Posted in

An Unassuming Second-Floor Spot Serves General Tso’s Chicken So Good That It’s Built A Cult Following

Published: July 29, 2025

Tucked away on the second floor of Brookfield’s Galleria West Shopping Mall sits a culinary treasure that has been perfecting Chinese-American cuisine since 1982.

Emperor’s Kitchen began its journey in Waukesha before establishing its permanent home in Brookfield in 1988, where it has quietly built one of Wisconsin’s most devoted restaurant followings.

This family-owned establishment has become a cornerstone of the local dining scene, drawing customers from across 40 different neighborhoods throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

What makes this mall location so special isn’t flashy marketing or trendy decor – it’s consistently exceptional food that has kept families returning for multiple decades.

Signature Dishes Worth the Trip

Hand-Rolled Egg Rolls: Emperor’s Kitchen has built its reputation on egg rolls that represent the gold standard for this classic appetizer. These aren’t mass-produced frozen varieties – each one is carefully crafted with fresh shrimp and pork, combined with crisp cabbage and aromatic seasonings, then fried to achieve the perfect balance of crunchy exterior and flavorful filling. The technique and recipe have remained unchanged for decades, creating a consistency that builds trust with customers.

Appleton’s Sweetest Legacy: This Family Bakery Has Been Crafting Cookie Magic Since 1967 Related

More in Wisconsin

Appleton’s Sweetest Legacy: This Family Bakery Has Been Crafting Cookie Magic Since 1967

Keep Exploring →

General Tso’s Chicken: This crowd-pleasing dish showcases tender chicken pieces enrobed in a masterfully balanced sauce that hits all the right notes between sweet, savory, and mildly spicy. The generous portions make it an excellent value, often providing enough for multiple meals or comfortable sharing.

Customizable Hunan Beef: You’ll appreciate the kitchen’s willingness to adjust spice levels to match your preferences. This dish demonstrates the restaurant’s commitment to authentic flavors while accommodating different heat tolerances, making it accessible to both spice enthusiasts and those preferring milder tastes.

Crab Rangoon Excellence: These crispy wontons filled with seasoned cream cheese and crab have earned their place as a customer favorite. The contrast between the golden, crunchy wrapper and the smooth, rich interior creates a satisfying appetizer that perfectly complements any meal.

Singapore Noodles: This aromatic dish combines thin rice noodles with tender chicken and fresh vegetables, seasoned with a complex blend of spices that creates layers of flavor. The dish showcases the kitchen’s ability to balance multiple ingredients into a harmonious, satisfying entree.

Classic Fried Rice: The pork fried rice exemplifies how traditional techniques can elevate simple ingredients. Each grain is properly separated and seasoned, with perfectly distributed pork and vegetables throughout.

Indulge In Norwegian Kringles And Pecan Rolls At This Award-Winning Stoughton Bakery

More in Wisconsin

Indulge In Norwegian Kringles And Pecan Rolls At This Award-Winning Stoughton Bakery

Discover More

The Beloved Lunch Buffet

Daily Buffet Service: Monday through Saturday from 11am to 2pm, Emperor’s Kitchen offers a lunch buffet that has become a local institution. The buffet provides exceptional variety and value that attracts everyone from business professionals on lunch breaks to retirees enjoying leisurely midday meals.

Quality Over Quantity: Unlike many buffets where dishes taste similar, Emperor’s Kitchen maintains distinct flavoring for each offering. This attention to detail ensures that every selection provides a unique taste experience rather than variations on the same theme.

Economic Value: The buffet pricing often provides more food and variety than ordering individual entrees, making it an intelligent choice for those wanting to sample multiple dishes or simply enjoy a hearty, affordable meal.

Dining Environment & Location

Unique Mall Setting: Located on the second floor of Galleria West Shopping Mall, the restaurant proves that exceptional food can thrive in unexpected locations. The space is accessible via both stairs and elevator, making it convenient for all guests.

Comfortable Atmosphere: The dining room features clean, spacious seating with elegant woodwork accents that create a welcoming environment. While the focus remains on food rather than elaborate decor, the space feels inviting and comfortable for both intimate dinners and group celebrations.

Eggs For Breakfast, Burgers For Dinner, And Booze ‘Til 2:30 AM At This Former Gas Station Related

More in Wisconsin

Eggs For Breakfast, Burgers For Dinner, And Booze ‘Til 2:30 AM At This Former Gas Station

Keep Exploring →

Musical Ambiance: Classic rock music plays softly in the background, creating a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere that enhances rather than overwhelms conversation.

Family-Friendly Space: The restaurant welcomes guests of all ages and provides an environment where multiple generations can comfortably share a meal together.

Practical Considerations

Affordable Excellence: Emperor’s Kitchen maintains remarkably reasonable pricing while never compromising on portion sizes or food quality. This combination of value and consistency explains why so many customers become long-term regulars.

Takeout Perfection: Off-site dining receives the same attention as dine-in service. Orders arrive hot and fresh, with careful packaging and proper labeling. All requested sauces and accompaniments are included, demonstrating attention to detail even when customers aren’t dining in-house.

Convenient Parking: Ample parking is available in the lot behind Kopp’s Custard, eliminating typical mall parking frustrations and making visits stress-free.

Marshfield Locals Say This Place Has The Best Fish Fry You’ll Ever Eat, And The Crispy Beer-Battered Haddock Proves Them Right

More in Wisconsin

Marshfield Locals Say This Place Has The Best Fish Fry You’ll Ever Eat, And The Crispy Beer-Battered Haddock Proves Them Right

Discover More

Dietary Accommodations: The kitchen staff takes special dietary needs seriously, offering gluten-free modifications and taking time to discuss options with customers to ensure their requirements are properly met.

Group Dining Capability: The restaurant can accommodate large parties with advance notice, adjusting seating arrangements to handle substantial groups while maintaining service quality.

Operating Hours: You can visit Monday through Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-9pm, and Sunday 4pm-8pm. Both dine-in and carryout services are available, and the restaurant serves beer and wine to complement your meal.

Location Benefits: The mall setting provides climate-controlled comfort year-round, making it an appealing dining destination regardless of Wisconsin weather conditions.


Emperor’s Kitchen
📍 18900 W Bluemound Rd, Ste 200, Brookfield, WI 53045

Taste The Difference At This Fond du Lac Creamery Where Ice Cream Goes From Cow To Cone In 24 Hours Related

More in Wisconsin

Taste The Difference At This Fond du Lac Creamery Where Ice Cream Goes From Cow To Cone In 24 Hours

Keep Exploring →
Writer: Alicia Verville
Contributor

I love writing and I love Minneapolis! My favorite places to explore are charming small towns, vibrant arts scene, and hidden gems anywhere outdoors. Fall foliage with a good documentary is my version of heaven.