Welcome to Northern Cuisine
At Northern Cuisine, we celebrate the rich flavors and traditions of northern China, offering an authentic dining experience in Champaign, IL. Specializing in gourmet seafood and delightful dim sum, our menu features standout dishes like crispy fried pork and aromatic mapo tofu, capturing the essence of comfort food and culinary artistry. Conveniently offering takeout and delivery options, we cater to both bustling lunch crowds and relaxed family dinners. Our modern space, complemented by attentive service, invites guests to savor each bite in a welcoming atmosphere. Join us to indulge in a culinary journey that honors true northern Chinese cuisine.
Northern Cuisine: Reviews & Ratings
So good! We walked in on a Friday night around 7PM and were seated after a short wait. We ordered the chef's special sweet and sour pork, mapo tofu, and egg plant with garlic sauce. Everything was super delicious! The pork was similar to Korean style Tangsuyuk. The mapo tofu was very aromatic and full of flavor. The egg plant was a little on the sweet side but still very good. The restaurant is clean and modern on the inside. Great place!
This is recommended by someone from the northern part of China. It's nice and clean, and staff is friendly. Wait time during lunch hour may turn away those who want a quick bite. I like their stir fried dishes, and their stews can use more ginger because the meat is overpowering. They have Chinese soy milk (Dou Jiang) and fried dough (You Tiao) on the menu, and they came out great.
Came in n a cold Friday night which was busy but great service. Waitlist sign up is fast and easy on a tablet by the front desk, by the kitchen entrance. Give it your phone number and text messages will update you. Fast table turnarounds during busy times. We split a B1 chefs special entree which is the yummy Crispy Pork in Sweet and Sour Glaze. It comes with one bowl of rice, so got a second one. Very seriously some of the best crispy pork I've ever had. Drink wise, apart from the water tried the Chinese Sweeter Herbal Tea (which is cold and in a can) and a hot tea, both hit the spot. Bathrooms are at the end of the larger dining area, very clean. The larger dining area is upstairs, with 5 steps, but there is a small elevator to make it accessible to everyone. Will definitely be back to try more!
Northern Cuisine is great! A bit on the expensive side but I think it's one of the more authentic Chinese restaurants in Champaign. Favorites are the Chili green beans and crispy fried pork (sweet). The green beans are cooked well and have a nice flavor to them and are always gone within minutes! We also like getting fried dough with soy milk. The ambience is nice, it has dark lighting inside. The service is okay, sometimes we have to look over at the server to come to us but I think they were giving us time to decide. They serve water in plastic clear cups with no ice but it doesn't bother me that much. Overall, it's a nice place to go if you're looking for some quality Chinese dishes!
Food was great! Service was good as well. Only con I would say is the water is served in plastic cups and there was no ice in my water. Other raise the price is good for the amount of food. 100% will come back again!
Ambiance: The first thing I noticed is the amazing ambiance. It has one of the nicest interiors out of all the restaurants in campus town. However, I was thrown off by disposable cups for water. Service: The waitress was very attentive and our food arrived very quickly. However, the two dishes did arrive separately with about a 5-10 minutes gap between the two. Food: The eggplant dish was excellent. The eggplant is the perfect texture and there is plenty of savory sauce to cover all the vegetables. The pork was also good but it was a bit too sweet. The cuts are also a little too big and required a lot of chewing to finish a piece. The batter that cover the pork has an interesting texture as it is a bit chewy and less crispy. However overall, it was still a good dish, but I probably wouldn't order it again unlike the eggplant.
Service was fast and efficient. Zero wait time to sit or to serve food. Food was great and came in large family style dishes. Restaurant was clean and great experience overall!
Great new addition of Chinese restaurant in Urbana Champaign. Went there seal times. Tasted the authentic northern food.
We're more used to Szechuan and Contonese style Chinese restaurants and we didn't know quite what to expect. What we got were very generous, obviously home made dumplings, some of the best sauteed spinach with minced garlic we've ever had, and a warm, comforting beef brisket with potato casserole/hot pot kind of dish. We shared everything and we were VERY impressed with the food and service. People are friendly and helpful and the place is immaculate. I can't think of anything they could have done better. My wife ordered a mung bean soup (hot) that was served as a beverage; she poured it into bowls and shared. That really brought my wife back to her childhood. Five stars. I almost never think of writing a review but it was so good I wanted to share.
Location
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404 E Green St Ste A Champaign, IL 61820 United States Hotline: (217) 607-1299
Welcome to the tantalizing world of Northern Cuisine, where authentic flavors from the northern regions of China take center stage. Nestled in the heart of Champaign, at 404 E Green St Ste A, this culinary gem offers a unique fusion of dim sum, seafood, and hearty servings that leave a lasting impression. With its convenient delivery and takeout options, indulgent dining has never been more accessible.
The menu is a veritable feast for the senses, featuring specialties such as:
- B10 Braised Prawn in Savory Sauce - A dish that embodies umami, perfect for those who crave rich flavors.
- B4 Deluxe Northern Style Rice Noodle Salad - A refreshing delight that balances textures and tastes.
- B3 Wok Fried Pork Liver & Intestine - A daring choice for adventurous eaters, showcasing traditional northern fare.
- B5 Chicken & Mushroom Casserole - Comfort food at its best, ideal for cozy dining experiences.
- B9 Breaded Tilapia in Sweet & Sour Sauce - Perfectly crispy with a hint of sweetness, offering a balanced dish.
As you step inside, you're greeted by a clean and modern ambiance, a welcoming atmosphere that enhances your dining experience. The staff here is attentive and friendly, helping diners navigate the extensive menu with ease. You might experience a brief wait during peak hours, but every moment spent is worth it for the flavors they serve.
Many patrons rave about their chef's specials. For instance, one visitor described the Crispy Pork in Sweet and Sour Glaze as some of the best they've ever tasted. This dish, alongside favorites like the Chili Green Beans and Fried Dough with Soy Milk, illustrates how Northern Cuisine pays homage to traditional recipes while incorporating contemporary techniques.
While some may note the slightly higher prices compared to other establishments, the generous portion sizes and authenticity compensate for every penny spent. The beverages, including Chinese Sweetened Herbal Tea and homemade Soybean Milk, add to the authentic experience, making your meal complete.
In every review, there’s a common thread: this is a place for lovers of Chinese cuisine seeking quality and flavor. From the delightful dishes to the modern yet cozy setting, Northern Cuisine is a must-visit for anyone in Champaign looking for a true taste of northern China. Whether dining in or taking out, prepare yourself for a memorable culinary journey!
