Where is the Best Chinese Food in Portland, Oregon?
I have been going there for years. The food is great, a few dishes lack the authentic taste, but who cares about a few dishes? Do not even look at the American Menu, these people are authentic Chinese trying to cater to us, they don’t do American food well. The service is usually good, however they do replace Waitress#1 quite often (I believe this position is the only one filled by non family/ someone who hasnt been there the last 5-15 years) and Waitress one causes the service to lack greatly. However, you can meet the owner any night of the week, friendly serivce, good food. I would recommend not going too late at night, they offer karaoke in the bar, and unless you want to join he tone deaf locals – its a little difficult to attempt to tune them out during an otherwise enjoyable experience.Pros + Authentic friendly AtmosphereCons – Karaoke Late Night Howling
I have been a customer of Kwang Chow since 1985, having previously enjoyed Lani Louie’s and Canton Grill. In my opinion, I have never had better Chinese food than that served at Kwang Chow. Its quality is consistently fresh, hot and flavorful, the portions are always more than adequate, and the service is always friendly. My preference is the Daily Special, something I get to-go – it feeds two, in our case.The restaurant itself lacks any real identity or ambience – it is a bit on the gloomy side; and the booths are in desperate need of re-padding – at 6’3″, I am just short of being at eye level with the table! I don’t know where they put their profits, but it is not in the decor.Decor aside, the food is what is important, and they do it right at Kwang Chow.Pros + Food is fresh, flavorfulCons – Restaurant atmosphere is gloomy
This restaraunt makes my mother’s favorite Chinese food and, well, mine too. Apparently a ton of other people like it too, because the parking lot is almost always full. The fried rice is not greasy (other people here have said it’s dry, but probably because they’re accustomed to greasy fried rice), the barbeque pork (and everything else I’ve tried) is superb. The french fries are obviously what you could get in the freezer section of any grocery store, but hey, it’s a Chinese restaurant! Eat the chinese food!Pros + Great food, quiet setting.Cons – A little spendy, but not too bad considering the portions.
We figured we’d try the slightly garish House one afternoon for dinner. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful; when I asked if they have shrimp in their wontons the waitress went and asked the chef just to be sure! The eggrolls (which are really spring rolls) are outstanding. The tea was delicious as well, and we were sure we were in for a treat. Sadly, the food was all downhill from there. The soup was average at best, the rice was bland and smooshy, the pork was dry, the chicken was greasy. It was edible, but you can get similar quality at a fast food type Chinese place. If we’re ever in the mood for spring rolls while we’re in Chinatown we wouldn’t hesitate to stop in, but we’d be very leery of the rest of menu. The price was decent, though, the two of us ate for about $20 with soups and appetizers. We’ve just had better Chinese food elsewhere.Pros + the staff is very friendly and helpful, the prices are goodCons – the food is sadly average
