Chicken is in the mix at Honolulu Chinese eatery

Orange Chicken ($10.50)

Since opening its doors in 2012, Asian Mix has specialized in offering affordable Chinese, Japanese and local fare. Located below Safeway on Beretania Street, the casual eatery’s extensive menu features rice, noodles, pork, lamb, beef, chicken, shrimp and fish, as well as various appetizers.

Owner Daniel Leung focuses on Hong Kong-style cuisine, implementing Chinese cooking with Western ideas. Before launching his current venture, Leung was a partner for 20 years at a full-service, sit-down restaurant. He now strives to offer his customers the same caliber of food as at dine-in restaurants, but at more affordable prices and with quicker service. Most dishes at Asian Mix are ready within five to 10 minutes.

Poultry is a mainstay at many Chinese restaurants, and Asian Mix offers some delicious chicken options. The Orange Chicken ($10.50) is the eatery’s unique take on a popular Chinese dish. Only dark chicken meat is used, as Leung says that the texture of the cut is more tender and soft when it’s deep-fried. The chicken is precisely cut into bite-sized pieces, battered and deep-fried, and then smothered in the restaurant’s made-in-house sauce. The result is crispy, crunchy and addictive.

Kung Pao Chicken ($10.50)

Another classic, the Kung Pao Chicken ($10.50) is a favorite go-to option for many customers. Chopped chicken is marinated in a special sauce comprised of vinegar, shoyu, sesame oil and a touch of sugar, then cooked in a hot wok along with roasted peanuts, dry chili peppers, garlic and green onions. It is served a la carte in a huge portion.

Mongolian Beef ($11.50)

Add some steamed rice and you have enough food to feed two or even three people.

Asian Mix also offers a wide variety of party trays. The small trays can feed 12-15 people, the medium 20-25 and the large 40-50.

BEEF WORTHY OF GENGHIS KHAN

The famous leader of the Mongols would no doubt approve of Asian Mix’s Mongolian Beef ($11.50). Generous slices of beef are stir-fried and coated with a tasty, simple sauce comprised of garlic, sugar, shoyu and oyster sauce. Green onions add an extra kick of flavor, while bamboo shoots add a delightful bit of crunch. It’s no wonder that this is one of the eatery’s most popular selections.