Egg Roll Express in South Carolina: What to Order and Where to Find It

What Egg Roll Express serves and where to find locations

Egg Roll Express is a Chinese takeout chain with multiple locations across South Carolina, known for quick counter service and a focused menu built around egg rolls, fried rice, and other Americanized Chinese standards. The restaurants operate as fast-casual spots where you order at the counter, pay, and pick up your food within minutes—no table service, no reservations needed. Most locations are in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions, though the chain has expanded over the years.

Each Egg Roll Express location keeps similar hours and menu structure, though specific addresses and phone numbers change. Your best approach is a quick online search for "Egg Roll Express near me" or checking Google Maps, which will show you the nearest location, current hours, and whether they're open today. Many locations offer both dine-in seating (usually a handful of tables) and takeout, and some participate in delivery apps, though calling ahead to confirm is faster than relying on third-party platforms.

Key Takeaways

• Egg Roll Express specializes in egg rolls, fried rice, and lo mein served quickly at the counter with minimal wait time.
• Most locations are in the Midlands and Lowcountry, with hours typically running from late morning through evening, seven days a week.
• The menu is straightforward and affordable, with most entrees under $10 and egg rolls priced individually or by the dozen.
• You order and pay at the counter; dine-in seating is limited, so takeout is the primary service model.
• Calling ahead during busy dinner hours (typically 5 to 7 p.m.) ensures your order is ready when you arrive.

The egg rolls: what makes them the signature item

Egg rolls are the centerpiece of the Egg Roll Express menu—crispy, golden-brown cylinders filled with cabbage, pork, and sometimes shrimp or vegetables, depending on which variety you order. The restaurant sells them individually or by the dozen, making them popular for takeout orders, office lunches, and casual family dinners. The wrapper is fried until it crackles, and the filling stays warm and slightly moist inside, a balance that matters more than it sounds.

Most locations offer at least three or four egg roll varieties: the standard pork-and-cabbage version, a shrimp option, and sometimes a vegetable-only choice. Prices are low enough that trying two or three kinds in one visit is reasonable. They come with a small container of sweet-and-sour sauce or hot mustard, though you can request extra. The egg rolls hold up well in a car or at home for an hour or two, making them reliable takeout food.

Fried rice, lo mein, and other entrees

Beyond egg rolls, Egg Roll Express serves fried rice in chicken, pork, shrimp, and vegetable versions, each mixed with eggs, peas, carrots, and onions. The portions are generous—a single entree is often enough for two people or a meal plus leftovers. Lo mein (soft noodles in a light sauce) comes in similar protein options, as does chow mein (crispier noodles). Sweet-and-sour chicken and General Tso's chicken round out the protein-based entrees, both served over rice.

Combination plates bundle an entree with fried rice and an egg roll, which is the most economical way to order if you want variety. Prices vary slightly by location and protein choice, but most entrees fall between $7 and $10. The food is prepared to order, so even during busy times the wait is usually under ten minutes. Sauces are mild to moderately spiced—if you prefer heat, ask for extra hot sauce or bring your own.

Timing your visit and what to expect

Lunch hours (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner hours (5 to 7 p.m.) are the busiest times at most Egg Roll Express locations. During these windows, the line can stretch out the door, though the counter moves quickly because the menu is small and most orders are straightforward. If you're ordering for a group or want to avoid a wait, calling ahead to place your order is the smartest move—you'll walk in, pay, and leave with your food in under five minutes.

The dining area, when present, is basic: a few tables, plastic chairs, and minimal decor. Most people take their food to go. The restaurant is clean and well-lit, and the staff is accustomed to high volume and quick turnover. Parking is usually available in a small lot or street parking, depending on the location. If you're eating in, bring napkins—egg rolls and fried rice are not neat foods.

Price range and payment options

Egg Roll Express is budget-friendly. Individual egg rolls cost between $1 and $2 each, a dozen runs $12 to $18 depending on variety, and entrees with rice range from $7 to $10. Combination plates (entree plus rice plus egg roll) are typically $10 to $13. These prices make the restaurant accessible for a quick lunch, a casual family dinner, or feeding a group on a tight budget.

Most locations accept cash and card, and many now take mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Some locations may have a small cash discount or card minimum, so asking when you arrive is worth a moment. Delivery through third-party apps is available at some locations but usually adds a service fee and delivery charge, making pickup cheaper if you're able to collect your order yourself.

How Egg Roll Express fits into South Carolina's Chinese takeout landscape

Egg Roll Express represents a particular style of Chinese-American food that has been standard in South Carolina for decades: quick, affordable, and focused on a narrow menu of proven dishes rather than regional Chinese cuisine or fine dining. It sits alongside other regional chains and independent takeout spots that serve the same market—people looking for fast food that's a step above chain restaurants but still cheap and convenient.

The restaurant is not attempting to showcase Sichuan or Cantonese cooking or to educate diners about Chinese regional traditions. Instead, it delivers the Chinese takeout experience most South Carolinians grew up with: egg rolls, fried rice, and saucy proteins over rice, ready in minutes. That consistency and speed are the appeal. If you're seeking that specific style of food in a hurry, Egg Roll Express delivers it reliably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order online or through a delivery app?

Some Egg Roll Express locations accept online orders through their own website or phone line, and a few participate in delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats. Calling the location directly is the fastest way to confirm whether online ordering is available and to place a custom order. Pickup is usually faster and cheaper than delivery.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes. Most locations offer vegetable egg rolls and vegetable fried rice. Ask the staff which items are prepared without meat or meat-based broths if you have strict dietary needs. The menu is small enough that the staff can usually answer this question quickly.

How long does food take if I call ahead?

If you call and place an order during non-peak hours, your food is usually ready in 10 to 15 minutes. During lunch or dinner rush, add another 5 to 10 minutes. Calling ahead guarantees your order is prepared when you arrive, so you're not waiting in line.

Do they sell egg rolls by the dozen for parties or events?

Yes. Most locations sell egg rolls by the dozen and can prepare larger orders if you call ahead with a few hours' notice. Prices for bulk orders are usually the same per dozen as individual purchases, making them a budget-friendly appetizer or main dish for gatherings.

What's the difference between the egg rolls and spring rolls?

Egg Roll Express serves egg rolls, which have a thicker, crispier fried wrapper and are filled with cooked cabbage and pork. Spring rolls, if offered, would have a thinner, more delicate wrapper. Not all locations carry spring rolls, so ask when you order if you're looking for that specific item.