First time trying this place that has apparently been open since November 2024 in Norwich, CT. I've been wanting to go as I am not too far from their location., and not gonna lie, the owner saw my car and the business tagged the photo looking for it's owner that whomever it was would get a free combination meal. I saw it posted on their FB page. Well I stopped there today to get my free combination platter. I got the fried rice and chicken wings... don't judge me, chicken wings are always something I enjoy and order, lol. I did purchase some items as well in order to "try a few other things".I got a beef empanada and an alcapurria and a flan.
The combination platter, 6 nice crunchy well seasoned wings (although I thought they were a bit on the smaller side), but very good!! The fried rice was very good also. One thing I didn't care for was the fries in the platter as well, I think there is no need for them. The rice and the wings reminded me of the Chinese food I'd get from our local Chinese spot in the Bronx many many years ago...yummy. I only ate two of the wings and a few spoonfuls of rice as I wanted to save room for the other items I purchased. But I will be eating that later for dinner! The alcapurria was very good! A decent size, I wished it was maybe a little bit bigger, BUT it was filled with a great flavorful beef meat mixture and the "masa" had a seasoned flavor as well. I ate it all. The beef empanada was also very good, great flavor and lots of meat. The only one thing I didn't like was that as I was eating it there was quite a bit of oil spilling everywhere... maybe it just needs to be drained more (?) after frying? But nonetheless, it was very good and I ate it all also! I will save the flan for dessert after I eat the rice and wings later tonight...I might add or update this post later to give my review on that. So, in closing...I really liked the food, the atmosphere, the service and the vibe....I will definitely go back and try quite a few more dishes. So if you're in the Norwich/Taftville area, STOP IN at El Calenton Chino. I usually give very detailed and thorough HONEST reviews because I am a person that reads reviews, and counts on hearing what others have to say about local spots. P.S. I went there around 12:45 in the afternoon (lunchtime). ENJOY! I forgot to take photos of the food! Editing this last part to add that i ate the flan the next night... and YESSSS! LOVED IT! Hubby bought it was too dense, i frigging loved it!!! read more