That Friday night craving for orange chicken hits differently when you’re staring at a dozen Chinese restaurant options on your delivery app. With over 40,000 Chinese restaurants across America, choosing the right chain can make the difference between a satisfying meal and instant regret. Some chains serve up consistently great food at reasonable prices, while others will leave you wondering why you didn’t just cook at home instead.
Asian Chao delivers disappointment every time
Finding Asian Chao in a food court might seem convenient, but this Florida, Georgia, Indiana, and Ohio chain consistently ranks as one of the worst Chinese restaurant experiences you can have. Despite an extensive menu featuring cheese rangoon and deep-fried plantains, the restaurant fails to deliver on even basic expectations. Airport locations charge premium prices for what many customers describe as bland, overly salty food that barely qualifies as edible.
Customer reviews paint a consistently negative picture, with one disappointed diner calling it the “absolute worst Asian food I’ve ever had.” The overpriced dishes rarely justify their cost, and even desperate airport travelers often wish they’d chosen McDonald’s instead. When a chain consistently fails to meet rock-bottom expectations, it’s time to look elsewhere for your Chinese food fix.
Manchu Wok serves cafeteria-quality disappointment
This Canadian-born chain expanded into U.S. food courts with mixed results at best. While Manchu Wok keeps prices reasonable with most items under $12, the quality matches the low cost. The restaurant operates primarily in mall food courts and airports, targeting customers who need quick meals rather than memorable dining experiences. Unfortunately, even with modest expectations, many diners leave unsatisfied.
Reviews consistently mention dry, hard chicken dishes that leave an unpleasant aftertaste lingering long after the meal ends. Ottawa locals actively recommend other Chinese restaurants over their hometown chain, which speaks volumes about the food quality. O’Hare airport customers frequently express regret about choosing Manchu Wok over other options, even fast food alternatives.
Chinese Gourmet Express hits or misses badly
Food court Chinese restaurants often blur together, but Chinese Gourmet Express stands out for its apparently excellent orange chicken. One dedicated customer even searched for new locations when their local spot closed down, which suggests the chain does something right. With locations spanning both coasts and the southern United States, this franchise has built a substantial presence in the food court scene.
However, quality varies dramatically between locations, making each visit a gamble. San Jose customers generally report satisfaction with their typical Americanized Chinese dishes, while Salt Lake City diners complain about chicken that tastes spoiled and bland, uninspiring food. Before visiting any Chinese Gourmet Express location, checking recent reviews becomes essential for avoiding a disappointing meal.
Chowking brings Filipino flair with mixed results
Founded in the Philippines in 1985, Chowking offers a unique twist on Chinese restaurant dining with Filipino influences that set it apart from typical chains. The menu includes unexpected items like dim sum and popcorn chicken, providing options you won’t find at most Chinese restaurants. Locations in California, Nevada, New Jersey, and Washington serve customers looking for something different from standard Chinese-American fare.
Quality control remains Chowking’s biggest challenge, with experiences ranging from excellent to disappointing depending on location and timing. Customers praise specific items like Halo-Halo shaved ice dessert and siopao, while others report disappointing portions and subpar food quality. The inconsistency makes Chowking a risky choice unless you’ve researched your specific location thoroughly.
Leeann Chin lost its former glory
Midwestern diners remember when Leeann Chin represented quality Chinese dining with sophisticated ambiance and excellent food. Founded in Minneapolis in 1980 by Chinese-raised owner Leeann Chin, the restaurant expanded to over 40 locations primarily throughout the Midwest. The pricing remains reasonable with appetizers under $5 and entrees around $10, but the dining experience has declined significantly over the years.
Long-time customers fondly recall the chain’s stunning architecture and upscale atmosphere from its earlier days, but those experiences are largely memories now. Current reviews highlight the decline in food quality and overall dining experience compared to the restaurant’s peak years. While Leeann Chin still serves decent Chinese fast food, it no longer delivers the memorable experiences that built its reputation.
Mr. Chow charges premium prices for average food
Located in Beverly Hills, New York, Miami, and Las Vegas, Mr. Chow positions itself as a luxury Chinese dining destination with Beijing cuisine and upscale atmosphere. The restaurant’s website promises a sophisticated dining experience that justifies making reservations and dressing up for the occasion. However, the reality often falls short of the elegant expectations the restaurant creates through its marketing and presentation.
With entrees exceeding $50, Mr. Chow ranks as the most expensive Chinese chain restaurant, but the food quality doesn’t match the premium pricing. While dishes like chicken satay receive some praise, most customers feel disappointed by the value proposition. Many reviewers complain about misleading menu pricing and food that fails to justify the hefty bill, making Mr. Chow better suited for special occasions than regular dining.
Pick Up Stix offers variety beyond typical options
West Coast residents often discover Pick Up Stix when seeking quick, affordable Chinese lunch options that go beyond standard American-Chinese offerings. The chain distinguishes itself by serving tofu-based dishes and calorie-conscious options alongside traditional favorites. Most menu items cost just above $10, making it accessible for regular dining without breaking the budget.
Customer experiences vary by location, but overall feedback tends toward the positive side. The house special chicken earns particular praise from diners, with some customers so devoted they search for copycat recipes after moving away from their local Pick Up Stix. Southern California residents looking to expand their Chinese fast food horizons often find Pick Up Stix a satisfying choice worth trying.
Panda Express dominates with consistent mediocrity
Nearly every American has encountered Panda Express at some point, making it the most recognizable Chinese chain restaurant in the country. The visible kitchen lets customers watch food move from wok to plate, while endless combination possibilities allow personalized meals. Popular combinations like chow mein with orange chicken and string bean chicken breast have become comfort food staples for millions of customers.
While individual items can disappoint – honey walnut shrimp suffers from texture issues – Panda Express excels at consistency and availability. The chain’s nationwide presence means travelers can rely on familiar options during road trips and vacations. Despite selling a staggering amount of orange chicken, quality can vary, but the restaurant delivers predictable results that meet basic expectations.
Pei Wei surpasses expectations with surprising variety
Originally created as a cheaper alternative to P.F. Chang’s, Pei Wei has evolved into its own entity since separating from its parent company in 2017. The expansive menu surprises customers with unexpected offerings like Mongolian green beans, chicken pad thai, and mango habanero wings that go well beyond typical Chinese restaurant fare. Most entrees cost under $15, keeping the restaurant accessible for regular dining.
Texas location reviews on Tripadvisor generally praise the food quality, with only occasional complaints about soggy or subpar dishes. The variety and reasonable pricing make Pei Wei an attractive option for customers seeking quick Chinese meals with more interesting options than typical fast-casual chains offer. The restaurant successfully balances speed, price, and quality for satisfying dining experiences.
Choosing the right Chinese restaurant chain can transform a casual Friday night into either a satisfying meal or a disappointing waste of money. From bottom-tier disappointments like Asian Chao to solid options like Pei Wei, understanding each chain’s strengths and weaknesses helps make better dining decisions. Next time those Chinese food cravings hit, skip the guesswork and head straight to one of the higher-ranked options for a meal worth your money.
