Kao's Elkhart Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
Kao’s Chinese Cuisine (often known locally as Kao’s Asian Cuisine) is a beloved dining destination in Elkhart, Indiana, celebrated for its unique and expansive three-pillar menu. Rather than sticking to a single regional style, Kao’s bridges the gap between comforting Chinese-American classics, authentic Vietnamese Pho, and intensely flavorful Thai specialties. For Elkhart residents and visitors alike, this local independent restaurant serves as a premier spot for fresh, customizable Asian fusion.
This comprehensive LatestMenus guide provides an in-depth look at the Kao's Elkhart menu, featuring the most recently verified prices from their official online ordering portal, highlighting popular dishes, and offering practical ordering tips. Whether you are hunting for a quick and affordable weekday lunch special, comparing noodle soups, or organizing a large family dinner, we cover everything you need to know before you place your order. Please note that prices, availability, and menu offerings can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. We always recommend confirming current local details directly with the restaurant or its official online platform.
Menu Snapshot: Quick Answer
Kao’s Elkhart is famous for its generous portions of Asian fusion cuisine, offering everything from savory Vietnamese Pho to sweet and spicy General Tso's Chicken. The best value is found in their daily Lunch Specials, which typically run between $9.50 and $11.50.
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest Kao's Elkhart Menu Prices
The tables below feature popular menu items and their most recently verified direct-order prices for the Elkhart location. If you order via third-party delivery apps, expect to see higher pricing to offset service fees.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crab Rangoon (6) | Appetizers | $7.95 | Not published | Sharing / Starters | Filled with crab and cream cheese |
| Egg Rolls (2) | Appetizers | $5.50 | Not published | Quick snacks | Crispy pork and vegetable rolls |
| Spring Rolls (2) | Appetizers | $6.25 | Not published | Lighter starter | Fresh rice paper, choice of shrimp or tofu |
| Potstickers (6) | Appetizers | $8.50 | Not published | Appetizer combos | Pork dumplings; steamed or fried |
| Chicken Wings | Appetizers | $9.95 | Not published | Game day / kids | Fried wings with Asian seasoning |
| Pho Dac Biet | Pho & Soups | $15.50 | Not published | Large appetites | Steak, flank, brisket, tendon, tripe, meatballs |
| Pho Tai | Pho & Soups | $13.50 | Not published | Classic soup | Sliced eye-round steak noodle soup |
| Pho Ga | Pho & Soups | $13.50 | Not published | Chicken lovers | Sliced chicken breast in savory broth |
| Wonton Soup | Pho & Soups | $13.95 | Not published | Comfort food | Pork wontons with egg noodles |
| Pad Thai | Thai Specialties | $13.50 | Not published | Tangy & sweet | Rice noodles with peanuts and lime |
| Drunken Noodles | Thai Specialties | $14.50 | Not published | Spicy cravings | Wide rice noodles with basil and veggies |
| Panang Curry | Thai Specialties | $15.50 | Not published | Rich flavor | Thick peanut-based curry |
| General Tso’s Chicken | Chinese Entrees | $14.50 | Not published | Signature dish | Crispy chicken in spicy-sweet glaze |
| Sesame Chicken | Chinese Entrees | $14.50 | Not published | Sweet preference | Sweet glaze topped with toasted sesame seeds |
| Mongolian Beef | Chinese Entrees | $15.50 | Not published | Savory meat dishes | Sautéed with scallions and onions |
| Beef with Broccoli | Chinese Entrees | $15.50 | Not published | Classic stir-fry | Traditional stir-fry in savory brown sauce |
| House Special Fried Rice | Rice & Noodles | $14.50 | Not published | All-in-one meal | Chicken, beef, and shrimp combination |
Popular Menu Items
When it comes to local favorites, Kao’s benefits from a menu that spans multiple countries. Elkhart locals consistently recommend these standout items for first-time visitors or those looking to try something new.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pho Dac Biet (The Special) | Authentic, deeply simmered broth packed with multiple cuts of beef for textural variety. | $15.50 (Large portion) | Check official nutrition source |
| Crab Rangoon | Known for being generously stuffed with a creamy, savory filling, unlike fast-food versions. | $7.95 (Order of 6) | Not published |
| General Tso’s Chicken | The quintessential Chinese-American staple perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors without a soggy breading. | $14.50 | High calorie; Not published |
| Pad Thai | A highly-rated northern Indiana Thai option offering a great balance of tamarind tang and peanut crunch. | $13.50 | Not published |
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, local popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
Pho Dac Biet
This massive, comforting bowl of soup is the gold standard on the menu, delivering incredible depth of flavor and enough food for two meals.
