About 40,000 Chinese restaurants operate across America, which means plenty of options when those cravings hit. But here’s something most people don’t realize – not all Chinese chain restaurants are created equal. Some serve up delicious orange chicken and perfectly crispy egg rolls, while others dish out disappointing food that’ll make you regret not cooking at home. The worst part? You might be wasting your money at a mediocre spot when better options exist just down the street.
Asian Chao ranks dead last for good reasons
If you spot Asian Chao in a food court, keep walking. This chain operates mainly in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, and Ohio, and it’s earned its spot at the bottom of the rankings. Sure, their menu looks impressive with cheese rangoons and deep-fried plantains, but that variety means nothing when the food tastes terrible. Customer reviews consistently describe the food as bland, overly salty, and overpriced. One disappointed diner called it the absolute worst Asian food they’d ever eaten, which is saying something.
The Atlanta airport location gets particularly harsh feedback on TripAdvisor, with travelers complaining about average-tasting food at inflated prices. The only positive comments mention shorter lines compared to other airport restaurants, which isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement. When people choose a restaurant solely because the wait is shorter, that tells you everything you need to know about the food quality. Even if you’re stuck in an airport with limited options and a growling stomach, spending your money elsewhere makes more sense than risking a disappointing meal at Asian Chao.
Manchu Wok doesn’t deliver much better experiences
Another food court regular you’ll want to avoid is Manchu Wok. This Canadian-born chain expanded into some U.S. states, but that expansion doesn’t mean they’ve mastered the art of good Chinese food. The main advantage Manchu Wok has over Asian Chao is slightly better pricing – most items cost around $12 or less, which feels more reasonable for what you’re getting. But reasonable pricing doesn’t fix the fundamental problem of subpar food that leaves customers searching for alternatives.
Ottawa residents on Reddit actively recommend avoiding Manchu Wok in favor of local Chinese spots. Customers at Chicago’s O’Hare airport location describe dry, hard chicken dishes with horrible aftertastes. One reviewer even admitted they wished they’d chosen McDonald’s instead, and when people prefer fast food burgers over your Chinese restaurant, you’ve got serious problems. While a few people claim they don’t mind Manchu Wok, the overwhelming majority of reviews suggest this is a chain best avoided, especially when better options typically exist nearby.
Chinese Gourmet Express offers inconsistent quality across locations
Chinese Gourmet Express sits slightly higher on the ranking scale, mainly because some locations actually serve decent orange chicken. The chain has spread across both coasts and throughout the southern United States, so you’ve probably walked past one in a mall food court. One Reddit user even went searching for another location after their local spot closed down, which suggests at least some people enjoy what they’re serving. But don’t let that fool you into thinking all Chinese Gourmet Express locations are worth visiting.
The quality varies wildly depending on which location you choose. San Jose customers generally report satisfaction with their meals – nothing spectacular, just typical Americanized Chinese food that hits the spot. Meanwhile, Salt Lake City diners complain about chicken that tastes spoiled and bland dishes that lack any excitement. This inconsistency makes Chinese Gourmet Express a risky choice. If you’re considering eating at one of their locations, check online reviews first. You might get lucky with a good location, but you could just as easily waste your money on a terrible meal.
Chowking brings Filipino influence, but mixed results
Chowking stands out from typical Chinese chains because of its Filipino roots. Founded in the Philippines in 1985, this chain eventually spread to California, Nevada, New Jersey, and Washington. Their menu includes some unexpected items like dim sum and popcorn chicken, which adds variety you won’t find at most American Chinese restaurants. The Filipino influence means you’ll encounter dishes that blend Chinese and Filipino cooking styles, creating something different from the usual orange chicken and lo mein offerings.
Unfortunately, the quality at Chowking swings pretty dramatically. Some customers rave about the Halo-Halo (a shaved ice dessert) and the siopao, while others complain about disappointing portions and subpar quality. This unpredictability means you’re taking a chance whenever you order from Chowking. The restaurant isn’t necessarily your worst choice if you’re near one of their limited locations, but you should definitely read reviews for that specific spot before committing. The Filipino twist makes it interesting, but interesting doesn’t always translate to consistently good food.
Leeann Chin has declined from its glory days
Midwesterners probably recognize Leeann Chin, a Minneapolis-born chain that’s been around since 1980. The restaurant takes its name from its founder, who grew up in China before bringing her cooking to Minnesota. With over 40 locations mostly concentrated in the Midwest, Leeann Chin used to represent quality Chinese dining. The pricing remains reasonable – many appetizers cost under $5 and entrees hover around $10 – but the food quality has apparently slipped significantly over the years.
