This past Saturday a friend and I were out and about and we stopped by China Chef on SW 9th. China Chef always comes highly recommended especially when you are talking about food on the South side of town! They're open for lunch and dinner Tuesday - Sunday. We were greeted right away when we walked in and were shown to a booth. Seating is a combination of booths and low top tables. It's easy to find and the parking lot wraps around both sides and the rear of their building. China Chef opened in 1996 so they've been around a minute. The owner passed a couple of years ago. The owner's wife and his son have kept the business open. The young man who seated us and served us is the original owner's grandson. His father spent some time visiting with us too. He was more in a manager role and working both the back and front of the house. Drink orders were taken first (Pepsi products by the can) and other drinks are available as well. We ordered a couple of sodas and an unsweetened iced tea. The menu is extensive... There's something for everyone. But it more or less open with a very bold statement... "The best egg rolls in town!" We got the Mongolian Beef and Chicken Lo Mein (extra spicy). The combos came with fried rice, an egg roll, and soup. Instead of soup we both opted for the choice of an extra egg roll. I mean... C'mon! If they are the best how can you pass that up? Lol The egg rolls ARE fantasic! Served obviously right out of the fryer. Hot, fresh, and crispy! The hot mustard on the table is pretty standard... It's Iowa nice. It doesn't clear your sinuses. The Mongolian beef tasted really good. I enjoyed the couple bites I had. I'd ordered the Lo mein with chicken (extra spicy)... This did clear the sinuses! Nah... It wasn't quite that bad. Lol But they took me at my word and definitely ramped it up. Amazing flavor and the heat was perfect! He said they have a special hot oil/chiles they use in the back. The one they use for their personal meals... If a customer asks for extra spicy...that's the one they use. These guys were great and I really enjoyed my time talking to both of them! The grandson is a senior this year and doesn't have an introverted bone in his body. Not even the broken one in his arm... His dad was just as outgoing and personable. We talked about the business, it's history, his father, some recent remodels and changes, the impact of the pandemic and the current economy, etc. Little things like the cost of being able to keep the menus updated. Seems like a small thing to a customer..., but having to print new menus every couple of months to meet rising costs can have a significant impact to a small business' bottom line. Standard table service and our lunch was $30ish before tip. While we were visiting I'd asked what I should try next time. We talked about some of the standard dishes, but as we were leaving the son came running outside and up to my car... I rolled down my window. He said "The crispy duck! You have to order the crispy duck next time!" Someone had just ordered it, it reminded him, and he ran outside to make sure we knew before we left. If I hadn't liked the guy as much as I already did...that would have won my heart! And I know what I'm ordering next time...! Lol A great first visit to China Chef! read more

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Ordered tonight. First time bad? The menu says. $9.95 per meal! They charged $18+ tonight for each meal!! . Forgot our extra crab Rangoon. 2 orders, ordered extra ehh rolls , No egg Rolls, sauce all over the bottom of the sack! They said because of tariffs. I said then update your menu. He said they didn't put it up!!?? Aren't you responsible for your Reastraunt info. He said no. Other people put that up ???? What!! He was very nice on the phone when I called!! But still!! A 100% increase on the meal. Plus it was 1/2 of what we have gotten in the past!! $45 for supper tonight sad !! read more

Solid little Chinese joint. Went here on a slow weeknight and found the service super attentive and friendly. My kids loved the Sesame Chicken. Entrees came with egg rolls and soup as well! We all loved the Crab Rangoons. I got Empress Chicken which was really mild. My partner got Shrimp in Lobster Sauce. All of it really good. Basic Chinese restaurant decor and ambience. read more

i didn't eat here but my tire popped across the street and they offered me food from across the street while I was fixing it and when I said no they yelled "this guys here to meet a 13 year old boy for sex" won't eat here ever read more

I always enjoy ordering from China Chef. Always friendly. Quick service. And delicious food! I have never personally eaten there, but their take out is packaged well and makes it home in one piece. It's the Chinese restaurant I recommend to all of my guests and I will keep eating there!! read more

Absolutely delicious! Go here the next time you are craving family-made authentic Chinese food. Everyone in our group praised their food. Our table ordered crab rangoon, egg rolls, wonton soup, egg drop soup, sweet and sour soup, beef with vegetables, sweet and sour pork, and almond chicken. All of the food was hot, fresh, and full of flavor. read more

Food was great however prices are not stable. The website is claimed not to be this company- cashier said its fraud. The prices are different than menu in restaurant. However when going to restaurant the prices are also different than written menu dated June 2025. Prices of food unstable and unpredictable. read more

