Mandarin Kitchen

Welcome to Mandarin Kitchen, a Chinese restaurant located at 8766 Lyndale Ave S in Bloomington, Minnesota (55420). You can contact them at (952) 884-5356 or +1 952-884-5356. As a part of the local Chinese Restaurant scene, Mandarin Kitchen offers a diverse menu that includes both dim sum and a wide array of Cantonese dishes, aiming to cater to a broad range of tastes and preferences within the community.

Recent customer reviews of Mandarin Kitchen present a dichotomy of experiences, with some patrons expressing significant disappointment while others hold the restaurant in high regard as a family favorite. One first-time visitor reported considerable dissatisfaction with their meal. They ordered a stir-fry garlic watercress and a clay pot taro and roasted duck, finding both to be "way overpriced" for the perceived quality and quantity. The portion sizes were described as "soooo small" that both diners left feeling hungry. Furthermore, the customer questioned the authenticity of the "watercress" served, believing it to be a different vegetable than what they had experienced in other Chinese restaurants. They estimated the net weight of the dish to be quite small relative to its price. The clay pot duck also drew criticism, with the customer stating that the duck pieces were excessively fatty, with some pieces being "JUST the skin." They also provided a rough estimate of the dish's composition as primarily napa cabbage, followed by taro and then a small amount of very fatty duck. This reviewer also noted that their table did not receive a complimentary fruit plate, which they observed being served to other tables. Additionally, they expressed frustration with the restaurant's policy on order changes, being told that a dish could not be switched just five minutes after placing the order because the chef had already started cooking. They then reported a long wait of nearly 40 minutes for their first dish, questioning the cooking time for a vegetable stir-fry. This customer also speculated about preferential treatment for those ordering more expensive dishes, claiming that a party who ordered lobster after them received their food much faster. The overall sentiment of this review was one of feeling taken advantage of due to high prices for small portions and poor quality, leading to a strong recommendation against the restaurant.

In stark contrast, another reviewer expressed immense fondness for Mandarin Kitchen, describing it as a "family favorite" and a "regular go-to spot" for both dim sum and dinner over numerous visits. This long-term patron stated they had "never been disappointed." They lauded the dim sum as "fantastic," featuring all the classic dishes and consistently being fresh. While they noted that a wait might be possible depending on the time of visit, it was usually not too long, and they affirmed that the "food is authentic, delicious, and absolutely worth the wait." This reviewer also highlighted the "exceptionally friendly and attentive" service, with staff going "above and beyond" to make them feel welcomed and appreciated.

Regarding the menu beyond dim sum, this positive review described it as "incredibly vast," catering to both newcomers to Cantonese cuisine and those seeking authentic, homestyle flavors. Some of their "must-order" dishes included Beef Chow Fun in soy sauce, garlic bok choy, fried jiaozi, and the flavorful soups. They also noted that the portion sizes for these dishes were "large," often resulting in leftovers. This reviewer concluded with a strong recommendation for Mandarin Kitchen.

The conflicting reviews suggest that the experience at Mandarin Kitchen can vary significantly. While some customers appreciate the authentic Cantonese cuisine, particularly the dim sum and certain menu staples like Beef Chow Fun, and consistently receive friendly service with generous portions, others have encountered issues with specific dishes being overpriced, of poor quality (e.g., fatty duck, questionable vegetables), having small portions, and experiencing slow service or perceived preferential treatment. The environment of the restaurant is not explicitly detailed in these reviews, but the mention of a potential wait for dim sum suggests it can get busy. The service is described as exceptionally friendly by one reviewer but was not commented on by the other.

For local users in Bloomington, MN, Mandarin Kitchen presents a complex choice. If you are a fan of dim sum and authentic Cantonese flavors, and value friendly service with potentially large portions for certain dishes, the positive review suggests a rewarding experience. However, the negative review raises serious concerns about the value and quality of some of the non-dim sum offerings, particularly regarding portion sizes, ingredient quality, and pricing. The potential for slow service and the possibility of not receiving standard amenities like a fruit plate are also points to consider. Given the strong divergence in customer experiences, it might be beneficial to try Mandarin Kitchen for yourself, perhaps focusing on their well-regarded dim sum or classic Cantonese dishes mentioned in the positive review, while being mindful of the potential issues highlighted by the negative feedback.