A cherished fixture along Kingston Pike for decades, Plum Tree Chinese Restaurant delivers an expansive culinary journey spanning authentic Chinese, Thai, and Malaysian flavors. Operating as a welcoming, family-owned “mom and pop” establishment, this cozy neighborhood destination has earned a dedicated following across generations. With a nostalgic, comfortable interior adorned with traditional statues and vibrant Chinese decor, it offers an unpretentious and soulful dining experience where every dish feels thoughtfully homemade. Whether you are pulling up to the convenient drive-thru window or relaxing on the outdoor patio, Plum Tree treats visitors to robust, comforting flavors that make it a true local haven for Pan-Asian cuisine.
Essential Information
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Address | 7052 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, United States |
| Phone | +1 865-588-2002 |
| Website / Social Media | Facebook Profile |
Operating Hours
| Day of the Week | Active Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Service, Accessibility, and Amenities
| Service & Amenity Type | Details Available |
|---|---|
| Service Options | Dine-in, Takeout, In-house Delivery, Drive-through window, Outdoor seating patio, Catering |
| Accessibility Features | Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Wheelchair accessible seating |
| Atmosphere & Dining Style | Casual, Cozy, Quiet, Family-friendly, Great for groups or solo dining, Traditional decor |
| Highlights & Offerings | Fast and prompt service, Great tea selection, Comfort food, Healthy options, Alcohol and Beer served |
| Dietary Accommodations | Extensive vegetarian section, Clearly labeled vegan options |
| Children Amenities | Good for kids, High chairs available |
| Parking Options | Free onsite private parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of spaces |
| Pet Policies | Dogs allowed both inside and outside |
| Accepted Payment Methods | Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments |
Why Visit? Key Highlights
- The Ultimate Peking Duck Destination: Revered as a standout specialty, the Peking duck is cooked to absolute perfection, featuring succulent, tender meat paired with traditionally crispy skin, thin pancakes, fresh green onions, cucumbers, and rich hoisin sauce.
- Multi-Generational Community Landmark: Serving Knoxville since the late 1980s, the restaurant boasts a rich legacy, with longtime patrons lovingly introducing third and fourth generations of their families to the menu.
- Extensive, Vibrant Vegetarian Options: Vegetarians and vegans can celebrate a massive dedicated menu selection that includes freshly prepared dishes layered with vibrant, crisp vegetables and customized spice levels.
- Authentic Pan-Asian Variety: Moving well beyond standard takeout fare, the kitchen showcases culinary depth with specialized Thai curries, Malaysian street noodle favorites, and classic Chinese roasted meats on the bone.
- Warm Family Hospitality: Diners consistently praise the attentive, prompt staff and welcoming owners whose friendly conversations give the entire venue a heartfelt, homemade feel.
Menu and Product Catalog
Thai Cuisine
Served with Fried Rice or Steam Rice. Lo Mein available for an additional charge.
| Item Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Tom Yum Seafood Soup | Shrimp, squid, scallop, mussel, crab meat, snow pea, green onion, mushroom, celery, bamboo, and water chestnut. |
| Thai Chili Duck | Crispy duck prepared with house chili accents. Available in half or whole portions. |
| Masaman Curry | Prepared with broccoli, carrot, green bean, bamboo, and water chestnut. Choice of Chicken, Vegetable, Beef, Pork, Tofu, Shrimp, or Seafood Combo. |
| Sweet Basil | Sauteed with onions, red bean, bamboo, basil, and green bean. Choice of Chicken, Vegetable, Beef, Pork, Tofu, Shrimp, or Seafood Combo. |
| Red Curry | Spiced with green bean, onion, red pepper, and bamboo. Choice of Chicken, Vegetable, Beef, Pork, Tofu, Shrimp, or Seafood Combo. |
| Green Curry | Prepared with red and green pepper, mushroom, onion, and green bean. Choice of Chicken, Vegetable, Beef, Pork, Tofu, Shrimp, or Seafood Combo. |
| Thai Style Boneless Chicken | Red and green pepper, green bean, onion, and basil in a red spicy sauce. |
| Fish Fillet in Tom Yum Sauce | Fried fish fillet with red and green pepper, onion, and fresh basil. |
| Drunken Noodles | Bold, wide rice noodles tossed with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. |
| Tom Kha Soup | Traditional fragrant coconut broth infused with classic Thai spices. |
| Chicken Pad Thai | Stir-fried rice noodles with egg, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts. |
Malaysian Cuisine
Served with Fried Rice or Steam Rice.
