Bite of the Palouse: Tan’s Chinese Restaurant a hit

Tan’s never disappoints in the flavor department

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CARSON HOLLAND

Nothing on the menu is likely to disappoint

CARSON HOLLAND, Evergreen columnist

As the temperatures cool and the smoke hopefully clears, it is time to reward yourself for getting through the first few weeks of school. There is no better way to celebrate your early success than to go out for some delicious food. While Pullman has a variety of options, there is one I have forgotten to highlight that has somehow slipped through the cracks. 

Today we visit Tan’s Chinese Restaurant in order to scratch that itch of good food. Located right next to Sweet Munity and one of the Department of Licensing locations, it is an easy walk from campus or a quicker drive. The location is perfect if you want to get dinner, dessert and new tabs for your car all in one place. 

This local food joint is open six days a week from 11 A.M. to 9:30 P.M., only closed on Tuesdays. This means that you can get delicious food for most of the day, but do not procrastinate on it like you are putting off that homework. For those who do not want to make the walk, Tan’s also is available through online ordering systems for delivery. 

I am a veteran of Tan’s so I can earnestly say that everything I have tried off the menu has been delicious. On this particular outing, I decided to order the General Tso’s chicken with a side of Barbecue Pork Buns. The food came out quickly and smelled absolutely delicious. If the scent meant anything I was in for a good experience. 

The service at the restaurant is friendly and helpful in deciding what to eat, even when incredibly busy. Throughout the meal they checked on how I was doing and how the food was tasting, but not in an overbearing way. The atmosphere of the restaurant was positive and well-kept and I would just as easily sit in than order takeout. 

Oh, sweet jelly on a sandwich the food was good. 

It might have been that I was starving from a long day of classes but the food was just what I needed. Packed to the brim with flavor, each warm bite on a chilly afternoon was better than the last. Of the two the Barbecue Pork Buns were my favorite but the General Tso’s did not disappoint in the slightest with some great flavor. 

The serving sizes for the meal were big enough to allow me to take some home as leftovers for another meal, but you will have no problem wanting to keep eating. A good option would be to take some friends with you so that you can try a little bit of everything rather than having to choose from the extensive menu. 

If you are worried that none of the two menu items I described sound appealing to you, fear not dear reader, the menu at Tan’s is rather extensive. There are a ton of options split between lunch and dinner, along with some options for al carte. The appetizers are some of my favorite parts of the menu and would make for a perfect date night by ordering a handful of them. 

Keep in mind Xiao Long Bao, Barbecue Pork Buns and Chinese Doughnuts when looking at the menu.  

For those looking to beat the rapidly dropping temperatures, Tan’s also is serving a variety of soups that are just as varied as the rest of their menu. On the topic of drinks, you have a number of different options from traditional pop to drinks from overseas like Apple Sidra. 

The pricing at Tan’s is not going to bankrupt you but it is not cheap. This makes sense as the restaurant is a sit-down style with takeout supported. Be prepared to spend between $15-30 dollars on a meal, usually leaning toward the more expensive side of that range. 

But Tan’s is another great example of quality food for a reasonable price. 

With a great combination of great entrees, amazing appetizers and a good atmosphere you will not be disappointed by your visit to Tan’s. Any price that is incurred is just par for the course for a good dining experience and is worth the hit to your wallet. 

As the smoke begins to clear and fall is coming up fast, take your opportunity to go down to Tan’s today. 

If you know of some food spots that I have not tried yet that you are just dying to brag about to your friends let me know by emailing [email protected].