People were very rude. Food was overpriced because they gave us stuff we didn't ask for and then yelled at us when we tried to explain that. Food was horrible too, not good Chinese food at all. Will never go again. read more

So, I'm sorry I haven't updated my review sooner but life has gotten the best of me. We have ordered from here three times since they re-opened since the fire and I must say that I must have ordered the wrong things before or I must have just caught them on the wrong day. Everything that we have ordered since has been delicious and worth it. We have told them numerous times that we wish that they delivered out west to our side of town (West Clive/Waukee) because we need more Asian options out here! Due to COVID-19, we have only ordered to-go or delivery to my parents house on the SS but it has been excellent service and the food has always been good. For food-wise, our favorites are Kung Pao Chicken & Shrimp, Kung Pao Beef and their Egg Drop Soup. My Grandma loved their Egg Drop Soup. Before she passed away at the beginning of this year, my mother or someone from our family would sometimes stop by and pick up their Egg Drop Soup for her on our days to go see her. It makes me think of her and miss her. But in a good way. read more

Best Chinese/Asian I've ever ordered in Des Moines. They modified my order as requested and their umami is on point! I'm picky about my Asian food, and this place checks all the boxes! read more

It's rare for me to give a place 5 stars, even rarer that it was a Chinese place on the southside but holy crap! Drop whatever you're eating and go here. This is a non-descript building with a decent parking lot that has recently been remodeled due to a kitchen fire. I had the $8 spicy orange beef lunch that came with soup, egg roll and rice. I chose egg drop soup and it tasted homemade. It was thick but not gelatinous, with corn, carrots and onions and lots of black pepper. Definitely one of the better I've had. I switched out the egg roll for a crab rangoon and it was delicious. I opted for steamed rice which was 2 big scoops along with my large portion of deliciously cooked orange beef. The beef was perfectly crunchy and had a great orangey flavor. The service was very prompt and friendly. When we paid our bill we chatted with the guy and he told us they deliver downtown, so we're excited to have it afain. Terrific surprise for lunch and now I'm going to go into food coma! Go eat here and support local business! read more

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This is one of my first ever Yelp reviews. I am from out of state and stopped by China Chef for dinner after a long flight. This place is FANTASTIC. It's very non-descript but the food is some of the best Chinese food I've ever had. Made to order and generous portions--we had enough leftover for lunch the next day. The folks working there are so kind, welcoming, and friendly. They went out of their way to explain the menu and gave dish recommendations, and were just a delight to talk to. Overall, this was a GREAT welcome to Iowa. read more

I highly recommend this place. Theirs food is quite authentic. Appropriate pricing. I love the orange chicken

Orange chicken and fried rice lunch combo -- comes with egg roll and choice of soup. I got the hot and sour. Decent portion and lots of garlic in the sauce. Ordered crab rangoons - order comes with 4. Hot and thick wrapper. Very good. Plus they have a drive up window for to go orders. I would order again if on this side of town. Quick service. read more

Make sure you ask for chopsticks when you order from the old lady. Because if you ask the young guy that gives you the take out, he'll give you attitude. Why do I even have to ask for chopsticks? It's Chinese food. Spicy dishes are not spicy at all. Don't get your hopes up over here. read more

Fast, tasty, and priced to sell! The folks who run this place know how to keep customers coming back, and remember them too! Multiple times I have found "bonus apps" inside when I arrived home. Check out China Chef and see for yourself! read more

There is a guy that works there who is incredibly nice and half the reason I go back! The food is good and my favorite is the crispy duck and the wontons. It's drive through only and the food comes out like, 5-10 minutes after ordering. Super fast. My only complaints is that the egg drop soup tastes only like black pepper and the wonton soup tastes like water, seriously just water. Otherwise the food is good, some items can be a little bland but it's good read more

Food never disappoints. Everything I've tried is great. Quick pick up for to-go orders. Service is always friendly. Best Chinese food in the city, in my opinion. read more

I had been craving shrimp fried rice and a Facebook group recommended China Chef. Since I was on the south side, I decided to give it a shot. I called ahead for take-out and they said it would be ready in ten minutes. When I got there, approximately 10 minutes later, my order was ready. It smelled great in the car and I was tempted to tear into it. The lunch comes with your choice of egg drop, wonton or hot and sour soup, an egg roll and the entree. I chose the wonton soup and while it was hot and not very greasy, it was also bland. The wonton was huge but mostly wrap and the filling had very little flavor. The egg roll was tasty, hot and crunchy. It came with sweet and sour sauce but it didn't need any. The rice was among some of the better fried rice I've had in Des Moines. It had a great flavor and large pieces of shrimp. There were at least 5 and they were a mouthful by themselves. The whole meal, which was enough for 2 days of lunches was only $7.50. A steal! I will definitely be back and look forward to trying other items from the menu. read more

