Chinese food is exceptional in South St. Paul

November 10, 1:24 PMSouth St. Paul ExaminerRob Shirk

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                The Great Wall of China

I have had the suspicion that native Chinese food probably doesn't actually resemble what I've been eating, as Chinese food, all my life in Minnesota. If I were to sit down for a bite to eat in Wuhan or Handan I reckon that I would not recognize anything served to me. Fortuitous for me that I have relatives in the Bay Area of California with its huge Chinese population. Recently, when I visiting, I asked if we could go someplace to eat something authentic.

Off we went to China Villiage in Berkeley (OK,technically Albany) with some friends and we made ourselves comfortable with a menu the size of a James Michener novel and ordered a wide assortment of dishes. It was... surprising. I recognized but one dish. It was an education in how I was ingrained with what I thought of as Chinese food. As it turns out, I prefer the American Chinese food that is made in America by the Chinese. There is a monumental difference in what is native. It looks different, tastes different, is different.

We are favored with having two Chinese restaurants in South St. Paul and while they might be no secret around the neighborhood, they sure are for the Twin Cities, as a whole.  I am not counting Chinese buffets, which taste about the same wherever you go.

Neither Wong's Kitchen Or The Peking Cafe are buffets and they are Chinese, not Thai or Vietnamese or any other country other than China.

Don't let the surroundings fool you. The Peking Cafe,1521 5th Ave S., South St Paul (651)-455-1291, is located in a run down strip mall featuring a laundromat and community education offices. However, once you've gotten beyond that and entered the restaurant, you'll find plentiful, casual, tables and chairs. The chefs have been cooking at this location for over two decades and it shows. The Tiger Pork, Chow Mien, and Fried Rice are just some of the featured items from their large menu. The Egg Rolls are crispy and appetizing, the Hot and Sour Soup really is, and the staff serves it all up in a friendly and unobtrusive manner. The 800 million dollar bail-out shouldn't come into play here. Their final tally will bring a little smile to your economically stressed face. Take out is available.

Wong's Kitchen , 214 13th Ave S., South St Paul  (651) 455-7934 is a take out only so if you think you're going to gather up the clan and go to the restaurant, this is the wrong place to do it. Set the table, though, at home, go and fetch it (no delivery offered) and be prepared for a bumper crop of food. The spicy edibles can be regulated on a scale of 1-10 and they actually pay attention to the difference. There will be no surprises. here. Wong's Kitchen is is a lunchtime favorite, serving up Chow Mien, for instance, quickly, with more than most would want to eat for less than five bucks. It should be termed a busted bank special.

Both establishments are easy to park at, easy to pay at, and delicious, to boot. One of the best parts is that you will recognize everything you are eating.