I'm just a rom-com girl, sitting on my kitchen counter, eating noodles out of the Chinese takeout box. Closest Chinese takeout to my house, annotated menu to order on the phone, which in this romanticized scenario is a landline. Food is ready incredibly fast. They don't ask for a name for your order, they simply read your aura when you walk in. They do have a few tables to eat inside, but I'm sure the majority of their business are phone orders. It gets the job done. Dumplings are always a must-have for me. They're great steamed or fried. Also, who do I have to beg to just give me the MSG? Life is too short. read more

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This place is well deserving of their high rating on Yelp! I had to have an MRI in the area and my husband and I stopped in for lunch on a weekday. They were steady but there was still a table available for us to sit. The service was incredibly friendly and efficient. We both got the lunch sesame chicken with soup and added on an egg roll. The sodas are in bottles but not overpriced at $2.50 each. The total was $38 not including tip for two of us which, in 2026, is reasonable. I got the hot and sour soup and my husband got the egg drop. I didn't try his but he said it was wonderful but the hot and sour may have been the best I've ever had. It had just the right amount of kick, the mushrooms were big and fresh and perfectly cooked, and it was steaming hot! The egg roll was fantastic, and if you are a hot mustard fan definitely ask for a ramekin instead of the packet. It's super hot and made my nose run but the flavor was incredible. The sesame chicken had very light breading, was juicy, large in portion and piece size and all white meat. I think I managed one bite of fried rice before I was full but it was cooked perfectly. Some of the reviews complained about the lack of music playing or art on the walls but truly the friendly service more than makes up for it; I don't go out to eat to listen to their background music, anyway. We will make a point to come back any time we are in the area. read more

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This is the best Chinese food I've ever had. The food is so good but what makes it even better is the people and the service. I've eaten here a lot so they know my name and what I like to eat there and it really makes me feel good and excited to go there. They are the nicest people and I like to go even if I don't want Chinese food that bad because I like seeing them and supporting their business! I recommend anyone who wants Chinese food to go here, everything on their menu is good!! read more

Chinese takeout at its finest. With a healthy claim of no MSG inclusion, this local spot is sure to see repeat business. Offering primarily a takeout experience, this restaurant was clean, fast and friendly with the standard menu offerings you're accustomed to at Chinese restaurants. An immediate standout was the personal touch of plastic wrapping the hot foods to keep the warm and prevent spillage in transit. The chicken in the fried rice was well seasoned and stuck out as better than any CFR we've had previously. The mandarin chicken had a subtle kick with generous portions of chicken amongst the onions and green peppers. The eggroll had a perfectly crisp exterior and a pro is to dip it in their yum yum sauce (must be requested) Crab Rangoons were on par with competitors in the area. Overall, Chen Express II is a great spot to get a takeout dinner for the family that is sure to fit the pallet of everyone. read more

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Awesome food. Fresh and delicious. I love their Teriyaki Chicken. It's addictive. The House Seafood Soup is loaded with seafood and vegetables. I really love the spring rolls, too. Alfred M. read more

Best egg drop soup to be found anywhere. The staff could be friendlier. The woman with the ponytail is rude. She never says a nice word/not thank you or how can I help you. The taller woman is always smiling a friendly. I did not like their egg rolls//too greasy and not flavorful. The seating is just 4 tables but it seems to work since their takeout seems to be the bulk of their business. read more

awesome as always! it's always a pleasure to see the people there and the food is exceptional (best chinese food in town)!!

Service was great. Food was ready for pickup at the promised time. Cost was reasonable. There were six people in our group. We ordered vegetable fried rice, steamed vegetables, sesame chicken, chicken lo mein and egg drop soup. The chicken lo mein was okay, but the fried rice was disappointing - limited amount of vegetables and rather dry. The other items were good, but we have had better. read more

It's more than just a great little Chinese place to me. I first went to CE2 with my daughter when she was not far past a toddler. I know from experience having to please a young child in a restaurant isn't always easy; but those wonderful girls (whom I suppose have become staple citizens in Cahaba Heights by now) never failed to prepare my daughter's meals exactly as she wanted, and with a friendly quiet grace that I came to appreciate even more than the great food. Any deviations we've ever asked for from the menu have never been the slightest problem. The food is healthy, and for only a pittance more than you'd pay for fast food. We celebrated my daughter's 21st birthday lately. She's off in college now in Ohio; but whenever she makes it home from school, I never have to ask where she wants to have lunch or dinner. It's always going to be Chen Express II. read more

Portion size alone, I would give five stars. I ordered the Chicken Fried Rice with an egg roll and the rice was plentiful. It was not a bad meal. However, it was something about the chicken that I didn't care for. I am not sure if it was the texture or what. I don't mind trying this restaurant again but maybe ordering the Shrimp Fried Rice if possible and an extra egg roll. The ladies at the counter were very welcoming and appear to really get to know their regular customers. I observed their interactions while waiting for my food and that was a good feeling. read more