China Chef - Shrimp fried rice. I had eaten almost half before taking the photo so there are at least 3 missing shrimp. Delicious! - Chinese Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

NEVER A DISAPPOINTMENT! After what seemed like forever they've finally reopened after the fire. Before the fire we were primarily delivery customers, but after the long wait we had to go to the restaurant and see the changes. WOW! The interior is no bigger, but I think a couple more tables. The decor is more modern than before, tasteful, but not over done with ethnicity, very pleasant! I didn't actually go in the restrooms but from what I could see they got a great makeover as well. Unfortunately I was so excited about the food I forgot to take pictures. It was a little strange to sit there and not be cold, so I assume they've replaced the HVAC system as well. We went Friday around 6. I've never seen that parking lot so full! Even before it was China Chef and the ice cream place was there! There was a line out on the enclosed entrance area. We were seated within 5 minutes, but we were warned that our entrees could be an hours wait. The wait was interesting! First there was the menu! The food on the menu...all the options we have always enjoyed with a new feature of Pho as well as a few other new dishes. Amazingly the prices didn't go up as much as I thought it would, and I heard other customers express the same thing. We ordered the assorted appetizers for two. The egg rolls and crab Rangoon a were heavenly! My son was a little bit disappointed that it's no longer served over flames. He got over it! We both got the egg drop soup and we are reminded of how it should taste! Soup with flavor! Chicken Fried Rice, for my son, it looked good. He said it was as good as he remembered, but he wished it had a few more peas and carrots. I had Garlic Shrimp. NOT SPICY! Big shrimp cooked perfectly, not rubbery. Lots of mushrooms and water chestnuts. The garlic sauce was PERFECT, not spicy, not sweet, the perfect consistency and plenty of it! After we ordered we realized we should have ordered our to go order at the same time! Customers were walking in to make carry out orders because they were unable get thru on the phone. Carry out orders were taking around 2 hours!! We counted 4 people answering the phones, but never heard how long delivery times were running. The staff... I COMMEND THEM FOR STAYING CALM AND PLEASANT! There was more staff than I'd ever seen before! Many new young faces, as well as the familiar faces and voices from before. Even though we were told an hour we were actually done eating within the hour. Our to go order was another story. I think we waited another 20-30 minutes for it. Which was a shorter wait than others had to wait. We both brought home leftovers, but I'm most excited to tell you about the to go entree! We brought home a new Chef's Specialty, Royal Beef! The menu description is "Tender beef deep fried and then blended into a savory sauce with a touch of garlic flavoring." THAT IS SUCH AN UNDERSTATEMENT! It should say tender beef.....with a heavenly, smooth, yummy, tasty and all kinds of good descriptive words!! We also brought home Pork Lo Mein for my cousin and a dozen egg rolls. I think this review is probably a little longer than it should be, so I'll stop now, but I want people to know how great this place is! So if you have never tried it and are going to now, please be prepared for the wait time or wait until things are back to being more normal for them. Delivery times used to run 45 minutes at most, and usually less than what you are told when ordering. read more

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Great food great service and cozy environment also prices perfect. Take the time to check this place out!! read more

China Chef - Sweet and sour chicken - Chinese Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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I at one time loved this place however when I placed my order last night (7-27-22) I was shocked to learn how high they raised their prices. After learning they wanted $70 for only four people I cancelled my order. Love Orange Chicken but at $14 the answer is No! read more

Take away was available which is what we wanted. The food was fresh and very good. Plenty of shrimp in my dish. Dinners come with soup.

