Are you looking for the most current and comprehensive details on the Zeng Santa Fe menu? As of December 15, 2025, Zeng Chinese Restaurant remains a vibrant cornerstone of the Santa Fe culinary scene, offering a dynamic menu that blends classic Chinese takeout favorites with exciting, authentic Singaporean influences. This deep-dive guide breaks down every section of the menu, from the must-try appetizers to the hearty main dishes, ensuring your next meal is perfectly planned.
Zeng, located on the historic Old Santa Fe Trail, is more than just a local Chinese restaurant; it’s part of a legacy established by the renowned Zeng family, who are also behind the popular Fan Tang concept. This commitment to quality and tradition is evident in every dish, making it a destination for those seeking fresh, high-quality Asian cuisine in Northern New Mexico.
The Culinary Lineage: Jason Zeng and the Santa Fe Connection
The name "Zeng" carries significant weight in New Mexico’s Asian dining community. The restaurant is connected to the culinary family of Jason Zeng, a recognized figure who is also the owner of the popular Fan Tang restaurants in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
This lineage traces back to Richard and Lucy Zeng, who founded the long-running Chow's Bistro in Santa Fe in 1993. This history means Zeng Chinese Restaurant benefits from decades of experience, refined recipes, and a commitment to serving the community with both traditional and modern Asian flavors, specifically highlighting a blend of Chinese and Singaporean cuisine.
Zeng operates two main locations to serve the Santa Fe area: the primary Zeng Chinese Restaurant at 311 Old Santa Fe Trail, and the delivery/takeout-focused Zeng Express at 3242 Cerrillos Rd.
15 Essential Dishes and Menu Categories to Explore
The Zeng Santa Fe menu is structured to offer something for every palate, from quick bites and classic comfort food to more authentic, spicy specialties. The menu is consistently updated, and prices are competitive for the Santa Fe area, with many main dishes offering excellent value.
Appetizers (开胃菜) and Small Bites
The appetizer section is a great place to start, featuring both familiar classics and some unique, spicier options. These items are perfect for sharing or as a light meal.
- Vegetable Spring Roll (2pcs): A classic, crispy start, typically priced around $7.00.
- Crab Rangoon (4pcs): A fan favorite, these crispy wontons filled with cream cheese and crab are a popular choice, often available for about $8.00.
- Scallion Pancake: A flavorful, savory flatbread that is a staple of northern Chinese cuisine.
- Red Oil Cucumber (Spicy): A refreshing yet fiery dish, this is a must-try for those who enjoy a kick.
- Seaweed Salad & Edamame: Lighter, healthier options that showcase the broader Asian influences on the menu.
The Art of Hand-Crafted Dumplings and Buns
Zeng is well-known for its dedication to hand-crafted items, particularly its dumplings (蒸饺 & 煎饺) and buns (包子). This section is where the kitchen's skill truly shines, offering both steamed and pan-fried varieties.
- Pork Cabbage Steamed Dumplings: A traditional, satisfying choice, often available for around $10.99.
- Shrimp and Pork Siu Mai (4pcs): A dim sum classic, these open-topped dumplings are packed with savory flavor.
- Panfried Dumplings: The crispy, golden-brown counterpart to the steamed options, providing a textural contrast.
Main Dishes (主菜) and House Specialties
The main course section features a wide array of proteins and flavors. Whether you prefer a classic American-Chinese dish or something more authentic, the Main Dish (主菜) category delivers.
- General Tso's Chicken (Black-Meat): Cited as one of the most popular dishes, this classic is offered with a rich sauce and dark meat for maximum flavor.
- Orange Chicken: Another iconic dish, the Orange Chicken at Zeng is often highlighted in reviews for its balance of sweet and citrusy flavors.
- Mongolian Beef: A savory, slightly spicy dish featuring tender beef and green onions.
- Beef with Broccoli: A timeless favorite, perfect for those seeking a comforting, vegetable-forward entree.
- Singapore Noodles with Chicken (Chef's Special): This dish highlights the Singaporean influence, featuring thin rice noodles tossed with curry powder, chicken, and vegetables—a true Chef's Special.
Noodles, Fried Rice, and Soups
For a complete meal in a bowl or on a plate, Zeng's rice and noodle selections are substantial and customizable. Many entrees allow you to choose your base, including white rice, fried noodles, or an upgrade to fried rice.
- Pineapple and Shrimp Fried Rice: A colorful and tropical twist on the classic, featuring sweet pineapple chunks and succulent shrimp.
- Combination Fried Rice: A hearty mix of shrimp, chicken, beef, pork, egg, peas, and carrots, providing a taste of everything.
- Vegetable and Tofu Fried Rice: A delicious, satisfying option for vegetarian diners.
- Hot and Sour Soup: A traditional Chinese soup featuring a complex balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors.
Beverages and Sweet Endings: Boba Tea and Desserts
No modern Asian dining experience is complete without a look at the beverage and dessert menu. Zeng offers more than just the standard sodas and hot tea.
- Boba Tea (珍珠茶): A dedicated section for Boba Tea (also known as bubble tea) ensures you can enjoy this popular Taiwanese drink with your meal.
- Soft Drink & Hot Tea & Ice Tea (汽水&热茶&冰茶): Standard drink options are available alongside the specialty teas.
- Ice Cream (冰激凌): Simple, classic ice cream is available for a sweet finish to your meal.
Whether you are ordering from the main restaurant on Old Santa Fe Trail or grabbing a quick Bigger Plate (3 entrees and 1 side) from the Zeng Express location, the menu offers a consistent, high-quality experience.
How to Order and Experience Zeng Santa Fe Today
Zeng Chinese Restaurant (311 Old Santa Fe Trail) and Zeng Express (3242 Cerrillos Rd) primarily focus on takeout and delivery, making it incredibly convenient to enjoy their extensive menu. You can easily find the full menu and place an order through their official online ordering platform or major delivery services like Grubhub, DoorDash, and Seamless.
The restaurant's commitment to offering a wide variety of dishes, from authentic Pork Cabbage Steamed Dumplings and Red Oil Cucumber to American-Chinese staples like General Tso’s Chicken, solidifies its reputation as a must-visit spot for Asian cuisine in Santa Fe. The unique blend of Chinese and Singaporean cuisine ensures there is always a new flavor profile to explore, keeping the dining experience fresh and exciting for both locals and visitors alike.
Detail Author:
- Name : Dr. Derick Ryan PhD
- Username : sigurd.hane
- Email : kellen53@gmail.com
- Birthdate : 1983-06-10
- Address : 202 Langosh Mall Suite 963 North Shannyside, MD 50960
- Phone : 434.781.6079
- Company : Runolfsson-Kshlerin
- Job : Brake Machine Setter
- Bio : Magni vel ut officia voluptatem et nesciunt officia. Natus provident natus quia itaque magnam voluptas aspernatur. Illum nesciunt placeat eos vitae dolorum ut. Incidunt officia quo quis in.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@reinger2002
- username : reinger2002
- bio : Officia eum molestiae quod quis fugiat sed occaecati.
- followers : 5612
- following : 38
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/lucinda3540
- username : lucinda3540
- bio : Cum ea nesciunt aspernatur dolorem illum molestias. A labore quis et quis possimus.
- followers : 5588
- following : 2591