Budgeting for a family-style dinner requires more than a guess at the final bill, so here is the complete cost breakdown for the China Szechwan Menu with Prices. You want to know exactly what you are paying for before you pick up the phone or walk in the door.
This guide breaks down the typical costs for appetizers, entrees, and chef specials. We will also look at how portion sizes affect the total price for a group of four or six people.
China Szechwan Menu With Prices
Most locations of China Szechwan keep their pricing structure consistent, but urban areas might run a dollar or two higher. The menu is split into standard lunch specials and larger dinner portions. Below is the typical price range you can expect for popular dishes.
Appetizers And Soups
Starting with small plates is the best way to sample the kitchen’s skill. These prices are usually the cheapest on the menu.
- Pork Dumplings (6 pieces): $6.95
- Vegetable Spring Rolls (2 pieces): $3.50
- Hot and Sour Soup (bowl): $4.25
- Wonton Soup (bowl): $5.50
- Scallion Pancake: $5.95
Chicken And Pork Entrees
These dishes are the backbone of the menu. They are designed to be shared, but you will often get a large platter that feeds two people easily.
- Kung Pao Chicken: $13.95
- General Tso’s Chicken: $14.50
- Moo Shu Pork: $12.95
- Sweet and Sour Pork: $13.50
- Szechwan Chicken (spicy): $14.25
Beef And Seafood Specials
Protein costs drive these prices up. If you are watching your budget, stick to the chicken or tofu options. Beef and shrimp dishes are the most expensive items on the standard menu.
- Beef with Broccoli: $15.95
- Szechwan Beef: $16.50
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce: $17.95
- Kung Pao Shrimp: $18.50
- House Special Combination: $19.95
Lunch Specials Vs Dinner Pricing
You will save a significant amount of money if you go before 3:00 PM. The lunch menu usually includes a small soup, an egg roll, and fried rice at no extra cost. Dinner portions are larger, but you pay for the sides separately.
Here is a quick comparison of how the pricing shifts between meal times.
- Lunch Chicken with Garlic Sauce: $8.95 (includes sides)
- Dinner Chicken with Garlic Sauce: $14.95 (sides not included)
- Lunch Vegetable Delight: $7.50
- Dinner Vegetable Delight: $12.95
Rice And Noodle Sides
Do not forget to budget for the staples. A large order of fried rice is almost mandatory for a family meal. These are usually listed on the back page of the menu.
- Steamed Rice (large): $4.50
- Pork Fried Rice (large): $8.95
- Chicken Lo Mein: $10.95
- Vegetable Chow Mein: $9.50
How To Estimate Your Total Bill
To figure out your final cost, you need to count the number of entrees you plan to order. A good rule of thumb is one entree for every two people, plus one side of rice.
Here is a sample calculation for a family of four.
- Order two chicken dishes ($14.50 + $13.95 = $28.45).
- Add one beef dish for variety ($15.95).
- Include one large pork fried rice ($8.95).
- Add two appetizers to share ($6.95 + $3.50 = $10.45).
- Subtotal is roughly $63.80 before tax and tip.
Most locations also offer a “Family Dinner for Two” or “For Four” combo. These are listed in a box on the menu and often save you about 10% compared to ordering a la carte. Always ask if the combo includes soup, because that changes the value calculation.
One thing to note is that delivery prices are often 15% higher than dine-in prices. The menu you see online might not match the physical menu at the register. If you are ordering for pickup, it is wise to call and confirm the price of the chef specials, as seafood costs fluctuate weekly.
I have seen menus where the price for the “Szechwan Triple” was listed as $18.95, but the cashier charged $21.00 due to a market adjustment on the shrimp. It is always better to ask for the exact total before you commit to the order. The printed menu is a guide, not a contract, so keep that in mind when you are tallying up your budget.
Finaly, always check if the restaurant charges extra for brown rice or for splitting a dish. Some locations add a $2.00 fee for sharing an entree, which can catch you off guard if you are paying for a large group.