About

THE MEANING OF YEN CHING

Perhaps the name “Yen Ching” offers hints of the restaurant’s long-standing success.  The Chinese characters that make up the multifaceted “Yen Ching” symbolize gold and the forging of prosperity and wealth.  Yen Ching also means “City of Sparrows” harkening back to the beloved capitol of China during the springtime when the sparrows would eat all the mosquitos, creating a more pleasant experience for those who graced her streets.

Nestled in the heart of Boise, Yen Ching has become a hallmark for locals and business travelers frequenting the City of Trees.  When Boise Weekly touted Yen Ching for having the “Best Local Chinese Food” it was no surprise to its patrons who enjoy the eatery’s large-portioned meals and affordable prices.

YEN CHING IN DOWNTOWN BOISE

In 1985, downtown Boise was on the cusp of an urban renewal, possessing much potential for its one day becoming the thriving and trending scene it is today.  For Phillip, he saw a golden opportunity.  The following year in 1986, the family-run restaurant was joined by Satoshi, a warm and welcoming face, who has been with Yen Ching ever since.  

As downtown Boise grew and developed into the vibrant place it is today, Yen Ching grew right along with it, adapting to the many changes and trends through the years.  It’s pretty simple really, Yen Ching is one of the best restaurants in Boise. The Chou Family and Satoshi have been making their culinary mark for over three decades.

Yen Ching Cuisine

True to its roots in Northern China, Yen Ching specializes in Mandarin, Hunan, and Sichuan cuisine.  These authentic dishes are made with fresh ingredients and, combined with years of experience, offer customers a taste of China in a full dining experience.

Mandarin Cuisine

Known as Jing or Beijing cuisine, Mandarin cuisine consists of the traditional staples from China’s capitol city.  Accompanying many Mandarin dishes are scallions, cucumbers and delectable sauces.  A few favorites include roast duck, vegetable and meat filled dumplings, known as pot stickers, dipped in soy sauce and vinegar, and soft, pillowy steamed bread called “bao”.  In addition, Yen Ching serves Beijing’s best-known culinary export, Peking Duck, a specialty that requires ordering 24 hours in advance.

Hunan Cuisine

Hunan cuisine is characterized by hot and sour flavors. Situated in the subtropical rice growing region in Northern China, rice and rice noodles are the staple foods.  With the province’s hot summers and chilly, humid winters, Hunan cuisine focuses on a blend of red peppers and spices to balance out the excessive cold and humidity.  Accompanying hot peppers and spices are often green onions combined with vinegar, shallots, and ginger seasoning an assortment of sautéd pork, fish, chicken, and vegetables.

Sichuan Cuisine

Sichuan cuisine, also spelled Szechuan, offers some of the most famous Chinese dishes known around the world.  Located in the southwestern region of China, Sichuan dishes are characterized by “The Five Fragrances”, consisting of fennel, pepper, aniseed, cinnamon, and clove along with chili and Sichuan pepper.  Known for their hot, spicy, and rich flavors, Sichuan staples include Mapo Tofu, minced meat and tofu in a hot and spicy bean based sauce, and The General’s Chicken, which is tangy spicy chicken with a side of broccoli—a customer favorite.