The King of Cashew chicken Springfield Mo

I'm a huge fan of all things Cashew Chicken, in Springfield Mo. And I've had it a number of places of the years, at some amazing restaurants. The gravy is just unstoppable and hard to resist.

1. Leong’s Asian Diner – The Original

Location: 1540 W Republic Rd
Style: Classic and Authentic

If you're going to try cashew chicken, it only makes sense to start where it all began. Chef David Leong created the original recipe in 1963 to bridge the culinary gap between Chinese food and Midwestern tastes.

At Leong’s Asian Diner, the dish is prepared just as it was decades ago:

Lightly breaded, crispy-fried chicken chunks
A silky brown gravy made from oyster sauce, soy, and chicken broth
Freshly roasted cashews and scallions sprinkled generously on top

Leong’s version is balanced, not overly salty, with just the right richness in the sauce. It’s the gold standard.

2. Chinese Chef

Location: 3165 S Campbell Ave
Style: Extra Crispy with Tangy Notes

Chinese Chef takes the traditional base but gives it a crunchier edge. Their chicken is double-fried for extra crispiness, which holds up well under the sauce.

Notable differences:

Slightly tangier sauce, with hints of rice vinegar
Cashews are toasted longer, offering a nuttier flavor
The gravy is slightly thinner but bold and aromatic

This version is perfect for diners who love texture and a hint of brightness in the sauce.

3. Hong Kong Inn

Location: Multiple locations, flagship at 2931 E Battlefield Rd
Style: Old School Takeout Favorite

Hong Kong Inn is one of the oldest Chinese-American spots in Springfield and a long-time favorite for college students and locals. Their cashew chicken leans toward the fast-casual side but still brings the flavor.

How it stands out:

The chicken batter is thicker, resulting in a hearty bite
The sauce is more peppery and garlicky than others
Typically served with fried rice and egg roll combo

It's comforting, greasy in the best way, and tastes like nostalgia.

4. Fire & Ice Restaurant & Bar

Location: 2546 N Glenstone Ave (inside Oasis Hotel)
Style: Upscale and Reimagined

Fire & Ice puts a modern, elevated twist on Springfield’s classic dish. Served in a more formal dining setting, the cashew chicken here is artfully plated and features refined techniques.

What’s different:

Chicken is flash-fried for a lighter crust
Sauce includes hints of ginger and sesame oil for depth
Sometimes served with jasmine rice or seasonal vegetables

This is where locals bring out-of-town guests to experience the dish in a more elegant setting.

5. Lucy’s Chinese Food

This is a great place, clean and quiet and quick!

Location: 1735 W Sunshine St
Style: Comfort-Heavy and Budget-Friendly

Lucy’s offers one of the most generous portions in town, ideal for lunch or takeout. Their cashew chicken is hearty and unapologetically saucy.

What makes it stand out:

Sauce is thick and more soy-forward
Chicken is fried extra golden, giving it a darker crust
Extra cashews, often more than other places

It’s the go-to for those who want a lot of food and bold flavor for a good price.

Honorable Mentions

Shanghai Inn – Known for spicy variations of cashew chicken
Corner 21 Chinese Cuisine – Occasionally offers a Sichuan-style twist on the classic
Ocean Zen – Modern Asian-fusion with occasional cashew chicken specials

What Makes Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken Special?

Unlike stir-fried versions found in other cities, Springfield-style starts with deep-fried chicken, almost like a cross between chicken nuggets and tempura. The gravy-like brown sauce, not the lighter soy-based version, defines this regional classic. It’s comfort food with Asian roots, born from a desire to make Chinese food accessible to the Midwestern palate.

Final Thoughts

Whether you like it crispy, saucy, elevated, or greasy and nostalgic, Springfield offers a cashew chicken for every mood. Try them all—because in this town, cashew chicken isn’t just a dish, it’s a tradition.

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