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INdulge: This deep-fried dessert from Imperial China is best thing I ate in Indy this week

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 6:11 GMT by The Indianapolis Star
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Indulging in the Sweet and Savory: Indianapolis’s Top Chinese Food and Dessert Spots

When most people think of Chinese cuisine, they picture steaming bowls of hot pot, delicate dim‑sum, or a crispy Peking duck that’s been charred to perfection. In Indianapolis, however, the Chinese culinary landscape has expanded far beyond those classic staples, offering diners an eclectic mix of flavors, textures, and, in some cases, downright desserts that rival the city’s best sweet treats. A recent feature on the IndyStar’s website highlighted the city’s most beloved Chinese eateries and their signature desserts—an essential read for anyone craving a taste of East meets Midwest.

Why Indianapolis Loves Chinese Food

Despite the absence of a bustling Chinatown, Indianapolis has long been a haven for authentic Asian cuisine. Over the past decade, a new wave of restaurateurs has blended traditional Chinese techniques with contemporary twists, creating a dining scene that feels both nostalgic and cutting‑edge. According to the IndyStar article, chefs across the city pride themselves on sourcing high‑quality ingredients, maintaining time‑honored cooking methods, and constantly pushing the envelope—especially when it comes to desserts.

The piece notes that many of these restaurants pride themselves on being “full‑service” establishments: they offer a wide range of entrees, from spicy Sichuan noodles to Cantonese seafood dishes, and finish the meal with a memorable sweet course. The article’s editors scoured the city’s neighborhoods—White Park, Mass Ave, West Side, and beyond—to compile a definitive list of spots that deliver on taste, ambiance, and value.

The Cream of the Crop: Key Restaurants and Their Signature Dishes

Below is a concise rundown of the establishments highlighted in the IndyStar article, complete with links to each restaurant’s online menu or website for those who wish to dive deeper.

Links: - [ Sino Kitchen Menu ] - [ The Wok Website ] - [ Golden Dragon ] - [ Noodle House ] - [ Jing ] - [ Shanghai’s Noodle House ] - [ Wong’s Bakery ] - [ Kang’s ]

Sino Kitchen opens its doors to the public on weekdays, offering an array of dishes that pay homage to its northern Chinese roots. Its Peking duck is a crowd‑pleaser: thin, charred skin paired with sweet hoisin sauce and crisp pancakes. Yet, the real secret to the restaurant’s popularity lies in its dessert menu. The mango pudding is a light, silky treat that captures the sweetness of ripe tropical fruit, while the sesame balls—soft, sweet, and dusted with toasted sesame—provide a delightful contrast.

At The Wok, diners are treated to a “Szechuan heat” that can be dialed up or down. The signature hot pot uses a spicy broth that’s both numbing and fragrant, with an array of fresh vegetables, thinly sliced meats, and chewy noodles. When it’s time to satisfy a sweet tooth, The Wok offers sticky rice cakes that are surprisingly chewy and subtly sweet. Their lychee jelly, meanwhile, offers a refreshing burst of fruit, perfect after a savory meal.

Golden Dragon has built its reputation on its dim‑sum bar, offering a wide variety of bite‑size items that are both classic and contemporary. Their braised pork belly is silky and flavorful, while the classic shrimp dumplings boast an almost translucent wrapper. Desserts here lean into traditional Chinese sweet soups: sweet red‑bean soup and sesame‑butter buns provide a comforting finish.

The Noodle House is a downtown staple, and its lo mein is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to authenticity. The dough is made fresh in‑house, while the sauce—made from a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of sugar—pairs perfectly with the chewy noodles. After the savory dishes, diners are encouraged to try the snow‑skin mooncakes. These translucent pastries contain a sweet filling of lotus seed paste and have a subtle, delicate texture that’s a treat for the palate.

Jing’s hot pot is a community‑friendly experience: large pots are shared, and diners can experiment with a variety of broths. Their dumplings—pork, shrimp, or vegetable—have a thin wrapper that’s almost translucent, and the accompanying sesame buns are an indulgent contrast.

Shanghai’s Noodle House and Wong’s Bakery are the go‑to spots for dessert lovers. The former’s red‑bean soup is thick, comforting, and mildly sweet, while the latter’s mooncakes—particularly the lotus seed paste variant—offer a perfect balance of sweet and slightly nutty flavors. Meanwhile, Kang’s is celebrated for its “spicy hot pot” and a dessert menu that leans heavily into fruit—lychee jelly and mango pudding are among the favorites.

What Makes These Spots Stand Out

According to the IndyStar feature, a few common themes set these restaurants apart:

1. Authenticity – Chefs either immigrated from China or have spent years mastering Chinese cooking techniques. Many places still use wood‑fired ovens or hand‑rolled dough, which imbues their dishes with an unmistakable flavor.
2. Ingredient Quality – Freshness is key. Restaurants frequently source imported Chinese ingredients or grow their own produce in the Midwest, ensuring that every bite tastes as close to the original as possible.
3. Dessert Emphasis – Many diners expect a sweet finish after a spicy meal. The featured restaurants offer a range of Chinese desserts that cater to both traditional tastes and adventurous palates. From silky mango puddings to savory‑sweet sesame buns, the dessert options are as varied as the entrees.
4. Atmosphere – From the upscale décor of Sino Kitchen to the bustling, family‑friendly vibe at Jing, each restaurant’s ambiance reflects its culinary focus. Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet, refined meal or a lively, communal hot‑pot experience, there’s an option for every dining preference.
5. Value – The IndyStar article emphasized that many of the restaurants offer generous portions at mid‑range prices, making them great options for families, lunch groups, or food‑enthusiast couples.

The Sweet Spot: Dessert in a Midwest City

One of the article’s most intriguing angles is how desserts have become a cultural touchstone in Indianapolis. While many cities view Chinese food strictly as savory, Indianapolis’s Chinese restaurants have re‑defined that narrative. In the city’s winter months, a warm bowl of sweet red‑bean soup can be as comforting as a hot toddy. In summer, the lightness of a mango pudding or lychee jelly provides a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy heat of Sichuan dishes.

Restaurants like Wong’s Bakery have also pushed the envelope by experimenting with fusion desserts—think sesame‑butter buns with a hint of ginger or mooncakes infused with local ingredients like blueberries. The IndyStar piece highlighted that these inventive desserts often become the “talk of the town,” attracting diners who may not have otherwise sought out Chinese cuisine.

Final Verdict

In a city that’s long celebrated for its Midwestern hospitality, Indianapolis’s Chinese restaurants bring an international flair that’s both authentic and inventive. Whether you’re craving a hearty bowl of hot pot, a delicate slice of Peking duck, or a sweet, fragrant dessert, the establishments highlighted in the IndyStar article promise a dining experience that satisfies all five senses. By blending time‑honored recipes with fresh, local ingredients and a focus on desserts, these eateries have carved out a unique niche in the city’s culinary map. So next time you’re looking to indulge, consider one of these celebrated spots—you’ll be in for a treat that’s as sweet as it is savory.