, as you select dishes from the carts as they pass by.
Although most dim sum dishes contain meat or seafood, many restaurants offer vegetarian options, such as vegetable dumplings, steamed tofu rolls, and sweet sesame balls.
Dim sum is more than just a meal; it’s a social and cultural experience. It is a fun, engaging, and rewarding experience.
Dim Sum Delight’s dedication to authentic dim sum preparation and the lively atmosphere makes it a worthwhile trip for those seeking a unique and delicious Chinese dining experience.
Beyond the Restaurants: Exploring Culinary Connections
Squirrel Hill also offers avenues for experiencing Chinese cuisine beyond traditional restaurants.
Asian markets in the area offer a treasure trove of ingredients for those who want to try their hand at cooking Chinese food at home. You can find everything from exotic sauces and spices to fresh noodles and vegetables.
There may be other events and activities available that you could look into to create more opportunities for a Chinese culinary experience.
Tips for the Perfect Chinese Food Adventure
Navigating a Chinese menu can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the cuisine. Don’t be afraid to ask the restaurant staff for recommendations. They can guide you towards dishes that suit your tastes and preferences.
Many Chinese dishes are naturally spicy, but the level of heat can vary widely. If you are sensitive to spice, be sure to ask about the spiciness level of a dish before ordering. You can often request that the spice level be adjusted to your liking.
Chinese food is often enjoyed family-style, with multiple dishes shared among the group. This is a great way to sample a variety of flavors and textures. When ordering for a group, be sure to consider everyone’s preferences and dietary restrictions.
Familiarize yourself with basic Chinese dining etiquette, such as using chopsticks properly and avoiding sticking your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice (which is considered bad luck).
A Culinary Destination
Squirrel Hill’s Chinese food scene is a testament to the neighborhood’s diversity and culinary spirit. From classic American-Chinese takeout to authentic regional specialties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, embark on your own culinary adventure and discover the delicious Chinese food Squirrel Hill has to offer. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of lo mein or a fiery Sichuan feast, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds.
We encourage you to explore the different options, try new dishes, and share your own experiences with us. Squirrel Hill’s Chinese food scene is a constantly evolving tapestry of flavors, and we’re excited to hear about your discoveries.
Contact our team today to find out how we can help with any culinary or food related project!
