Asian Chao

Asian Chao is a Chinese restaurant located within a shopping area at 6020 82nd Street, #1010, in Indianapolis, Indiana (zip code 46250). As a Chinese restaurant in a potentially high-traffic location, Asian Chao likely caters to shoppers and those in the vicinity looking for a quick meal. They can be contacted at (317) 537-2326 or their mobile number +1 317-537-2326 for inquiries.

Based on the available customer reviews, experiences at Asian Chao in Indianapolis appear to be quite varied, with significant concerns raised about food quality, customer service, and pricing. One particularly negative review recounted a visit from about 18 months prior where the reviewer and a friend found their expensive combo meals so unappetizing that they discarded them after only a few bites. This suggests a history of potential issues with food quality at this location.

A more recent review from August 2023 detailed a mixed experience. The customer ordered two spring rolls but received two egg rolls instead. While they chose not to make a fuss initially due to a line, they later regretted this decision. The egg rolls were described as having an overcooked exterior while the inner wrapper remained doughy, leading the customer to throw them away after only two bites. This indicates inconsistency in food preparation and a failure to meet basic expectations for a fried appetizer.

The same reviewer also drew comparisons to other Asian Chao locations they had visited in Greenwood and Castleton. They noted that the Greenwood location's food was excessively greasy, while the Indianapolis location was not as greasy. They speculated whether this improvement was due to freshly prepared food or a generally better standard at this specific branch. This comparison suggests potential inconsistencies in food preparation across different Asian Chao locations.

The menu presentation was also criticized for being difficult to read due to constantly flashing pictures and combo deals, heavily promoting the three-entree combo. The reviewer and their husband both opted for a two-entree combo, which was supposed to include two entrees, a drink, and a choice of fried rice, white rice, or noodles.

The ordering process itself seemed to have issues. The reviewer had difficulty communicating with the first staff member in line when inquiring about brown rice, as the staff member repeatedly pointed to the fried rice and asked "which rice?" This indicates a potential language barrier or a lack of understanding of the menu options by the staff member.

The reviewer was also surprised to find that certain entrees, specifically orange chicken and another unidentified dish, incurred an additional charge of $0.50 to the meal. This lack of transparency in pricing for popular items could be a point of frustration for customers.

Furthermore, the customer expressed disappointment that they were charged the full combo price even though their husband did not receive a drink. When the reviewer requested water as a drink, they were given a kid's-size cup, even after paying for the combo. They were not offered a bottle of water or an adult-sized cup. Additionally, the restaurant did not have chopsticks available, which was particularly disappointing as the white rice was described as sticky and ideal for eating with chopsticks.

Regarding the food itself, the reviewer noted a few burned pieces on their chicken and some chewy pieces, possibly ligaments. The crab rangoon was described as average but served hot. Overall, the reviewer felt their meal was slightly better than expected, being hot and less greasy than the Greenwood location, with the sticky rice being a pleasant surprise.

Despite these minor positives, the reviewer ultimately gave Asian Chao in Indianapolis a low rating due to the price relative to the quality, poor customer service during ordering and regarding the drink and chopsticks, a limited selection of entrees, the distracting menu screens, and the extra charge for certain popular items. They considered it expensive, especially when compared to more authentic and better-quality Japanese food available nearby for a similar or lower price. The reviewer concluded that Asian Chao was mediocre and only acceptable if one was hungry and still needed to shop, suggesting that there are better dining options available in the area, including another fast-food Chinese chain with more entree choices.

Based on these detailed reviews, the environment of Asian Chao in Indianapolis is likely a typical fast-food setting within a shopping area, prioritizing efficiency over ambiance. The service appears to be inconsistent, with potential language barriers and issues with order accuracy and attentiveness to customer requests, particularly regarding drinks and utensils. Key features mentioned include a menu with combo options, the availability of popular dishes like bourbon chicken and orange chicken (with an extra charge), and sides like fried rice, white rice, and noodles. A plant-based option was not mentioned in these reviews. The lack of promotional information in the reviews suggests that local users should inquire directly with the restaurant for any current special offers or deals.

In conclusion, Asian Chao at this Indianapolis location has received concerning feedback regarding food quality, customer service, menu presentation, and pricing. While some aspects, like the temperature and greasiness of the food, were deemed acceptable by one reviewer, significant issues such as receiving the wrong items, poorly prepared appetizers, communication difficulties with staff, unexpected extra charges, and inadequate drink service were also reported. The comparison to better and more affordable authentic Asian cuisine nearby further diminishes the perceived value of dining at Asian Chao. Local users may want to weigh these negative experiences against the convenience of its location when considering their dining options.