Well the food use to be good, but the last couple of times the preparations have lost the plot. The last time I ordered Kung Pao Chicken, they served cashews instead of peanuts. That's a problem if the cook can't identify peanuts and cashews. This time I ordered the Twice Cooked Pork and received thick planks of overcooked pork. Traditionally this dish is made with a spicy red bean paste. Maybe the cook was confused and was attempting to season and cook it like Pernil because this one was made with red food colouring and cayenne. The flavours and cooking taste like someone has poorly cooked Latino food all their life or are attempting to destroy what was once a good Chinese takeaway. Will need to find a takeout now where people respect the cuisine they are cooking. 糟糕的食物 (zāogāo de shíwù) read more

Their quality has changed. I used to love their steamed dumplings & very legit dipping sauce (I can cook the stuff on my own but sooo much work). This last time I got it the sauce was ok but the dumplings were just not the same. Bummer. Of course prices have gone up, so paying more for a lesser taste experience is not a win in my book. I also ordered my fave moo shoo chicken- which came with the 'pancakes' but no duk sauce. This is a big oversight for this dish. And also no rice. Service was quick & friendly -ambiance, well, I ran in & out. I also missed the days when this place gave you a free 3-liter when you spent a certain amount...new management, perhaps? I'd still give them another try tho- we go back a ways.... read more

Garbage, absolute filth. This restaurant, once a staple of the culinary life of Mathews, offers a healthy dose of subpar Chinese rubbish with a healthy dose of CCP nationalism . I have been a patron of this restaurant for over a decade now. The new management team is awful. I have never been so embarrassed in a public setting. The service was indicative of a group of people who willfully disrespect American culture. So sad. For over a decade, this restaurant was a cornerstone of Mathews' culinary scene. However, recent visits have revealed a significant decline in both quality and service. The new management has failed to uphold the restaurant's previous standards, resulting in disasterous offerings that fail to meet basic expectations. The service was particularly disappointing, characterized by inefficiency and a lack of professionalism. Additionally, there were disturbing instances of racial discrimination towards Black, Native American, White and Latino patrons, which is unacceptable and deeply troubling. This evident disregard for cultural sensitivities and customer satisfaction left me embarrassed in a public setting. The decline in quality and the apparent racism are truly regrettable. read more

After some poor past experiences here, I reluctantly ordered dinner from here last night because my family wanted Chinese and it was closest. Happy to report the sesame chicken with fried rice was hands down the best dish I've had from here in a long time and several visits. Not sure if they actively tried to get back to how I remember it being when I first tried it years ago. All in all I was impressed by the food this time. read more

Local restaurant, food is good and always consistent. Been going here for several years. Food is always good.

Ordered orange chicken not spicy hot but it was. Took it back but they wanted to argue and wouldn't make another one not hot. We won't be going there again. read more

I have been going here for years and the food is always top quality and at a good value.

Great food great price Love the chicken and broccoli and beef and broccoli and sesame chicken read more

Food is delicious!!! Since I've moved here it's been one of my favorite places to pick up food from. Manager/owner also recognizes me when I call and food is always ready so definitely recommend them!! read more

I've ordered from this restaurant once before about 1.5 months prior to this visit.. They seem to keep busy with customers. Of the 49 countries I've visited in my lifetime, i have also visited several parts of China on three different trips since 1996. Because of my enthusiasm about Asian foods, I can state that not only do I make an amazing and authentic tasting Chinese Noodle Soup with Oxtails, but also, a very decent Fried Rice. (with or without a protein) The other thing i want to say, as a world traveler and new to NC, I have taken note that a few restaurants I've been to here are great! A few others are actually posing as 'authentic' and simply capitalizing on it's customers who may not know what the food should taste like, but will charge 'import' prices because they know that many will romance the exoticism and pay the higher prices for something that would be unacceptable in the country/culture of it's origins. Okay! Enough said on that. As an after-school meal and while unpacking from a recent move, i decided to drop by Chinese Cafe for take out for my daughter and I. It's in a shopping center with a major grocery store. It's not a fancy place, but more the community take out spot that one can eat in if one chooses.. My daughter ordered the Orange Chicken Combo. I ordered a simple Chicken Fried Rice. I saw there were no chopsticks and i requested some with the humored comment that the food "tastes better" with chopsticks. I paid $20 for the two dishes. The food was cooked there and packaged hot to go. I drove home, poured some of my food into a bowl (to make it easier to eat with chopsticks), thanked the Universe for the meal and proceeded to eat the food. By the 2nd bite, I'm sorry to admit that I had to get up, get a napkin and spit the food out! I can't pinpoint what it was, but that was the worst Chicken Fried Rice I'd ever tasted. I tasted my daughter's orange chicken. It was just okay. The batter on the chicken was a little thick and doey, but tolerable. As for my dish, I felt so upset about the disappointing taste and decided to call the restaurant to see if I could exchange it for something else. I was also trying to give this place a chance. I was sure that this was an isolated incident, since this was my second time there. I was being rushed off the phone due to another call coming in. After arriving there, She asked what I wanted instead. I thought, maybe the ribs with steamed rice might be better and still simple. I drove back with remaining rice in the take-out box and with the 'yuck' taste still in my mouth. I was asked what was problem. I wasnt really sure. I just knew i really disliked the taste of it and it did not taste fresh. I speculated it might have been the oil. It tasted old. I asked if they used sesame oil. She proudly replied that it was veggie oil. (as if she thought I disliked sesame oil) My bigger issue was the lack of integrity in how this was handled as a customer service. The replacement dish was only $2 more. I probably spent more than that in gas driving back to China Cafe to exchange the yucky rice dish and was willing to give the business another chance to give me something that tasted like it was supposed to and keep me as a returning customer. She also stated that she remembered when I had come before. She proceeded to charge me more money for my inconvenience. I just smiled, said "It's okay" and quietly walked out. I will never spend my money there again because China Cafe had a blatant lack of concern or appreciation in my attempts to remedy this matter, of which I strongly believe was the fault of the business who falsely claim that they sell "authentic" Chinese food. This is as far east from the truth as China is from the USA. I felt dismissed as someone less than the steady customer I was attempting to be and Im sorry this business was unable to acknowledge this over only $2. read more

