Restaurant Review: Pei's Mandarin in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

If you want a great Chinese cuisine experience, go to Pei's Mandarin in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They offer an amazing array of inexpensive and tasty Chinese and Japanese choices.

Inexpensive and Tasty Lunches

There is a lunch menu with many platter choices varying in price from $5.95 - $6.43. All platters come with a choice of egg drop or hot and sour soup, the daily appetizer and white rice.

Appetizers such as egg rolls, fried wontons, crabmeat rangoons, fried shrimp or chicken wings or soup.

You also have the choice of having a salad. You can try Pei's Bistro Seasonal Salad for $7.95 or the House Salad with lettuce, cucumbers avocado and tomato for $5.95.

There is a buffet served daily.

Unforgettable Dinners

The Dinner Menu consists of a variety of entrees, soups and appetizers. Our table had the crabmeat rangoons and pot stickers. There were six of each and each appetizer cost $4.50.

Entrees include a variety of vegetable, pork, chicken, beef or seafood choices.

Pei's Mandarin also has noodles and rice choices such as Chow Mein, Fried Rice, or Lo Mein. Each cost $7.95. One of my favorite noodle dishes is Vegetable Lo Mein. The noodles are thick, the vegetables are fresh and the portions are huge.

Another great vegetarian choice is the Fried or Steamed Bean Curd with vegetables for $7.25. The fried bean curd has just the right amount of crunch. The fresh vegetables are always tender.

My husband's favorites are the Mandarin Chicken and Hot Pepper Chicken. Each of the dishes are $8.50. He always orders the Hot Pepper Chicken extra spicy and enjoys the heat-filled flavors.

Please note that all sauces at Pei's Mandarin are cooked with chicken stock; however, any ingredients you do not want in your meal will not be included. All you have to do is ask.

A Taste of Japan

If you want a taste of Japan, Pei's Mandarin offers a sushi bar and a teppanyaki table. You will need to call to reserve a seat.

Extensive Drink Menu

There are a variety of drinks available. You can choose from red or white wines, Oriental Wines, tropical drinks or beer choices that include imports, microbrews, light beers and domestics. Beer is available in bottles only.

Non-alcoholic drinks such as soda and tea are available too. My favorite is the hot tea.

Exceptional Service

The service at Pei's Mandarin is exceptional. I never need to ask for a box for my leftovers. Instead I am asked. Not only that, but generally the wait staff will box it for you. It is a nice touch, as in a lot of places we have frequented lately that kind of service is not in existence.

Location and Hours

Pei's Mandarin is located at 3287 6th Street SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Hours of operation are: Monday-Thursday 11 am - 2 & 4:30 - 9:30 pm, Saturday 4:30 pm - 10:30 pm and Sunday 11 am - 2:30 and 4:30 - 9:00 pm. You can call 319-362-6165 for a reservation. Carry-out is available.

You can also try out Pei's other location at 5250 Council Street NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.