I've worked and managed several Chinese restaurants in my life, so I know a thing or two about Chinese restaurants and how the food should be cooked. However, I have never encountered a place like this. It's a disgrace to this area and to the Chinese restaurant community. This place doesn't even deserve a star. Their pork fried rice is literally rice with dark soy sauce and a sad few pieces of pork. No eggs or onions, and no flavor. Oh, but we got a bonus a couple of months ago. We got a RUSTY STAPLE in our fried rice. My husband hurt his tooth from a bite of rice, and realized he actually bitten into a RUSTY STAPLE. Imagine if your kids did that. We will never go back there again. NEVER AGAIN!!! read more

We were on a 5 hour road trip and really wanted some simple pork fried rice with some hot and sour soup. We Yelp this place up and while they only had 3.5 stars we figured let's give it a chance. Big mistake. Entering this old building and seeing the 2 ladies behind the counter, it's already obvious even the people who works there don't want to be there. The ladies were not friendly at all, when asked if I can have some utensil, she responded it's on the other side of the window, which only had one lonely spoon in a small take out soup container (as the dispenser). We waited a bit longer for her to grab more. You'd figure this type of prep work could've been done during the downtime. I thought the bad service couldn't be topped....silly me. All my dishes were packed in a sturdy paper bag which I liked, but the sauce had already started to leak so created a messy experience eating in the car. Let's talk about the hot and sour soup...or should I say sweet soup because that's all I can taste. I have not had any dessert sweeter than this soup. Straight up false advertising if you ask me. Now what about my pork fried rice? This dish stayed true to its name....all rice with couple small pieces of roast pork and that's it. I have never in my life had a fried rice consisted of strictly two ingredients. Where are the onions or diced carrots or maybe even peas? I ordered a small and that was too much. I will never return to this place. The one star is for the sturdy paper bag. read more

The food here is not bad. Ingredients appear fresh and are well prepared. If you're coming here for ambiance, there is none. The restaurant is old and very much outdated. Nothing new or modern at all. Also, if you have some dietary restrictions, this is probably not the place for you either. I wanted my dish steamed with sauce on the side, and was told when they steam dishes, they will not put any sauce on the side for you. Overall, good food. But only 3 stars for decor and not being able to cater to all customers read more

We've really grown to like this place. Great drinks. Howard is awesome and always accommodating. Love the chicken wings and chicken fingers. We stick to what we know is good and leave happy. read more

This had become my go-to place for Chinese-American comfort food, like what I had when I was a kid (which would have been about three stars). However, on my last visit there, I got a scallop dish where the scallops smelled putrid. There's no way the cook could have missed that, but they served it to me anyway. Yuck! If I had been eating it on the premises, I would sent it back. Since it was take out, I just fed it to the dog, who likes things that smell like they've been dead too long. I'm crossing this place off my list. read more

Growing up in the area, our family stopped going here years ago but I couldn't quite remember why [other than us finding a place we really liked (R.I.P. Peking Chef)]. Though I moved away, I had the opportunity to try it again when a former classmate tried to organize an informal get-together and make reservations. While I believe the concerns as a kid were food related, the horrible experience as an adult was strictly due to managerial service. The 6 or so people already there were seated in a corner off the lounge with no lights on (I forget why they were relegated to this area as I arrived after them). After 30+ minutes with no table service, I asked the bartender if we could get food. We were then allowed to move to the lounge proper (where the latecomers soon joined us, making our party a full dozen), but despite what the bartender told us, they still refused to serve us the full menu. After we politely questioned what was going on, the manager (I believe) came by and instead of addressing the issue proceeded to brusquely ask for our IDs; after looking at a few and seeing we were all in our 30s, she then claimed they were told that we were IN high school (and not having a high school reunion)... What?!? Besides being ridiculous (if you ever meet a 17-year old with a bald spot like mine, weep for him), it's also incredibly troubling; if they truly thought we were teens, why did they seat us in the lounge and serve us drinks for the last hour? Even after realizing her mistake, she failed to apologize or use it as a chance to lighten the mood and smooth things over with us. Instead, she amazingly conjured up yet more attitude saying (as best I recall), "You know, you can't just show up in a group this big and expect to be served!" Blown away by the utter lack of professionalism or courtesy (or connection to reality), my wife and I gave up on the diplomatic/conciliatory approach and responded that: 1. The exchange of money for drink and food by people who come in was generally how the industry worked; 2. Our group of 12 was NOT that big; 3. We didn't suddenly "show up" as we had already been made to wait for over an hour; 4. Most of all, due to the phone calls by our organizer over the preceding weeks, THEY KNEW WE WERE COMING! We were then moved BACK to the corner where we sat originally (the lights now being turned on) and finally appointed a waitress. Whatever impression I had of the meal that followed was obliterated by the worst treatment I've ever had by a restaurant. read more

Been coming here for about 30 years- hands down the best Chinese food- most nights. While I won't bother order Chinese food from other places as no one is as good as the Kahula, there is definitely something to be said for consistency. Most nights the food is great, while other nights not up to their standards, and there's really no good way to predict. For the best service, ask for Rosa or Jean, avoid Howard. read more

Used to love this place, it has been a family favorite for 20+ years. Our experience last night was terrible. The good was great as always but the waitress was the rudest I've ever experienced in my life. Definitely did NOT deserve the tip we gave her. We had a party of 15 and some asked for separate checks, with a huff and a puff she said "We don't do that for parties this size". Okay.......my Aunt asked for another drink and she gets "When I have time" with a massive eye roll. She was VERY rude. The place was not busy at all so it's not like she was rushing all over the place. So we finish our meal and she comes out with 3 checks and just leaves them on the table and didn't say whose they were. Made it more confusing for us at the end. I manage a restaurant and if she was my employee she would never have a chance to act like that in front of paying customers. read more