China Cafe - I'm sorry, but this was the worst Chicken Fried Rice Ive ever tasted... - Chinese Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

Best Chinese food next to New York. We moved here 2 years ago, and this restaurant has become a favorite of ours.

Food was great! Changed management or maybe just staff some time ago, smaller portions raised prices. Also their free food promotion has been raised quite a bit! Barely short within cents of promotion before taxes, also they received a rather large tip. Previous management would make aware of free promotions, but nope not new management. After being ignored for asking about the promotion they said it's in the bag. It being a pickup order I didn't realize it was not in the bag.. again food is great, fyi read more

I was craving some fried chicken as I do not indulge in unhealthy food often and this was just terrible they mixed in couple of Fresh fried chicken wings with old and dry ones! This wasn't good at all I don't think it be ordering from here again read more

The people are super nice and the place looks clean However the sesame shrimp was not great or the "chow mein" or the egg rolls or the so call "fried rice". read more

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Another restaurant has changed due to possibly covid 19. Stopped in for my usual order only to find that prices have risen above what I am willing to pay for average Chinese food.. A normal order used to cost around 45 dollars same order now 60, a 25% price hike is more than I want to pay. I feel for these restaurants but at the same time, we the customers are also feeling the crunch. I guess it is time to find another place for Chinese. read more

Standard strip mall chinese food. Crab Rangoon was great. Definately scratches the itch if you have a taste for Chinese food. Good portions for the price. Keep an eye on the specials you get with certain amounts purchased. Free soda, general tso's etc.. read more

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They've continued to provide stead fast contemporary Chinese dining for over a decade. Thanks for being here

Solid Chinese food place right off of 485 and Idlewild Rd exit in Idlewild Market Shopping Center. In my opinion, this place is set up more for take-out than a dine in experience. You can definitely do both, but there are only 3-4 booths and some tables you can push together for larger parties, but the way the kitchen is configured (open) it can get rather warm in there in a jiffy. The staff is always friendly and patient when I come in. I always find it amusing that the English spoken has a southern accent (just a bit) and then it can instantaneously switch over to their native tongue to yell orders to the back of the kitchen. Per usual americanized-chinese food places, the serving sizes are gi-normous so you will be eating it for a while (definitely great shared family style too). There are a couple of refrigerated coolers up front for sodas... I think if you order enough, you get a free 2-liter... but at that point you probably will have a feast going on for a couple days with that amount of food. read more

We have been getting take out here for 10+ years. Food is always delicious. When they say 15 minutes it's ready in 15 or less. We have run the full menu, you want find any better. read more

Being a new Matthews resident from NY, I have been looking for a good Chinese restaurant. China Cafe fits my needs. Just had it the other day for 5 adult and was wowed by the quality of the food. I had the shrimp with lobster sauce. This is my go to food. If this is good you've got me as a customer. I opened the take out and was shocked to find not only large shrimp but big pieces of imitation crab meat. This is the best I've had. We had 2 orders of dumplings, sesame chicken, Lomein, egg rolls, sweet n sour chicken, cheese steak rolls(really good) and the lobster sauce. Bill came to $63. Anything more than $30 gets a free 2 liter soda. If more than $50 you get a free General Tso chicken dinner. The Tso was great and I'll get it again. We had both pork and chicken dumplings. The pork were good and the chicken we're tasteless so I won't buy the chicken but I'd never had them before. All in all a very good meal, family owned nice people. This is a hidden gem for your Chinese cravings. You have to check them out. read more

I've lived in NC for 7 years and this place is the best takeout food i've found to date. Even after I moved cross town, me and my family still take the drive to get this delicious takeout! Highly recommend! read more

Amazing! Fresh Chinese food that doesn't taste like cat meat! Fresh noodles. Loveeee the egg rolls! Fresh rice! You won't be disappointed!