St. Paul residents reminisce on Reddit about the old days when Leeann Chin featured stunning architecture and a more sophisticated, high-end atmosphere. Multiple Yelp reviewers note the same decline, describing how the restaurant has shifted from an upscale experience to just another fast food spot. While Leeann Chin still serves pretty decent Chinese fast food, it’s not the same establishment it was 15 years ago. If you’re hoping to recreate a memorable experience from the past, you’ll probably leave disappointed. The restaurant isn’t terrible, but it’s not the special place it once was, either.
Mr. Chow charges premium prices for average food
Mr. Chow operates in a completely different category from the food court chains. This high-scale restaurant serves Beijing cuisine in Beverly Hills, New York, Miami, and Las Vegas. The website alone makes you want to book a reservation for a fancy night out. The iconic chicken satay draws praise from some diners, and the upscale atmosphere creates a luxurious dining experience. But here’s the problem – the food doesn’t justify the astronomical prices.
Many entrees at Mr. Chow cost over $50, which sets extremely high expectations. For that price, you’d expect the best Chinese food you’ve ever tasted, but Yelp reviewers consistently disagree. Customers complain that what they receive doesn’t match what they pay, and some even claim the menu pricing is misleading. When you’re spending that much money on dinner, you want an unforgettable meal, not just decent food in a pretty restaurant. Mr. Chow might work for a special occasion if you’ve got money to burn, but plenty of local Chinese restaurants serve better food at a fraction of the cost.
Pick Up Stix offers variety at reasonable prices
West coast residents have probably grabbed lunch at Pick Up Stix at least once. This chain distinguishes itself by offering more variety than typical Chinese-American restaurants, including tofu-based dishes and calorie-friendly options for people watching their intake. The pricing sits right around $10 for most items, which feels fair for what you’re getting. Pick Up Stix doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not – it’s straightforward Chinese fast food that gets the job done.
Customer reviews vary somewhat by location, but overall, people seem satisfied with their Pick Up Stix meals. The house special chicken has developed a loyal following, with some people even searching for copycat recipes after moving away from areas where the chain operates. If you’re in Southern California and want to try something slightly different from the usual Chinese fast food offerings, Pick Up Stix makes a solid choice. The expanded menu gives you more options to explore, and the reasonable prices mean you won’t feel ripped off if something doesn’t meet your expectations.
Panda Express delivers consistency nationwide
Panda Express is probably the most recognizable Chinese chain in America, with locations scattered across the entire country. The brand built its reputation on tasty, affordable American-Chinese dishes that you can mix and match endlessly. Orange chicken remains their star player – they sell an absolutely staggering amount of it every year. The visible kitchen lets you watch your food go from the wok to your plate, which adds a level of transparency you don’t get at most fast food spots.
Like any chain, Panda Express has hits and misses on its menu. The honey walnut shrimp disappoints some customers due to texture problems, while other dishes consistently satisfy. The biggest advantage Panda Express offers is availability and consistency. Once you find a dish you love, you can order it at pretty much any location and get the same thing. This reliability makes Panda Express a safe bet when you’re traveling and craving Chinese food in an unfamiliar city. You know exactly what you’re getting, which sometimes matters more than finding the absolute best Chinese food available.
Pei Wei combines variety with reasonable pricing
Pei Wei started as the budget-friendly version of P.F. Chang’s before splitting off in 2017 to become its own entity. The chain operates in most states, though you might not have noticed it since Panda Express gets more attention. What sets Pei Wei apart is its surprisingly expansive menu that goes beyond typical Chinese offerings. You’ll find Mongolian green beans, chicken pad thai, and mango habanero wings alongside the standard dishes. This variety means different people in your group can find something they’ll enjoy.
The pricing at Pei Wei stays competitive, with most entrees ringing up under $15. Texas location reviews on TripAdvisor lean positive overall, though occasional complaints about soggy or disappointing dishes pop up. The menu variety and reasonable prices make Pei Wei worth trying if you’ve got one nearby. You might discover something different from the usual Chinese takeout routine, and the prices won’t break your budget. The restaurant offers a step up from basic fast food without the high prices of sit-down establishments.
Chinese restaurant chains vary dramatically in quality, and knowing which ones to avoid saves you from wasting money on disappointing meals. Asian Chao tops the list of chains to skip, with Manchu Wok running a close second. Meanwhile, options like Pei Wei and Panda Express offer reliable food at fair prices. Next time those Chinese food cravings hit, you’ll know exactly which restaurants deserve your business and which ones you should walk right past.
