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Absolutely amazing food! I am blown away! The orange chicken was to die for and the sesame chicken was equally amazing. I'm a huge texture person and they nailed that crispy outside and chewy. The server was so helpful and friendly. I'm sad this isn't anywhere near my house because I'd eat here often. What an amazing find!
The interior and exterior did not let on the quality of vegan food inside. Top tier vegan Chinese that is just as good as vegan food I've had in New York city and Philadelphia. The sesame "chicken" and orange "chicken" were better than other vegan chicken I've had. Highly recommend even if you aren't vegan (I'm not). It's mostly soy based meat substitutes with some tempeh based.
This is a vegan paradise! All of the food is vegan, the menu is extensive, and the prices are fair. We ordered appetizers and an entree. We had enough food left over for each of us to have another meal. The food was so good that I only got photos of our entrees. When our main course arrived we were so excited to try it that we forgot to take pictures. Parking on the street or parking behind the building if you're really good backing up in tight places. We drove from Lancaster, and it's worth the drive. We'll be back.
First time here and already planning to go back again soon. The food was so tasty and the service was great. I had the orange chickn and my colleague had the teriyaki chickn. Both dishes were great and bribing someone with me who isn't vegan she said she wanted to meet there again- high praise imo! It's a cute little place with only a few tables so if you go at peak times might not be able to find one.
Super fresh vegan Chinese food. Can't complain honestly, sweetest staff ever, which just makes you want to support them even more. First time and we got a lot of food - beef and mixed veg, chicken fried rice, chicken lo mein, wonton soup, seafood delight, seaweed salad, steamed dumplings, and cheesecake. Top picks were the cheesecake, seaweed salad, and chicken lo mein. Bottom pics were the seafood delight. Everything else was solidly good. No grease, no MSGs, so everything feels good to eat. It's funny, you actually notice how much salt and MSG is in your normal vegan chinese food once you have this and it kinda makes you feel a little guilty. Biggest note: this is a small operation. Super limited indoor seating, and sometimes long wait times for to-go orders. Be nice, and they'll be nice back. This is such a blessing to have in Berks County.
Chen is delicious! I am not vegetarian, however my friend is, so I was eager to give it a try to see how the "meat" tasted. Everything is phenomenal and you will be impressed with the taste and quality of the food. The owner is very friendly and the atmosphere is nice. It's right on the strip of Penn Ave so afterwards you can go for a nice walk. Definitely give Chen a try, even if you aren't vegetarian!
Was looking for dinner around town on a Friday evening. Saw this place had great reviews so decided to try it out. Tried to call in my order but the line was busy, so I assumed they were busy since it was a Friday. So, I drove here to order in person. Place was empty. Anywho, got to the register to order. The lady asks if I've ever been there before and I tell her no. She then proceeds to tell me that it's a vegetarian place which means there's no meat. I kinda understood that from the name (lol) but I just replied okay. Ordered the sesame "chicken", pad kee mai with "chicken", spring rolls (2 come in 1 order) & the cheesecake. Sesame "chicken": DIVINE! Tasted so good. Very good flavor and didn't make me miss real chicken one bit. Loved how it wasn't soggy and they tried to make it crispy which was a nice touch. Pad Kee Mai: spicy! Good flavor and texture. Very filling. Spring rolls: delicious! Could taste a hint of basil but wasn't overwhelming and was very crunchy. A bit small in my opinion for $5 but still good. Cheesecake: yummy! Tastes like a caramel cheesecake but not overwhelming. Tasty and my stomach won't hurt because it's dairy free! Overall delicious. Definitely will be my go-to for Chinese food now. All the food came up to a little over $30 for an appetizer, 2 entrees and dessert. Worth every penny.
