Mai Xiang Kitchen

Mai Xiang Kitchen is a Chinese restaurant located within a large oriental market at 7534 Beach Blvd in Jacksonville, Florida. Operating under the platform category of Chinese Restaurants, Mai Xiang Kitchen offers a selection of Chinese cuisine, with some customers specifically highlighting their dim sum items and others sharing experiences with their main dishes. To provide local users with a detailed and objective introduction, it is essential to consider the various aspects of this establishment as reflected in recent online customer reviews.

One customer enthusiastically recommends Mai Xiang Kitchen for specific dim sum items, particularly their sticky rice and turnip cake, describing them as "amazing." This positive feedback suggests that Mai Xiang Kitchen excels in preparing certain traditional Chinese delicacies, making them a potential go-to spot for those craving these items. The reviewer mentions frequently stopping by to grab these for a quick lunch, indicating convenience and consistent quality for these particular offerings. They also express happiness about being able to pick up their favorite dim sum items anytime they visit the market, suggesting a regular availability of a variety of dim sum options. Furthermore, this customer positively highlights the kindness and sweetness of a staff member who is usually present from morning to lunchtime, indicating that the customer service during these hours contributes positively to the overall experience.

In contrast, another customer shared a significantly less favorable experience with a main dish. This reviewer mentioned that Mai Xiang Kitchen is situated inside a "relatively new huge oriental market" that boasts an "incredible assortment of products," suggesting that the location itself might be a draw for visitors looking to explore a diverse range of Asian goods and eateries. The market reportedly houses several different restaurants or eateries. This customer specifically visited Mai Xiang Kitchen with the intention of ordering roast pork lo mein but was informed that it was not available. Instead, they opted for the shrimp lo mein, priced at $11.02, and this is where their disappointment began.

The reviewer described the noodles in the shrimp lo mein as "pasty," even questioning if they were simply generic spaghetti rather than traditional lo mein noodles. The dish contained only seven "tiny" shrimp, along with some raw onion and absolutely no other vegetables. The absence of any green vegetables or a more diverse mix was a significant letdown for this customer. Furthermore, they criticized the preparation of the onions, noting that only the outer brown skin seemed to have been removed, leaving tough and raw pieces that were virtually unchewable. The dish also lacked any discernible sauce, described merely as "moist blandness." The overall impression of the shrimp lo mein was highly negative, with the reviewer using words like "yuk."

Adding to the negative experience, the takeout order contained only a plastic fork and a cheap napkin, with no other condiments or extras such as a fortune cookie or soy sauce packet, especially considering the $11 price point. This lack of perceived value further contributed to the customer's dissatisfaction, leading them to label it the "worst dining experience ever" and to be "just honest" in their review.

Based on these two recent reviews, Mai Xiang Kitchen presents a dichotomy. On one hand, it seems to excel in certain dim sum items like sticky rice and turnip cake, and at least one staff member is noted for providing excellent customer service, particularly during morning and lunchtime. This could be a significant feature for those specifically seeking quality dim sum in a convenient market setting. The location within a large oriental market could also be considered a unique feature, potentially attracting customers who are already visiting the market for other purposes and are looking for a quick bite.

On the other hand, there are significant concerns raised about the quality and preparation of at least one of their main dishes, the shrimp lo mein. The issues with the noodles, the sparse and poorly prepared vegetables, the lack of sauce, and the minimal accompaniments for the price point suggest inconsistencies in their food preparation and a potential lack of attention to detail in some areas of their menu. The absence of roast pork lo mein when it was desired by a customer also indicates potential limitations in their menu offerings at certain times.

The reviews provide limited information about the overall environment of Mai Xiang Kitchen. Being located inside a larger oriental market suggests that the ambiance might be more akin to a food stall or counter service within a retail space rather than a traditional sit-down restaurant with a dedicated dining area. The positive mention of a kind staff member implies some level of direct interaction with customers, at least for those ordering takeout. However, there are no details about seating arrangements, decor, or the general atmosphere of the eating area, if one exists.

Regarding services, the reviews mention both takeout and the ability to "swing by" to pick up items, indicating that quick service and convenience are likely features, especially for regular customers seeking specific items like dim sum. However, there is no explicit mention of delivery services. Given its location within a market, it might primarily cater to shoppers and those in the immediate vicinity for takeout.

There is no promotional information available in these reviews. No mention is made of any discounts, special offers, or loyalty programs that Mai Xiang Kitchen might have. To obtain such information, local users would likely need to contact the restaurant directly at (904) 574-8810 or +1 904-574-8810, or visit their location within the oriental market at 7534 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216.

In conclusion, Mai Xiang Kitchen in Jacksonville, FL, offers a mixed bag of experiences based on recent customer reviews. It appears to be a reliable spot for certain dim sum items like sticky rice and turnip cake, with at least one staff member providing excellent service. Its location within a large oriental market offers convenience for market shoppers. However, there are significant concerns regarding the quality and value of at least one of their main dishes, the shrimp lo mein, with complaints about the noodles, lack of vegetables, absence of sauce, and minimal accompaniments for the price. Potential local users should weigh the positive feedback on dim sum and service against the negative experience with the lo mein when considering Mai Xiang Kitchen. Those specifically seeking dim sum might find it worthwhile, while those looking for consistently high-quality main dishes might want to proceed with caution or seek more information.