Weekday Lunch Specials
Available Monday through Friday, these smaller portions of popular Chinese and Thai entrees come with a side, making it the most cost-effective way to eat here.
House Special Fried Rice & Crab Rangoon
Fried rice is heavily portioned and easy to divide among kids and adults, while Crab Rangoons serve as a universally loved, shareable starter.
Fresh Spring Rolls (Tofu or Shrimp)
Wrapped in delicate rice paper and packed with fresh herbs, these offer a crisp, refreshing bite without the heavy oil of deep-fried appetizers.
General Tso’s Chicken
Consistently praised in local reviews, this dish delivers the familiar sweet, sticky, and slightly spicy profile that Chinese-American food fans expect.
Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)
You can dial the heat up or down (on a scale of 1 to 5) and substitute proteins, making this dish incredibly adaptable to your exact flavor preferences.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
Dining on a budget is easy at Kao's if you know when to order and how to construct your meal. Here are the best ways to maximize your value.
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday Lunch Specials | Prices drop to $9.50–$11.50, and meals often include a side (like rice or soup) that would cost extra at dinner. | Strict time limits; usually ends by 3:00 PM. | Call ahead before the noon rush to secure your order without a long wait. |
| Appetizer Sampler Approach | Ordering Egg Rolls ($5.50) and Potstickers ($8.50) creates a diverse, filling meal for under $15. | Missing out on complex main entrees. | Mix steamed and fried appetizers for a better balance. |
| Large Pho Bowls | At around $13.50–$15.50, the sheer volume of broth, noodles, and meat typically yields enough leftovers for a second meal. | Noodles expanding and absorbing broth if left in the soup overnight. | If taking it to-go, ensure the noodles are packed separately from the hot broth. |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
Like most independent local restaurants, Kao’s does not maintain or publish an official nutritional database. Diners monitoring their intake should base decisions on general Asian fusion preparation methods.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnamese Pho | Generally the lowest-calorie hot entree. Boiled proteins and clear broth reduce fat significantly. | Lower calorie / higher protein goals | Medium (Based on standard culinary practice) |
| Steamed Chinese Dishes | Requesting proteins and vegetables "steamed with sauce on the side" lets you control sugar and fat intake. | Strict calorie monitoring | Medium (Editorial guidance) |
| Fried Chinese/Thai Entrees | Dishes like General Tso's or Orange Chicken are battered, fried, and tossed in sugary syrups, making them high in calories. | Occasional treats | Medium (General awareness) |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
Cross-contact with allergens is always a risk in a busy shared kitchen that prepares multiple styles of Asian cuisine. Always verbally confirm your dietary needs with staff before placing your order.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Check if the Pho broth or sauces use traditional soy sauce (which contains wheat). | Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, but marinades and cross-contact are high risks. |
| Peanut Allergy | The Thai menu (Pad Thai) and Vietnamese Vermicelli bowls rely heavily on peanuts. | Extreme caution is advised due to the high volume of peanuts used in the kitchen. |
| Vegetarian/Vegan | Ensure no fish sauce or oyster sauce is used in Thai curries or Vietnamese dishes. | Kao’s is highly accommodating and will substitute tofu and extra vegetables into most dishes upon request. |
Special Menu Sections
While Kao's expansive menu covers a lot of ground, understanding the structural nuances of their offerings helps streamline the ordering process.