Great vegan takeout Chinese in the Reading area! I got the chicken wings on a sugarcane stick and sesame "chicken." It was pretty good, and the sugarcane stick for the chicken wings was a unique and environmentally friendly idea. The sesame chicken was pretty good, although slightly chewy on the first day (there was plenty for leftovers!). I think this place is around 4 stars, but having a completely vegan Chinese restaurant in Reading is amazing.
Open for takeout only as of this writing. I wisely called in so I could talk a bit, and landed on some Singapore curry noodles. I was reminded that this place is vegetarian; I guess every now and then a customer gets surprised by this. The dish I picked up was a good portion of aromatic thin rice noodles with just a bit of kick and a large volume of various soy-based fake meats. I'm not a huge fake meat person, but these were fine enough. If I had my way, I'd want more things on the menu like broad beans, peanuts, and cashews for protein, and I'd also lose the broccoli and get some more Chinese vegetables. But I'm glad they're here, and the menu as it is has plenty that I would like to try.
6 months ago
Very nice and clean all vegan restaurant in Reading. The noodles were a tad bit turmericy but overall the taste was good. Everything was freshly made and the service was prompt. It's not very clear from the google reviews but their chicken and beef and are soy based. I recommend this all vegan restaurant! read more
All vegan and close enough to the real thing - Beef Ho Fun, Orange Beef, and brown rice. I did take out and they expected preparation to be 15 minutes but it was probably 7-10. The staffer gave me a free water bottle which was nice of her. Vegans have raved about this place before and I see why. There are a few seats for dine in if you wish. read more
The food is amazing, and this is coming from a Chinese person who grew up vegetarian! I love the flavors in each of the dishes. The soy proteins are delicious in themselves, but the vegetable dishes (ie garlic eggplant) is to die for as well. I ate here twice in a span of two weeks because I couldn't get enough! The service was great when I dined in, and I also did take out which was convenient and ready in a timely manner. Overall would recommend this place for authentic Chinese food, regardless of whether you're vegetarian. read more
Absolutely amazing food! I am blown away! The orange chicken was to die for and the sesame chicken was equally amazing. I'm a huge texture person and they nailed that crispy outside and chewy. The server was so helpful and friendly. I'm sad this isn't anywhere near my house because I'd eat here often. What an amazing find! read more
1 year ago
The interior and exterior did not let on the quality of vegan food inside. Top tier vegan Chinese that is just as good as vegan food I've had in New York city and Philadelphia. The sesame "chicken" and orange "chicken" were better than other vegan chicken I've had. Highly recommend even if you aren't vegan (I'm not). It's mostly soy based meat substitutes with some tempeh based. read more
9 months ago
2 years ago
1 year ago
9 months ago
3 years ago
This is a vegan paradise! All of the food is vegan, the menu is extensive, and the prices are fair. We ordered appetizers and an entree. We had enough food left over for each of us to have another meal. The food was so good that I only got photos of our entrees. When our main course arrived we were so excited to try it that we forgot to take pictures. Parking on the street or parking behind the building if you're really good backing up in tight places. We drove from Lancaster, and it's worth the drive. We'll be back. read more
2 years ago
First time here and already planning to go back again soon. The food was so tasty and the service was great. I had the orange chickn and my colleague had the teriyaki chickn. Both dishes were great and bribing someone with me who isn't vegan she said she wanted to meet there again- high praise imo! It's a cute little place with only a few tables so if you go at peak times might not be able to find one. read more
Super fresh vegan Chinese food. Can't complain honestly, sweetest staff ever, which just makes you want to support them even more. First time and we got a lot of food - beef and mixed veg, chicken fried rice, chicken lo mein, wonton soup, seafood delight, seaweed salad, steamed dumplings, and cheesecake. Top picks were the cheesecake, seaweed salad, and chicken lo mein. Bottom pics were the seafood delight. Everything else was solidly good. No grease, no MSGs, so everything feels good to eat. It's funny, you actually notice how much salt and MSG is in your normal vegan chinese food once you have this and it kinda makes you feel a little guilty. Biggest note: this is a small operation. Super limited indoor seating, and sometimes long wait times for to-go orders. Be nice, and they'll be nice back. This is such a blessing to have in Berks County. read more
