Their salt and pepper chicken wings are absolutely killer. The rest of their menu is good, but I'm going here for those wings and those wings only. That's the good part. The bad part is how long it takes to make the food. I've been told, on multiple occasions, it would be 25-30 minutes and it's been upwards of 40. I don't mind if you tell me it's going to be 40 minutes, but just say that upfront. That being said, these wings are killer and any time I've got a craving this is where I'm going. read more

Called in my order and the wait time wasn't long at all. Service was nice, quick, and friendly - just make sure you ask for a fork when you pick up! There's no indoor seating, but the spot is handicap accessible and easy to find. The parking structure is a good size, so you won't have to worry about finding a spot. Perfect for takeout. I ordered the salt and pepper wings, and these wings were fire! Super crispy with the right amount of garlic and onion - they nailed it. Definitely going back for those and highly recommend if you're a wing lover. The white rice was just okay for me - I wish it had been a little fresher and fluffier, more like the classic steamed rice I was expecting. Adding some soy sauce and chili oil helped a bit though! But honestly, the wings made up for it. Also, cash only, so be prepared before you go! I did spot a flyer showing they take Venmo too, but I didn't ask - good to know! The prices are good, and it helps that they keep everything affordable. Overall, Chef China is a solid hidden gem for quick Chinese takeout - fast service, crispy wings, and good flavors that hit the spot. Can't wait to try the rest of their menu next time! read more

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Absolutely wonderful meal once again. I have been coming here well before Covid and they never fail to disappoint. I love that they are primarily take out now because so they can focus on to go orders. Staff are always super friendly even though they're always busy. I got my usual order of salt and pepper chicken wings and tofu. They were both soooo good. They chicken was fried perfectly and even after a few hours sitting at home they were still super crispy! My problem now is deciding on what to get next time. read more

Chef China - Salt and pepper Chicken Wings Salt and Pepper Tofu - Chinese Near Me - Spring Valley, California

Love their chicken wings and flat noodles, literally some of the best in San Diego . I also love that it usually comes with wonton chips with sweet and sour sauce, I've been coming here since I was little so it's so nostalgic for me!!! Service is really good the people are really nice and I think since COVID it is now a to go only restaurant read more

Ist time ordering take-out from Chef China note: they only take cash payments. There isn't really much seating inside the restaurant, so we chose to order take-out. We ordered the salt and pepper wings since they came highly recommend by other reviewers, as well as an order of Buddha's delight, and the lemon chicken. The wings had a light crunchy batter, seasoned nicely with garlic, salt and chile flakes. The wings were tender and moist on the inside - just delicious! Note that we had ordered the large order of wings which comes with 12 pieces, you can also order a regular size of 8. We scored the wings a 5 out of 5. The generous portion of Buddha's delight was chalked full of vegies and delicious! We scored it a 5 out of 5. The lemon chicken was small strips of battered & fried white meat chicken, which you will toss in the lemon sauce which comes in a separate container. This also was a very large portion. I thought the lemon sauce was delicious, however, I found the chicken to be tough, even after soaking it in the sauce I found it to be too chewy. I scored this a 3 out of 5. Our meal came with lots of white fluffy rice. Overall, we enjoyed our meal and will be going back again to try other dishes. I will update after our next visit. read more

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Best Chinese food in San Diego County! All of their food is absolutely delicious and servings are huge. Their Family meal deals will render us leftovers for at least 3 days which take the value to a 10/10. The only thing missing from this place is teriyaki chicken. Outside of that, this place is hands down the best Chinese I have ever had. read more

You know it's bad when you have to leave a bad review for a Chinese place. First off the food was really expensive for a Chinese take out place that you can't even sit inside of. I paid 43 dollars for only two entrées and wontons. The food looked and tasted terrible and what made it worse is how much I paid for it. When I opened my plate of lo mein there was a hair in it and the sweet and sour sauce had a fly in it. You only paid cash there and they gave me no receipt at all so something is fishy or they know their food is bad. Even after what we ate our stomachs are hurting now and paid way too much for some food we refuse to eat the rest off. Don't eat here if you like Chinese food it'll ruin it for you for a good while. Because now I'm upset that I'm still hungry but too disgusting to eat something else so take that information as you will. After this review I'm calling a health inspector to look into this place because I don't think other people should have to deal with this if they just want some Chinese. Honestly I would rather eat Panda Express over this slop ever again and I mean that so much!! read more

