The long time manager of the Edmond location has made a few additions to the standard Dot Wo menu, and one that I have noticed is experimenting with different lunch specials that are later added to the menu. One of my favorites is the Kung Pao Tofu which was originally a lunch special and now is available any time (although at dinner menu prices). This is one of several types of kung pao available, indicating that others seem to enjoy Dot Wo's kung pao as much as I do.

The only way I can describe Dot Wo's kung pao is that it seems to have magical properties that enable the partaker to be transported to the Middle Kingdom. The kung pao tofu is particularly so, with the tofu soaking up the dark sauce, giving Chinese food addicts an extra amount of flavor. The large pieces of ginger cooked in the sauce also give it an extra flavor boost that has not been matched by the kung pao dishes I have tried in the city's other restaurants. I do not usually think that vegetarian dishes are the best choice in terms of flavor, but in this case the tofu dish is one of the restaurant's best choices.

Mixed vegetable clay pot with tofu

The Mixed Vegetable Clay Pot is an example of the more authentic Chinese dishes that are served. This is a gigantic mixture of vegetables and tofu served in a clay pot that keeps it warm while you have time to savor each bite. While very few restaurants even serve clay pot dishes at all, this is among the better ones I have tried, with the vegetables providing a good assortment of American and Chinese varieties. The tofu is probably the most outstanding feature of the dish, with the texture being braised on the outside and not too soft on the inside. I do need to point out, though, that the first bites are usually disappointing to me until I have a chance to stir it and get all the ingredients well soaked in the sauce.

Bean cake clay pot with pork

The Pork Bean Cake Pot is probably a more traditional clay pot dish than the mixed vegetables, with chunks of pork included for more flavor and substance. Personally I like the vegetable and tofu version better, but this is very good as well.

Westlake Beef Soup is another example of the other more authentic dishes that are served. Although this was not among the favorites I have tried, it was an example of the menu items I did not expect to find at a suburban Chinese restaurant.

Hot and sour soup

The Hot and Sour Soup is one of the best in Oklahoma (5 stars for sure!). Even though Dot Wo is probably not best known for its Szechuan dishes, a dinner of kung pao chicken or tofu with hot and sour soup is hard to beat when I want something spicy.

A weakness I have found with all of the Dot Wo Restaurants (not just the one in Edmond) is that they use MSG, and at times it has affected me physically. This has only happened, though when I forgot to tell them "no MSG."