Imperial China Chinese Restaurant
220 Maine Mall Rd, South Portland, ME, 04106
Imperial China Chinese Restaurant Menu
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Visit below restaurant in South Portland for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in South Portland for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in South Portland for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
220 Maine Mall Rd
South Portland, ME, 04106 - Phone (207) 774-4292
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Chinese Cuisine
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
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Rick D.
my mom and I eat once a year here during the winter holidays went last week and bad news tasted good but both of us had belly issues and/or nausea after the meal when we got home normally we like the food and have a good meal we are upset that we had bad experience since we both love going to restaurant to enjoy a nice meal very disappointed
(1)Jacqueline M.
Best teriyaki beef sticks! Pupu platter for two was a little small but everything really well made and tasty. Scorpion bowl drink was ok. Great Szechuan and chow mein. Would come back here for the teriyaki!
(4)Meghan C.
Imperial is by far one of the best American Chinese restaurants in Maine--even New England. The food is simply delicious and everything is made without MSG (monosodium glutamate). This little hidden treasure is a perfect place for a quiet date night dinner. The wait staff is swift and attentive, and the prices are on point for the quality. If you're craving delectable Chinese food, Imperial is the precise destination to satisfy.
(4)Melissa B.
Being in a strip mall, I questioned how good it could be. We ordered the shrimp with pea pods, crispy sesame beef, and crispy sesame chicken (my choice). While I thought the beef was okay, the sesame chicken was phenomenal. Normally, when I get sesame chicken, the coating is soggy and the sesame seeds seem like an after thought. Not here. The chicken was crispy and there were a lot of sesame seeds. The egg drop soup was also very good. Service was great.
(5)Timothy L.
A delightful surprise. I wasn't certain of what to expect from a small Chinese restaurant tucked obscurely in a small shopping plaza. What I got was a wonderful dining experience. The staff is wonderfully attentive to my every need and the food was amazing. Everything was freshly cooked, piping hot and full of taste. Definitely recommended to anyone looking for a delicious food at a very reasonable price.
(4)M D.
Sorry Gloria, my loyalty is fading. I've been working less than a mile away for over 20yrs now, and in the early days I would have lunch (takeout, typically Fridays) at least once a week, sometimes twice, and almost always the same thing (Shrimp Fried Rice w/H&S soup). There were spells where my co-workers made a group lunch every Thursday as well. The food in years back was absolutely spectacular, the portions were unbelievable for the decent prices there, and the service (even if the English wasn't the best) was very cordial and prompt. About 10yrs ago, more or less, quality of the food began to decline, service made us feel like we were a burden to the wait-staff, and the portion-to-price actually inverted... less food for more money (which wouldn't have been so bad if the quality stayed top notch). Having purchased the same meal for so long (a former co-worker got me hook on my regular-weekly order), I got to monitor the trend of quality, portion, and price. I recall the days when Imperial used the rectangular Tin/Aluminum containers, packed so full the lid squished down the portion just to close, and it cost like $3.65 or something... Crazy (good)! Well watching the container and portions get smaller, and even the rise in price, is truly not the primary concern. It's the quality, speaking of the Shrimp Fried Rice lunch dish, in particular, where the rice and veg' was so fresh and moist, almost like steamed, and the shrimp though soft and tender almost had a crunch, or a "snap" to them. This formerly great meal has become greasier, slimy-like, and the shrimp is almost "mushy" now without a dense, fresh, "snap" to them. I started to notice this decline several years ago, and the past couple years I would stop going for a while, going elsewhere with my coworkers (most of which have vowed not to return). And then every now and then, I'd try it again, just to see if things had gotten better and Imperial had returned to the top quality food and service from years past... and, NOPE! Today, the bottom of my small plastic partially filled container was a coating of grease or oil, there was a lot of shrimp but they were disgustingly slimy and had some funky-smokey aftertaste. Thank goodness the Hot & Sour soup was in great form today... I tossed most of the shrimp out, and most of the fried rice into the soup. This is sad, too, because I find the majority of local Asian restaurants tend to be of the greasy, not so fresh, weird after-tasting cuisine. Imperial China USED TO be the one above the rest. Now, I must search for that fresh delicious Asian cuisine again. I fear Imperial China has lost their gift so long ago it'll take a miracle to get it back.
(2)Ben S.