Chef China - Beef chow fun - Chinese Near Me - Spring Valley, California

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Second time this week I had order again!! Best Chinese food ever!!! Portion are amazing I recommend my family and they want to go as they should! read more

Chef China - Orange Chicken - Chinese Near Me - Spring Valley, California

Food is not up to par. Taste is not that great. Salt and pepper chicken wings are dry and rice a bit dry as well. Kung poa chicken really greasy. Would not recommend this place as take out. Service is okay. Must have cash only, very inconvenient. read more

My husband is a chicken lover and says the chicken is right up there with another place he tried in National City although it seems the place needs a makeover but maybe that's why you have to order your food to go read more

Extra heavy on the garlic (Salt and Pepper Chicken) decent service but the food is 5/10.

Great fried rice! And chicken wings!! Also a great place for your frozen dessert location when you gave that sweet tooth.

Affordable Chinese takeout only restaurant. The orange chicken combo plate was great, came with a huge portion of fried rice and an egg roll. The salt and pepper wings are a fan favorite here and I agree. They were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside and the cream cheese wontons was another great appetizer. Friendly staff and they are cash only but ordering on a mobile app will let you use credit cards. read more

Chef China - Orange Chicken Combo Plate - Chinese Near Me - Spring Valley, California

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This place came highly recommended & I'm not impressed by the salt n pepper wings they are ok.

The Salt & Pepper (S&P) chicken wings are legit if you're near Spring Valley, Casa De Oro or La Mesa area. Closest good S&P Wings are in Nat'l City (NC). I don't need to drive far for good S&P wings and it comes with rice. 6 & 12 piece are less cost than the NC places. Try them they are Call in advance to order, usually 20-25 min wait. read more

It was so greasy it made my stomach hurt, they also couldn't modify my order even if I paid more . I saw someone post them on TikTok and I figured I'd give them a try. It's a no for me. read more

The only thing I ordered from this place was the salt and pepper wing. Boy was it worth it! The wings were steaming hot, deliciously seasoned and so crispy! I always get my wings South of the 54, but needed to get something closer to El cajon. I was lucky to fall upon this place. There are wings just as good if not better than my usual spot. I'll definitely have to come back and try their other food! read more

Chef China - Salt pepper wings - Chinese Near Me - Spring Valley, California

Rice rice was amazing (no protein) and the salt and pepper wings was good too, the toppings were okay read more

Chef China - Menu 10/2025 - Chinese Near Me - Spring Valley, California

ONE OF MY ALL TIME GO TO SPOTS FOR SALT N PEPPER CHICKEN!! & I've had many in San Diego. Definitely top two!! Make sure to ask for extra toppings on chicken. Thank me later. P.S I never have a chance to take a picture because I eat it too fast lol read more

I git sick off this food shortly after eating... I threw up the food literally 30 mins after eating it. read more

Very good and affordable, The wait can be long so make sure to call ahead , I Really liked the orange chicken here

First time ordering from Chef China and it won't be our last!! We ordered mushroom chicken, shrimp chow mein, egg foo young with gravy, and the snack pack. Everything was delicious!! BONUS:: during the current sriracha shortage, we have yet to come across an actual bottle of Sriracha. Our order came with 3 packs!!!! read more

Chef China - Mushroom chicken, shrimp chow mein, and snack pack. - Chinese Near Me - Spring Valley, California

