Chinese food? In Rome? I know, I know. You are probably thinking Rome is a place where you eat Italian food, not Chinese food. If those are your thoughts, you are (mostly) correct. Rome has delicious Roman cuisine and Italian style dishes, but when you eat that always, your taste buds beg for something a little different from time to time (at least mine do).
Being from the States, I am used to having a variety of cultural and ethnic food options, all usually in close proximity. Monday – Mexican, Tuesday – Chinese, Wednesday – Italian, Thursday – BBQ (Barbeque), Friday – Mediterranean, Saturday – Sushi, Sunday – Southern comfort food. I am willing to bet most weekly menus resemble something similar to this. When I lived in the States, mine certainly did. Now living in Rome, the menu looks more like pizza, pasta, risotto, pasta, pizza, pasta and the occasional kebab or Mediterranean sandwich.
Even though Italian food in general is, and always has been, my favorite type of food, sometimes my taste buds need a little variety. It’s what they have grown accustomed to. That is why I was overjoyed when we discovered this great little Chinese restaurant in Trastevere. When I am in the mood for something different, I usually head here. The food is delicious, and it is very reasonably priced. I usually order an appetizer, two main dishes, two side dishes and a large bottle of water…all for under €20. If you are in Rome and craving something a little different, definitely give this restaurant a try. It’s located right off the main piazza in Trastevere (Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere), so it’s very convenient.
You can see everything I usually order below. On your mark, get set, let your mouth start watering…
You can dine inside the restaurant, or sit at a table outside and enjoy all the energy from the main piazza in Trastevere.
Primavera – Spring roll (with carrots and cabbage and topped with sweet & sour sauce)
Shrimp Lo Mein
Fried rice with shrimp
Shrimp with ginger and green onions (pairs great with the fried rice).
I saved the best for last. My favorite…sweet & sour shrimp. Yummm!
Ci Lin
Via Fonte dell’olio, 6
Open 7 days a week
Lunch served from 11 am – 3 pm
Dinner served from 6 pm – midnight