Chinese restaurants are extremely easy to find. Good Chinese restaurants however, not so easy. Whether it’s Chinese-run Chinese restaurants, Chinese-American Chinese restaurants, or Hispanic-run Chinese restaurants (they do exist sadly enough), you can find your kung pao fu yung chicken in many places in each city that has its share of varied cultures. New York City is the Chinese Restaurant Capital of the World (this award does not exist, you don’t have to Google it), with one in almost every single corner—literally. You don’t have to take more than 10 steps before finding a Chinese joint. They are also well-known for fast delivery, excessive amounts of food, and almost a guarantee they will forget to give you something if you make the order to-go. Despite that, Chinese food in New York is absolutely fantastic, especially that of Chinatown (It sounds stereotypical, but it rings so true). For anyone keeping tally, “Chinese” was said 11 times in this paragraph.
The closest Orlando has to offer to top New York Chinese is this tiny small local joint that has stood the test of time with a dedicated fanbase, good reviews, and strong word-of-mouth. Green House is not your typical Chinese joint, its one with quality food, quality prices, and quality portions. Emerging somewhere in the late 90s, Green House has outlasted nearly every other place in the plaza. It has managed to survive the worst of times, when at least half a dozen places went under in the five-mile radius of that area. Movie theaters were failing, gyms were failing, restaurants were going under, and even some gas stations couldn’t make it. Despite all this, Green House stood tall and mighty, still receiving visitors, still delivering plenty of times, and still maintaining its quality after all these years.
The biggest issue with Chinese restaurants (and this ESPECIALLY applies to restaurant chains) is the pricing and the amount that follows. Very rarely will you ever get enough food to justify the nearly-ten dollar dish that’s barely occupying a tenth of your table. Pei Wei and Panda Express are pretty much on top of the list for most expensive quick service eateries in the country. Of course, it wouldn’t be such an issue if the food was good and if they gave you a lot. However, when you can spend only 5 bucks on footlongs, or only 10 bucks on massive pizza, paying over 10 dollars for a few pieces of chicken and rice is a tough pill to swallow. With Green House, the second you are seated you start with a small appetizer—before even ordering. With two sauces on the side at all times, you are ready for Chinese food.
Their standout appetizer is the crab Rangoon, which is a delicacy enjoyed in almost all Chinese restaurants, but the ones here are much more fulfilling. Usually the Rangoon (in the Orlando/Kissimmee area) is shaped like a stuffed triangle, but in Green House they not only taste good, but they look good. The ones here are shaped more like a big flower, with all the incredible stuffing hiding underneath. The stuffing is just a right amount, never too much, never too little. Green House also has incredible ribs and fried chicken wings, which is a bit odd for a Chinese joint. It is not every day a person can find ribs from a Chinese hole-in-the-wall location rivaling those of Chilis and T.G.I. Fridays.
Green House stands out because of the main courses, moreso than the lovely atmosphere, fast delivery, and vast quantity. Even something as simple as chicken fried rice, results in you getting a mountainload of rice with plenty of chunks of chicken sprinkled throughout. Nothing is ever cut back; you get a lot of food. I am a huge fan of their sweet and sour meat, especially the sweet and sour shrimp. Unlike your usual seafood joint, their shrimp requires the entire fork. Unlike your usual chicken bites, it requires multiple bites to finish off one piece.
Bottom Line: Green House is as close to New York Chinese food as you’ll ever get, as the food, service, and prices are fantastic. You always get plenty of food, you’ll always receive smiles from the staff running the place, and the overall experience is always a delight. This has been my top choice for Chinese food for years, and its one of the better hidden eatery treasures in the Orlando-Kissimmee area. You want good Chinese food and not have to sacrifice your wallet? Look no further.
12915 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837-6592
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