Mandarin Gourmet

Welcome to Mandarin Gourmet, a Chinese Restaurant located at 605 Newmarket Dr N in Newport News, Virginia (VA 23605). For inquiries or to place an order, you can contact them at (757) 826-8888 or via their mobile number +1 757-826-8888. Mandarin Gourmet serves the local community with a variety of Chinese culinary options, catering to those seeking a taste of traditional and perhaps some unique Chinese dishes.

Based on the available online reviews, Mandarin Gourmet presents a mixed experience for its customers. One detailed review provided insights into various aspects of the restaurant, including the ambiance, customer service, and specific food items. This reviewer noted that the physical premises of Mandarin Gourmet "could use some spick and span," suggesting that cleanliness might be an area for improvement. Regarding customer service, the reviewer found it to be neither particularly bad nor exceptionally good, stating it needed "a little more work" and advising potential visitors to experience it firsthand to understand their perspective.

On the culinary front, this reviewer had a positive experience with the vegetables in garlic sauce, describing them as "delicious" when enhanced with soy sauce. They were also pleasantly surprised by the vegetable egg roll, admitting a general dislike for egg rolls but finding this particular one to be good. A notable detail mentioned was the thoughtful preparation of the egg roll, with the cook placing a napkin at the bottom of the bag to absorb excess grease, a small touch appreciated by the customer.

However, the same reviewer had a less favorable opinion of the General Tso's chicken. They found it to be significantly different from what they were accustomed to, noting its extreme sweetness, which they likened to honey chicken and suggested might have resulted from an excessive amount of sugar. While acknowledging that the dish wasn't inherently "bad," the reviewer's personal preference for less sweet foods made this version unappealing. They speculated that younger individuals who typically enjoy sweeter dishes might find it more to their liking. Interestingly, the reviewer attempted to mitigate the sweetness by adding soy sauce, which reportedly improved it slightly. Despite this issue with the General Tso's chicken, the reviewer indicated a willingness to return to Mandarin Gourmet and even recommend it to others, albeit with the caveat of avoiding that specific dish.

Another customer provided a more concise but overwhelmingly positive review, stating they love the "great Chinese food," specifically mentioning the beef and broccoli, fried rice, and egg roll as being part of a very affordable $7.00 deal. This suggests that Mandarin Gourmet might offer value-for-money options, particularly a lunch special featuring these popular dishes. The reviewer also noted that the egg roll is "not on a bun" and praised the vegetables as "awesome," further highlighting some of the positive aspects of their food offerings. Their simple reminder, "Remember the chop stix!!" implies that the restaurant provides necessary utensils for enjoying their meals.

Considering these two reviews, Mandarin Gourmet appears to be a Chinese Restaurant that offers a mix of experiences. While one customer pointed out potential areas for improvement in cleanliness and customer service, they also praised specific dishes like the vegetables with garlic sauce and the vegetable egg roll, and appreciated a thoughtful detail in food preparation. The General Tso's chicken was a point of contention due to its sweetness, indicating a possible deviation from standard preparations that might appeal to some palates but not others.

The second review strongly emphasizes the positive quality of the food, particularly the beef and broccoli, fried rice, and egg roll, especially in the context of a budget-friendly lunch special. This suggests that Mandarin Gourmet might be a good option for those seeking tasty and affordable Chinese cuisine in the Newport News area.

For local users in Newport News considering Mandarin Gourmet, it would be wise to take these varied experiences into account. If you appreciate good value and enjoy classic dishes like beef and broccoli, fried rice, and egg rolls, the reported $7.00 lunch special might be particularly attractive. If you have specific preferences regarding the sweetness of dishes like General Tso's chicken, it might be worth inquiring about the preparation style before ordering. The comments on cleanliness and customer service suggest that expectations in these areas should be moderate.

The positive mention of the vegetables in garlic sauce and the vegetable egg roll indicates that Mandarin Gourmet might offer well-prepared vegetarian options. The thoughtful gesture of the napkin in the egg roll bag suggests a level of care in food preparation that some customers might appreciate.

In conclusion, Mandarin Gourmet in Newport News, VA, offers Chinese cuisine with a range of dishes that have received both praise and mixed reviews. Customers have highlighted the deliciousness and value of certain items, while others have noted areas for potential improvement in cleanliness and customer service, as well as a unique, very sweet preparation of the General Tso's chicken. Local users are encouraged to consider these perspectives when deciding to visit Mandarin Gourmet and to perhaps try some of the dishes that have been positively reviewed, while being mindful of the reported inconsistencies and personal preferences for flavor profiles.