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I have gone to Chef China for about 7 times in the past 4 years. The food is always excellent, and the staff are nice. I can't believe the portions...I have eaten the leftovers over a period of 3-4 days. It's not exactly ambient, but it's cash only with no indoor seating; it appears there used to be in-house dining, but likely because of COVID, that changed everything. My opinion completely changed on February 12, 2025, I'd had a half-day assignment at a nearby school, and had bragged to the staff that I was about to order some food from Chef China, "my favorite place," stating that they give such generous portions that the food will last about 3-4 days. The staff were excited and took down their number. Around noon, I happily went to order the egg foo young, sweet sour soup, and chicken chop suey that came with crispy chips, fried rice, and an egg roll. I enjoyed several small meals. On Friday night I went for the last serving. Luckily, it was literally the last scoop put on my plate, but in the far corner of the styrofoam container where the chicken chop suey was, was a curled up long strand of black hair. I couldn't stop gagging, and threw out a huge plate of the chicken chop suey, and the egg foo young. I am so disgusted that I will never eat here again, even if the food is good. I don't think I'll be able to eat any Chinese food anytime soon. I read their reviews. Most are good, but several are negative. One review said they too found a long strand of black hair. Last time I checked, hairnets are supposed to be worn. It's sad because it was the best Chinese food I've ever had. I will be letting the staff I bragged to about what I found. In fact, it was the school that told me years back how great the food is. No one wants to find hair in their food! You have lost a good customer. You couldn't make it up by offering me a free meal. No thanks. I did call the restaurant last night, and the girl only offered to say something to the kitchen staff. A refund would've been a nice offer. Debbie read more

Chef China - Chinese Near Me - Spring Valley, California

Ordered online for pickup of 3 orders of salt and pepper chicken wings and they were amazing! The perfect amount of seasoning and the wings are not too fatty or greasy. I'm already looking forward to ordering it again! read more

Love their beef fried rice or chicken fried rice no msg. I've been going there for over 17 years and love the hospitality and the portions of the food. I can feed my sister and I with one order or just have to enjoy having leftovers . My sister and dad also love ordering the egg flower soup we they are not feeling well and swear it makes them feel better. They love other dishes to. I recommend this place. I've never had a problem ordering either and I have eaten inside and it's a nice place. read more

Been coming here for over 20 years now. It's the closest Chinese restaurant for when I'm craving salt & pepper wings. Their house lo mein is so good. We have also tried their house chow mein (wish it had veggies), Kung Pao Chicken, Mongolian Beef, Hot & Sour Soup, Salt & Pepper Shrimp/Squid/Tofu. Anything salt & pepper is YUMMY. Be warned though: 1) Parking is tight in this strip mall. 2) Cash only, but there's an ATM machine at the 7-11, a Bank of America ATM machine, and across the street is a Wells Fargo. And 3) Only take out option. Since the pandemic they've never opened their seating area back up. They only allow one person at a time inside. Most people call in their order and they give you an estimated time to pick up. We ordered 6 entrees and a soup it was about 40 minutes. read more

Stopped here got house low main hot wings . It was good food. Love house low main and the wings. They were frindly staff. This is one of the best Is Chinese food Resturants in San Diego area. I been back a few time and will again. Thank you. read more

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Excellent food. Casual and very resonable. Great place for Excellent Chinese food. Highly recommend.

Great food, huge portions, it is our go to for Chinese takeout. Great flavors and their chicken wings are awesome!

I have not been here since not long after they opened in the 90's. We lived close by and going here was a special treat. I was searching high and low for some good, authentic Chinese food close to home (El Cajon) and I am so glad this came up on my search. The food is delicious, the quality is pretty good for take- out, the portions are generous. The people working there were kind and friendly. I've read that they take cash only but I was able to order pick- up through Grub- hub, which I appreciated because this meant not driving across town to a drive- through atm since I had all of my kids with me. There is no indoor seating (there used to be when they first opened) but I am grateful they have been able to stay open all these years. Long- live Chef China! read more

Chef China - Salt and Pepper Shrimp Orange Chicken Eggs and Green Onion Fried Rice Everything is delicious!! - Chinese Near Me - Spring Valley, California

