Jing Chuan has been a Toledo institution for 35 years. And there are lots of reasons why.
It’s a family-owned business now being tended by its third generation.
It’s a warm and inviting space, renovated not-too-long ago (though carry-out is the only dining option, right now).
And, of course, it’s serving food that is lovingly prepared entirely from scratch, said Wesley Sun, who now manages the day-to-day operations with her sister, Joni Sun.
That careful attention to every detail — for example, delicacies such as hand-formed dumplings prepared with house-made dough and fillings — is what makes the food so distinctively good.
If your order from the lunch menu, you will get an exceptionally good Cheap Eats-worthy deal: an entrée, fried rice, two chicken wings, and a bowl of egg drop soup for prices ranging from $7.50 to $9.50.
The Mongolian beef ($9.50) “is probably one of the most popular dishes,” Wesley said.
It offers strips of beef that have not just been sautéed, but which have also been caramelized with sugar to add more depth and a touch of sweetness. The meat is complemented by two different onions — white and green — and is a uniquely delicious variation on a dish you may think you’re familiar with.
Another classic that provides a twist on tradition is the General Tso’s chicken ($8). “[Ours] is very different,” Wesley told us, noting its “garlicky, tangy” sauce instead of a sweet-and-spicy one.
Jing Chuan’s version is beautifully done, with chicken so crisp — even when covered in that flavorful sauce — that its coating still crackles when you bite into it. (The chicken wings, too, feature this fabulous crust.) Spears of lovely fresh broccoli provide a bright hit of color and crunch to complement the succulent, tender meat.
And our last selection, Yu-Shan Pleasure ($8.75), is a vivid mix of crisp strips of peppers, onions, and carrots which contrast with the sweet, tender, and very generous shrimp and scallops. It has a “tangy, gingery sauce,” Wesley said, so you get many different tastes and textures in each and every bite.
Especially at the holidays, Jing Chuan is a local favorite.
Not only do those not celebrating Christmas make the restaurant a part of their celebrations on Dec. 25. But it’s a regular fixture throughout the season, Joni said, for all sorts of other gatherings, too.
So whether you’re looking for something special to make this time of year especially festive, or are just looking for a quick, hearty, and fabulous meal to perk up an ordinary day, the Sun family is ready to offer you a warm welcome to Toledo’s beloved Jing Chuan.
Jing Chuan, 4424 Secor Rd., 419-472-9612, jingchuanrestaurant.com.
First Published December 23, 2020, 1:00 p.m.
