Just when you have finally recovered from your New Year's Eve party, it's time to celebrate Chinese New Year on Feb. 8. But this annual Asian festival is more about chow mein than champagne. Like the American tradition of dining on black-eyed peas and collard greens on New Year's Day, many mark the start of the Chinese calendar by having the country's culinary exports.
Whether you want to go out for a nice, light lunch or a big, filling buffet for dinner, there are plenty of options for Chinese food in Myrtle Beach. In fact, you can even get take-out or delivery directly to your room and enjoy your feast at the Ocean Reef. Here are five of our favorite Chinese restaurants where you can ring in the Chinese New Year with a feast:
- China Buffet: Located only a few blocks away at Northwoods Plaza, this strip mall hot spot looks virtually identical to the same cookie-cutter Chinese buffets you can find in almost any town. Not that there's anything wrong with that. China Buffet features 120 different items on the hot bar, including Egg Drop, Won Ton soups, dumplings, rice, noodles and dozens of popular dishes like General Tao's Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork, Broccoli Beef and more. Sushi and other pan-Asian favorites are also on the bar, and American classics like chicken fingers, pizza and desserts are hits among kids.
- E Noodles: This locally owned and operated pan-Asian cafe has two locations. Located in Myrtle Beach and another in North Myrtle Beach, both locations are only a few miles away from Ocean Reef and well worth the drive. Featuring both authentic and affordable dishes from the Far East, E Noodles' menu offers Japanese, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Thai dishes but specializes in the Chinese classics, such as Mei Fun, Chow Mein and a delicious Roast Duck. Serving fresh seafood to go with the traditional beef, chicken and pork centered recipes, E Noodles allows you to create your own dishes. A full bar is also available.
- Great Wall: This place might not live up to the hype of China's actual Great Wall, but it is a great find for tourists who like to find small local hangouts. Similar to the Dim Sum parlors that have become popular among healthier eaters, Great Wall doesn’t serve the typical Chinese food you will find on a buffet. Dishes like Peking Duck, Roast Pork Mei Fun, Orange Chicken are countered by Pan-Seared Scallops, dumplings and noodles and rice dishes that are light, tasty and made to order.
- P.F. Chang's: Chinese goes upscale at this popular national chain. Located in the heart of Market Common’s restaurant district, P.F. Chang’s served a wide selection of pan-Asian dishes, although Chinese items make up most of the menu, and provides fresh takes on traditional dishes. Offering sushi and fresh rolls, like the popular spicy tuna and lettuce wraps, P.F. Chang’s gets creative to update and upgrade the classics. A full bar along with an amazing dessert menu make this a great place to take a date.
- Wok on the Beach: Every town has that little hole-in-the-wall Chinese joint that serves the best food in town. Myrtle Beach’s is only a few blocks away at Wok on the Beach, a nice play on words and a great place to get authentic Chinese cuisine. Mama Tse runs a tight kitchen and is happy to make your dish to order. The avocado fresh rolls, broth noodle bowls and pan-fried noodle dishes are outstanding. Wok on the Beach also offers take-out and delivery to Ocean Reef Resort.
So whether you have your Chinese New Year meal at one of Myrtle Beach’s many Chinese restaurants, or whether you have it delivered or bring it back with you to your room, you are sure to have a happy Chinese New Year by spending it on the Grand Strand. You don’t need a fortune cookie to tell you that.
