The General Tso’s debate

Submitted by TheMiddlePoli t3_zvcw8t in pittsburgh

Ever since coming to Pittsburgh I have been trying to find the best of my 2 favorite comfort foods, Pizza and General Tso’s. I still haven’t tried a couple Pizza Places, But I’ve went through all (highly) recommended General Tso’s dishes in the city - My top 3 are.

(1) Cambod-Ican 9.6: This was the pinnacle of a combination of Crispness, Chicken quality, and owner’s themselves. Loved everything about it, Only downside was cash only - and rice could be a little better. Get the crab-rangoons as well, best I’ve ever had.

(2) Sesame-Inn on McKnight 8.0: Yes I tried the Mt Lebo one as well, somehow McKnight beat it by a pretty good margin. I asked to make it spicy too, Since I heard it was slightly too sweet.

(3) Chinatown Inn 7.8: Honestly had a bit higher hopes for this one, It was pretty unique and I loved the interior, But still good. Got all white meat for this one.

For all these places I got takeout.

-Ratings are not on broad scale for “food” as a whole, They are for margin purposes-

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bearsharkbear3 t1_j1oo5n1 wrote

No one would have wasted time on this when Zaw’s was open on Murray.

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ohhim t1_j1qfgoi wrote

If we're including closed places, Silk pagoda's general tso gave Zaw's a run for their money.

Squirrel Hill's general tso scene hasn't been the same ever since, but their authentic Chinese cuisine game is on point.

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okbutwhywouldi t1_j1qnrt9 wrote

Thank you for reminding me of Zaw’s! My mom would get me their wonton soup when I was sick as a kid, and I that comfort reminder is so appreciated.

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Caiterz4catzz t1_j1pzc8v wrote

I sadly didn’t get to try this while it was still there, which is my own fault cuz I already lived in Squirrel Hill before they closed 😩

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SxS_XB t1_j1q5we3 wrote

I've tried to move on and let go, but it's not working. I still think about this place and the lovely trio that ran it all the time!

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HighOffGillyweed t1_j1q99et wrote

I tried Zaw’s and the Gen. Tsaos was drowning in sauce. Boarderline soup-tier. I of course never went again. I’m sad that I got such a chaotic meal as my only experience there.

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ongoingbox t1_j1qw4vo wrote

loved Zaw's, ate there 1-2 times a week in college

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ICYaLata t1_j1ohxmo wrote

The Amazing Chicken from Sesame Garden on Mt Washington is fantastic.

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samspopguy t1_j1olyf3 wrote

the amazing chicken at the McKnight road sesame inn is pretty damn good too.

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lydriseabove t1_j1q4v3l wrote

I love this place, I just desperately wish places offered smaller portion options. I usually follow strict dietary restrictions, occasionally want some Chinese as a cheat day, but the portions are enough for 4-6 meals, and I’m not really down with a cheat week.

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65wildcat_buick t1_j1onudt wrote

The bean curd in McMurray

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fireballsdeep t1_j1pr6xd wrote

Bean Curd is the best...sure they might have had a few health code violations in the past, but that's water under the bridge. The owner is super nice and the food always tastes fresh.

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thedamnwolves t1_j1oy3yl wrote

Throwing in for Taipei Tokyo in Monroeville. I didn't think I liked General Tso's that much until I had theirs. And when you ask for extra spicy they actually make it extra spicy.

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hairyemmie t1_j1q1six wrote

UGH i went to the beauty school in the same strip and the bento box there for lunch was so good and cheap in 2013 🥲 i miss it! love taipei tokyo!

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Romeos_Crying t1_j1ql2ho wrote

I worked at the Wine and Spirits when it was at the end of the plaza and we would just walk a few doors down and order the launch specials from Taipei like once a week. They were like $6 and decent portions. Little known gem, idk what it was about their ginger ale, but it was amazing. They knew me pretty well and a lot of the times I would just walk down and they would give me ginger ale for free. They would put it in a to-go soup container with ice and cut a hole in the lid then wrap it with plastic. I want some just thinking about it.

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spyder91 t1_j1qb7re wrote

Such a good restaurant, and so unassuming due to its location. Their sushi is always great too.

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fuzzypenguin11 t1_j1qrdpw wrote

I used to work at one of the UPMC buildings up from Taipei and it was our go to for lunch! Couldn’t beat the price or serving size on their lunch specials. And their miso soup is still my favorite to this day. I’ve never eaten a bad thing from there.