**NOTE: This review is based only on the food, since it was ordered through Uber Eats** This place is legit... their salt and pepper wings are awesome! A hit with everyone at home. And they know it cause, they offer a 50 wing platter, at a really good price! Their house special Mabo Tofu is also off the hook, good level of spice (it's got kick but not too much) and the silky tofu is awesome. Our little ones all really enjoyed it (maybe even more than my home cooked one!) Service was super fast, due to an UE error, I had to re-order about 7 dishes (including the 50 wings), they had everything to go in about 35 min... pretty impressive considering the amount. Great place for a great meal! Definitely coming back to quell those hankerings for Chinese cuisine! read more

OMG. The salt and pepper wings are amazing! Several places in the city that make them, but this is the closest to where I live, so I'm glad my friend told me about it. They're generous with the seasoning (chili, garlic, green onions) and the wings are so crispy. The egg flour soup was a bit under seasoned, but had good flavor, so nothing a spoonful of soy sauce couldn't fix. Someone from the restaurant gave me a call to advise me there was something in my order they had run out of and was quick to offer a good alternative, so good customer service. I have actually been in there once (got delivery of things I haven't tried yet this time) and it's small, but dang if it's not some of the best Chinese food I've ever had! read more

This place is amazing and I've only been twice and that's for their salt and pepper chicken wings which are amazingly delicious!!!! read more

Chef China - Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings - Chinese Near Me - Spring Valley, California

All the food that we've eaten here has been delicious. It's the only place we eat Chinese food from salt and pepper wings broccoli beef chow mein all delicious read more

Here's an update as now a regular customer there! Yes, the wait is long. Yes, it's cash only. Yes, it's takeout only. However if you're willing to look past these attributes it's worth it. The portions are large, each dish is made fresh and every time I've gone they were super friendly. They also got more staff! 100% recommend ANY noodle dish **New Notes:** 7/11 has a 10$ MAX. The three ATMs in walking distance are SDCCU, Bank of America and Wells Fargo. read more

I was searching high and low to find Shrimp Egg Foo Young and this restaurant served it. Of course with Covid it's difficult to review the restaurants appearance and service of the staff because most orders are take out. Overall the young man standing about 12 feet away from the front door was cheerful and friendly. He took my order then came forward for me to pay. Twenty minutes or so later I was able to pick up my order. The Shrimp Egg Foo Young was just okay it didn't have much flavor. Some of the other items we ordered were good and tasty: Shrimp Fried Rice, Salty Pepper Chicken Wings were good. The portion sizes were amazing, with the Shrimp Egg Foo Young you got three large patties ( if only they had flavor). I would visit this restaurant again but not for the Shrimp Egg Foo Young! read more

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Usually I go to this Chinese food place on a regular basis? Usually I ordered the same thing most of the time, today,I ordered a combination plate. when I Google the website, the the combination plate came with one egg roll and cream cheese wong tongs ,that's what I ordered so when I call because my Wong tongs are missing out my order. The sassy azz wong tong nazi that worked there today, Who's usually not there ,usually the girls are, Which I've never had a problem with. But this Wong tong nazi decided he wanted to Have a debate about what's on the menu. And what's not on the menu ,and the old menu?And I should be looking at the white one.Not the one that's uploaded on google. Then maybe you should update your menu on Google! First, he told me that they don't do it anymore.And I looked at the old menu then he told me they never did it.So which one is it?Because when you google the website it's on the menu. I will. Say they have good food, but whoever this wong tong Nazi is his customer service is very undesirable. Sassy azz Wong tong nazi update your website! read more

Chef China - Chef China menu on their website . - Chinese Near Me - Spring Valley, California

This is the best damn food you can buy. Loyal customer for 8+ years and never gonna switch up.

We have been coming to this restaurant for about 20 years. My kids grew up on this food. The family is extremely nice and the food is delicious. They take cash only. They no longer do dine in since COVID. read more

We have been looking for our go to Chinese food takeout for awhile now and landed on Chef China. The salt and pepper chicken wings are spot on. We typically order the own ton soup which is also delicious, especially with all the recent rain! The breaded lemon chicken and chicken fried rice rounds off our order and both do not disappoint. Looking forward to tasting throughout the menu as we will definitely become regulars at Chef China. Lastly, a surprising bonus is we have interacted with the owners on several occasions and they are a wonderful family. Makes it that much easier to support a local family run business. read more

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