Pei Wei Asian Express

Pei Wei Asian Express is located at The Streets at, 6910 Fayetteville Rd, Durham, NC 27713, USA, operating within the Asian Express segment of the Chinese Restaurant category. This establishment can be contacted at (984) 888-5362 or +1 984-888-5362 for inquiries or orders.

When considering a quick-service Asian restaurant, recent customer feedback can be particularly informative about the current state of the establishment. Online reviews for Pei Wei Asian Express in Durham paint a concerning picture, highlighting significant issues with food availability, quality, taste, and customer service. These reviews suggest a potentially problematic dining experience for prospective customers.

One customer, reviewing their experience on December 22, 2024, reported a multitude of unavailable items, stating, "No lemonade, no beef, no shrimp, no green beans, no lemonade." The repeated mention of no lemonade might indicate a persistent issue. This lack of key ingredients significantly limited the menu options for this customer. Furthermore, they noted a 20-minute delay in the line due to the restaurant running out of noodles, suggesting potential issues with inventory management and preparedness for customer demand.

The quality of the food that was available also came under severe criticism. The customer reported "no chicken egg rolls" and described the spring rolls as tasting "like greasy paste." The noodles they did receive were likened to "spaghetti cooked in chicken broth," implying an unauthentic and unappetizing preparation. The sesame chicken was described as being "like deep-fried flour," indicating a lack of discernible chicken and an excessive amount of batter. Finally, the fried rice was deemed "tasteless," a fundamental flaw for a staple dish in Asian cuisine. This comprehensive negative feedback suggests significant problems with the quality and preparation of multiple menu items on this particular visit.

Another customer expressed their extreme dissatisfaction more bluntly, stating, "Lol wth is this slop?" This immediately conveys a highly negative impression of the food quality. This reviewer reported finding "a little bone" in their bourbon chicken, raising concerns about food safety and the care taken in preparing the dish. The firecracker shrimp was also criticized for having a surcharge yet consisting of "this little piece of shrimp and thick overcooked fried breading," suggesting poor value and execution of a signature item.

Beyond the food, this customer also reported a negative experience with the service. They noted not receiving a greeting upon arrival and encountering unfriendly staff. When they asked for a water cup, a young man allegedly told them that they do not serve water cups, instead pushing for the sale of soda or bottled water. This policy, if accurately reported, could be off-putting to customers who simply want water with their meal. Frustrated by this, the reviewer opted to go to Chick-fil-A for water, where the rest of their family was eating, implying that Pei Wei was not their primary choice for the meal.

The negative service experience continued at checkout, where the cashier reportedly began talking to a coworker immediately after the customer said "thank you," with both employees leaning on the counter and seemingly ignoring the departing customer. This lack of basic courtesy further compounded the negative impression. The reviewer concluded by regretting their choice to try Pei Wei, stating that it "ruin my perspective of the regular Pei Wei" (presumably referring to other locations or a past perception) and vowing, "Never again!" They also noted that "The other reviews can tell you the same!" suggesting that their negative experience is not isolated.

Based on these two recent reviews, Pei Wei Asian Express in Durham appears to be facing significant challenges in terms of food availability, quality, taste, and customer service. The reports of numerous unavailable menu items, poorly prepared dishes, potential food safety issues (bone in chicken), and unfriendly service paint a concerning picture for prospective diners. The policy regarding water cups, if consistently enforced, could also be a point of dissatisfaction for customers.

The environment of Pei Wei Asian Express, as a fast-casual chain, typically involves a modern and streamlined setting designed for quick service. However, the reviews provided do not offer any specific details about the ambiance or cleanliness of this particular location in Durham. Given the significant issues reported with food and service, the environment might not be the primary concern for those considering dining here.

In terms of services, Pei Wei Asian Express primarily operates as a quick-service restaurant offering dine-in and takeout options. The review mentioning online ordering (presumably for pickup) indicates this service is available. However, the negative feedback regarding the in-person service experience raises concerns about the overall quality of customer interaction at this location.

Features of Pei Wei Asian Express typically include a menu of Asian-inspired dishes, often with a focus on fresh ingredients and customizable options. However, the recent reviews suggest a failure to meet these standards at this Durham location, with reports of unavailable ingredients, poorly prepared food, and subpar service. The upcharge for the firecracker shrimp, given the reviewer's description of its quality and size, appears to be a negative feature in this instance.

The provided information does not contain any specific promotional details for Pei Wei Asian Express in Durham. As a chain restaurant, promotions are often managed at a corporate level and may vary by location and time. Local users interested in any current specials or discounts should check the Pei Wei website or app, or inquire directly with the Durham location. However, given the recent negative feedback on the fundamental aspects of food and service, the value of any promotions might be questionable for some potential customers.

In conclusion, recent customer reviews for Pei Wei Asian Express in Durham, NC, are overwhelmingly negative, citing significant issues with food availability, quality, taste, and customer service. Reports of numerous unavailable items, poorly prepared dishes such as greasy spring rolls and tasteless fried rice, a bone found in chicken, overpriced and underwhelming shrimp, and unfriendly service, including a refusal to provide water cups, should give potential customers pause. The strong negative sentiments expressed in both reviews, with one explicitly advising to avoid the restaurant and the other regretting their visit, suggest a need for significant improvements at this location. Local users considering dining at Pei Wei Asian Express in Durham should be aware of these serious concerns and may want to explore other Asian dining options in the area.