Chen's Good Taste

Located at 18 NW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, Chen's Good Taste has long been a notable presence in Portland's vibrant Chinese restaurant scene, particularly within the historic Old Town Chinatown district. It has been cherished by locals and visitors alike for its dedication to traditional Cantonese-style cuisine, especially its highly regarded roasted meats and savory noodle dishes. While recent information indicates a temporary closure (as of mid-2024, listed as temporarily closed on various delivery platforms, with some reports of renovation or closure for a few months), this introduction aims to provide a detailed overview of the restaurant based on its known reputation and past customer experiences, offering a glimpse into what made Chen's Good Taste a beloved dining destination.

The environment at Chen's Good Taste, as recalled by many patrons, was one of casual comfort and authentic charm. It offered a nice amount of indoor seating, suggesting a space capable of accommodating both intimate meals and larger groups. While not overtly luxurious, the setting was conducive to enjoying a satisfying Chinese meal, often described as a straightforward, unassuming, and fluorescent-lit spot that focused on the food. This unpretentious atmosphere contributed to its appeal as a go-to place for everyday dining, where the focus was squarely on the culinary experience rather than elaborate decor. Its location in Chinatown also added to its authentic feel, integrating it into the fabric of the neighborhood's cultural landscape.

Service at Chen's Good Taste consistently received positive remarks for being friendly and welcoming. Customers often highlighted the warmth and attentiveness of the staff, which significantly enhanced the dining experience. This friendly demeanor created a comfortable atmosphere, making patrons feel at ease and contributing to a positive overall impression. The service, coupled with the generous food portions, made for a value-driven and enjoyable outing for many, leading to high recommendations from its loyal customer base.

The features and culinary offerings of Chen's Good Taste were undoubtedly its primary draw. The restaurant was particularly renowned for its Cantonese-style roasted meats, which were often considered among the best in Portland. A standout item was the whole Roast Duck, a dish that truly delivered on its promise, with customers appreciating that they "actually give you the whole duck at this establishment." This commitment to providing generous and authentic portions of their signature meats was a key differentiator.

Beyond the roast duck, other highly recommended dishes included:

• Chinese broccoli in Oyster Sauce and Bok Choy in Garlic Ginger Sauce: These vegetable dishes were praised for their flavorful preparation, offering fresh and well-balanced accompaniments to the meat-heavy mains.
• House Special Pan-Fried Noodles: These noodles were consistently highlighted as a must-try. Customers noted their "properly crispy and crunchy" texture, complemented by a "tasty brown sauce." The BBQ pork included in this dish was often described as "more flavorful than what you would find at other places," elevating a seemingly standard dish to something special.
• General Tso Chicken: This popular Americanized Chinese dish was also well-received, described as "pretty good," leaning "more on the sweet side although it was slightly spicy too," indicating a balanced flavor profile that appealed to many.
• Duck Noodle Soup and Wonton Noodle Soup: These soups were comforting and satisfying, particularly the wonton soup, which some considered among the best in Portland, especially when topped with the restaurant's stellar roast duck or char siu.
• Vegetable Fried Rice: A classic staple that rounded out many orders, providing a delicious and fulfilling carbohydrate base.

A unique touch that many customers appreciated was that food orders often came with complimentary Oolong Tea, a perfect accompaniment to the rich flavors of the Chinese cuisine.

A common sentiment among patrons was the generous portion sizes, with dishes offering substantial quantities that provided great value. This aspect made Chen's Good Taste an ideal choice for family meals or group dining, ensuring that everyone left feeling "stuffed" and satisfied, as one customer playfully remarked. Furthermore, the seasoning of the food was often praised for being "perfectly savory" and not "doused in salt," which catered to a wide range of palates and demonstrated a careful hand in the kitchen.

Regarding promotional information, while no specific, ongoing promotions were detailed in the provided reviews, the restaurant's consistent delivery of delicious food, friendly service, and generous portions at competitive prices acted as its most effective promotion. The word-of-mouth recommendations, such as "I recommend this restaurant" and "Would recommend!!!! Can’t wait to come back again," from satisfied customers speak volumes about its perceived value and quality. Its status as a long-time favorite in Chinatown also served as an enduring testament to its reputation.

The contact details for Chen's Good Taste are phone: (503) 223-3838 and mobile phone: +1 503-223-3838. These numbers would typically be used for inquiries, reservations, or takeout orders. Given the current status of being "temporarily closed" on some platforms, it's advisable for interested individuals to verify its operating status before planning a visit. The consistent positive reviews from its operating period highlight its popularity and the high regard in which it was held by the community.

In conclusion, Chen's Good Taste, located at 18 NW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, has historically been a cherished Chinese restaurant in Portland. It offered a comfortable and welcoming environment, complemented by friendly and efficient service. Its culinary identity was defined by its excellent Cantonese BBQ meats, particularly the whole roast duck, along with well-executed noodle dishes, flavorful vegetables, and classic American-Chinese favorites. The generous portion sizes and balanced seasoning further enhanced its appeal. While its current operational status suggests a temporary closure, its legacy as a provider of delicious, authentic, and satisfying Chinese food in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown remains strong, fondly remembered by those who enjoyed its "Good Taste."