Chen Express II - Chicken Fried Rice - Chinese Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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This is the best Chinese takeout in the world. I know it's a bold claim. I know it is. And truly I only order sesame chicken, which I know is not that crazy, but it is so yummy every time. I have never had a bad experience, nor have I ever met a rude worker there, they're always so kind! Well done Chen Express, I love you! read more

Very solid takeout Chinese Food. If you want to pick up some sesame chicken or fried rice, take it home and wind down to a nice cozy Christmas movie, this is the food for you. Not only is it tasty but they give you tons of food. You are really paying for two meals. read more

Best Chinese food in Birmingham! The ladies who manage everything are amazing. They are so friendly when I walk in the door. It's definitely a take-out spot, but eating in is fun too. The dining area is clean and the people watching is fun due to the high volume of business. On Friday, I always think to myself, "maybe I should get Chinese today because Chen's is closed tomorrow. What if I have a major craving?" Lol. read more

The service is outstanding. I call my order in and it is ready when I arrive. Food is authentic Chinese food. we do a pickup from there about every other week. Mandarin chicken is my favorite. They are cordial every time I visit and even call me by my name. Johnny read more

Best Chinese in Birmingham! The service is always top notch. The House Lo Mein, Sesame Shrimp, Wonton Soup, and Hot and Sour Soup are favorites. The homemade hot mustard is a must try if you like heat! read more

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We used to live near the original Chen Express and loved it. Their delivery was predictable timing wise always and we knew the food we were getting. This new location we have only used once and they only have carry out. Not far from. But just different from our last situation. The food was really good. I would say a step down from our one experience. But we will see with time. Because this is a long term stop for us and the first try was pretty good. Got to give it more than one chance. Mongolian beef was great. Rice was decent. Like I said, we will try many more times since it is our one place. But it wasn't up to the expectation we had with our old location. We will see! read more

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This is "my" Chen Express - I've frequented this Cahaba Heights location since my children were old enough to love fried rice. Before this one existed, I went to the one in Crestline - Chen has awesome food. My personal favorite is their Moo Shu Pork. Sautéed cabbage and pork with those thin pancakes and delicious brown sauce - they are generous with their pork in this dish, and it's juicy without being greasy. My daughters always fight over the sesame chicken (we get two orders now), and they love chicken fried rice and lo mein. I have enjoyed every dish I've had here - everything is high quality and prepared with care and without MSG, the dishes I've noted above are just our "go to" dishes. I also love their egg foo young - generous servings and some of the best flavors ever. Mongolian beef is delicious as well, though generally a smaller serving than their usual. Hot and sour soup is perfect and my favorite home remedy for a cold. Friendly service and great food - I can't stop coming back!! read more

Quick fast friendly service. There were large portions and the food was delicious. Not greasy and full of flavor

Google did not mislead on this recommendation. Fresh made to order and seasoned perfectly for those that like robust flavor. Not too greasy or too salty or too hard or too overdone...they know how to cook and they care about how the customer perceives the taste. Definitely coming back for more and keeping my leftovers. read more

Chen Express II - General Tso's Chicken dinner size - Chinese Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Walked in this place today and received one of the best greetings ever for a takeout restaurant. Outside seating was available as an option and very much appreciated. Small area for inside seating and appeared to be very clean. Since this was my first time, I ordered sesame chicken, chicken fried rice, crab Rangoon and fried wontons. The portions were enough for 4 people. The chicken, rice and crab Rangoon was was great. I found the wontons to be a little chewy. I would return. read more

I have been frequenting this business for nearly 15 years. It's a quaint dining room but they do tremendous takeout business. The people are so friendly and kind. In no time, they remember you and your order. The food is so good (the only egg rolls I'll eat) and prices are very reasonable I love the Sesame Chicken or Mongolian Chicken (I order mine spicy) The house fried rice is really good too. (And likely enough to feed two people.) Try it. You'll surely be pleased. read more

We have been ordering from Chen Express 2 for many years. It is always so fresh, hot and delicious! Great menu choices. Healthy choices! wonderful customer service. Always friendly and accommodating. Very clean. read more

Best Lunch around the Summit! Love their Fried Rice lunch combo. Perfect for a quick and affordable meal. Delicious! read more

Chen Express II - Fried Rice - Chinese Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Great place. I was looking for a great new Chinese take out since moving to this side of town. Tried three in the area - Chen Express II is the best by far! Fresh food, great flavor, and the personalized service is over the top great!!! This is going to become my once a week place!!!!! Bob read more

Finally a place that serves delicious almond chicken, yummy fried rice and well seasoned and not greasy eggrolls! All three were stellar here--I know my go to take out when I'm in the Birmingham area now! read more

