Where to Find Oriental Cuisine in South Carolina

Oriental cuisine across South Carolina's Chinese restaurants

Oriental cuisine refers to the cooking traditions of East and Southeast Asia—primarily Chinese, but also Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, and Korean dishes. In South Carolina, you'll find Oriental restaurants concentrated in larger cities like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, though smaller towns often have at least one establishment serving these styles. Most Oriental restaurants in the state blend authentic regional recipes with American preferences, so the heat level, sauce thickness, and ingredient availability may differ from what you'd find in Asia.

The term "Oriental" itself is older and less commonly used by chefs today, who typically specify the country or region instead. When you see it on a South Carolina menu, expect a mix of Chinese staples (fried rice, lo mein, General Tso's chicken) alongside other Asian cuisines. Some restaurants focus on one country's food; others offer a broader Asian menu under one roof.

Key Takeaways

• Oriental restaurants in South Carolina are most common in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach, though many smaller towns have at least one.
• Most establishments serve Chinese food as their main offering, with Vietnamese, Thai, or Japanese dishes added to the menu.
• Lunch buffets are standard at many Oriental restaurants and typically cost less than ordering individual dishes.
• Delivery and takeout are widely available, and many restaurants accept online orders through their own websites or third-party apps.
• Dietary restrictions like vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-sodium options are usually accommodated if you ask when ordering.

What to expect on an Oriental menu in South Carolina

Most Oriental restaurants in South Carolina center their menus on Chinese cooking, with dishes organized by protein: chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, and vegetable options. You'll typically find fried rice, chow mein, lo mein, and egg foo young as staples. Appetizers usually include egg rolls, spring rolls, fried wontons, and dumplings. Many places offer a lunch special menu with lower prices and smaller portions, available from opening until mid-afternoon.

Sauce choices matter. Ask whether a dish comes mild, medium, or hot—spice levels vary widely between restaurants and even between cooks at the same place. Sweet-and-sour sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce are standard; some restaurants also offer brown gravy or white sauce. If you're ordering something unfamiliar, ask the server or call ahead to describe what you're getting.

Soups are common starters: egg drop, hot-and-sour, and wonton soup appear on nearly every menu. Fried rice and noodle dishes often come as sides or can be ordered as main courses. Combination plates—which pair a protein with rice or noodles plus an appetizer—are popular for people trying multiple flavors in one meal.

Lunch buffets and how they work

Many Oriental restaurants in South Carolina run lunch buffets, typically open from 11 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m. on weekdays. You pay a flat price (usually between $8 and $12 per person) and can eat as much as you want from the hot line. Buffets typically include fried rice, several noodle dishes, 3 to 5 protein options, vegetables, and appetizers like egg rolls and spring rolls. Drinks and dessert (usually fortune cookies or a small selection of ice cream) are included.

Buffet quality varies. Some restaurants keep food fresh and hot throughout service; others let dishes sit longer. If you're visiting a new place, go early in the lunch window when the food has just been set out. Dinner buffets are less common but do exist at some locations, usually at a higher price than lunch.

Regional Oriental restaurants worth seeking out

Charleston has several established Oriental restaurants, including spots in the downtown area and along Meeting Street that serve both traditional Chinese and Vietnamese food. Many have been family-run for decades and offer house specialties not found on standard menus. Greenville's restaurant scene includes Oriental establishments in the downtown area and near the Haywood Mall, with a mix of casual buffet-style places and sit-down restaurants with full bars.

Columbia's Oriental restaurants cluster near the University of South Carolina campus and in the downtown area. Myrtle Beach, as a tourist destination, has numerous Oriental restaurants along Highway 17 and in shopping centers, with many offering ocean views or beachfront locations. Smaller towns like Beaufort, Hilton Head, and Clemson have at least one Oriental restaurant each, though hours and menus may be more limited than in larger cities.

How to order: dine-in, takeout, and delivery

Most Oriental restaurants in South Carolina accept phone orders for takeout and delivery. Call ahead during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or early evening) to avoid wait times. Many restaurants now have their own websites or are listed on third-party delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub, which let you browse the full menu and pay online. Delivery fees and wait times vary; apps usually show estimated arrival before you order.

For dine-in service, walk-ins are welcome at most places, though Friday and Saturday evenings can have waits of 15 to 30 minutes. Reservations are rarely required but can be useful for larger groups. Takeout orders are usually ready in 15 to 20 minutes if you call ahead. Many restaurants offer discounts for large orders or loyalty programs if you eat there regularly.

Dietary needs and customization

Oriental restaurants are generally flexible about customizing dishes. Vegetarian options can be made by substituting tofu or extra vegetables for meat; ask whether the restaurant uses vegetable broth or meat broth in rice and noodle dishes. Gluten-free diners should ask about soy sauce (many brands contain wheat) and whether dishes are prepared in separate cookware to avoid cross-contamination. Low-sodium requests are common and usually honored if you mention them when ordering.

Allergies are taken seriously at most establishments. If you have a nut allergy, shellfish allergy, or other dietary restriction, tell the server or call ahead. Many Oriental restaurants keep ingredient lists or can tell you what's in a dish. Peanut oil is used in some kitchens, so mention a peanut allergy specifically.

Price ranges and what you'll spend

Lunch entrees at Oriental restaurants in South Carolina typically run $7 to $12, while dinner entrees range from $10 to $18. Combination plates are usually $1 to $2 cheaper than ordering a protein and side separately. Appetizers cost $3 to $7 each. Lunch buffets average $9 to $12 per person; dinner buffets, when available, are usually $12 to $16. Beverages are typically $2 to $3, and dessert (fortune cookies, ice cream) is usually included with buffets or costs $2 to $4 if ordered separately.

Delivery fees add $2 to $4 to your order, and many apps charge a service fee on top of the restaurant's price. Tipping is standard for delivery and dine-in service (15 to 20 percent is customary). Takeout orders don't require a tip, though many people leave one anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Oriental, Chinese, and Asian cuisine?

Oriental is an older umbrella term for East and Southeast Asian cooking. Chinese refers specifically to food from China. Asian is even broader and includes Indian, Filipino, and other cuisines. Most restaurants labeled "Oriental" in South Carolina serve primarily Chinese food with some Vietnamese, Thai, or Japanese dishes mixed in.

Do Oriental restaurants in South Carolina use MSG?

Some do, some don't. MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a flavor enhancer used in many Asian cuisines. If you prefer to avoid it, call ahead and ask whether the restaurant can prepare your dish without MSG. Most will honor the request, though it may take longer to prepare.

Can I bring my own beer or wine to an Oriental restaurant?

Policies vary. Some restaurants allow outside alcohol (often called BYOB); others don't. Call ahead to ask. Many Oriental restaurants in South Carolina have beer and wine licenses, so you can order drinks there instead. A few have full liquor licenses and serve cocktails.

What should I order if I've never been to an Oriental restaurant before?

Start with a lunch special or combination plate—they're designed to give you a taste of the restaurant's style without overwhelming choices. Fried rice, lo mein, and General Tso's chicken are familiar entry points. Ask your server what the restaurant does well, and don't hesitate to ask questions about unfamiliar dishes.

Are Oriental restaurants in South Carolina open for lunch and dinner every day?

Most are, but hours vary. Many close between lunch and dinner (2 to 5 p.m.) and may have shorter hours on Sundays or Mondays. Call ahead or check the restaurant's website to confirm hours before you visit, especially on holidays or weekends.