China Chef

Welcome to China Chef, a Chinese restaurant located at 2240 Castle Ave E, St Paul, MN 55109, USA. As a local establishment in the Chinese Restaurant category, China Chef offers a range of Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, with some dishes receiving high praise while others have been noted for inconsistency. You can contact them at (651) 777-9790 or their mobile number, +1 651-777-9790, for inquiries or to place an order.

Based on the available online reviews, China Chef presents a somewhat complex picture, with customers reporting both positive and negative experiences over time. One recurring highlight is the "salt & pepper shrimp," which seems to be a beloved dish among many patrons. The reviewer who mentioned this noted that "a lot of folks love their salt & pepper shrimp," suggesting it is a popular and potentially standout item on the menu.

However, this same reviewer also pointed out a significant issue of inconsistency at China Chef, describing it as a "hit or miss" establishment. They shared contrasting experiences with the pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup. On one occasion, when dining in, they found the pho to be "hot to the touch, flavorful, and fresh." This positive experience indicates the potential for a satisfying and well-prepared pho dish. However, on another occasion, the same dish was "luke warm, sour, and flavorless," representing a stark decline in quality. This inconsistency suggests a lack of reliability in the preparation of certain dishes.

On a more positive note, the reviewer mentioned that China Chef's "stir fry chicken options are good," describing them as "crunchy, crispy." This indicates that their stir-fried dishes, at least the chicken variations, are generally well-received and possess desirable textural qualities. This could be another area of strength for the restaurant.

Service at China Chef also appears to be variable, according to this long-term customer (5+ years). They reported that the service "can be very good" at times, suggesting that there are capable and attentive staff members. However, they also noted instances where the service was "very slow," with potential wait times of "maybe 20 minutes or more for your food on a busy day (not full house)." This indicates that even when the restaurant is not at full capacity, there can be significant delays in receiving orders, which might be a point of frustration for some customers.

Despite these inconsistencies, the reviewer mentioned that they still eat at China Chef "once in a while," suggesting that the positive aspects, such as the salt & pepper shrimp and sometimes the stir fry chicken, are enough to bring them back occasionally. They also offered a specific recommendation against ordering pho to go, advising that it is best enjoyed when eaten at the restaurant, possibly due to concerns about how the quality might hold up during transport.

Another reviewer shared a highly positive experience, largely attributed to a waiter named Sam. They described Sam as "amazing," highlighting his excellent suggestions and his ability as an "up seller," which resulted in the customer ordering more food than intended. Despite this, the customer found the meal to be "by far the best iv ever had!" This enthusiastic praise from a traveler suggests that, at least on this occasion and with this particular server, China Chef was able to deliver an exceptional dining experience. The traveler's 13-year-old son also enjoyed the meal so much that they expressed a desire to return, indicating a positive impression on the whole family.

For local users in St Paul, MN, China Chef presents a mixed bag of experiences. While some dishes, like the salt & pepper shrimp and possibly the stir fry chicken, seem to be consistently good, there are reported issues with the quality and consistency of other items, particularly the pho. The service can also vary from very good to quite slow, depending on the day and potentially the staff on duty. However, the presence of exceptional staff members like Sam can significantly enhance the dining experience.

Prospective customers might want to consider trying some of the more consistently praised dishes like the salt & pepper shrimp. If you are a fan of pho, it might be best to dine in to ensure optimal freshness and temperature, and be prepared for potential inconsistencies in quality. Service expectations should be tempered with the understanding that it can range from excellent to slow, even when the restaurant is not fully occupied.

As there is no information about any specific promotions or details about the restaurant's environment in the provided reviews, local users might want to contact China Chef directly at (651) 777-9790 or +1 651-777-9790 for any current specials or to inquire about the dining atmosphere. Visiting the restaurant might also provide a better sense of the environment and the current service standards. Supporting local restaurants like China Chef contributes to the community, but it's wise to be aware of the potential for variability in food quality and service based on the available feedback.

In conclusion, China Chef in St Paul, MN, is a Chinese restaurant that offers some well-regarded dishes, such as the salt & pepper shrimp and stir fry chicken. However, there are reported inconsistencies in the quality of other items, notably the pho, and the service can fluctuate between very good and slow. While some customers have had exceptional experiences, particularly with certain staff members, potential diners should be aware of the possibility of variability in their visit. Located at 2240 Castle Ave E, China Chef remains a local option with both loyal patrons and those who have experienced its inconsistencies.