Though I now live just minutes away from Boston's Chinatown, having easy access to New England's greatest center for Chinese food, I still think fondly of Imperial China. It's a Christmas Eve tradition of my family's to get take out each year; their General Tsao's chicken is no less important to me than mashed potatoes are on Thanksgiving. I have no trouble claiming that it is the best Chinese food in Maine. If you're dining in, be sure to get the hot and sour soup. They're one of the few places in New England that do it right.
(4)Misty J.
I would eat here every other day if I lived in south portland. Great ambiance and employees. Been here 6 times and always had the best experience. The food is the best, fresh veggies crispy chicken and the beef is cooked perfect as well. Sauce is a 10, and the drinks are all delicious and unique. Great prices, Great service, a Great dinner or lunch!! I recommend the sweet and sour chicken and a Shirley temple.
(5)Emily R.
My family has been coming here for years and we love it! Food is excellent, prices are very reasonable (especially the luncheon menu!) and the service is quick! Each table gets a complimentary teapot and bowl of crispy noodles which are refilled throughout the meal. By far my favorite place for Chinese food!
(5)Vi L.
Great for takeout. This place is legit Chinese food - you can tell by their decor and staff as well. We got the mushu chicken and stirfried green beans. The beans were fried with pickled radish, and I love that stuff. Both dishes were tasty and they lasted a good 3 -4 meals.
(4)Latasha M.
Went here because I was in the area and it was lunch time. My server was very nice and was always making sure I was ok. He was very attentive. The wonton soup was very good and I ordered a fried spring roll. The spring roll was not very good and really small for the price. The inside was very soggy which was weird. I have had someone from Vietnam make me spring rolls from scratch and they never tasted like that. Also, no egg rolls? I ordered the beef and broccoli with plain fried rice. The fried rice was dry and the name was correct, very plain. Had to put soy sauce to get any flavor besides the egg. Should have gotten white rice. The beef was ok and the broccoli was cooked enough, not soggy, which is a plus. Evergreen Chinese resturant which is about a mile away is far better food for the price. The service at Imperial was good, but the food was ok at best.
(2)Linda M.
We returned to Imperial China recently & each had hot & sour soup & Mongolian Beef. We like the soup very much & liked the Mongolian Beef except for the fact that it contained beef & onions only. Beef was good quality & sauce was very good. Later we returned & each ordered twice sauteed pork. Again, the pork was good, the flavor of the sauce was good, but the dish for the most part contained only pork & cabbage. I had 2 pieces of red bell pepper & a few green peppers (same for husband), but primarily only cabbage with the pork. We each grew tired of chewing cabbage. Perhaps Imperial is saving money? There were NO typical Chinese veg's in anything. Please Imperial, add something to reduce the boring side of your dishes. Then I can write a glowing review with a higher rating.
(3)Ian W.
I stopped here for lunch takeout very recently. I ordered the Lunch Special L35 Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce ($7.05 plus tax) with brown rice and hot & sour soup. The food was ready in about 10 minutes after ordering. The portion of food was modest, enough food for lunch. The main dish had tender shrimp (cleaned), broccoli, red peppers, straw mushrooms, baby corn in a spicy black bean sauce. The brown rice had a very firm texture. The hot & sour soup was very good, which had nice spicy flavors, the way I enjoy my hot & sour soup. Overall, I enjoyed my lunch which tasted freshly prepared with good quality ingredients. (3.80/5.00) NOTES: The wall near the entrance is plastered with many plaques for Best of New England Top 40 Chinese Restaurants and Best of the Best - Greater Portland's Best Chinese Restaurant (since 1995), 17 years running! This wall display reminds me of another Chinese restaurant (Szechuan Gardens) in Concord, NH, which also has many Best of the Best plaques mounted on their wall.
(4)Jon P.
Bought over $60 in take out and had to throw it in the garbage because it was that disgusting. You couldn't pay me to eat here, seriously.
(1)Patsy C.
Service was fast and courteous. My ginger chicken and green bean lunch special came with rice, soup, and hot tea. It was tasty and not too oily the way stir fries can sometimes be. Clean bathroom. Good place for a quick lunch. Plenty of parking.
(4)Martha C.
We had nothing better to do and no other place was open and we had gone to the IRS which is on the second floor a week earlier and made a note to visit sometime. Also, back in the day I remember this being one of the better Chinese restaurants. But I was really disappointed with my food - it was really bland and overpriced. Plus I enjoy eating surrounded by people and it was pretty empty except for a really loud and obnoxious group of people who giggled and guffawed over everything that kind of put a damper on our evening. My dining companion had a combination sesame shrimp and General Tso's chicken and I had a beef and scallop combo which was pretty bland. The crab rangoons were terrible. I had two glasses of wine that they claimed equalled a half carafe which was not worth the money. Funny how today we had business at the IRS and, even though we were hungry, I didn't even consider going there.