Another lazy day, had my food brought to work from China Chef. I did not get to see what the inside of the place looks like so I'll have to do an update if I ever decide to eat in. I was not expecting much because they appeared to be a small Chinese fast food place. I was surprised at their food quality, it was pretty good for Chinese fast food. I got the Sesame Chicken with fried rice, crab Rangoons, egg rolls, and I think egg drop soup. Everything was flavorful and fantastic, the chicken was made well, tender and tasty. The eggroll and crab Rangoons were good, not amazing, but good. Fried rice was average and the soup was good. I would try this place again, but it is really nothing special, I can get this food at other places that taste the same. read more

China Chef - Fried rice and Rangoons - Chinese Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Best Chinese food in Des Moines, no contest. It's worth the drive to the south side. The drive thru menu makes pickup a breeze and the family that runs it is so friendly. The hot and sour soup is incredible, as is the sesame shrimp. Wish they would take the tails off, though. read more

We decided to stop for early dinner so I didn't have to cook : ) We placed our order by phone and then headed to pick up. As soon as we pulled up to the window it was ready. Bonus! So happy that they are closed for dine in, We're trying to stick to places that aren't completely opened due to Covid. Bonus #2! Our soup container cracked as we got it into the car and they promptly replaced it and gave us a couple egg rolls for the trouble. Bonus #3! We ordered 3 meals (sesame chicken, orange chicken, veg beef) and they were all amazing. The service was so friendly and fast, I can't think of one negative. Try this place! read more

I have been coming here for 15 years, best Chinese food you will ever have. Can't go wrong with the sesame chicken, and hot and sour soup, with a order of crab ragoons. Staff is so friendly! Best place to eat! read more

Ordered take out last night. Tried something new, the Garlic Beef. My new favorite! The beef was tender, fresh mushrooms and chestnuts in a garlic brown sauce. Drive up was fast and friendly. The egg drop soup was wonderful as well. read more

Since reopening, the food was delivered hot and fresh! Exactly how it was before! Great job China Chef!

Fantastic egg rolls and the best egg drop soup in town sesame chicken and sweet and sour items all good ask for new item "sweet and sour wings"!! read more

The best tasting Chinese food in Des Moines!! This is our favorite spot - super friendly and drive through pickup is as convenient as you can get ! read more

We love this place. Delicious food, and really friendly service. The lo mein is delicious, and the crab rangoons and spring rolls have always been crispy - even when we do pick up and delivery! They have the best egg drop soup I've had. There's some corn and fresh tasting carrots in it. read more

China Chef - This is the LUNCH portion of lo mein (I got mine without onions), and after I've taken a few bites. - Chinese Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Fantastic food. The place looks like a hole and your vinyl table cloth may be a little sticky but the food never fails. Hands down the best Sesame beef in town (add some veggies-it'll blow your socks off) but everything I've had there has been great. The service is always spot on and the staff is happy to change out veggies/meats, swap a crab Rangoon for an egg roll, ect. We were crushed when we moved and discovered we were out of their delivery zone but we make sure to drive across town frequently to get our China Chef fix. read more

