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Peking Wok II in South Carolina — What to Order and Where to Find It

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Peking Wok II serves Sichuan and Cantonese dishes in a casual setting

Peking Wok II is a Chinese restaurant focused on the bold, layered flavors of Sichuan cuisine alongside Cantonese classics. The menu leans toward dishes with heat and complexity — mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, chow mein — but also includes milder options for those who prefer them. The dining room is straightforward and unpretentious, the kind of place where you come for the food rather than the atmosphere.

The restaurant operates as a family-run establishment, which shows in the consistency of the cooking and the willingness to adjust dishes to your spice tolerance. Staff can tell you which items pack the most heat and which are gentler, so you can order with confidence even if you are new to Sichuan cooking.

Key Takeaways

  • Peking Wok II specializes in Sichuan dishes with numbing spice and bold flavor, plus Cantonese standards like chow mein and fried rice.
  • The restaurant will adjust spice levels on request, so you can order hot dishes at your own tolerance level.
  • Lunch specials offer smaller portions and lower prices than dinner, making it a good option for a quick meal or trying multiple dishes.
  • The restaurant accepts both dine-in and takeout orders, with phone ordering available for faster service.

Signature dishes and what makes them worth ordering

Mapo tofu is the standout — silken tofu cubes in a chili oil with ground pork, numbing Sichuan peppercorns, and fermented bean paste. The heat builds as you eat, and the texture contrast between the soft tofu and the crumbly pork is the whole point. If you have never had Sichuan peppercorns, this is the dish to understand them: they create a tingling sensation on your lips and tongue that is different from the burn of chili peppers.

Kung pao chicken arrives with roasted peanuts, dried chilies, and a glossy sauce that clings to each piece. The peanuts stay crisp, and the balance between sweet, salty, and spicy is tight. Chow mein here is done right — noodles with a slight char, vegetables that still have texture, and enough sauce to coat without drowning the dish. For those avoiding heat, the house lo mein is reliable: egg noodles with chicken or shrimp, bok choy, and a light soy-based sauce.

Cashew chicken offers sweetness and crunch without the fire, and General Tso's chicken is sweeter than the Sichuan offerings but still has depth from garlic and ginger. These dishes give you options across the heat spectrum, so there is something for every tolerance level at the same table.

Lunch specials and pricing

Peking Wok II runs lunch specials on weekdays that include an entree, fried rice or chow mein, and a spring roll or egg roll at a lower price than ordering the same items at dinner. The portions are smaller than dinner plates but still substantial. This is the time to come if you want to try several dishes without spending heavily or committing to large plates.

Dinner entrees are moderately priced for the portion size and quality. Family-style ordering — where you pick several dishes and share — works well here and is often cheaper per person than ordering individual plates. Rice comes with most entrees and costs extra if ordered separately, so factor that into your budget if you are ordering multiple dishes.

How to order and what to expect

You can call ahead to place a takeout order, which cuts down wait time significantly during peak hours. Dine-in seating is available but fills up quickly at lunch and dinner, so arriving early or calling ahead to ask about wait times is smart. The restaurant does not take reservations, so walk-ins are seated on a first-come basis.

Service is efficient but not rushed. Staff bring water and take your order promptly. Food typically arrives within 15 to 20 minutes for dine-in orders, depending on how busy the kitchen is. Takeout orders are usually ready within 10 to 15 minutes of placing the call, so you can plan your timing accordingly.

Dietary considerations and customization

Vegetarian options exist on the menu — vegetable lo mein, vegetable fried rice, and mapo tofu can be made without meat. Tell your server if you have a shellfish allergy, as some dishes use oyster sauce or shrimp paste. Soy sauce is used throughout, so gluten-free diners should ask which dishes can be prepared without it or with tamari instead.

The kitchen is willing to adjust spice levels, oil content, and ingredient swaps within reason. If you dislike a particular vegetable or protein, mention it when you order. The staff will work with you to make the dish work for your preferences, so do not hesitate to ask for modifications.

Location and hours

Peking Wok II operates in South Carolina with a single location. Hours typically run from late morning through evening, with a break in the afternoon. Call ahead to confirm current hours, as restaurant schedules can shift seasonally or for special events.

The restaurant is closed on certain holidays, so checking before a holiday visit is worth the call. Having the phone number saved makes it easy to confirm hours or place a takeout order without having to search online each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the mapo tofu?

Mapo tofu is genuinely hot and gets hotter as you eat because the chili oil accumulates. If you are sensitive to spice, ask the kitchen to reduce the heat or use less oil. First-timers often find it more intense than they expected, so starting with a smaller order or sharing is reasonable.

Can I get dishes without peanuts?

Yes. Kung pao chicken comes with peanuts, but the kitchen can make it without them if you have an allergy or preference. Tell your server when you order, and they will note it in the kitchen.

What is the difference between Sichuan and Cantonese dishes here?

Sichuan dishes use chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and bold spices — mapo tofu and kung pao chicken are examples. Cantonese dishes are often milder and focus on the natural flavors of the ingredients — chow mein, lo mein, and fried rice fall into this category. Both styles are on the menu so you can choose based on your spice tolerance.

Do you offer delivery?

Peking Wok II handles takeout orders directly by phone. Delivery through third-party apps may be available depending on your location. Call the restaurant to confirm whether delivery is offered to your address or to place a takeout order for pickup.

Is there parking?

Parking availability depends on the specific location. Call ahead or check the restaurant's location details to confirm parking options at the site nearest you.