(1)Jessica S.
good service. i liked my beef with mixed veg and soup. my bf liked his chicken. fried rice is a bit dry. i like that they offer brown rice
(4)Will S.
So, not too long ago, I had the best Chinese meal of my life... No - It wasn't at Imperial China. It was in Seattle, WA at a place called 513 Bistro. However! Of the Chinese meals I've had, Imperial China is the closest I've come (in Maine) to repeating that wondrous experience. Long story short, the reason for my 4 star rating was the crispy sesame beef. I ordered it spicy, 4/5 stars, and it could've been a little hotter... Next time I'm going for 5/5. Anyway, the beef was perfectly crisped, the sauce was fairly light and very flavorful. I had a hard time not eating it all right then and there. But this is family style Chinese, you have to share... We also ordered the Happy Buddah, which consisted of bean curd, and various veggies. Pretty tasty. Not something I couldn't make at home, but it complimented the sesame beef pretty well. For a drink, we got the volcano bowl. On the menu, it was described as "Exceedingly Magical." I mean, how can you not order something that's exceedingly magical?!? It was good - could have had more booze in it though... It wasn't magical enough to keep me from driving home. The service was swift, friendly and prompt. No more, no less. Prices are pretty reasonable. Food was fresh, and well prepared. I think I can say this is easily the best Chinese in the Portland area.
(4)Jim Z.
Best Chinese Food Experience I have ever had! This is not your typical Mom and Pop kind of place. It is a true restaurant with a quiet, inviting atmosphere. Food is higher priced, but it is of much higher quality. Our waiter was attentive to our every need and quick. Our order took less than 12 minutes to be served to us. Our appetixer was served with a neat warming-plate that we could use to heat up the skewers we had as needed. This is THE place to go in Portland for Authentic Chinese food!
(5)Emily A.
Used to be my favorite Chinese spot in the area until the last time I went and our waitress was probably the worst on the planet. Now I realize it's common for those working in ethnic restaurants to not speak the best English, but this chick couldn't speak a word. The boyfriend asked her a question about a dish and she straight up answered him in Chinese.... uhhh ok. I've never seen two people look so confused in their lives. He wanting to know what made the "Amazing Chicken" amazing and her waiting to see what he pointed to in the menu. If that wasn't enough, she then brought out the wrong dish to my mother. When I pointed out to my mom it wasn't what she ordered and she told the waitress, the girl started shaking her head, arguing with my mom (trying) to tell her that this dish was in fact what she ordered. After about 15 minutes of this back and forth the manager came over, we explained what had happened and she agreed to give my mom what she actually did order. The food is still pretty good but the service is horrible. From now on if I want Imperial China, I'll stick to takeout!
(2)Matt C.
Great food! Real Chinese! But not the creepy stuff you know they eat over there. Decent service, Good sized portions for a good price. Best Chinese in the state. Off to the side location, never had to wait for a table. Easy for a simple dinner for two or a party of eight.
(4)H P.
I have been going to Imperial China for 6 years ,up until 2010.I always liked the food ,the pineapple duck being my favorite .I have a summer home in Maine therefore leaving Maine we would stop by on a Sunday before driving back to Mass. In 2010 I noticed a drop in quality in the food .My favorite pineapple duck had changed ,the portions though looked the same ,I began to notice more skin and fat than meat .This was too bad and they had subtly removed the marascino cherries too.The other dish that I liked shrimp and lobster sauce had a white sauce unlike any other Chinese restaurant I had eaten before and fell far short against many other restaurants where I ordered this dish.It's funny the restaurant advertises that they had garnered 3 1/2 stars for 15 years ,they did not get that rating in 2010 coincidentally when I started to get sour on their food.I must ask trying to save a few pennies on cherries and hoping no one would notice ,how stupid is that? ,I have been back 3 times to see if they had smartened up.They have not and instead of getting my business 8 times every summer they get nothing.Too bad ,the good news is there are lots of good Chninese restaurants all over the place ,unfortunately Imperial China is not one of them.
(2)Ryan M.
Legit chinese food in Maine....really? I'm from Hawaii and love good chinese food...and this place was pretty darn good.
(4)