Oriental House Saint Matthews Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
Oriental House, a culinary cornerstone of the St. Matthews neighborhood in Louisville, Kentucky, offers a dining experience far beyond the standard takeout experience. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the oriental house saint matthews menu, covering everything from its legendary weekend dim sum to its "hidden" traditional Cantonese specialties and familiar American-Chinese favorites. Whether you are looking for estimated prices, popular dish recommendations, or value picks like the famous lunch specials, this resource has you covered.
Our guide includes categorized price tables, dietary notes for those with gluten or shellfish sensitivities, and insider tips on how to access the authentic menu that many first-time diners miss. Please note that because Oriental House is an independent local restaurant, prices and item availability may vary depending on whether you dine in, call for takeout, or order through third-party delivery platforms.
Menu Snapshot: Quick Answer
Oriental House is an independent local favorite known for its dual-menu system, offering both traditional Chinese/Dim Sum and classic American-Chinese dishes. Prices generally range from $5.50 for dim sum baskets to around $16.00 for standard entrees, though exact prices vary by ordering method.
Official Source Verification
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
The Oriental House menu is famously divided into three distinct experiences: the Dim Sum checklist, the Traditional Chinese menu, and the American-Chinese menu. Prices listed below are estimated based on recent local menu data and takeout pricing. Keep in mind that apps like Grubhub or DoorDash typically charge a markup.
If you are exploring local Asian cuisine options, you might also find it helpful to compare these offerings with the Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant menu or the China Chef menu with prices to see how portions and regional specialties stack up.
Dim Sum Favorites (A La Carte)
Typically served in portions of 3-4 pieces. Available daily, but the widest, freshest selection is served during weekend lunch hours.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siu Mai (Pork & Shrimp) | Steamed Dim Sum | $5.50 - $7.50 | Not published | Dim sum beginners | Open-faced traditional dumplings. |
| Har Gow (Shrimp) | Steamed Dim Sum | $5.50 - $7.95 | Not published | Seafood lovers | Delicate translucent wheat starch skin. |
| Char Siu Bao | Steamed Dim Sum | $5.50 - $7.50 | Not published | Kids & sharing | Fluffy buns with sweet BBQ pork filling. |
| Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go) | Pan-Fried | $5.00 - $7.00 | Not published | Savory cravings | Pan-fried radish cake with sausage bits. |
| Egg Tarts (Dan Tat) | Dessert | $5.00 - $7.00 | Not published | Ending the meal | Flaky pastry crust with egg custard. |
Traditional Chinese & House Specialties
These items are found on the "Traditional Menu" (often requested by enthusiasts looking for authentic Cantonese or Szechuan flavors).
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peking Duck (Whole) | Roast Meats | $48.00 - $52.00 | Not published | Group dining | Served with steamed buns and hoisin. |
| Peking Duck (Half) | Roast Meats | $26.00 - $30.00 | Not published | Date nights | Perfect portion for two people. |
| Beef Chow Fun | Noodles | $15.95 - $17.95 | Not published | Hearty appetites | Wide rice noodles, dry-style wok char. |
| Salt & Pepper Squid | Seafood | $16.95 - $19.50 | Not published | Sharing appetizer | Crispy, tossed with jalapeños and garlic. |
| Mapo Tofu (Szechuan) | Tofu/Pork | $14.00 - $17.00 | Not published | Spicy lovers | Numbing chili sauce. Can omit pork on request. |
American-Chinese Classics
Standard favorites typically served with white or fried rice. For a slightly different take on some of these classics, diners also enjoy browsing the Red Bowl Asian Bistro menu.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Tso’s Chicken | Chicken | $14.50 - $16.50 | Not published | Sweet & spicy fans | Crispy battered chicken in signature glaze. |
| Beef with Broccoli | Beef | $14.50 - $17.50 | Not published | Classic comfort | Savory brown garlic sauce. |
| Sweet and Sour Pork | Pork | $13.50 - $16.50 | Not published | Kids menus | Sauce served on the side by request. |
| Crab Rangoon (6 pcs) | Appetizer | $6.50 - $8.50 | Not published | Starting the meal | Filled with cream cheese & imitation crab. |
Popular Menu Items
When diners visit Oriental House, they are typically drawn to the authentic dishes that are hard to find elsewhere in St. Matthews. Here is a breakdown of why certain items remain local legends.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings) | The gold standard for testing a dim sum chef's skill. The wrappers are perfectly chewy without breaking. | $5.50 - $7.95 per basket | Not published |
| Peking Duck | Consistently rated as some of the best roast duck in Louisville, featuring perfectly rendered crispy skin. | $48.00+ for a whole duck | Not published |
| Beef Chow Fun | Prized for "wok hei" (breath of the wok)-a slight smokiness from high-heat cooking that prevents greasy noodles. | $15.95 - $17.95 | Not published |
| Salt & Pepper Pork Chops | Crispy, salty, and seasoned with a heavy hand of garlic and peppers, making it highly addictive. | $16.00 - $18.00 | 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.
