Is it better to try something new or stick with the familiar when dining out? For me, ideally it’s both, but most often it’s the latter. This is because even that with which I’m most acquainted is rarely made the same way from one place to another.
While Lanshing Cafe offered a lot of items I’ve never tried, let alone considered, I was drawn to the fare I know. This family-owned Chinese restaurant features a lot of options to lure culinary explorers as well as food aficionados.
This is a small, unassuming eatery with photos of unidentified dishes, wipe boards listing specials, an unobtrusive small TV and tasteful decor that leaves no doubt regarding the provenance of the cuisine.
LanShing Cafe in Colorado springs is a family-owned Chinese restaurant.
The six-coconut shrimp appetizer ($7.75) we started our meal with were crispy thanks to the fried panko and shredded coconut coating. They came with honey sauce, something unexpected but the perfect complement to the savory crustaceans.
House egg rolls at Lanshing cafe.
The same sauce accompanied the seasonal spring rolls ($8). These, too, were fried and packed with pieces of shrimp, chicken, mushrooms, carrots and chives — none of which seemed particularly limited in availability. The combination of ingredients, again enhanced with the sweet honey, provided vibrant flavors. However, with only two in an order they were on the pricey side, but worth the splurge.
Chicken chow fun at Lanshing Cafe.
I’m a fan of chicken chow fun ($15.95) and the wide rice noodles are not on every Chinese restaurant menu. I was not disappointed by what was served. The noodles were stir-fried with skinny pieces of chicken, thin slices of onions, scallions, carrot strips and celery. The veggies retained some crunch and there was a hint of ginger. Everything had a shiny veneer thanks to sesame oil.
Among the standards ordered was mu shu pork ($15.45). This was a mashup of cultures, in my book. Even without the covered container labeled “tortillas,” where the four pancakes were kept, once assembled the final outcome looked like a burrito. Until then, it was not a pretty dish since the colors were less vivid than the others. Once one of the delicate pancakes was coated with the dark plum sauce, with a good amount of pork and vegetables placed on top, it had more plate appeal.
Frankly, the plum sauce is what makes mu shu a favorite. The thick, sweet sauce would go with anything, but it elevated the pork to something more than just thin pieces in a jumbled mess of shredded cabbage, onion, slivers of celery and carrots.
LEFT: Beef with snow peas at Lanshing Cafe.
Perhaps the most colorful entree ordered was the beef with snow peas ($16.95) Zucchini chunks, onions, red pepper and the lush green peas made even the sliced meat look bright. Everything shimmered with a light finish of brown sauce.
The family-style entrees include a choice of steamed or fried rice. Brown rice is available for a $1 upcharge. Servings were quite large, so leftovers were a sure thing, and they lost nothing in terms of texture, color and taste the next day. Also, the menu notes that the restaurant doesn’t use MSG!
Lanshing Cafe
Chinese cuisine for dining in or carryout.
Location: 9475 Briar Village Point, No. 150
Contact: 719-266-8351; lanshingcafetogo.com
Prices: $7.95 to $25.95
Hours: 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday to Saturday. 3-8 p.m. Sunday. Closed Tuesday.
Details: Credit cards accepted.
Favorite dishes: Chicken chow fun, coconut shrimp.
Other: Gluten-free and vegan options available.
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