Oriental House Saint Matthews Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
Oriental House, located in the heart of the St. Matthews neighborhood in Louisville, Kentucky, is a legendary dining institution famous for its unique "dual menu" approach. For decades, locals have flocked to this Shelbyville Road staple to enjoy both comforting American-Chinese classics and a highly revered, authentic Cantonese traditional menu.
If you are searching for the complete oriental house saint matthews menu, you will quickly discover that this restaurant offers a depth of flavor rarely found in standard takeout spots. Whether you want crispy Crab Rangoon or authentic weekend Dim Sum like Har Gow and Siu Mai, there is something here for every palate. If you've been exploring other local spots like the Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant menu, checking out China Chef menu prices, or looking at the Red Bowl Asian Bistro menu, you'll appreciate that Oriental House stands out specifically for its massive selection of traditional steamed and pan-fried dumplings.
This guide provides a comprehensive look at the Oriental House menu in St. Matthews, covering estimated prices, popular authentic dishes, and the best value lunch specials. We also include essential ordering tips for their famous weekend Dim Sum and guidance on navigating their traditional Chinese specialties. Please note that as an independent local restaurant, prices and item availability may vary by time and ordering platform. We recommend checking their official online portal or calling directly for the most current daily rates.
Menu Snapshot: Quick Answer
Oriental House is known for its expansive Chinese menu, featuring a traditional Dim Sum checklist alongside popular American-Chinese combos. Exact prices vary by takeout vs. delivery platforms, and official calories are not published.
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 Oriental House Menu Prices
Oriental House is unique because it offers an "American-Chinese" menu alongside a "Traditional Chinese" menu. Below are the estimated prices for their most popular categories based on current local averages. Because Oriental House is an independent business, prices fluctuate and may vary based on whether you order in-store or through a delivery app.
Traditional Dim Sum (Small Plates)
Dim Sum is served daily, but the absolute largest and freshest selection is available during weekend lunch hours.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pork Siu Mai (4 pcs) | Dim Sum | ~$6.50 | Not published | First-time Dim Sum | Steamed pork and shrimp dumplings |
| Har Gow (4 pcs) | Dim Sum | ~$6.95 | Not published | Seafood lovers | Translucent steamed shrimp dumplings |
| BBQ Pork Buns (3 pcs) | Dim Sum | ~$6.25 | Not published | Sharing / Sweet & Savory | Steamed fluffy "Char Siu" buns |
| Turnip Cakes (Lo Bak Go) | Dim Sum | ~$5.95 | Not published | Savory side dish | Pan-fried savory radish cakes |
Authentic Traditional Specialties
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cantonese Roast Duck | House Special | ~$18.95 (Half) | Not published | Traditional dinners | Bone-in, crispy skin specialty |
| Beef Chow Fun | Noodles | ~$15.50 | Not published | Large appetites | Wide rice noodles, dry-fried style |
| Mapo Tofu (with Pork) | Traditional | ~$14.25 | Not published | Spicy food fans | Spicy, numbing Sichuan peppercorn sauce |
| Salt & Pepper Squid | Seafood | ~$17.50 | Not published | Appetizers to share | Lightly battered with garlic and chili |
American-Chinese Favorites
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Tso’s Chicken | Entree | ~$13.95 | Not published | Classic takeout | Spicy, sweet glazed crispy chicken |
| Crab Rangoon (6 pcs) | Appetizer | ~$6.95 | Not published | Quick starter | Cream cheese and crab wontons |
| Beef with Broccoli | Entree | ~$14.95 | Not published | Comfort food | Savory brown sauce with fresh broccoli |
| House Special Fried Rice | Rice | ~$12.95 | Not published | Sharing or big lunch | Chicken, beef, and shrimp mix |
Popular Menu Items
Oriental House has a fiercely loyal local following in Louisville. Below are the standout dishes that keep customers coming back.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pork Siu Mai | The gold standard for local Dim Sum lovers. Open-faced dumplings with a savory pork and shrimp blend. | ~$6.50 per order | Not published |
| Cantonese Roast Duck | Known for succulent meat and deeply flavorful, crispy skin. A centerpiece for family meals. | Premium priced | Not published |
| Beef Chow Fun | Features "wok hei" (breath of the wok) char on perfectly chewy, wide rice noodles. | ~$15.50 | Not published |
| General Tso’s Chicken | Consistently praised for staying crispy even when coated in its signature spicy-sweet sauce. | ~$13.95 | Not published |
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, value, popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)
A true test of any Dim Sum restaurant's skill. Oriental House delivers perfectly pleated, translucent wrappers stuffed with seasoned, snappy shrimp.
Daily Lunch Specials
Served daily between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, you can get a hearty American-Chinese entree with fried rice and an egg roll for an incredibly reasonable price.
House Special Fried Rice
Generously portioned and packed with chicken, beef, and shrimp, this is a crowd-pleasing dish that acts as a perfect base for sharing multiple entrees.
Steamed Vegetable and Tofu Dishes
By requesting steamed vegetables or tofu with a light white sauce on the side, you avoid the heavy oils and sugary brown sauces common in takeout.
BBQ Pork Buns (Cha Siu Bao)
These fluffy, cloud-like steamed buns filled with sweet and savory roasted pork are a nostalgic and comforting staple.
Mapo Tofu
This classic, numbing Sichuan dish is traditionally served with minced pork, but Oriental House will easily prepare a vegetarian version upon request.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
The best way to save money at Oriental House is to order strategically, especially if you are dining with others.