This is a good place in South Des Moines. A few of the sauces are a little too sweet to me but they Deliver for 2.00 in Des Moines, Lakewood and Norwalk. Here is the full Menu below: Appetizers Egg Rolls (2) $2.25 Fried Wonton (6) $2.95 Crab Rangoon (4) $3.95 Fried Chicken Wings (8) $5.95 Fantail Shrimp (4) $5.95 Shrimp Toast (4) $5.95 Pot Stickers (6) $5.95 Siu Mai (6) $5.95 BarBQ Spareribs (4) $5.95 Satay Beef (4) $5.95 Assorted Appetizers (For 2) 8.95 Soups Egg Drop Soup 2.25 Hot and Sour Soup 2.25 Wonton Soup 3.25 Chicken Sizzling Rice (for 2) 5.95 Shrimp Sizzling Rice (for 2) 6.95 Hot and Sour Soup (for 2) 6.95 Assorted Vegetables (for 2) 3.95 Lunch Menu $5.95 1 Almond Chicken 2 Broccoli Chicken 3 Cashew Chicken 4 Chicken Vegetable 5 Empress Chicken 6 Garlic Chicken 7 Hunan Beef 8 Kung Bao Beef 9 Mongolian Beef 10 Sweet and Sour Chicken 11 Sesame Chicken 12 Chicken Snow Pea 13 Hot Braised Pork 14 Kung Bao Pork 15 Pork with Veg 16 Twice Cooked Pork 17 Sweet and Sour Pork 18 Beef with Veg 19 Broccoli Beef 20 Kung Bao Beef 21 Mongolian Beef 22 Hunan Beef 23 Pepper Steak Lunch $ 6.75 24 Cashew Shrimp 25 Hunan Shrimp 26 Mongolian Shrimp 27 Kung Bao Shrimp 28 Shrimp Veg 29 Sweet and Sour Shrimp 30 Chow Mein (Beef, chicken, pork, veg, shrimp) 31 Lo Mein (Beef, chicken, pork, veg, shrimp) 32 Specialties ( Orange Chicken, Orange Beef, Royal Beef, Governor's Chicken) 33 Fried Rice (Beef, chicken, pork, veg, shrimp, Combo) Chef's Specialties 701 China Steak $12.95 702 Kung Bao Chicken and Shrimp $12.95 703 Governor's Chicken $10.20 704 Orange Chicken $10.50 705 Sesame Chicken $8.95 706 Triple Delight $12.95 707 Shrimp and Beef $ 12.95 708 Scallops with Beef $ 12.95 709 Orange Beef $10.50 710 Sesame Beef $10.50 711 Royal Beef $10.50 712 Crispy Duck $11.95 713 Szechwan Prawns $12.95 714 Yu-Hsiang Lobster $15.95 Chicken - $8.95 101 Almond Chicken 102 Broccoli Chicken 103 Cashew Chicken 104 Chicken with Snow Pea Pod 105 Chicken with Veg 106 Empress Chicken 107 Garlic Chicken 108 Hunan Chicken 109 Kung Bao Chicken 110 Moo Goo Gai Pan 111 Sweet and Sour Chicken 112 Yu-Hsiang Chicken Pork $8.95 201 Hot Braised Pork 202 Hunan Pork 203 Kung Bao Pork 204 Pork with Peking Sauce 205 Pork with Veg 206 Sweet and Sour Pork 207 Yu-Hsiang Pork 208 Twice Cooked Pork Beef $8.95 301 Beef with Mushrooms 302 Beef with Snow Pea Pod 303 Beef with Veg 304 Broccoli Beef 305 Garlic Beef 306 Home Style Beef 307 Hunan Beef 308 Kung Bao Beef 309 Mongolian Beef 310 Pepper Steak 311 Yu-Hsiang Beef Shrimp $10.50 402 Cashew Shrimp 403 Empress Shrimp 404 Garlic Shrimp 405 Hot Braised Shrimp 406 Hunan Shrimp 407 Kung Bao Shrimp 408 Sesame Shrimp 409 Shrimp with Lobster Sauce 410 Shrimp with Snow Pea Pod 411 Shrimp with Veg 412 Shrimp with Velvet Sauce 413 Sweet and Sour Sauce 414 Yu-Hsiang Shrimp Egg Foo Young Veg $8.95 Chicken, Pork, Beef $8.95 Shrimp $10.50 Combo $9.95 Mu Shu Beef, Chicken, Pork or Veg $8.95 Shrimp $10.50 Combo $9.95 Seafood - $12.95 501 Happy Family 502 Hunan Scallops 503 Kung Bao Scallops 504 Scallops with Snow Pea Pods 505 Scallops in Velvet Sauce 506 Seafood Sizzling Rice 507 Yu-Hsiang Scallops Vegetables - $8.95 Eggplant in Garlic Sauce Mixed Veg Yu-Hsiang Broccoli Snow Pea Pods Fried Rice Beef, Chicken, Pork or Veg $8.95 Shrimp $9.95 Combo $9.95 Chow Mein Lo Mein ______________ Beef, Chicken, Pork or Veg $8.95 Shrimp $9.95 Combo $9.95 read more

Got the orange and sesame chicken with crab Rangoon. Food was fresh, hot, and fast! Got our food 20min within ordering it

Best Chinese in Des Moines. Awesome family that knew our regular order. Always brought me a plate of crunchy noodles for my hot n sour soup even though most think it's weird. We miss it and wish them well. read more

My coworker has been getting food here for a while now so I decided to give her some money to pick me up some too. I got the Mongolian beef and it came with a soup (hot and sour or egg drop) and an egg roll. All of that for $7. It was pretty tasty, the beef had a nice slight char to it so it had a little crispiness to it. I wished they gave you a little more of the main entree though. The hot and sour soup was good, more of a peppery taste to it though. The egg roll wasn't all veggies so that was a plus. They have a drive through window too if you're lazy to get out of your car :) read more

China Chef - Mongolian beef - Chinese Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Wow! Great reviews & did not disappoint our family! Nothing special on the outside or inside but delicious food & good service. read more

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This is my Chinese spot to go to I go here at least once every week amazing food and amazing service

Had a take out order as suggested by the hotel staff Was very very good. The order was taken quickly and delivery was super fast! Pot stickers, egg drop & hot n sour soup, Sesame Chicken and Garlic chicken. All was Cooke excellently, chicken was not over cooked and the favors very nicely done. Portion size was large and pricing very reasonable. A very successful meal indeed. read more