2 years ago
Chen is delicious! I am not vegetarian, however my friend is, so I was eager to give it a try to see how the "meat" tasted. Everything is phenomenal and you will be impressed with the taste and quality of the food. The owner is very friendly and the atmosphere is nice. It's right on the strip of Penn Ave so afterwards you can go for a nice walk. Definitely give Chen a try, even if you aren't vegetarian! read more
Was looking for dinner around town on a Friday evening. Saw this place had great reviews so decided to try it out. Tried to call in my order but the line was busy, so I assumed they were busy since it was a Friday. So, I drove here to order in person. Place was empty. Anywho, got to the register to order. The lady asks if I've ever been there before and I tell her no. She then proceeds to tell me that it's a vegetarian place which means there's no meat. I kinda understood that from the name (lol) but I just replied okay. Ordered the sesame "chicken", pad kee mai with "chicken", spring rolls (2 come in 1 order) & the cheesecake. Sesame "chicken": DIVINE! Tasted so good. Very good flavor and didn't make me miss real chicken one bit. Loved how it wasn't soggy and they tried to make it crispy which was a nice touch. Pad Kee Mai: spicy! Good flavor and texture. Very filling. Spring rolls: delicious! Could taste a hint of basil but wasn't overwhelming and was very crunchy. A bit small in my opinion for $5 but still good. Cheesecake: yummy! Tastes like a caramel cheesecake but not overwhelming. Tasty and my stomach won't hurt because it's dairy free! Overall delicious. Definitely will be my go-to for Chinese food now. All the food came up to a little over $30 for an appetizer, 2 entrees and dessert. Worth every penny. read more
6 years ago
Great vegan takeout Chinese in the Reading area! I got the chicken wings on a sugarcane stick and sesame "chicken." It was pretty good, and the sugarcane stick for the chicken wings was a unique and environmentally friendly idea. The sesame chicken was pretty good, although slightly chewy on the first day (there was plenty for leftovers!). I think this place is around 4 stars, but having a completely vegan Chinese restaurant in Reading is amazing. read more
4 years ago
2 years ago
Open for takeout only as of this writing. I wisely called in so I could talk a bit, and landed on some Singapore curry noodles. I was reminded that this place is vegetarian; I guess every now and then a customer gets surprised by this. The dish I picked up was a good portion of aromatic thin rice noodles with just a bit of kick and a large volume of various soy-based fake meats. I'm not a huge fake meat person, but these were fine enough. If I had my way, I'd want more things on the menu like broad beans, peanuts, and cashews for protein, and I'd also lose the broccoli and get some more Chinese vegetables. But I'm glad they're here, and the menu as it is has plenty that I would like to try. read more
3 years ago
Extensive vegetarian menu will have leaf-eaters raving, but unsatisfying meat alternatives will leave carnivores wanting. I came here because my friend was trying to eat healthy. I wanted Chinese. Chen's was the compromise. This should be obvious, but there is no meat on the premises. The menu will list chicken, beef, pork, etc., but they will all be soy-based replications. The chicken substitute is probably the best. The texture and consistency is pretty close to actual chicken. I can't say the same for beef. Unlike chicken, beef has distinct, inherent flavor. It's probably very difficult to recreate, but my taste buds were not fooled regardless of how hard I tried to convince myself otherwise. Next time, I'm going to just get normal vegetable entrees. No more of this imitation meat stuff. It's not satisfying to eat, and I actually do really enjoy sauteed/roasted veg in flavorful sauces. Someone posted a picture of eggplant in chili sauce, and it looked fantastic. Definitely going to try that one down the road. One quasi-disappointment was the hot and sour soup. Good flavor, but hardly any body. Hot and sour soup is typically one of the heartier Chinese soups. Lots of veg, chunks of tofu, thick broth... but not here. Vegetarian or not, Chen's take on this classic leaves a lot to be desired. read more