| Item Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Roti Canai (Paratha) | Flaky, layered traditional flatbread served per piece. |
| Nyonya Kari Ayam | Chicken cooked with coconut milk and potato in traditional Nyonya cuisine curry spices, garnished with broccoli. |
| Nyonya Curry Beef | Beef slow-cooked with coconut milk in traditional Malay curry spices, garnished with cucumbers. |
| Ayam Merah | Fried boneless chicken cooked with Malaysian famous red spice sauce. |
| Ikan Merah (Fish Fillet) | Savory fish fillet prepared in traditional Malaysian style. |
| Kari Kambing | Boneless lamb slow-cooked in homemade traditional Indian spices. |
| Sambal Sauce Shrimp or Fish Fillet | Prepared with a spicy, homemade shrimp paste sauce. |
| Sambal Sauce Whole Fish | Whole fish slow-cooked in savory, spicy homemade shrimp paste sauce. |
| Sambal Sauce Seafood | Shrimp, fish fillet, and squid cooked in robust sambal shrimp paste sauce. |
| Mee Goreng | Classic spicy stir-fried noodles with vegetables and savory protein. |
| Char Kuey Teow | Smokey stir-fried flat rice noodles with seafood and sprouts. |
Authentic Chinese Specialties
Served with Fried Rice or Steam Rice.
| Item Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Peking Duck | Perfectly roasted and succulent, served with traditional thin pancakes, green onion, cucumber, and hoisin sauce. Available in half or whole portions. |
| Roast Duck | Authentic Chinese barbecue style duck on the bone with crispy skin and tender meat. Available in half or whole portions. |
| Crispy Roast Pork | Savory seasoned pork shoulder roasted to a perfect exterior crunch. |
| Sweet and Sour Ribs | Tender ribs tossed in a classic tangy sweet and sour glaze. |
| Salt and Pepper Ribs | Wok-tossed ribs seasoned with aromatic salt, white pepper, and scallions. |
| Salt and Pepper Shrimp, Fish Fillet, or Squid | Lightly battered seafood seasoned with salt, pepper, and fresh chilis. |
| Salt and Pepper Seafood | High-heat wok toss combining shrimp, shrimp fillet, and scallop with salt and pepper seasoning. |
| Stir Fry Beef with Kailan | Tender beef slices quick-fried with Chinese broccoli in a savory brown sauce. |
| Yong Tofu | Stuffed tofu with minced shrimp, tossed with house special sauce and garnished with bok choy. |
| Steam Fish Fillet | Delicate fish fillet steamed with ginger and scallions. |
| Steam Whole Fish | Fresh whole fish steamed traditional style with soy, ginger, and green onions. |
| Golden Tofu | Silken tofu fried to a beautiful crisp golden exterior. |
| Stir Fry Chinese Vegetable | Your choice of fresh, vibrant Kailan or Bok Choy. |
| Stir Fry Fish Fillet with Ginger Onion | Delicate fish quick-fried with aromatic ginger root and green onions. |
| Deep Fried Whole Fish | Whole fresh fish fried to a perfect crispy texture. |
| Hong Siu Tofu | Deep-fried or steam tofu with mushroom, pea, and carrot in a homemade sauce, garnished with bok choy. |
| Seafood Tofu Soup | Light, comforting broth filled with chopped scallop, crab meat, shrimp, tofu, peas, and carrots. |
| Garlic Basil Shrimp | Plump shrimp sautéed with pungent garlic and sweet basil leaves. |
| Mussel in Black Bean Sauce | Sweet mussels tossed with green pepper, red pepper, and onions in savory fermented black bean sauce. |
Vegetarian Corner
Served with Fried Rice or Steam Rice. Lo Mein available for an additional charge.
