Tai Wu Restaurant

Located at 1080 Foster City Blvd in Foster City, California, Tai Wu Restaurant serves as a local Chinese restaurant offering a variety of dishes, with a noted emphasis on Hong Kong style cuisine. With contact numbers (650) 638-0168 and +1 650-638-0168, Tai Wu provides a means for local users to place orders or make inquiries. Customer reviews offer a mixed perspective on the restaurant, highlighting both strengths and areas for potential improvement.

In terms of service, Tai Wu Restaurant appears to have a generally positive reputation. One long-term take-out customer of over ten years specifically praised the "great customer service" they had consistently experienced. Additionally, a first-time visitor described the staff as "friendly and nice," indicating a welcoming atmosphere and positive interactions with the service personnel. This suggests that Tai Wu values its customers and strives to provide a pleasant service experience.

Tai Wu's menu features a range of dishes, with some receiving more positive feedback than others. A signature dish for a long-time customer has been the "Rock-Cod Claypot," which they consistently ordered and found to be "always taste great" over a decade. This suggests that certain specialty dishes at Tai Wu are well-prepared and maintain a consistent quality that keeps customers returning.

However, experiences with other dishes have been more varied. The "Sweet & Sour Chicken," despite looking appetizing in a picture displayed at the entrance, was a significant disappointment for the long-term customer. They described it as "very soggy," with bland, rubbery chicken soaked in liquid, and not resembling the advertised image. This negative experience, especially for a regular customer, raises concerns about the consistency and quality of all menu items, particularly those that might be visually promoted.

First-time visitors also had mixed reactions to the food. The "braised duck wonton noodles soup" was described as "plain," with oily duck served separately requiring a heavy addition of soy sauce for flavor. A combo meal consisting of "fried rice with rolls and sweet and sour pork" was deemed disappointing, with the pork fried rice being the only redeeming part. The "mapo tofu," a dish typically known for its spiciness, was found to be sweet and lacking any heat, leading the reviewer to conclude that it was not authentic.

A subsequent visit by the same reviewer yielded more positive results when they focused on dishes meant to be eaten with steamed rice, rather than noodle soups. The "kung pao chicken" received high praise for having the sought-after "wok hee," a distinct smoky flavor characteristic of Cantonese stir-frying. The "honey walnut prawn" was noted as being on the sweeter side, while the "spicy & sour soup" was commended for achieving a perfect balance of spiciness and sourness.

These contrasting experiences suggest that Tai Wu Restaurant might have strengths in certain categories of dishes, particularly those showcasing the "wok hee" in stir-fries and well-balanced soups. However, there may be inconsistencies or issues with other items, such as noodle soups and the preparation of classic dishes like sweet and sour chicken and mapo tofu.

The long-term customer's negative experience with the sweet and sour chicken also brought to light a point regarding customer service recovery. When they called to express their disappointment, the restaurant suggested requesting the sauce to be put aside on the next order. The customer rightly pointed out that sweet and sour chicken should be served with the sauce to achieve its intended flavor, and this response was perceived as a lack of understanding and appreciation for a loyal patron.

Based on the available reviews, Tai Wu Restaurant appears to be a decent Hong Kong style restaurant with friendly staff and efficient service. However, the quality and consistency of the food seem to vary significantly depending on the dish. While some items, like the Rock-Cod Claypot, Kung Pao Chicken, and Spicy & Sour Soup, have received positive feedback, others, such as the Sweet & Sour Chicken, Braised Duck Wonton Noodles Soup, and Mapo Tofu, have been disappointing to customers.

Currently, there is no information available regarding any promotional offers or special menus at Tai Wu Restaurant. Local users interested in learning about any potential promotions or seasonal dishes are advised to contact the restaurant directly via phone or inquire during a visit.

In conclusion, Tai Wu Restaurant in Foster City offers a Hong Kong style dining experience with friendly service. While some customers have enjoyed specific dishes and appreciated the service, there are notable concerns about the consistency and quality of certain menu items. Local users considering Tai Wu might find it beneficial to explore dishes that have received positive mentions, such as the Rock-Cod Claypot, Kung Pao Chicken, and Spicy & Sour Soup, while being aware of the potential for variability in other offerings. As there is no information on current promotions, direct inquiry with the restaurant is recommended for the most up-to-date details.