Peking Duck (Half or Whole)
If you want the true Oriental House experience, the Peking duck is a standout showpiece served with traditional buns, scallions, and hoisin sauce.
Lunch Special Combinations
Available Monday–Saturday (11 AM - 3 PM), combining an entree, rice, and an egg roll or crab rangoon for an unbeatable price point.
Char Siu Bao & Lo Mein
The sweet BBQ pork buns are always a hit with kids, while a large order of chicken or pork Lo Mein is easy to share across the table.
Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)
A benchmark for any dim sum restaurant. These delicate shrimp dumplings are packed with flavor and provide a lighter start to a heavy meal.
Mapo Tofu
Authentically numbing and spicy. While it traditionally contains minced pork, you can easily request it to be made completely vegetarian.
Egg Tarts (Dan Tat)
A classic Cantonese dessert. The flaky pastry and warm, barely sweet egg custard make for the perfect palate cleanser.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
Dining out doesn't have to break the bank if you know how to order. Oriental House provides several ways to stretch your dollar.
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch Specials | Includes a main dish, rice, and an appetizer for roughly $10-$11, saving you money over a la carte dinner pricing. | Only available Monday–Saturday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. | Call ahead for takeout lunch to avoid the busy midday dining room rush. |
| Dim Sum Sharing | Baskets run $5-$7. Ordering 4-5 baskets easily feeds two people for under $30 total. | Appetites can escalate quickly. Keep track of how many boxes you check on the dim sum sheet. | Go with a group of 3-4 people so you can sample the maximum variety without overspending. |
| Soup & Appetizer Combo | A large Wonton or Hot & Sour soup ($6.50) plus an egg roll makes a very filling, cheap meal. | Soups may lack protein compared to main entrees. | Add a side of white rice to make the soup more filling. |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
Like many authentic, independent restaurants, Oriental House does not officially publish its calorie counts or nutritional data. If you are tracking macros or calories, use the following general guidelines for Chinese cuisine.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steamed Dim Sum (Har Gow/Siu Mai) | Generally lower in calories (roughly 50-100 calories per dumpling) as they are steamed, not fried. | Lighter dining | Low (General estimate) |
| American-Chinese Classics | Dishes like General Tso's or Sweet & Sour Pork are deep-fried and sugar-glazed, easily exceeding 1,000+ calories per order. | Indulgent meals | Low (General estimate) |
| Sodium & MSG | High sodium is inherent due to soy sauce and bean pastes. MSG is traditionally used to enhance savory umami flavors. | Awareness | Medium (Common practice) |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
Diners with severe allergies must exercise extreme caution, as the Oriental House kitchen handles a massive amount of shellfish, wheat, and soy. Always speak directly to the staff regarding cross-contact.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free / Wheat | Soy sauces, marinades, and dim sum wrappers. | Many translucent dim sum wrappers (like Har Gow) use wheat starch. Stick to steamed vegetables or rice noodles, and ask for tamari or salt-based seasoning. |
| Shellfish Allergies | Almost the entire dim sum menu, plus oyster sauce in stir-fries. | Cross-contact risk is exceptionally high. Notify the restaurant immediately if you have a severe shellfish allergy. |
| Vegetarian / Vegan | Broths, oyster sauce, and hidden minced meat. | Mapo Tofu can be made meat-free. Buddhist Delight and Braised Tofu with Vegetables are safe bets, but confirm no chicken broth is used. |
Special Menu Sections
The "Secret" Traditional Menu
If you walk into Oriental House and are handed a standard laminated menu filled with Sweet and Sour Chicken and Beef and Broccoli, you are only seeing half the story. You must politely ask your server for the "Traditional Menu" and the "Dim Sum Menu." This unlocks the authentic Cantonese and Szechuan dishes that have made the restaurant famous in Louisville.
