Honestly, if you live anywhere near the intersection of State Road and Lansdowne Avenue, you’ve probably seen it. China King Drexel Hill sits there in that little strip, looking exactly like every other Chinese takeout joint in Delaware County. It isn’t flashy. There are no velvet ropes or fusion molecular gastronomy experiments happening behind the counter. But when it’s 7:00 PM on a rainy Tuesday and the fridge is empty, this place is basically a local landmark for a reason.
I’ve spent way too much time thinking about what makes a "good" neighborhood spot. Is it the price? The speed? Or is it that specific, slightly salty, deeply comforting taste of a General Tso’s sauce that hasn't changed since 2005? At China King, it's definitely a mix of all three.
The Menu Breakdown: What to Actually Order
Most people just scroll through a menu and pick the first thing they recognize. Don't do that here. If you're hitting up China King Drexel Hill, you have to be a little strategic.
Their General Tso’s Chicken is the heavy hitter. It’s crispy—like, actually stays crispy in the container for the ten-minute drive home—and the sauce has that kick that lingers without making you regret your life choices. I’ve noticed they don’t skimp on the broccoli garnish either, which is nice if you're pretending to eat a balanced meal.
Then there's the Boneless Spare Ribs. Kinda smoky, definitely sweet, and they give you a mountain of them. If you're ordering for a family, the combination platters are the move. You get the main, the pork fried rice, and an egg roll. It’s a lot of food for about eleven or twelve bucks, which, in 2026, feels like a steal.
Lunch Specials and the "Hidden" Gems
Between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, the lunch specials are the real MVP. You can grab something like Chicken with Broccoli or Shrimp Lo Mein for under nine dollars. They usually throw in a choice of soup—Wonton, Egg Drop, or Hot & Sour—or a soda.
Pro tip: Try the Cheese Steak Rolls. Look, we’re right outside Philly. Putting cheesesteak filling in a crispy egg roll wrapper is basically a requirement for any business in Delco, and China King actually does a decent job with the texture. It’s greasy in the best way possible.
Where Exactly Is It?
If you're using GPS, the address is 2222 State Rd, Drexel Hill, PA 19026.
It’s tucked in right near the Upper Darby border. Parking can be a little tight in that specific lot during the dinner rush, especially since there are a few other shops sharing the space. Most people just double-park for thirty seconds to run in and grab their brown paper bag, but if you’re staying to wait, just be prepared to circle the block once.
Ordering and Delivery Reality
You've got options here, but some are better than others.
- The Phone Call: (610) 259-4382. Old school, but effective.
- Online Portals: They show up on Beyond Menu and occasionally other third-party apps.
- Wait Times: Usually, they’ll tell you "ten to fifteen minutes." In my experience, it’s almost always exactly twelve.
Delivery is available, and they cover a decent radius around Drexel Hill. Just keep in mind there’s usually a $15 minimum for delivery orders, which is easy to hit if you're ordering for two or more people.
Why Locals Keep Coming Back
Let's be real—there are probably four other Chinese restaurants within a two-mile radius. You've got New China City nearby and a few others. So why choose this one?
Consistency is the big one. I’ve talked to neighbors who have been going there for a decade, and they all say the same thing: the food tastes the same every single time. There's a weird comfort in knowing exactly what your Beef and Broccoli is going to look like before you even open the lid.
Also, the staff is fast. They aren't there to chat about the weather; they're there to get your food hot and out the door. Some people think it's a bit abrupt, but I appreciate the efficiency. You want your Lo Mein, they want to give it to you. It’s a perfect transaction.
A Quick Reality Check
Is it five-star dining? No. If you're looking for an authentic, sit-down dim sum experience, you're better off heading into Chinatown in the city. China King is a "takeout first" establishment. The seating inside is minimal and mostly meant for people waiting for their numbers to be called.
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The portions are generous, but the flavors are definitely geared toward the American-Chinese palate. Expect plenty of sauce and standard seasonings. It’s exactly what you want when you’re craving "the usual."
Actionable Steps for Your Next Order
If you're planning to give them a try this week, here is the best way to handle it:
- Check the Clock: If it’s before 3:00 PM (Monday through Saturday), always go for the Lunch Special. It’s the best value on the menu.
- Ask for Extra Spicy: If you actually like heat, tell them. Their standard "spicy" level is pretty mild to accommodate everyone.
- Cash is King: While they take cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), having cash for a small tip for the delivery driver or the counter staff is always appreciated.
- Verify the Address: Don't confuse them with the China King in Avondale or Media. Make sure you’re looking at the State Road location in Drexel Hill.
Skip the generic grocery store frozen meals tonight. Give the local guys a call, grab a Pu Pu Platter, and enjoy the fact that some things in Drexel Hill stay exactly the same.