China Wok

China Wok is a Chinese restaurant situated at 707 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804, USA. They can be contacted at (828) 350-1206 or via their mobile number +1 828-350-1206. As a Chinese restaurant in Asheville, China Wok offers a variety of dishes from the Chinese culinary tradition, catering to both dine-in and takeout customers, although the emphasis in the reviews seems to be on takeout.

Based on the available customer reviews, China Wok has garnered both positive and negative feedback, particularly regarding the consistency of their food quality and preparation. One long-time customer initially described China Wok as their "go-to spot for quick, delicious, and affordable Chinese food!" They specifically praised the beef with broccoli, noting that the broccoli was "always perfectly crunchy." This reviewer also enjoyed the rice noodles with shrimp, describing them as "so tasty every time." They highlighted the "great flavors, fast service, and very reasonable prices," concluding that they "always leave satisfied!" This positive testimonial suggests that, at least in the past, China Wok was known for its reliable quality, efficient service, and affordable prices.

However, more recent feedback indicates a potential decline in consistency. Another long-term customer stated that "They’ve gotten pretty darn inconsistent." This general statement sets the stage for more specific criticisms regarding the preparation of their regular order, the Singapore Chow Mei Fun.

This reviewer detailed several issues with the Singapore Chow Mei Fun. On one recent occasion, they noted that there was "hardly any curry," resulting in a lighter color of the noodles, as shown in an accompanying photo. They also found the dish to be not spicy at all, contrary to expectations for this typically flavorful and often spicy dish. The inconsistency extends to instances where there is "far too much curry" or where the curry is "not even stirred into it and it’s just left in big clumps." These observations point to significant variability in the preparation of a signature dish, which can be frustrating for loyal customers who expect a consistent experience.

The same reviewer also raised concerns about another dish, the sweet-and-sour chicken ordered by their son without the sauce. They noted that the provided photo clearly shows the chicken to be "overly breaded and fried," with a substantial amount of batter relative to the chicken itself. The reviewer suggested that the sauce typically helps to mask this over-breading, but without it, the issue is apparent. This feedback indicates a potential imbalance in the proportion of breading to chicken in this dish.

Reflecting on their long-term patronage, the reviewer mentioned that China Wok "used to be our go-to place, for years and years and years." However, they noted a recent increase in prices, with their Singapore Chow Mei Fun now costing almost $19. While they understand price increases following events like the Covid-19 pandemic, they expressed the expectation of higher consistency in quality at this new price point. They stated they are willing to pay $19 for well-prepared Singapore Chow Mei Fun with consistent spicing, but not when the quality fluctuates so significantly.

Despite these criticisms, the reviewer expressed a desire to see improvement, stating, "We want to like this restaurant again! We want to go back. We live nearby and we want to make this our regular to-go Chinese restaurant." They framed their feedback as "constructive criticism," hoping that the owners would address the issues with dish consistency and the excessive breading on the sweet-and-sour chicken.

Based on these reviews, China Wok in Asheville, NC, appears to be a Chinese restaurant that was once highly regarded for its quick, delicious, and affordable food with generous portions. However, recent experiences indicate a significant issue with the consistency of their dishes, particularly the Singapore Chow Mei Fun, which suffers from variability in curry and spice levels. There are also concerns about the preparation of the sweet-and-sour chicken, which has been described as overly breaded. Additionally, prices have reportedly increased, leading to higher expectations for quality and consistency.

The positive initial review suggests that China Wok is capable of producing enjoyable and affordable Chinese food. The mention of "fast service" is also a potential benefit for those seeking a quick meal. However, the more recent and detailed negative review raises concerns about the reliability of their food quality and preparation standards. The increase in prices further exacerbates these concerns, as customers expect better consistency when paying more.

Information regarding the environment of China Wok is not detailed in these reviews. Both seem to focus on the food and service related to takeout orders. There is no description of the dine-in area or the overall ambiance of the restaurant. Similarly, specific services beyond takeout and basic dine-in (if available and not mentioned) and any current promotional offers are not provided.

For local users in Asheville, NC, considering China Wok, the feedback presents a dilemma. If you are looking for potentially quick and flavorful Chinese food and were attracted by past positive reviews citing affordability, it might still be worth considering. However, the recent and detailed account of inconsistency in a signature dish and issues with another popular item should give pause. If consistency and quality are your top priorities, you might want to inquire if the restaurant has addressed these concerns or perhaps try a smaller order first to gauge the current standards.

In conclusion, China Wok in Asheville, NC, has a history of being a well-regarded and affordable Chinese restaurant. However, recent customer feedback points to significant inconsistencies in food preparation and potential issues with the balance of ingredients in certain dishes. While the service has been described as fast, and some customers may still find value in their offerings, potential patrons should be aware of the recent criticisms regarding quality and consistency, especially given reported price increases.