Fantastic food and quick! Friendly staff !Highly recommended! I eat there all the time.

My go-to for Chinese takeout! So good. Best chicken wings! If you want NY style Chinese, this is the spot. The bonus is there is NO MSG in any of the food! read more

It's my 3rd time here & will not go back. Expensive for what they give you. Lots of fillers & artificial coloring. Shrimp are popcorn & price doesn't reflect that. The flavor is off on many items. Ordered eggplant with garlic sauce. It had everything but eggplant. Didn't state that on the menu. No garlic it was sweet. It just really isn't good. read more

Having recently moved in with a friend that lives in this area, this was recommended as the local chinese takeout place. The food is ready quick and cheap. So far I have gotten the general tso's chicken, chicken and shrimp with garlic sauce, and wonton soup. Everything has been pretty standard for a chinese takeout joint. The vegetables are fresh and the meat is cooked well - all covered in some delicious sauce. Lunch special is a great deal for about $6. The girl who answers the phone to take orders and works the front counter is friendly. read more

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Not sure if the owners are on vacation but I need them to come back. I purchased food on Saturday and tonight, the first order was messed up and the second order just didn't taste right. I will not be going back until I see the owners have returned. read more

This place is very hit or miss. The first few times eating there the food was decent. The combination meals are a great side with rice and an egg roll. The last time eating here though the boneless ribs were dry and the beef with veggies was very fatty. read more

I have to agree that this is the best place in town for Chinese food. They're fast, efficient, and their food is outstanding. The entrees here make the food at other local Chinese restaurants seem like something out of the microwave. My favorite order so far is the beef and broccoli with crispy noodles. I've never had better. In fact, I plan on picking some up today! read more

Always a good choice for a good meal. They are consistent and quick. We get their steamed shrimp and broccoli, which has large shrimp and fresh broccoli. We also get the General Taos chicken with fried rice and egg roll. Their wonton soup and special fried rice are also good picks. read more

Real New York style Chinese Food. There Egg Rolls are awesome. Real fast service. Extremely tasty food. read more

Ordered to take out, the Seafood combination dish was spectacular, everything very fresh, well seasoned. Ordered some fried rice and it was a little too greasy but over all good. Was not expecting to find Chinese food this good on this area. A minus is the bathroom, I entered to use it while waiting for my order and they could use some Pinesol or Mr. Clean, the smell of urine was a little overwhelming. read more

Best Chinese hands down! Never a bad dish and never use MSG. My daughter is vegan and loves the bean curd and tofu dishes. Very hearty, fresh, flavorful. The family is very nice and prices are great. Some of the best boneless spare ribs' love the sauce and texture! We get steamed veggie dumplings and yet again love the flavor! You can taste a hint of ginger yummy. read more

China Cafe - Hot and sour soup! - Chinese Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

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Overpriced and not very good. Over $60 for 2 adults and a 6 year old to eat! Very mediocre and some of it was not edible. Spring rolls have shrimp! Never heard of that before. read more

Probably the best sesame chicken and fried rice I ever had from a Chinese restaurant in Charlotte!! Definitely coming back for more! read more

China Cafe - Sesame chicken and fried rice! - Chinese Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

My husband had the sesame chicken combo which he said was pretty good. I had the veggie lo-mein which was decent but nothing to write home about. We tried both their spring and egg rolls-- all I could taste was oil. There was very little filling and thus very little flavor. There are definitely better Chinese restaurants in Matthews so won't be going back here. read more

The food is great just don't go there on the weekend. They tell you 30 min and it takes over 60 min. I have no problem with this if I am told up front. I will go to Best China from now on. I walked out and ordered from Best China. read more

This is definitely New York Chinese food! The smell, the flavor...finally some next level yumminess! LOL! I broke my diet just because I couldn't resist. As far as I am from home, I found a place that transported me back...at least partially. No complaints, only compliments! read more

Pleasantly surprised! I've always ordered Chinese elsewhere but I am so happy to have finally given this place a chance! Granted, I only ordered one dish (Mei Fun) but it's so good! It's a great place for takeout. While there are a few tables in there, it's pretty clear that they predominantly do mostly take-out. Will bring home a few more dishes for my family next time. Based on how long this place has been there and via word of mouth (my neighbors drive the extra 2 miles to get takeout vs the Chinese restaurant closer), I'm happy to have found a new place (closer Chinese place does not offer Mei Fun)! read more

Newcomers to the area. We were looking for a Chinese restaurant that tasted better than the usual mall stops. We came to Yelp and found this place and boy were those reviews correct! It's definitely a small restaurant but it was nice and clean. The young lady working the counter was very friendly and helpful. We placed our order while we were there and just waited in the car so out food was hot when we got it and by the time we drove home to Indian Trail it was still hot by the time we got the kids out the car, hands cleaned, and seated to eat. We ordered beef and broccoli,R egg rolls, and egg drop soup. Everything was delicious !!!! read more