What to Order at Pagoda Kitchen

Our tips for what to try at Burt Rapoport’s newest restaurant in Delray Beach

Pork and shrimp shu mai at Pagoda Kitchen. Photo by Gyorgy Papp
Pork and shrimp shu mai at Pagoda Kitchen. Photo by Gyorgy Papp

The Delray Marketplace has a new occupant. Pagoda Kitchen is the latest offering from restaurateur Burt Rapoport and it specializes in homestyle Chinese cooking. The menu is designed for sharing, with sections devoted to dim sum, small plates, large plates, and more. Dining with a group is best, as it will allow you to savor a variety of dishes. Here, we outline a good game plan.

  1. Begin with a cocktail. This is a no-brainer, especially given the cool, crisp signature cocktails available. The White Cosmo, for example, is easy on the eyes and the waistline, with Tito’s Vodka, white grape juice, and lime. For something a little more daring, go with a Singapore Sling, Lychee Martini, or Dragon’s Kiss with Patron Silver Tequila, agave, and dragon fruit, lime, and orange juices.
  2. Don’t skimp on the dim sum and small plates. This is where Pagoda Kitchen shines. Small plates like pork and shrimp shu mai, Wagyu beef pot stickers, blistered shishito peppers, and crispy kung pao chicken pack big flavor. And be sure to request a side of the house-made pepper sauce for an added kick.
  3. Order a noodle/rice and a large plate. Now is the moment where you need to be honest with yourself: Just how hungry are you? Depending on how many people you’re dining with, try one of the noodle or rice dishes plus a large plate. A great combo is the veggie fried rice and the sweet and spicy prawns.
  4. Be sure to get dessert. One in particular: the chai latte ice cream pie, with Lily’s Gourmet ice cream layered on a Biscoff cookie crust and topped with a fruit compote. It’s what you saved room for, and it’s worth every calorie.

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