Formosa Chinese Restaurant

Formosa Chinese Restaurant, located at 62 Main St in Amherst, Massachusetts (zip code 01002), operates within the Chinese Restaurant category, offering a variety of Chinese dishes to the local community. Based on recent customer feedback available online, the restaurant elicits a starkly divided response, with one review lauding it as the "best Chinese in Amherst," while another details an extremely negative and concerning dining experience.

One positive review stands out, proclaiming Formosa as the "best Chinese in Amherst, hands down." This reviewer also provided a list of recommended dishes, including Chicken with cashews, Mung beans with beef or chicken, Vegetable Fried Rice, Vegetable Moo Shi, Formosa Rice Noodles, Fish Fillet with Fermented Soybeans, Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce, and Egg drop soup. This positive feedback suggests that Formosa has the potential to offer enjoyable and well-regarded dishes that satisfy some customers.

However, a significantly more detailed and alarming review paints a drastically different picture of Formosa Chinese Restaurant. This customer recounted a deeply disappointing and concerning experience involving multiple issues, starting from the moment of arrival. According to this review, the initial impression was negative, with a "messy" table and "dirty" seats. This lack of cleanliness upon arrival sets a poor tone for the dining experience.

The service encountered by this reviewer's family was also reportedly subpar. The waitress allegedly made multiple errors while taking their order, further contributing to a negative atmosphere early in the meal. The dishes ordered included Singapore noodles, two hot and sour soups, a plate of scallion pancakes, and dumplings. Among these, the soups were described as "overwhelmingly peppery" and lacking in "depth or balance." The Singapore noodles and scallion pancakes were noted as being the only "decent" parts of the meal, indicating inconsistency in the quality of different dishes.

The experience took a disturbing turn with the arrival of the dumplings. The reviewer reported finding a "staple embedded in one of them," and they even attached a photo as evidence. Upon informing the waitress of this serious food safety hazard, her reaction was described as a casual "Ok" followed by an offer to bring a new plate. The family understandably declined this offer, expressing their disturbance and requesting that the dumplings be removed from their bill.

The reviewer emphasized the potential danger of a metal staple in food, highlighting the risks of internal injuries, choking, or digestive tract puncture if swallowed. They argued that this was not a minor error but a significant health hazard that should have been treated with much greater concern and seriousness by the restaurant staff.

Shockingly, when the bill arrived, it was reportedly at full price, including the contaminated dumplings. To make matters worse, a tip had allegedly been added to the bill without the customer's permission and without any indication of it being an automatic gratuity. The reviewer pointed out that their party was small and did not meet the usual size criteria for automatic gratuity, and there was no notice of such a policy on the menu or the receipt.

Upon questioning this charge, the waitress supposedly returned with a new receipt, still containing a hidden tip. The reviewer interpreted this as a dishonest tactic, potentially violating Massachusetts consumer protection laws by not clearly disclosing the added charge. They expressed concern that this practice might be more widespread, affecting other customers who might not notice the discrepancy.

The reviewer concluded their account by stating that the combination of the potential health hazard, poor service, and "shady billing tactics" resulted in one of the worst dining experiences they had ever had. Consequently, they strongly advised against recommending Formosa to others, suggesting it might only be suitable for those looking to "overpay for unsafe food and be treated with disrespect."

Considering these two highly contrasting reviews, it is challenging to form a definitive picture of the current state of Formosa Chinese Restaurant. The positive review suggests that the restaurant is capable of producing well-received dishes and may be considered a local favorite by some. However, the detailed and alarming negative review raises serious concerns about food safety, service quality, and ethical billing practices that cannot be ignored.

Based on the limited information, the environment of Formosa Chinese Restaurant is not explicitly described in either review. The negative review's focus on cleanliness upon arrival suggests that the upkeep of the dining area might be inconsistent. Without further information, it is difficult to assess the overall ambiance or décor of the restaurant.

The services offered by Formosa Chinese Restaurant likely include dine-in and takeout, given its nature as a traditional Chinese restaurant. The negative review highlights significant issues with the quality of dine-in service, including order errors and a lack of appropriate response to a food safety incident. The mention of a hidden automatic tip also reflects poorly on their billing practices for dine-in customers. There is no specific mention of delivery services in the provided reviews.

No promotional information is available in the provided text. Local users are advised to contact Formosa Chinese Restaurant directly at (413) 253-7835 or +1 413-253-7835 to inquire about any current specials or promotions they might be offering. However, given the serious concerns raised in one of the reviews, potential customers may want to exercise caution and consider these issues before patronizing the establishment.

In conclusion, Formosa Chinese Restaurant in Amherst, MA, presents a complex and potentially risky option for local diners. While one reviewer considers it the "best Chinese in Amherst" and recommends several dishes, another customer experienced a deeply troubling visit involving a food safety hazard, poor service, and questionable billing practices, including a hidden automatic tip. Potential customers should be aware of these conflicting reports and may want to proceed with caution, perhaps inquiring about their food safety protocols and billing practices before dining at Formosa.