Community Corner

Too Hot to Cook? Try Chinese Takeout

Take a trip as we check out the best in North Shore Chinese dining options.

Check out these Chinese food options on the North Shore:


If you're really hungry, Salem's on Highland Avenue offers all you can eat dining, all the time. The restaurant was formerly Mandarin Buffet.

With eight different bars to choose from, the choice are endless, said Alex Lee, manager. Lee could not decide on what customers preferred the most because of the large variety. There's a sushi bar, salad bar, two seafood bars and many more. Lee said that one of the great things about East Sakura is their schedule. They don't close between lunch and dinner.

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"We want to provide the customer the time they need to eat," Lee said.

There are about 100 dishes to choose from. Some of the choices are chicken wings, General Gao chicken, Crab Rangoon, noodles, crab meatballs, etc. They also serve oysters, but only in the evening.

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Lunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $8.99. Dinner begins at 3 p.m. for $13.99.


East Sakura has been open under their new name less than a year, but if it's tradition you're in the mood for, check out Fantasy Island.

Open for 35 years, customers agree that the General Gao chicken is the best plate, a member of restaurant staff said. You can choose to eat inside or, if you're in the mood to stay in, Fantasy Island delivers to Swampscott, Marblehead and Salem.

is another local restaurant with a sushi bar and full Chinese menu. The restaurant has entertainment on weekend nights and a full liquor license.

Marblehead

At Mandarin, server Amy Chen said that customers absolutely love the General Gao chicken. It's cooked in a spicy, brown sauce and mixed with broccoli, she said. Another good choice, Chen said, is the Kung Pao chicken. It's spiced chicken served with celery, water chestnuts and peanuts in a spicy sauce. Dining in and delivery are both options.

Swamspcott

At customers like to start their meals with egg rolls and spring rolls. The favored entree is General Gao chicken. Yan's serves it steamed with broccoli and sweet and spicy sauce. If you're the type of person that doesn't like too much spice, you can let them know. There's a dining room if you prefer eating outside or you can have your meal delivered as well, according to Lee Lin, who has worked there for a couple of years.


If you’re in Vinnin Square, Gourmet Garden is another option - especially with those with dietary restrictions. Known for their sushi, the restaurant is one of the few in the region to offer brown rice sushi as well as Akai rice — a sugar free rice. The menu also includes Gluten Free, Sugar Free and Vegetarian options. The restaurant has a buffet during the day and also does dine in and take out. Take out orders can be placed online.

Other Food News
Have restaurant or food themed news you want to share? Send an e-mail to melissa.montoya@patch.com

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