Pineapple fried rice, as ridiculous as it sounds, is heavenly. The fruit provides a sweet and juicy taste that blends perfectly with the char siew (barbecued pork) and egg flavors of the rice. A "Chinalite Original Dish," it's flavorful without being greasy, a nod to the restaurant's avoidance of both heavy oily cooking and MSG.

In addition to the usual Chinese fare, you'll find steamed dumplings labeled as a "healthier alternative," a light noodle salad and several vegetarian options, sided by a large seafood and beef selection. Those who like to stray from the beef-and-broccoli norm should check out unique dishes like the Seafood Phoenix Nest, a mix of shrimp, scallops, crab, calamari, sole and veggies housed in a crisp potato basket.

Entrees range between $7 and $12.50, and appetizers between $2.50 and $4, though bargain-hunters should eye the $4-$8 lunch specials. You can mimic your at-home Chinese ritual by pairing your dinner with a cheap domestic beer, served for $2.50.

Chinalite's restaurant lacks ambiance and feels rather barren, and the narrow booth seats provide a particularly uncomfortable experience. However, friendly waiters, quick cooking and the fortune cookies and delicious almond cookies served with the bill make Chinalite a good stop for good meal. I made sure to pick up the delivery menu on the way out.

Centerstage Reviewer: Steph Yiu