A Casual Chinese Lunch on a Scorching Day

Just some quick snaps from my lunch at Mr.Rice—admittedly, the food doesn’t look super Instagram-worthy in photos 😝😝, but after weeks of skipping restaurant-style Chinese food, it hit the spot! First, let’s talk about the weather: I braved 116°F (that’s over 46°C!) sunshine to grab this meal—my skin was practically melting by the time I got to the door. But a craving for Chinese food is a powerful thing, and it was totally worth the sweat 💦. What I Ordered (Simple but Satisfying) I went for their Lunch Special—great value, and just the right portion for a midday meal: Black Pepper Beef (my own translation, ha!): The beef was tender enough, and the black pepper sauce had a nice kick—not too spicy, just bold enough to coat the meat. It’s the kind of classic Chinese-American dish you can always count on, no surprises (in a good way). Rice Choice: They let you pick white rice or fried rice—I went with fried rice, of course! It was fluffy, lightly seasoned, and had a few veggies mixed in (carrots, peas) to add a little color. No greasy mess, just simple fried rice goodness 🍚. Soup Choice: Egg drop soup or hot and sour soup—I’m a total hot and sour soup fan, so that was a no-brainer. It had the right balance of tangy and spicy, with tofu, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms—warm and comforting, perfect for cutting through the heaviness of the beef. I also couldn’t resist adding fried tofu as a side—fried tofu is my weakness, especially when it’s served with that sweet-savory dipping sauce! 🤩 The tofu was crispy on the outside, soft inside, and the sauce was chef’s kiss—I could’ve eaten a whole plate of just that. Overall Verdict: Solid “Oasis” in a Food Desert This is definitely “middle-of-the-road” Chinese food—nothing mind-blowing, but totally acceptable. For a casual lunch when you’re craving something familiar, it works. In a place that sometimes feels like a “food desert” for authentic Asian flavors, spots like Mr.Rice are little lifesavers 😌. Plus, leaving with a full stomach (and a little leftover fried tofu for later) made braving the 116°F heat feel like a win. Sometimes, the best meals aren’t the fanciest ones—just the ones that hit that “homey” craving. #DeliciousFoodCantBeMissed #OasisInFoodDesert #DeliciousnessUnstoppable #FoodBringsHappiness #food #Arizona #AmericanLife #FoodHunting #TastesGood #WanderingAround