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uswforever t1_j28utv1 wrote

This place was my favorite for a LONG time. I've been eating there since the mid 90s when it was still called King Wu. Haven't been back in a couple of years because of two or three really disappointing meals. A good friend of mine had similar problems there around the same time. Maybe I'll circle back this week.

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Romeos_Crying t1_j1p2a4u wrote

Jimmy Wan's in Fox Chapel. I used to get it once a month when I worked at UPMC St. Margaret's and still drive down to get it every so often. The meat quality is amazing. Could use a little more spiciness but really good quality and not too expensive.

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Mattsvaliant t1_j1pyk9m wrote

I thought Jimmy Wan's was too sweet, it almost tasted like the chicken was coated with honey.

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louis_albanese t1_j1pvcy4 wrote

Yeung's House in West View!

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scuba_steve_b t1_j1qhu41 wrote

God I love yeungs. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t want to see their health department report, but by god do they make some damn good cheap Americanized Chinese food.

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Casey531 t1_j1s1rqe wrote

Just discovered yeungs house recently. In your opinion, what's the best items n the menu?

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IrrumaboMalum t1_j1tholp wrote

The House Special mei fun - it's the thin and delicate rice noodles with veggies, beef, pork, chicken and shrimp.

So good.

They also do House Special fried rice and, I think, chow mein. Same concept.

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louis_albanese t1_j1vgk2q wrote

Like u/IrrumaboMalum said, the mei fun is great! Their fried rice is a great addition as well. Also, I would highly recommend the General Tsos and/or the Sesame Chicken. I don't know how they do it, but it is delicious every single time!

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padredan t1_j1p1wtx wrote

Yes - totally agree on Cambod-Ican! It’s not what I’d call traditional General Tso’s but I find it to be the most interesting, unique version and not overly sweet.

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fireballsdeep t1_j1pr9v3 wrote

I haven't had Cambod-Ican in probably 15 years, but I still remember how good their stuff is. I really want some now, I just can't stand going to the south side for anything.

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PoorGuyCrypto t1_j1pvs5m wrote

Outside of a small window each weekend, the South Side is no different than Lawrenceville or Shadyside.

Stop letting the clientele of a half dozen shitty bars ruin your perception of a neighborhood.

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bingosherlock t1_j1q52ps wrote

honestly the biggest issue with south side right now is all of the construction choking traffic - just getting in and out is a bit of a challenge

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sircaseyjames t1_j1q5bzj wrote

I mean recent shenanigans aside, that's just not true at all. Those 3 neighborhoods are all very different in their own ways. I loved hanging out in Southside when I first turned 21. Now in my late 20s I strongly prefer Lawrenceville. Different vibes.

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PoorGuyCrypto t1_j1qrwzu wrote

I'm in my 40s and rarely out after dark.

During the week though, I'm on Carson daily, and it just feels like a bigger, safer version of Walnut St.

I know this sub in particular is SUPER east end focused, but there are other cool places.

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fireballsdeep t1_j1tv5f6 wrote

In fairness I don't go into the city much at all anymore. Any neighborhood.

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padredan t1_j1qgsoo wrote

Worth a revisit - just avoid the 12-2 slot and you are good! I used to have a shop close by back in the days when they used to stay open crazy late - like original Primanti hours before it become a yuppie t-shirt stand that made sandwiches too. The rare times I do make it over now though it is still great - still the same quirky off-kilterness and the food hasn’t changed a lick.

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Borkborkwolf t1_j1owyfw wrote

Yei fe in Robinson, with the white meat 👍🏻👍🏻

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Twatnocker t1_j1oni75 wrote

Silk Road in the south hills is good.

I might do the same thing except with crab rangoon.

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rae1104 t1_j1oxi8b wrote

Lins Asian fusion - south side

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Kolintracstar t1_j1pq9j6 wrote

You aren't wrong that the Sesame Inn in Mt. Lebanon is worse, I have also gone to it a couple times and it is hard to tell that it is the place, because of the quality difference.

Also one place to check out, is Number 1 Kitchen off of brownsville road next to the shop n save. It may not look like much being a small corner place, but it is the best cheap chinese food you will find (and even better than some more expensive places). Part of it is that it has been there for decades at this point, and what it lacks in looks, it makes up for in quality.

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Adventurous_Result16 t1_j1prba4 wrote

It’s been mentioned, but have you had Silk Road in Caste Village in Whitehall? Incredible. Spicy too.

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rmr236 t1_j1rwn8d wrote

It’s bland, no spice at all.

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Adventurous_Result16 t1_j1ryxru wrote

You are incorrect. I just had it less than a week ago, and it was incredible.