Best Chinese food in Birmingham. Spicy sesame chicken is great. The service is excellent and very friendly. It's worth the easy trip to Cahaba Heights. The atmosphere is somewhat simple but don't let that fool you. read more

This place has THE BEST food in Alabama hands down. The portions are always perfect and the food is top quality. As far as the staff, they are always so nice and make you feel like family. I would give them 10 stars if I could. This place is definitely a hidden gem. read more

Some of the best Chinese takeout in the Birmingham area. Always fresh and large pieces of chicken breast, large portions, and reasonable prices. Has become our go-to takeout read more

The best Mongolian Beef in Birmingham. Great food and service for a takeout restaurant.

I have several friends who have talked about loving the food from Chen Express II, so late one afternoon I decided to try it and take it home. I had the shrimp lo mein which came with white rice and an egg roll. They gave me a very nice service of Plum sauce after I requested it at no charge. The food was still very hot when I got it home to Homewood. The lo mein was PLENTY for two hungry folks and it was great.....lots of really good sized shrimp, also. The egg roll was hot and tasty. There was plenty of parking outside and I could have easily eaten inside as there were many tables ready and waiting. They also have a nice sized outdoor patio that I believe had umbrellas even. I am a fan now as I have tried many Asian restaurants all over Birmingham and I would not return to any of those. Chen Express II I will return to! It was great and I am just sorry it took me sooooo long to find it. A winner yea!!!! What more could you ask for? read more

Amazing food! Quick, great service. Sesame chicken is so good! Highly recommend Chen Express. The staff is very friendly too! We always order to go from here when we're craving Chinese food! read more

Excellent food and service. Will be back ! We recently stumbled upon this location looking for a good place to go for lunch. What a great find! read more

"Best Egg-rolls & Soup in Town" 5 If you're looking for the perfect lunch destination, then Chen Express is the place to go! The Egg-rolls They come with your meal! They have this flavor to them that is unmatched by anyone in town! You can really tell that the chef takes his /her time seasoning and prepping this bad boys! They are fried to a crispy perfection with a golden brown finish! The Soup Receives the same high praise as the egg rolls. I had the wonton soup this time and egg drop previously. Neither soup will disappoint, but the Wonton is definitely my favorite. The Mandarin Chicken The chicken they use has to be the highest quality chicken I've ever had for the price you pay! It too was fried to perfection, savory, & very juicy. The chicken also had bit of a snappy crunch when I bit into it! The portion of rice is less than what another place might give, but I was too full by the end of my meal to even finish what was on my plate anyways! So my eyes were bigger than my stomach. You will not he disappointed when you go. The meals are simple, but prepared wit love, obviously!! The Staff They are always friendly and inviting. Attentive to everyone that enters and remembers their frequent visitors! Felt like I was welcomed into someone's home when I sat down. read more

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Best chinese place I've found in Birmingham. I love the food, and great customer service. Conveniently located behind the Summit off 280.

Chen Express II is our go to Chinese restaurant. But since Covid things have changed. The quality and taste of the food has never wavered. Now the prices have gone up and the portions have shrunk considerably. read more

Best Chinese food ever & the service cannot be beat. Speedy, friendly & delicious!!!!

Love it, best freshest, fastest most consistent American Chinese in Birmingham area. Just wish they were open Saturdays.

Hands down the best chinese I've had in bham. Great food, lunch specials, and friendly staff. The fried rice and lomein are really good but the mongolian beef is my favorite. Great lunch specials that come with soup, egg roll, and fried rice. This place has the best egg rolls I've ever had. Seating is limited inside and it gets pretty busy around noon so come early. read more

Chen Express II - Mongolian beef w fried rice - Chinese Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Amazing spot! This is my go-to spot for American Chinese food (interesting fact: Chinese immigrants actually created American Chinese food as a way to cater to American audience and for work during a moment in time where they were facing large amounts of discrimination in the US, an amazing feat) I always get the sesame tofu along with fried rice. Honestly it's fast, cheap, and always fresh and tasty. What more could you want? The service is always fast and super friendly too! I love coming here cause I know the food will be good and that I'm supporting an amazing local business that cares about its customers. This place can't be beat! :) read more

As far as good Chinese food is concerned, Birmingham is pretty limited. Chen Express II (because apparently there is a Chen Express I in Mountain Brook) is quite good. It is not the super authentic type from California, but it is good by Bham standards. I personally love the hot and sour soup. A large is plenty for two people. The fried rice is hands down the best thing on the menu. The quantity is quite large and it made me regret ordering two things. I believe this is a relationship of convenience. It is the closest Chinese restaurant and it is not too pricey. Sadly, my favorite Chinese restaurant is Panda Express. read more

Chen Express II - Chinese Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama