When eating out, is it better to try something new or to eat something familiar? For me, ideally both, but most of the time it’s the latter, because even the things I’m most familiar with are rarely made exactly the same way from place to place.
Lanshing Cafe had many dishes I had never tried or even thought of, but I was drawn to dishes I knew. This family-run Chinese restaurant has plenty of options to entice food lovers and food explorers alike.
This is a small, unassuming eatery with photos of unidentified dishes, a chalkboard listing menu specials, a discreet little TV and tasteful décor that leaves no doubt as to the origins of the cuisine.
LanShing Cafe in Colorado Springs is a family-owned Chinese restaurant.
The meal began with an appetizer of six coconut shrimp ($7.75), which was crispy and coated with deep-fried breadcrumbs and shredded coconut, and was served with a honey sauce, which was unexpected but perfectly suited to the flavorful crustaceans.
Lansing Cafe’s House Egg Rolls.
The seasonal spring rolls ($8) are served with the same sauce. They’re also deep-fried and stuffed with shrimp, chicken, mushrooms, carrots and chives — none of which seem like hard-to-source ingredients. The combination of these ingredients, along with a touch of sweet honey, gives them a vibrant flavor. You can only order two at a time, though, so they’re on the pricey side, but the splurge is worth it.
Enjoy chicken chow at Lansing Cafe.
I’m a fan of chicken chow fun ($15.95), but these wide rice noodles aren’t on every Chinese restaurant menu. What was served did not disappoint. The noodles were stir-fried with shredded chicken, thinly sliced onion, scallions, slivers of carrot, and celery. The vegetables retained their crisp texture and had a hint of ginger flavor. The sesame oil gave everything a shiny crust.
Among the staples we ordered was the Moo Shu Pork ($15.45), which, in my opinion, is a fusion of cultures. Even without the covered container labeled “tortilla” that contained the four pancakes, once assembled, the final product looked like a burrito. Before, it wasn’t a pretty dish, as the colors were less vibrant than the others. Dripping one of the delicate pancakes in a rich plum sauce and topping it with a generous dollop of pork and vegetables made it look even better on the plate.
Honestly, plum sauce is Mushu’s favorite – the rich, sweet sauce complements everything, but it also makes the pork more than just a thin slice mixed with shredded cabbage, thin slices of onion, celery, and carrots.
Left: Beef and snow peas at Lansing Café.
Get the weekly local updates on arts, entertainment and life in Colorado Springs delivered to your inbox every Thursday.
Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Perhaps the most colorful main dish is the beef and snow peas ($16.95), with chunks of zucchini, onions, red peppers and juicy green peas that brighten even the sliced meat, all of which glistens in a light drizzle of brown sauce.
Family-style entrees come with a choice of steamed or fried rice, or brown rice for an extra $1. Portions are large, so you’re guaranteed leftovers, and the texture, color, and flavor will remain the same the next day. The menu also notes that the restaurant does not use MSG.
Lansing Cafe
Enjoy Chinese cuisine for dining in or takeaway.
Location: 9475 Briar Village Point, No. 150
Contact: 719-266-8351; lanshingcafetogo.com
Price: $7.95 to $25.95
Opening hours: Monday and Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 8.30pm. Sunday 3pm to 8pm. Closed Tuesday.
Details: Credit cards accepted.
Favorite dishes: Chicken chow fun, coconut shrimp.
Other: Gluten-free and vegan options available.