Weekend Dim Sum
While some dim sum is served daily, the true experience happens on Saturday and Sunday mornings. During these peak times, the kitchen prepares the widest variety of fresh steamed buns, dumplings, and baked goods. Be prepared for a bustling dining room and a slightly cramped parking lot during these hours.
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
This menu guide is designed to assist:
- First-time visitors who may not know to ask for the traditional menu.
- Dim sum beginners trying to decipher what Har Gow or Lo Bak Go means before checking the order sheet.
- Budget-conscious diners looking for the best lunch specials in St. Matthews.
- Takeout and delivery customers who want to compare app prices with estimated local costs to avoid massive markups.
- People with dietary restrictions who need to know where wheat and shellfish might be hiding.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Make the most out of your visit to Oriental House with these practical ordering strategies.
- Check local apps for exact takeout prices. Because there is no official central website, third-party apps like DoorDash are your best bet for seeing today's exact pricing, though delivery fees will apply.
- Call in directly to save money. To avoid the 15-20% delivery markup, call the restaurant at (502) 897-1017 and place a pickup order directly.
- Ask for both menus. Always ask for the Traditional menu and the Dim Sum checklist when you sit down so you don't miss out on the best dishes.
- Go early for weekend dim sum. The parking lot on Shelbyville Road is notoriously tight. Arrive before 11:30 AM on weekends to secure a spot and beat the major rush.
- Share everything. Chinese dining, especially dim sum, is designed for sharing. Order dishes for the center of the table rather than individual entrees to get the best value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oriental House in St. Matthews have a menu with prices online?
Oriental House does not have a central corporate website. However, you can view their current menu with prices via their listings on Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. Keep in mind that app prices are usually marked up compared to dine-in menus.
Do prices vary by location?
Oriental House is a single, independent location in St. Matthews, Louisville. However, prices vary heavily depending on whether you are eating in the restaurant or ordering through a delivery app.
Where can I find calories for the Oriental House menu?
As an independent traditional restaurant, Oriental House does not track or publish official calorie counts for its dishes.
Does Oriental House have an allergen menu?
No, there is no official printed allergen menu. If you have severe allergies (especially to gluten, peanuts, or shellfish), you must consult with the waitstaff or a manager before ordering to discuss cross-contact risks.
Does Oriental House serve dim sum daily?
Yes, Oriental House serves dim sum daily. However, the freshest and most expansive selection is available during lunch hours, particularly on weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
What are the most popular items?
The most highly recommended items are the Peking Duck, Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings), Siu Mai, Salt & Pepper Squid, and Beef Chow Fun.
What are the cheapest/value items on the menu?
The Lunch Specials (available Mon-Sat, 11 AM - 3 PM) are the best value, typically offering an entrée, rice, and an appetizer for around $10 to $11.50.
Does Oriental House have a kids menu?
There is no dedicated kids menu, but items like Sweet and Sour Chicken, Crab Rangoon, and Steamed BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao) are very kid-friendly and easy to share.
Can I order online or in the app?
Oriental House does not have its own native app, but you can order online for delivery or pickup through major third-party apps like DoorDash and Grubhub.
Are delivery prices different?
Yes. Delivery apps almost always charge a convenience markup on the menu items themselves, in addition to standard delivery and service fees. Calling the restaurant directly for pickup is the most affordable option.
Conclusion
Oriental House remains a legendary spot in St. Matthews by mastering two completely different dining styles under one roof. Whether you want the comfort of General Tso's Chicken or want to dive into an authentic Peking Duck and dim sum feast, this restaurant delivers. For the best experience, visit during lunch for combo specials, or gather a group on a weekend morning to share a table full of steamed dumplings.
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.