4 years ago
8 years ago
Finally found a place in Reading! Recently went vegan and as you all know, the hardest part to staying committed is wondering what you are going to eat. With that said, decided to stop by Chen. Wasn't sure what I was going to order but the customer service was great for only two employees. With so many great options, I asked one of them "what were some popular items" and eventually she helped me decide to get 1) General TSO Chicken (Not really chicken) 2) Vegan Chicken Nuggets (AMAZING) Both items were incredible and I will be back TOMORROW or maybe EVERYDAY! You really deserve the 5 stars for your creativity with amazing flavor. read more
7 years ago
6 years ago
As a vegan it's not easy replicating the classic Chinese favorites. This place made dishes better than the classic dishes!! All vegan but you wouldn't even know it. I only wish I lived closer! read more
6 years ago
Great for take out! I'm not a full vegetarian (still eat fish & fowl) but their "chicken" is beyond delicious. Thinking I can eliminate that next with this as an option. Try it! read more
7 years ago
We ordered a mixed veg to be picked up. Half an hour after having placed the order when we reached the restaurant to pick it up, the lady proceeded to fill the rice box while a gent there began making the dish. We waited for five minutes while they put together the meal. In all the years of ordering food this was a new experience. At a place with a lot of footfall, and patrons waiting, one can be expected to wait for their order in the queue. Here though it was like the folks wanted to be sure that someone was going to turn up for the food, only after which they would make it. When we walked in at around 8PM, the place had absolutely no one. The dish was very tasteless and it was just a bunch of veggies that had been tossed in a wok for a few minutes. There was no gravy or flavors and frankly I shouldn't have expected any after the quick action entree that I received. I stopped by after reading the awesome reviews and have to say that things weren't the same for me. There is street parking and the establishment is right across Wendy's on the other side. read more
Horrible experience. Never been to a Vegan restaurant and been treated like my family was here. We travel all over the country trying vegan food, and made a special trip off the freeway on the way to the Poconos to try this place. When we walked in, the rude lady behind the counter refused to serve a group of 5. She literally asked our party size, said she didn't have a table that sat five people, then walked around and ignored us standing near the counter for five minutes. Other customers were gazing at the situation, like 'is this chick for real?' Unfortunately, she was! We spend GOOD money in vegan places, as is evidenced by my review history on Yelp...cannot believe the lady treated my wife, myself and our children the way she did. They might serve great food (place smelled of nothing but fryer oil, though), but when you're a vegan place, you shouldn't be turning folks away that fit that niche...ever! Stay away from this place until they learn how to take care of customers!!! read more
5 years ago
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13 years ago
Hallelujah. It's finally open. Berks County's first all-vegetarian restaurant is here. And it didn't disappoint. We had a well-rounded lunch with soups, appetizers and main courses. (There are very affordable lunch specials which I will sample at some future time. But the temptations of this large and diverse menu were too much to resist limiting us to the lunch specials.) Both the hot and sour and tom yum soups were phenomenal. Perfect for a crisp fall day. The scallion pancakes were good and crunchy and the King Oyster mushroom appetizers with a nice lemon sauce were irresistible. These mushrooms with a just right salt and pepper flavoring are a novel idea that would be perfect cocktail party snacky food. The teriyaki seitan main course was on a bed of snow peas and zucchini. The seitan had nice texture and flavoring and it's something different from the usual Chinese veggie menu. The curry with fake shrimp was also outstanding. We also tried two of the healthy juice options (there are smoothies too that we didn't try). Some of the juices are from vegetables, some are from fruit. The two we had were a pleasant alternative to soda and bottled juice. Chen must really be commended for having these tasty and healthy drinks. Such a nice complement to a meal. It's the best of both worlds here. As I said there are affordable lunch specials. And there's take out if you