| Item Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Buddhist Delight | Broccoli, carrot, bamboo, water chestnut, mushroom, and snow peas. |
| Tofu Cantonese | Broccoli, carrot, bamboo, water chestnut, and tender mushrooms with tofu. |
| Szechuan Eggplant | Bamboo, water chestnut, onion, mushroom, and green onions in spicy Szechuan sauce. |
| Spicy Hunan Eggplant | Broccoli, mushroom, carrot, snow peas, bamboo, and water chestnut. |
| Stir Fried Green Bean | Crisp green beans tossed in a high-heat seasoned wok. |
| Vegetarian Lo Mein | Soft wheat noodles tossed with an assortment of fresh garden vegetables. |
| Veggie Fried Rice | Savory stir-fried rice loaded with mixed vegetables and egg. |
Popularity Favorites
Served with Fried Rice or Steam Rice. Lo Mein available for an additional charge.
| Item Name | Description |
|---|---|
| General Tso’s Chicken | Tender, juicy chunks of chicken glazed in a rich, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. Also available with Tofu or Shrimp. |
| Orange Chicken | Crispy chicken pieces tossed in a tangy, vibrant citrus glaze. Also available with Tofu, Beef, or Shrimp. |
| 8 Treasure Chicken | A hearty entree packed with chicken, vegetables, and a generous topping of peanuts and cashews. Also available with Tofu. |
| Singapore Noodles | Curry-spiced thin rice vermicelli stir-fried with chicken and crisp mixed vegetables. |
| Cashew Nut Chicken or Tofu | Sautéed with broccoli stem, bamboo, water chestnut, cashews, peas, and carrots. |
| Sweet and Sour Chicken / Shrimp | Crispy battered protein served with classic sweet and tangy dipping sauce. |
| Moo Goo Gai Pan | Chicken slices with carrot, bamboo, water chestnut, snow peas, and mushrooms. |
| Lemon Chicken / Lemon Shrimp | Crispy fried protein drizzled with a bright, sweet lemon sauce. |
| Ming Chicken in Plum Sauce | Bamboo, water chestnut, and walnuts in a savory sweet plum glaze. |
| Teriyaki Chicken | Grilled chicken with carrot, cabbage, bamboo, mushrooms, and broccoli. |
| Boneless Chicken | Tender chicken breast sautéed with carrot, water chestnut, mushroom, and broccoli. |
| Sesame Seed Chicken | Crispy chicken chunks tossed in a sweet sauce, finished with broccoli, mushrooms, snow peas, and sesame seeds. Also available with Tofu, Beef, or Shrimp. |
| Garlic Sauce Chicken or Beef | Sautéed with broccoli, carrot, and snow peas in a robust garlic broth. |
| Ginger Sauce Chicken / Shrimp | Zesty ginger sauce wok-tossed with fresh seasonal vegetables. |
| Beef with Broccoli | Classic tender beef strips and fresh broccoli florets in a rich brown savory sauce. |
| Mongolian Chicken or Beef | Tossed with green onion and white onion, served over a bed of crispy rice noodles. |
| Mooshu Chicken, Vegetable, Pork, or Beef | Shredded green onion, cabbage, mushroom, and egg, served with 3 traditional wraps. Also available with Shrimp. |
| Spicy Hunan Chicken, Tofu, Beef, Pork, or Vegetable | Snow peas, broccoli, carrot, mushroom, bamboo, and water chestnut in a fiery Hunan sauce. |
| Black Pepper Beef or Chicken | Carrot, green pepper, and onion tossed in a bold, coarse black pepper sauce. |
Soups, Appatizers, and Desserts
| Item Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Crab Rangoon | Golden fried pastry triangles stuffed with a sweet and savory cream cheese and crab meat filling. |
| Egg Roll / Spring Roll | Crispy wrappers packed with seasoned savory vegetable filling. |
| Egg Drop Soup | Silky, comforting traditional Chinese egg broth. |
| Hot and Sour Soup | Hearty, zesty broth loaded with tofu, wood ear mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. |
| Wonton Soup | Clear seasoned broth featuring savory pork-stuffed wonton dumplings. |
| Fried Donuts | Soft, pillowy fried dough spheres generously rolled in sweet sugar. |
Side Orders
| Item Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Steam Veggie | Freshly steamed seasonal garden vegetables. |
| Rice | Extra portion of perfectly prepared steamed white rice or savory fried rice. |
| Plain Lo Mein | Soft, savory stir-fried wheat noodles tossed simply with house sauce. |