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch Entrees | Includes an entree, fried rice, and an egg roll for under $12. | Only available from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. | Call ahead for takeout lunch to save time and skip delivery fees. |
| Dim Sum Sampling | 3-4 small plates ($18-$25 total) is enough to feed two people for a light lunch. | It’s easy to over-order when marking the checklist. | Start with 3 plates and add more if you are still hungry. |
| Vegetable Lo Mein | A massive portion of noodles and vegetables for a low price point. | Carb-heavy dish. | Great to order as a filler dish when sharing higher-priced seafood. |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
Like many independent authentic Chinese restaurants, Oriental House does not publish official calorie counts or a nutrition calculator.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steamed Dim Sum | Steamed items like Har Gow (shrimp) are generally lower in calories than pan-fried items. | Lighter appetites | Low (No official data) |
| American-Chinese Classics | Dishes like General Tso's are battered, deep-fried, and tossed in sugary sauces, making them much higher in calories and carbs. | Treat meals | Low (No official data) |
| Vegetable Stir-Fries | Lower in calories, but soy sauce-based brown sauces are high in sodium. Request white sauce or sauce on the side. | Reducing sodium/calories | Low (No official data) |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
Always notify your server or the restaurant directly by phone if you have a severe food allergy. Cross-contact is highly likely in wok-based kitchens.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| MSG Sensitivity | MSG is used in many traditional preparations to enhance umami flavor. | You can request many dishes to be prepared without MSG when ordering. |
| Gluten / Wheat | Soy sauce (which contains wheat) is a primary ingredient in nearly all brown sauces and marinades. | Ask for dishes made with white sauce. Confirm if wide rice noodles (Chow Fun) are cooked in a dedicated pan. |
| Shellfish | Shrimp is a staple in the Dim Sum menu (Har Gow, Siu Mai) and seafood dishes. | Cross-contact in steamer baskets and woks is a significant risk for severe shellfish allergies. |
| Vegetarian | Oyster sauce, fish sauce, and chicken broth are common stealth ingredients in vegetable dishes. | Specify "no oyster sauce, no chicken broth" when ordering vegetarian tofu or vegetable entrees. |
Special Menu Sections
The Traditional Chinese Menu
If you want to experience the authentic side of Oriental House, you may need to specifically ask for the Traditional Chinese Menu. While the standard menu features Americanized favorites, the Traditional Menu includes:
- Hot Pots: Comforting clay pot dishes bubbling with ginger, scallions, and meats.
- Authentic Seafood: Whole steamed fish and salt & pepper preparations.
- The Dim Sum Checklist: A separate paper menu where you mark off your dumpling choices.
Weekend Dim Sum
While Dim Sum is served all day, the weekend lunch rush is an event.
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday & Sunday Lunch | The absolute freshest batches of steamed buns, dumplings, and tarts. | Priced per small plate | Groups and weekend foodies |
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
- First-timers: Anyone confused by the "two menus" who wants to know exactly what to order.
- Dim Sum fans: Diners looking for authentic steamed dumplings in the Louisville area.
- Bargain hunters: People looking for the best local lunch specials on Shelbyville Road.
- Delivery planners: People who want to call the restaurant directly to avoid high third-party app markups.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Make the most of your Oriental House experience by keeping these practical tips in mind.
- Ask for the Traditional Menu. If you sit down and only see General Tso's and Crab Rangoon, politely ask your server for the traditional or Dim Sum menu.
- Arrive early on weekends. On Saturdays and Sundays, arrive before 12:00 PM to secure the freshest selection of Dim Sum before popular items like BBQ Pork Buns sell out.
- Watch for delivery markups. Third-party delivery prices on DoorDash or UberEats can be 15-25% higher than in-store prices. Call (502) 897-1017 for direct takeout.
- Share family style. Chinese entrees are generously portioned. Order a few main dishes and a large rice or noodle dish for the center of the table.
- Be cautious parking. The dedicated lot off busy Shelbyville Road is narrow and can fill up fast. Be prepared to navigate tight spaces during peak lunch hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oriental House in St. Matthews have a menu with prices online?
Yes, Oriental House menu prices can be found on their direct online ordering portals and via third-party delivery apps. Keep in mind that delivery app prices are often marked up compared to dine-in menus.
Does Oriental House serve authentic Dim Sum?
Yes, they are widely considered one of the most authentic spots for Dim Sum in the Louisville area, offering a vast array of steamed dumplings, buns, and small plates daily.
Where can I find calories for the Oriental House menu?
Because Oriental House is an independent local restaurant, they do not publish official calorie counts or a formal nutrition guide.
Does Oriental House have an allergen menu?
No official allergen menu is published. If you have severe allergies (especially to gluten, shellfish, or peanuts), you must communicate directly with the staff, as cross-contact in a wok kitchen is common.
What are the most popular items to order?
Popular traditional items include Pork Siu Mai, Har Gow, and Cantonese Roast Duck. For American-Chinese food, General Tso’s Chicken and Crab Rangoon are top sellers.
What are the best value items?
The Daily Lunch Specials (typically served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM) offer a main dish, fried rice, and an egg roll for an incredibly competitive price.
Does Oriental House deliver?
Yes, delivery is available through major third-party apps like DoorDash, Grubhub, and UberEats.
Do I need a reservation for weekend Dim Sum?
Oriental House operates on a first-come, first-served basis for standard tables. Reservations are generally only needed for larger groups.
Conclusion
Oriental House remains a crown jewel of the Louisville food scene by maintaining a perfect balance between approachable American-Chinese comfort food and authentic Cantonese tradition. Whether you are stopping by St. Matthews for a quick weekday lunch special or sitting down for a multi-course Dim Sum feast on a Sunday morning, the menu offers incredible variety and value. To avoid third-party fees, always call the restaurant directly or use their preferred local portal for takeout.
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.