want to eat at home or at work instead. But there are also tables to sit down and savor the food from the very large menu -- that offers mostly Chinese veggie food, but also some Thai selections, sandwiches and even soy milk shakes and ice cream. It's going to take some time to work through this menu! They've really made some effort to make the best of the space here. The chairs are comfortable and there are two more private tables in front near the storefront window that would be perfect for a date night. I don't know who these people are that opened this place. But we who live here ought to be on our knees thanking them for coming to this desert of options for vegetarians and vegans. It was so encouraging to see many people coming in to both eat there and take food out. We are more than ready for this place! This is more than a restaurant, it's a game-changer to improve the culture of this area. I don't have any connection to the people who own or work at this restaurant. So I'm saying this without any agenda: This restaurant must be visited and visited often. And Chen will satisfy carnivores looking for a break. So Berks County vegetarians and vegans, listen up: no more settling for substandard local places with depressing and unimaginative veggie options. Because you can bring the meat eaters to Chen. They'll like it. Everything has changed now. No more brew pubs with a veggie burger flung at you or Italian restaurants with overpriced overboiled pasta that you can make much better at home. Tell your carnivore friends to go with you to Chen. They owe it to you. How many times have you settled for french fries or a salad at local restaurants because there isn't anything else vegetarian or vegan? It's time to turn the tables and bring the meat eaters here. So meat eaters: give this a try. It's like eating another ethnic food. Or it's like any other Chinese place but healthier. You'll be surprised at how much faux meat tastes like real meat. Veggie and vegan people: this means no more road trips to Su Tao in Malvern or to Chinatown in Philadelphia to hunt down this kind of food. We can now have this food on a everyday basis in our own county. Wow. And to add to the list of good things about this place -- there are no televisions. Live long and prosper here Chen! read more
8 years ago
AMAZING FOOD! We were visiting from Austin, TX and we're searching for a Vegan restaurant - this one impressed myself and my Vegan boyfriend but also his typically meat eating and skeptical father and brother enjoyed it also! Thank you so much Chen's House! The waitress was lovely also! Will be eating here every single time we are in town! Things we ordered - Eggplant Chicken, Asparagus with Beef Tips, Pad Thai with Chicken, Spring rolls, Curry Rolls, Scallion Pancakes and CHEESECAKE! YUM read more
13 years ago
8 years ago
I came here once while I was in Reading, and wish I had a chance to go again! This place is absolutely great for vegans, since nothing is made from animal products. You get a lot of bang for your buck - the portions are HUGE! We ordered the Pad Kee Mao with "beef", the sesame "chicken", and eggplant w/ chili sauce. The Pad Kee Mao was BY FAR my favorite, I couldn't stop eating it! The flavor was so satisfying, with just the right amount of spice. My boyfriend, an avid meat and cheese lover, was very impressed by the "beef", saying that it could have fooled him. Personally, I could tell it was soy beef, but I loved the texture/flavor so much I didn't care! The sesame chicken is also a good option - the "chicken" is quite convincing, reminds me of Panda Express chicken. The eggplant was a little overwhelming, I wish it was a side instead of a whole dish. The flavor was great but quite oily and we couldn't finish it all - don't think I'd get it again, and I definitely would not get it on it's own. Overall, the place is really clean, but it's small and HOT - there doesn't seem to be any AC, just one big fan. I'd recommend takeout! read more
13 years ago
Super food & service! I went w/my Vegan son...a little afraid...but everything we had was GREAT!!! NO MEAT...but somehow tasted like chicken!! & beef...don't know how they do it but really everything was great!! Cleaner than my kitchen...too!! Will be back!! read more
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More info about Chen Vegetarian House
709 Penn Ave
West Reading, PA 19611
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(610) 374-2288
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https://www.chenvegetarianhousepa.com/i4q6y89p/restaurant/order-online
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