Pairing Perfection: What to Drink with Your Favorite Chinese Dishes

At Mandarin Grill, Tucson’s trusted destination for Mandarin and Cantonese cuisine for over 20 years, every dish is crafted for maximum flavor—from the sweet crunch of Honey Walnut Shrimp to the bold spice of Kung Pao Shrimp. But did you know the right drink can elevate your experience even more?

Whether you’re joining us for lunch or ordering takeout, we’ve put together a practical guide to pairing beverages with your favorite Chinese dishes—including what we serve in-house and suggestions for what you can try at home.

Why Beverage Pairings Matter

Chinese cuisine balances savory, sweet, spicy, and umami-rich flavors. The right beverage can:

• Refresh your palate between bites

• Enhance spices or balance sweetness

• Complement rich sauces and textures

• Elevate the full flavor profile of your meal

Our Most Popular Dishes—and What to Drink with Them

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Flavor: Sweet, creamy, lightly fried

Perfect With at Mandarin Grill:

• Iced Green Tea – Light and crisp, cuts through the sweetness

• Sparkling Water – Refreshes your palate with a hint of fizz

• Lemonade – Tart enough to balance the honey glaze

At Home: Try a dry sparkling white wine or crisp cider for a more celebratory pairing.

Mongolian Beef

Flavor: Savory, soy-rich, slightly spicy

Perfect With at Mandarin Grill:

• Hot Tea (Green or Jasmine) – Warms and complements deep umami flavors

• Soda – The carbonation helps cut through the richness

At Home: A bold red wine like Syrah or a dark beer can complement this dish’s depth.

Coconut Curry Lamb

Flavor: Creamy, spicy, aromatic

Perfect With at Mandarin Grill:

• Lemonade or Iced Tea – Bright and cooling to counter the curry’s heat

At Home: A lightly sweet white wine like Riesling or a citrus-forward craft beer makes an excellent match.

Kung Pao Shrimp

Flavor: Spicy, tangy, nutty

Perfect With at Mandarin Grill:

• Jasmine Tea or Iced Green Tea – Softens the spice while highlighting the freshness

• Soda or Sparkling Water – Bubbles soothe the heat

At Home: A floral white wine like Gewürztraminer or a chilled hard cider offers a tasty complement.

Lo Mein (Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, or Veggie)

Flavor: Savory, noodle-forward, soy-based

Perfect With at Mandarin Grill:

• Hot Tea or Lemonade – Simple and soothing options that won't overpower

• Soda – Especially good with meaty lo mein

At Home: A mild red wine like Pinot Noir or a classic pilsner works well with the dish’s balanced flavor.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings You’ll Find at Mandarin Grill

We proudly serve a selection of refreshing beverages to pair with your meal:

• House Iced Green Tea – Unsweetened and freshly brewed

• Hot Teas – Jasmine, green, or oolong

• Lemonade – Bright and balanced

• Soda Options – Classic choices like cola, Sprite, and more

• Sparkling Water – Clean, fizzy, and palate-cleansing

While we don't offer alcoholic drinks, we’re happy to help you choose the perfect non-alcoholic option to enjoy with your dish.

Why Tucson Locals Love Mandarin Grill

📍 505 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ

📞 (520) 882-8028

🌐 Order online for best pricing

With generous portions, flavorful dishes, and a friendly team that’s been serving Tucson for over two decades, Mandarin Grill is the perfect spot for lunch, dinner, or a casual night in.

✨ Why Visit Mandarin Grill?

• No MSG – just fresh, balanced flavors

• Affordable lunch specials (Mon–Fri, 11 AM–3 PM)

• Dine-in, takeout, or fast online ordering

• Family-owned and community-loved