The Best Orange Chicken In Ohio Is Hiding At This Old-School Restaurant
Columbus, Ohio has a hidden gem that’s been serving incredible Chinese food for nearly seven decades.
Ding Ho Restaurant stands as one of the city’s oldest family-owned Chinese establishments, recently gaining viral fame for its amazing dishes.
Food lovers from across the state are making special trips just to taste what makes this place so special.
A Restaurant Born In The Eisenhower Era
Picture this: while Elvis was just starting to rock the nation, Ding Ho opened its doors in 1956. Columbus was a much smaller city back then, and Chinese restaurants were rare treasures.
Most folks had never tried authentic Asian flavors before. The original owners took a huge leap of faith opening their little restaurant on the south side of town.
Today, nearly seventy years later, that same brave spirit keeps the kitchen fires burning bright every single day.
Three Generations Keep The Family Flame Alive
Family recipes don’t just happen overnight. They get passed down through countless dinner conversations, kitchen lessons, and years of patient practice.
The same family that started Ding Ho still runs every aspect of the business today. Grandparents taught parents, who now teach their own children the secret techniques.
Each generation adds their own special touch while respecting the original vision that made customers fall in love decades ago.
Wor Sue Gai Steals Hearts And Taste Buds
Forget everything you think you know about orange chicken. Ding Ho’s signature dish, Wor Sue Gai, puts every mall food court to shame.
This breaded chicken masterpiece gets coated in a sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors perfectly. The crispy exterior gives way to tender, juicy meat that practically melts.
Regular customers often order extra sauce on the side because they can’t get enough of that magical flavor combination.
Time Travel Through Your Taste Buds
Walking into Ding Ho feels like stepping back into 1960. The booths, lighting, and decor haven’t changed much since the Kennedy administration.
Red vinyl seats and classic Chinese artwork create an authentic throwback atmosphere. No trendy industrial pipes or Edison bulbs here, just honest comfort food vibes.
I remember my first visit feeling like I’d discovered a secret portal to simpler times when restaurants focused on food instead of Instagram photos.
Social Media Discovers A Hidden Treasure
Sometimes the internet gets things absolutely right. Food bloggers and TikTok users recently stumbled upon Ding Ho’s incredible dishes and couldn’t keep quiet about it.
Videos of that gorgeous Wor Sue Gai started racking up thousands of views and shares. Suddenly, people were driving from Cleveland and Cincinnati just for lunch.
The viral fame brought new faces through the door, but longtime regulars still get treated like extended family members.
New Hours To Handle The Happy Chaos
Success can be overwhelming, especially when you’re used to serving neighborhood regulars. The sudden influx of customers caught everyone by surprise.
Management quickly realized they needed to adjust operating hours to serve everyone properly. Nobody wants to rush through a meal or wait forever for their order.
Smart planning now ensures both new visitors and loyal customers get the attention and delicious food they deserve every single visit.
Classic Menu With Wallet Friendly Prices
Ding Ho keeps things beautifully simple with traditional Chinese-American favorites. Crispy egg rolls, hearty soups, fresh noodles, and various chicken preparations fill the menu.
Prices remain refreshingly reasonable despite rising food costs everywhere else. Large portions ensure nobody leaves hungry, and most entrees cost less than fancy coffee drinks.
Quality ingredients and generous servings prove you don’t need to spend a fortune for an outstanding meal experience.
Community Cornerstone For Seven Decades
Some restaurants serve food, but special places like Ding Ho serve memories. Generations of Columbus families have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and regular Tuesday nights here.
The restaurant witnessed the city grow from a sleepy midwest town into a thriving metropolitan area. Through economic ups and downs, they kept serving consistent, comforting meals.
Local food history wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging how Ding Ho helped introduce Columbus to Chinese cuisine and culture.