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rmr236 t1_j1sk65u wrote

Been eating there for years. Different palates I guess.

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Adventurous_Result16 t1_j1svtv9 wrote

Must be. I can tolerate a decent amount of spice too … I absolutely loved it when I had it last week.

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FertilityFoes t1_j1or6aw wrote

The General Tsos at Oriental Express in Wexford is the best I've ever had anywhere.

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captainbigcheese t1_j1q0r03 wrote

House of Chen in Cranberry. Personally, I opt for the dark meat version.

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Jurrald_La_Queefious t1_j1q72fv wrote

Osaka in Scott Township in the shopping center across from Benihana. It's kind of a hole in the wall type of place, but they have a nice dining area and the g. tso chicken and shrimp were both top notch (at least the last time I was there, it's been a few years at this point).

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jinreeko t1_j1qz426 wrote

General Tso's at Red Tea House is really good. Their Amazing Chicken, yue yung beef, and steamed dumplings too

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Snoo_26638 t1_j1olffx wrote

Try Hong Kong, China 2. On 2nd avenue in downtown.

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matt_1060 t1_j1orxgn wrote

The best general tso is from China Wok on fifth ave. Ask them to make it hotter/ spicy 🌶 if you want more heat

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lutzcody t1_j1ostoe wrote

Sushi too in shadyside has a very good general Tso

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Thoraxe474 t1_j1puvyt wrote

God I miss the general tsos at Taiwan Cafe in Oakland. I was there every Friday night. Lining up in that cramped stairwell that looked like you were descending into a subway station. You'd finally get into that small basement restaurant and line up along the beer fridge wall. Then you'd finally order your delicious general tsos. "One jo chi (sp?) to go!" The cashier would yell to the kitchen, and then she'd turn to me and say "$6.37!" When you finally got it, it was just so damn good. Then later the quality started going downhill and one visit there was a cockroach climbing on the cashier counter that the cashier quickly killed and was acting VERY kind to us afterwards. No cockroaches directly in our food but we didn't go back for a few weeks and then they were closed forever. My heart still aches. I miss you, Taiwan Cafe.

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No_Introduction2103 t1_j1qd70y wrote

It’s kind of far not necessarily Pittsburgh but if you make it out to canonsburg the bean curd has amazing general tso

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satancunt6 t1_j1s2qmc wrote

I think China House in Bloomfield has some of the best General Tso’s - it has a little kick to it too. 😍 Or there’s Szechuan Express in Oakland.

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Whiplash_666 t1_j1qg63n wrote

Asian House near Kennywood

New Dumpling House on Murray

My local spot now is Lins Garden at rt8 & 910

On a sushi Sude note, I tried Sushi Go in Etna on Rt 8, excellent and the owner was very nice.

Best Pizza is Aiello’s 🤘🏻🤘🏻

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UnderAboveAverage t1_j1qsh2w wrote

For those who enjoy spicier Chinese food, who makes the best Chongqing Chicken?

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PotentialReindeer t1_j1rkmnv wrote

Chengdu Gourmet (squirrel hill & McKnight rd) makes fantastic chongqing chicken and general tsos

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Wouldwoodchuck t1_j1qv944 wrote

Sesame Inn also has shrimp general Tao’s … not to be missed

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Ikezilla65 t1_j1r2qgl wrote

You gotta go Amazing Duo at the Mcknight sesame inn!

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duckman2092 t1_j1rttji wrote

Mad noodles in the South Side — great General Tso’s tofu and chicken but especially tofu

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Adventurous-Cut-4362 t1_j1um736 wrote

You’re crazy Sesame inn in Mt Lebo got the best general tsos

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Small-Cherry2468 t1_j1uyqrd wrote

I really liked the Tso's from the Amazing Wok in Dormont. Huge pieces, really crispy.

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moosedenied t1_j1vkh04 wrote

Angkor Restaurant on Noblestown Road has some of the best GTT I've had in awhile

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FightClubAlumni t1_j1vwzuw wrote

Papaya in Robinson had great General Tso's (And Rangoons) the dowside was they gave you white rice, you needed to order a side of fried rice if you wanted it. Their General Tso's was a lighter, fluffier batter than I have ever had anywhere. Sadly, they are closed now since the Pandemic.

Edited to add: Kiyoshi in Moon Township is always great. Delivery is fast. Great service when you eat in. Food is always fresh and delicious. Also has great General Tso's.

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beyoncealexander t1_j23bhwx wrote

Sesame Garden on Mount Washington is number one to me.

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sammipm t1_j1qzn2i wrote

Wai wai chinese in bloomfield is the best

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