Peking Tokyo in Charleston: Japanese Cuisine With Chinese Roots

What Peking Tokyo serves and where to find it

Peking Tokyo is a Japanese restaurant in Charleston that blends Japanese and Chinese cooking traditions on a single menu. The restaurant sits in the downtown area and serves sushi, sashimi, tempura, and other Japanese standards alongside Chinese dishes like lo mein and fried rice. The dual approach reflects how many Asian fusion restaurants in the Southeast operate—offering customers multiple cuisines under one roof rather than specializing in a single country's food.

The restaurant's name itself signals this blend: "Peking" refers to Beijing and Chinese imperial cooking, while "Tokyo" names Japan's capital. This naming choice is common in American Asian restaurants and tells you upfront that you're walking into a place where both traditions share the kitchen and the menu.

Key Takeaways

• Peking Tokyo serves both Japanese dishes (sushi, sashimi, tempura) and Chinese dishes (lo mein, fried rice, chow mein) from a single menu.
• The restaurant is located in downtown Charleston, making it accessible if you're exploring the historic district or nearby dining areas.
• Fusion menus like this one let you order Japanese and Chinese food in the same meal if your group has mixed preferences.
• Hours and current specials vary by season, so calling ahead or checking their social media before visiting ensures you catch them open.

The sushi and raw fish offerings

Peking Tokyo's sushi menu includes nigiri (fish over rice), rolls, and sashimi platters. Nigiri lets you taste individual fish—salmon, tuna, and other varieties—prepared simply so the quality of the fish itself matters. Rolls combine rice, nori (seaweed), and fillings like cucumber, avocado, or cooked seafood, and many restaurants offer both traditional and creative variations.

Sashimi is raw fish without rice, sliced thin and served with soy sauce and wasabi. If you're new to raw fish, starting with cooked options like tempura shrimp or California rolls (which use cooked crab) is a common first step. The restaurant's staff can guide you toward milder flavors if you're uncertain what to order.

Cooked Japanese dishes and tempura

Beyond raw fish, Peking Tokyo offers cooked Japanese preparations. Tempura is battered and deep-fried vegetables or seafood—light, crispy, and served with a dipping sauce. Teriyaki dishes come glazed in a sweet and savory sauce. Donburi bowls combine rice with toppings like chicken, egg, or vegetables in broth or sauce.

These cooked options appeal to diners who prefer their food prepared at high heat or who want to avoid raw ingredients. They're also often less expensive than sushi and sashimi, making them a budget-friendly way to experience Japanese cooking.

Chinese menu items and combination plates

The Chinese side of the menu typically includes lo mein (noodles with vegetables and protein), fried rice, chow mein, and stir-fried dishes. Many fusion restaurants offer combination plates that pair a protein (chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu) with a starch and vegetables, letting you customize your meal. These dishes tend to be filling and moderately priced.

Combination plates are useful if you're dining with someone who prefers Chinese food or if you want to sample multiple flavors without ordering several separate dishes. Ask your server which combinations are available that day.

Dining experience and atmosphere

Peking Tokyo operates as a casual dining spot rather than fine dining, so expect a relaxed environment suited to weeknight dinners, family meals, or lunch breaks. The restaurant may offer dine-in seating, takeout, and delivery depending on the day and time. Downtown Charleston locations often have limited parking, so arriving early or using a parking garage nearby can save time.

Like most restaurants in the area, Peking Tokyo's hours may shift seasonally or for special events. Calling ahead or checking their phone number and hours online before you visit prevents a wasted trip, especially on Sundays or holidays when some restaurants close or operate shorter hours.

How to order if you're unfamiliar with the menu

If you've never ordered Japanese or Chinese food before, start by telling your server what flavors you enjoy—spicy, mild, sweet, savory—and whether you prefer cooked or raw preparations. Most servers at fusion restaurants are accustomed to guiding first-time customers and can suggest popular dishes that match your taste.

Soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger come with sushi and sashimi. Soy sauce is salty and savory; wasabi is intensely spicy; ginger is sharp and slightly sweet. You don't have to use all three—try a small amount of each to see what you like. Fried rice and lo mein are forgiving choices if you're unsure: they're filling, familiar in flavor, and hard to dislike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Peking Tokyo good for groups with different food preferences?

Yes. Because the menu includes both Japanese and Chinese dishes, someone who wants sushi can order it while a companion orders lo mein or fried rice. This flexibility makes it easier for mixed groups to dine together without compromise.

Do I need to know how to use chopsticks?

No. Peking Tokyo provides forks and spoons alongside chopsticks. Using chopsticks is optional and a matter of personal preference. Many diners use forks for noodles and rice without any issue.

What should I order if I'm trying Japanese food for the first time?

California rolls (cooked crab, avocado, cucumber) or tempura are gentle introductions because they're cooked and familiar in flavor. Teriyaki chicken is another approachable choice. Once you're comfortable, you can explore raw fish options like nigiri or sashimi.

Can I get food delivered from Peking Tokyo?

Many Charleston restaurants offer delivery through third-party apps or their own services, but availability varies. Call the restaurant directly or check their website to confirm whether delivery is available on the day you want to order.

Is there parking near Peking Tokyo?

Downtown Charleston has limited street parking but several public parking garages within walking distance. Arriving early or using a parking app to locate nearby garages can help you find a spot quickly, especially during peak dining hours.