Oriental Express

Oriental Express, located at 8406 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114, USA, operates as a Chinese restaurant primarily focusing on takeout and delivery services for the local community. It aims to provide convenient and accessible Chinese cuisine for residents in and around the Kansas City area.

For placing orders or general inquiries, Oriental Express can be contacted by phone at (816) 361-9888. A mobile phone number is also available at +1 816-361-9888, ensuring ease of communication for customers.

Given that Oriental Express is primarily a takeout and delivery-focused Chinese restaurant, its environment is likely set up for efficiency in order processing and food preparation rather than an extensive dine-in experience. Most Chinese takeout establishments feature a counter for ordering and picking up food, with a kitchen area clearly visible or accessible for staff. The interior design typically prioritizes practicality and cleanliness. While there might be a few tables or a small waiting area for customers, the main emphasis is on quick service and efficient turnover. The ambiance is generally casual and utilitarian, designed to handle a steady flow of pickup and delivery orders. This type of setup is common for restaurants catering to the convenience market, where the focus is on the food itself and its prompt delivery rather than a lavish dining atmosphere.

Oriental Express offers essential services tailored to the needs of a modern Chinese takeout restaurant. The core services include direct phone ordering and presumably in-person ordering at their counter. A significant aspect of their service, as highlighted by customer reviews, is **delivery**. One reviewer noted, "The food was delivered quickly and was nice and hot," indicating an effective delivery system. Another review, while critical, also confirms that delivery is a primary service. Furthermore, the restaurant is noted for being "open later than other restaurants," providing a valuable service for those seeking Chinese food during later hours. This extended operating time sets it apart and caters to a different segment of the market. While not explicitly stated, it's common for such establishments to offer a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, although one review points to a problematic experience with credit card processing during delivery.

The cuisine at Oriental Express is described as "regular take-out Chinese," suggesting a menu that includes familiar and popular American Chinese dishes. However, critical distinctions are noted, implying a higher quality than typical. One reviewer praised the food for being **fresh**, with "sauces are not cloying and gooey." This suggests a lighter, less heavy approach to their sauces, avoiding the thick, overly sweetened textures sometimes found in other takeout options. The **seasonings are described as "perfect,"** with "no need to add salt" and "just the right amount of heat in the spicy dishes." A notable feature is the absence of "nasty fish sauce," which for many is a positive indicator of the flavor profile, appealing to those who dislike its strong, distinct taste.

Specific dishes mentioned by customers include **crab rangoon** and **egg drop soup**, which were positively received by one reviewer, who stated, "Only really liked the crab rangoon and egg drop soup." While the overall experience for this particular customer was negative, these specific items were considered palatable. The variety of dishes available would likely cover common categories such as chicken, beef, pork, and shrimp entrees, as well as noodle and rice dishes, characteristic of American Chinese takeout. The emphasis on fresh ingredients and balanced seasoning suggests an effort to elevate the standard takeout experience.

Specific promotional programs or discounts for Oriental Express are not explicitly detailed in the provided information. However, its late operating hours effectively serve as a promotional feature, attracting customers who need food options after other establishments have closed. The promise of **freshness and well-balanced flavors**, as noted by a positive reviewer, also acts as an implicit promotional point, appealing to those seeking quality beyond typical takeout fare.

Customer experiences with Oriental Express present a mixed and somewhat contradictory picture.

One customer expressed satisfaction, stating, "I'm pleased." This reviewer highlighted several positive aspects:

• Freshness and Quality: "It's regular take-out Chinese however, it's fresh and the sauces are not cloying and gooey." This indicates a perceived higher quality of ingredients and preparation compared to competitors.
• Perfect Seasoning: "The seasonings are perfect; no need to add salt, just the right amount of heat in the spicy dishes, and no nasty fish sauce." This suggests a careful hand with flavor balance.
• Efficient Delivery: "The food was delivered quickly and was nice and hot." This is a crucial aspect for takeout and delivery services.
• Extended Hours: "It's also nice that they are open later than other restaurants." This convenience is a significant benefit.

Conversely, another customer reported a highly negative experience, beginning with, "I have never had a worse experience with a Chinese delivery place than this." Key issues included:

• Order Mishap: The order placed at 6:58 PM was forgotten and not put in for an hour, requiring a callback from the customer.
• Delayed Delivery: After the order was finally placed, it still took an additional 35 minutes for the food to arrive, exceeding the promised "about 20 minutes."
• Payment Issue: A significant concern arose when the delivery driver requested payment upon arrival, despite the customer having already paid over the phone with a credit card. The driver then "had to write down my credit card number," which is a serious security concern for cardholders.
• Mediocre Food Quality (Overall): While specific items like "crab rangoon and egg drop soup" were liked, the overall food quality was deemed "mediocre."

This stark contrast in reviews suggests that while Oriental Express has the potential to deliver a positive experience, particularly in terms of food quality and delivery efficiency, there are also significant operational inconsistencies and potential security concerns, as highlighted by the negative feedback.

In conclusion, Oriental Express in Kansas City, MO, is a Chinese restaurant primarily geared towards takeout and delivery, distinguished by its later operating hours and an apparent commitment to fresh ingredients and balanced seasoning in its dishes. While some customers praise its food quality and quick delivery, others have reported severe issues with order management and payment processing, leading to dissatisfaction. Potential patrons should weigh these varied experiences when considering Oriental Express for their Chinese food needs.