Lunch Specials and Timed Deals
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday Lunch Menu | Smaller entree portions, usually served with rice and occasionally a soup/roll. | $9.50 – $11.50 (Varies by item) | Midday meals and budget dining |
Kids Options and Family Dining
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kid-Friendly Favorites | Plain Lo Mein, Chicken Wings, Sweet and Sour Pork. | Standard menu pricing | Children and picky eaters |
Delivery vs. In-Store Pricing
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third-Party Apps (DoorDash/Grubhub) | Delivery convenience to your door in Elkhart. | Markups of 15–20% are common, plus fees | Maximum convenience |
For readers looking to compare local Asian dining options, our China Star menu guide offers another perspective on classic Chinese-American dishes. You might also want to explore the Red Bowl Asian Bistro menu for expansive fusion choices, or check out the latest China Chef menu prices to find the best local value.
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
This guide is specifically designed to assist:
- Budget-conscious diners looking to maximize their dollar during lunch hours.
- Families and groups needing to navigate a large menu with diverse flavor profiles (Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese).
- Delivery customers wanting to understand the price difference between calling the store directly and using an app.
- Diners with dietary needs who require clarity on cross-contact risks, peanut usage, and vegetarian tofu substitutes.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Make your next visit to Kao's seamless with these practical ordering strategies designed to save you time and money.
- Check the official app or local restaurant for exact prices. Menu prices can vary by city, restaurant, and delivery platform.
- Watch for delivery markups. Third-party delivery prices and fees may be higher than in-store or pickup prices. Always call Kao's directly for carryout to secure the lowest price.
- Customize your heat level. For Thai curries and stir-fries, ask for a spice level from 1 to 5. Level 3 is typically a safe "medium" for most palates.
- Use official nutrition and allergen pages before ordering. This is especially important if calories, allergens, or cross-contact matter to you. (Note: Ask Kao's staff directly as online data is unavailable).
- Beat the Elkhart lunch rush. If ordering the Lunch Specials, call around 11:30 AM to avoid the peak office worker rush hour.
- Request broth on the side for takeout Pho. To prevent soggy noodles, ensure your noodles and meat are packed separately from the hot broth during travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kao's Elkhart's lunch hours?
Lunch specials are typically served Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We recommend calling ahead to confirm these times as local hours can occasionally change.
Does Kao's offer delivery in Elkhart?
Yes, Kao's offers delivery. You can order directly through their official website or utilize third-party delivery applications like DoorDash and Grubhub for local Elkhart addresses.
Are the prices the same on DoorDash as they are in the restaurant?
No. Like most independent restaurants, Kao's menu items are usually priced 15% to 20% higher on delivery apps to help cover the commission fees charged by those platforms.
Does Kao's have a dedicated kids' menu?
While Kao's does not feature a strictly separate "Kids Menu," items like Chicken Wings, Plain Lo Mein, and House Fried Rice are very popular and easily shared with younger diners.
Is the Pho gluten-free at Kao's?
The rice noodles used in the Pho are naturally gluten-free. However, you must explicitly ask the staff to ensure the broth and associated seasonings do not contain wheat-based soy sauce or hidden gluten.
What is the most popular dish at Kao's Elkhart?
The Pho Dac Biet (a hearty combination beef noodle soup) and the General Tso’s Chicken consistently rank as the two most frequently ordered and highly reviewed items.
Does Kao's use MSG in their cooking?
As is common in many traditional Asian restaurants, some ingredients or pre-made sauces may contain MSG. If this is a concern, ask the kitchen to prepare your dish without added MSG.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options at Kao's?
Yes, there is a large selection of vegetable and tofu-based dishes across the Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese sections. Vegans should ensure they request "no fish sauce" or "no oyster sauce" when ordering Thai and Vietnamese items.
Where can I find calories for Kao's menu items?
Kao's is an independent restaurant and does not currently publish official calorie counts. Diners tracking nutrition should use standard estimates for generic Asian fusion dishes.
Can I order online?
Yes, you can place orders online through the official Kao's website, which connects to a secure ordering portal for accurate local pickup pricing.
Conclusion
Kao’s in Elkhart stands out by successfully offering three distinct and complex cuisines under one roof. Whether you are craving the sweet crunch of Chinese-American classics, the aromatic broth of Vietnamese Pho, or the bold spice of Thai curries, this local favorite delivers on portion size and flavor. For the best value, be sure to take advantage of their weekday lunch specials, and always consider calling directly for carryout to avoid delivery app markups.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.
