I’m Kayla, and I live on Indy’s near north side. Last month, I got a craving that just wouldn’t quit. I wanted crunchy egg rolls, hot soup, and sticky noodles. So I spent a few weeks trying Chinese spots across town. Some nights I ate in. Some nights I grabbed takeout and sat on my couch with a blanket and a silly show. You know what? It was a good time.
This isn’t fancy. It’s just what I ate, what hit the spot, and what didn’t. If you’d like an even deeper dive into every bite, I’ve gathered the full recap here.
South Side Classic: Egg Roll Number 1
I’ve gone here for years, usually after a Target run. It’s on the south side, and the parking lot gets wild at dinner, but I can always squeeze in.
- What I ordered: egg rolls, hot and sour soup, sesame chicken, and beef lo mein. My kid loves the lo mein. I always steal a forkful.
- What stood out: the egg rolls are hot, crisp, and full. Not hollow. The soup has a real kick but it’s not harsh. I like a squeeze of extra soy on the noodles.
- Price feels fair, and the portions are huge. One combo fed me lunch the next day. Cold sesame chicken at 11 a.m.? I won’t lie. It hits.
What bugged me: the wait can be long on Friday nights. I once stood by the fish tank for 20 minutes holding a coat and a soccer ball. The room looks a bit dated too—dim lights, old booths—but the staff is kind and quick when you sit. If you like extra sauce, ask right away. They’re cool about it.
Pro tip: grab a hot tea if it’s cold out. The cup warms your hands while you wait.
Roast Meats Heaven: BBQ King Inside Saraga
This one’s inside Saraga International Grocery on the west side. It’s a food court, so it’s not fancy. It’s bright, busy, and loud. I like it anyway. You can smell the roast duck as soon as you get near the counter.
- What I ordered: roast duck over rice and crispy pork belly. They packed it in a foam box with rice and a tiny cup of sauce. I got a half duck once for a family dinner, and it was a hit.
- What stood out: the duck skin—thin and crisp. The meat is juicy and a little smoky. The pork belly has that crackly top. I had to tap it with my fork. Nice sound.
- Price is wallet-friendly for what you get. The box feels heavy when they hand it over.
What bugged me: seating can be tight, and the tables fill fast. Folks line up and crowd the counter. My number got called, and I almost missed it because my kid was staring at the candy aisle. Also, the rice can clump a bit if you take it home and forget about it. I splash a little hot water and microwave it for a minute. Fixes it.
Pro tip: grab napkins and extra sauce before you sit. You don’t want to get up mid-bite.
Chain Night, But Reliable: P.F. Chang’s at Keystone
Sometimes you need easy parking (okay, “okay” parking) and a spot where your aunt, your boss, and your picky cousin will all eat something. For that, I do P.F. Chang’s at the Fashion Mall area.
- What I ordered: lettuce wraps, Mongolian beef, and fried rice to share. The lettuce wraps still slap. Crunchy lettuce, warm filling, sweet-salty sauce. I could eat the whole plate.
- What stood out: the service is crisp and smooth, even on busy nights. Water stays full. Plates land hot.
- It works for big groups. Even my spice-shy friend did fine.
What bugged me: it’s pricier than mom-and-pop spots, and the parking can be a little silly around dinner time. It also gets loud, so don’t plan deep talks. If you want extra heat, ask for chili paste or chili oil. The default is pretty mild.
Pro tip: share dishes. Two mains and a rice fed three of us, no problem.
Little Things That Matter
- Leftovers test: Egg Roll Number 1 and BBQ King reheat well. Chang’s fried rice dries out a tad, but a splash of water and a hot pan bring it back to life.
- Kid factor: noodles keep kids busy. Sauce on the side saves tears. Ask me how I know.
- Sauces: a tiny drizzle of black vinegar on lo mein brightens it right up. If they don’t have it, a squeeze of lemon works in a pinch.
- Timing: if you hate waiting, hit Egg Roll Number 1 early, like 4:45–5:15. Food lands fast, and you’re out before the rush.
What I’d Order Again (and What I’d Skip)
-
Order again:
- Egg Roll Number 1: hot and sour soup, beef lo mein, egg rolls.
- BBQ King: roast duck over rice, crispy pork belly, plus a half duck for take-home.
- P.F. Chang’s: lettuce wraps and Mongolian beef for a safe crowd pleaser.
-
Skip next time:
- Plain white rice from the grocery food court if you’re driving far. It dries out. Fried rice travels better.
- Extra-saucy sesame chicken if you plan to reheat. Go lighter on sauce and add some at home.
Where I Still Want More
I’m still hunting for a spot with big, tingly spice—the kind that makes your lips buzz a little. More than one friend has urged me to try Szechwan Garden for its twice-cooked pork belly and famously fiery popcorn chicken, and others swear by the weekend buffet at Sichuan Chinese Restaurant up in Carmel for a true taste of the region. If you’ve got a favorite Sichuan place in Indy that brings real heat, tell me. I’ll bring milk tea and tissues. For a quick primer on what makes true Sichuan cooking pop, check out the flavor guides over at ALCO before you send me your recs.
My Quick Take
- Best takeout value: BBQ King at Saraga (that duck—wow).
- Best sit-down comfort: Egg Roll Number 1 (cozy, filling, warm service).
- Best for groups: P.F. Chang’s (easy picks, smooth service, zero drama).
I ate well, I spent a fair bit of time in my car, and yes, I spilled soy sauce on my jeans once. Worth it. If you’re hungry in Indy and want Chinese, you’ve got choices. And if you see me by the fish tank on a Friday night, say hi. I’ll probably be holding a bag of noodles and grinning.
If, after polishing off your leftovers, you find yourself craving a different kind of late-night excitement, check out Fuckbook—the casual-dating community lets you meet like-minded locals in minutes, adding a spicy second course to your evening faster than you can reheat that box of lo mein.
Heading down to Florida soon and want the same flirty fun on the Gulf Coast? Hop over to Doublelist Pasco where you can browse real-time personals, learn safety tips, and line up a no-pressure meetup before your flight even lands—perfect for turning a short trip into a memorable adventure.