Just a couple of months ago, China Pagoda moved into my neighborhood. No pork in a Chinese restaurant/take-out joint? An anomaly? Being Chinese myself, I know that though some things claim to be vegetarian, there is always pork essence (at least in my household). Pork is so much more than meat. Think My Big Fat Greek Wedding and their sentiments on lamb.
Apparently, China Pagoda proves that pork or not, the same flavor can be reproduced sans pork and with halal meat. All the classics are there, Sesame Chicken, Moo Goo Gai Pan for the same prices as any old take-out place. There's also no alcohol, though I haven't been to a take-out Chinese place that ever did sell alcohol. Regardless, this place is a must try for Muslims and others alike.
Historical Background: Who would have thought? Islam's oldest history actually lies in China, According to Wikipedia, "China is home to a large population of adherents of Islam. According to the CIA World Factbook, about 1%-2% of the total population in China are Muslims, while the US Department of State's International Religious Freedom Report shows that Muslims constitute about 1.5% of the Chinese population.Recent census counts imply that there may be up to 20 million Muslims in China."
China Pagoda 47-20 30th Ave. Astoria, NY 11103 718.626.0388
Can't get enough you might want to try Fatima's Halal Restaurant 2525 Broadway Astoria, NY 11102 718.278.0080
.jpg "How Comms Guru & Founder Of The PR Net Lisa Smith Put Her Stylish Stamp On The Industry")
.jpg "Who Are The Assoulines? Meet The Chic First Family Of Luxury Publishing")
.jpg "Who Is Nats Getty? The Oil Heir & Trans Activist Is Living Life Loud & Proud")
.jpg "Worldly Socialite Haya Maraka's Elegant Etiquette Tips For The Modern Lady")
.jpg "Haute Hostess Christine Chiu's Guide To Throwing The Most Fabulous Fête")
