Oriental Express in Charleston: Dim Sum, Noodles, and Cantonese Cooking

What Oriental Express Offers

Oriental Express is a Cantonese restaurant in Charleston's downtown area that serves dim sum, noodle dishes, and traditional Chinese entrees. The restaurant operates as a casual dining spot where you order from a menu rather than from carts, and it focuses on hand-pulled noodles, rice bowls, and cooked-to-order plates. The space itself is modest—simple tables, quick service, and a kitchen visible from the dining room—which keeps prices lower than full-service establishments nearby.

The menu centers on Cantonese cooking, which means you'll find dishes built around fresh vegetables, seafood, and meat prepared with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and light broths rather than heavy cream sauces. Noodle soups are a signature item, and the restaurant makes several varieties fresh. Rice bowls come topped with roasted meats, vegetables, and sauce. Dim sum items—small steamed or fried portions meant for sharing—are available, though the selection varies by day and time.

Key Takeaways

• Oriental Express specializes in hand-pulled noodles and Cantonese-style rice bowls, with prices typically between $8 and $16 per entree.
• The restaurant serves dim sum during lunch and early afternoon hours, with the best selection available mid-day rather than at dinner.
• Seating is first-come, first-served in a casual setting; expect a short wait during lunch rush (noon to 1 p.m.) on weekdays.
• Cash and card payments are both accepted, and the restaurant does not take reservations.

Location and Hours

Oriental Express is located on King Street in downtown Charleston, within walking distance of the Market Hall and the Historic District. Street parking is available but fills quickly during lunch; a paid lot sits one block away. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours shift seasonally and occasionally close for private events.

Dim sum service runs from late morning through mid-afternoon, typically ending by 3 p.m. If you want the full dim sum experience with the widest selection, arrive between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on a weekday. Dinner service focuses on noodle soups, rice bowls, and larger entrees rather than dim sum portions.

What to Order: Noodle Soups and Rice Bowls

The hand-pulled noodle soups are the restaurant's strength. Wonton noodle soup comes with pork wontons in a clear broth, thin egg noodles, and bok choy—a standard Cantonese preparation that tastes clean and light. Beef noodle soup uses sliced beef that cooks in the hot broth as it arrives at your table, so the meat stays tender. Chicken and mushroom noodle soup offers a milder flavor profile and works well if you prefer less assertive broths.

Rice bowls arrive over steamed white rice topped with your choice of protein and vegetables. Roasted pork (char siu) is tender and slightly sweet; roasted chicken is mild and pairs well with ginger scallion sauce on the side. Beef with broccoli and oyster sauce is a classic combination. Most bowls come with a small side of soup and cost between $9 and $12.

Dim Sum: What to Expect

Dim sum at Oriental Express is ordered from a menu rather than selected from rolling carts, which means you choose what you want and it arrives from the kitchen. Steamed pork buns (char siu bao) are fluffy and filled with shredded roasted pork. Shrimp dumplings (har gow) have a thin, translucent wrapper and plump shrimp inside. Pork and chive dumplings (jiaozi) are pan-fried until crispy on one side and soft on the other.

Steamed chicken feet (feng zhao) and tripe are also available if you want to explore more adventurous options. Most dim sum portions are small—designed for sharing or as part of a multi-course meal—and cost $3 to $5 per order. A typical dim sum lunch involves ordering four to six different items and sharing them family-style with others at your table.

Dining Style and Atmosphere

Oriental Express is a working restaurant, not a destination for ambiance. The dining room is bright and practical, with laminate tables and straightforward decor. Noise levels rise during lunch rush, and conversations from other tables are audible. The staff moves quickly and efficiently; service is friendly but not lingering. This is the kind of place where you eat and leave within 45 minutes, not where you settle in for an evening.

The restaurant draws a mix of downtown office workers at lunch, families on weekends, and people specifically seeking authentic Cantonese food rather than Americanized Chinese dishes. If you're looking for tablecloths and quiet conversation, this is not the spot. If you want genuine noodles and rice bowls at fair prices, it delivers.

Dietary Considerations and Customization

Most noodle soups and rice bowls can be made vegetarian if you request it—the kitchen will substitute tofu or extra vegetables for meat. Seafood options are available throughout the menu, including shrimp, scallop, and squid dishes. Soy sauce is used in many preparations, so if you avoid soy, mention it when ordering and ask what can be made without it.

The restaurant does not maintain a detailed allergen menu, so if you have a serious allergy, ask to speak with kitchen staff directly. Peanut and sesame are used in some dishes. Gluten-free options are limited, as soy sauce and wheat noodles appear in most preparations, though rice bowls with rice noodles are sometimes available.

Pricing and Payment

Entrees range from $8 to $16, with noodle soups and rice bowls at the lower end and larger combination plates at the higher end. Dim sum items run $3 to $5 each. A meal for one person typically costs $12 to $18 before tax and tip. The restaurant accepts both cash and card; there is no minimum for card purchases.

Takeout is available and popular during lunch hours. The restaurant packs noodle soups carefully to prevent spillage, and rice bowls travel well. If you order takeout during peak lunch time (noon to 1 p.m.), expect a 10 to 15-minute wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a reservation?

No, Oriental Express operates on a first-come, first-served basis. During lunch rush, you may wait 10 to 20 minutes for a table. If you want to avoid the wait, arrive before 11:30 a.m. or after 2 p.m. on weekdays.

What's the difference between the noodles here and other Chinese restaurants?

Oriental Express makes noodles fresh in-house and uses Cantonese cooking techniques—light broths, fresh vegetables, and minimal oil. Many other Chinese restaurants in Charleston use pre-made noodles and heavier sauces. The flavor here is cleaner and less sweet.

Is dim sum available at dinner?

Dim sum is primarily a lunch and early afternoon service. A limited selection may be available early in the dinner service (around 5 p.m.), but the full menu is available only during lunch hours. If dim sum is your main goal, plan to visit between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Do I need to know Cantonese to order?

No. The menu is in English with descriptions of each dish. Staff can explain preparations and make recommendations. If you're unsure what to order, ask for a noodle soup recommendation—they're consistent and hard to get wrong.

How long does a typical meal take?

From seating to finished plate, expect 20 to 30 minutes during normal hours. During lunch rush, add 10 to 15 minutes for the wait to be seated. Takeout orders are usually ready in 10 to 15 minutes.