I'm not a picky eater but I do love Asian food. Thai, Chinese (Human, Szechuan, doesn't matter), Korean, Filipino, Indian, Mongolian - I love it all. I knew going in that this wasn't going to be any of those things. This was going to be American Chinese Food - something that happened around World War II when both Asian restaurants serving US sailors and Asian-US immigrants had to invent dishes like Chop Suey to assuage an american pallet. No, they don't serve General's chicken in China. (But there's a great documentary on Netflix called The Search For General Tso - a seriously great movie about the search for the man who invented General's Chicken) So I wasn't expecting much when I ordered. Kung Pao Chicken, according to wikipedia, is "a staple of westernized Chinese cuisine". Well, someone at Kahula needs to re-evaluate what goes into that recipe because it exceed my worst mental picture of what central Mass could do to Kung Poa Chicken. There was MAYBE a quarter of a cup of chicken and about 4 cups of celery. Despite having the heat symbol on the menu, it wasn't hot. In fact, it didn't really taste like much at all. It was a celery salad. Which is to say: gross. The rest of the food we order was as expected - garden variety american chinese. The kind of stuff that is eerily identical to any american style chinese restaurant around the US. My advice? If you eat here, don't stray away from the pu pu platter. read more

Kahula Restaurant - Kung Pao Chicken is a celery disaster. Probably avoid unless you're on a celery binge. - Chinese Near Me - Sturbridge, Massachusetts

We found this Chinese/Polynesian food fantasy palace on a whim really. We were supposed to eat at another local Chinese restaurant but our first choice turned out to be a buffet - and frankly staying in a hotel after eating bad Chinese buffet can be dangerous to the other occupants....not to mention the toilet. My daughter did a Siri search and Kahula came up. Of course we checked yelp and the reviews were mixed - but overall we found enough positive ones to give this place. The menu is tremendous, however if you take the time to read the descriptions of the dishes, it's a manageable menu. Dishes are humongous - this is a 'sit and share' type of place. There's no way one man can eat two pounds of chicken and broccoli all by himself. But share it with your buddy who's eating the Chinese Beef and vegetables - what a nice combo. The beef was tender yet still chewy enough to get stuck in my teeth...a sign of a good piece of meat. The broccoli was nice and hard - crispy and delish, as were the watercress. So yummy. The boneless spare ribs were the best I e ever had. They like everything in this joint were HUMUNGOUS. I mean, they were massive. But so was the flavor. Very juicy. Biggie Smalls would be jealous. Since I'm staying in a hotel, there was no way I'm taking food back in doggy bags. I'm eating this entire plate of Bok Chow and Beef Tenderloin like I'm a serial killer sitting on death row and this is my last meal. Toilets be damned! Don't forget the fortune cookies - which were surprisingly small. read more

Very good food, very nice folks, and quick service! I have to drive from Charlton because it is worth it and anything closer is not cutting it. The robotic Chinese Santa Clause is AWESOME too! You will enjoy. read more

I was going to give this a 3 but it's got great mixed drinks, great tasting food, and compared to everywhere else in the area it truly is the best so you just have to give it a 4 to help it along. It's more like a 3.6 or 3.7 but this place is worth the try. Beef and mushroom is great and they have a DJ on Fridays. read more

My husband and I went here for dinner last night, we are new to the area and were craving Chinese. The food was decent. We had general gao's chicken, pork fried rice, crab rangoon, and chicken lo mein. It was a little bland, but still good. Large portions. The cocktails were also good. The prices are reasonable. The service was excellent. My only complaint was the atmosphere. The building is run down, the booths are worn and you can feel the springs in the cushions as you sit. The wall paper is peeling away from the walls, and there are food stains on the walls as well. There is no central air conditioning, so they had fans and portable cooling units set up. The temperature was comfortable for August, but it gave the appearance further of a run-down restaurant. I'll will try the other Chinese places in this area before going back to Kahula, unless I'm feeling lazy and we get take out. In essence, the food was decent, but the physical setting sucked. Don't take a date here. read more

One of my families favorite places, food is good and consistantly cooked and seasoned. we mostly do take out but the restaurant is hit or miss in how busy it can be. read more

Average food , but unacceptable temperature. We asked the manager if he could turn in some heat and the answer was no. Obviously he didn't even notice that the 20 or so people that were having lunch all had coats on. read more

Hello old school Chinese food that is hard to find now. Good quality Chicken (Gold) Fingers, Egg Rolls, and Wonton Soup. The Duck Sauce is that tangy brown kind that tastes great with the hot mustard. Love the older Asian men bartenders, they know how to make a decent Mai Tai (not those bright pink crappy drinks), and happy to see there are no dumb girls behind the bar catering to the regulars like at so many Chinese restaurant bars. (No disrespect to Rose at Wind Tiki in Webster, who is always a pleasure/awesome bartender). I wanted to give 5 stars Kahula, but please, the parking lot needs attention - weekly clean up is necessary, and tidy up entrance foyer. Thank you and we will be back soon. read more

Boy did we make a great pick! The food was fantastic, especially the crab rangoons! I don't remember eating these any better at any other restaurant. We ordered take out when we arrived at the restaurant and it was ready incredibly fast. Loved this restaurant!!! read more

Kahula is the Mount Olympus of delicious Chinese food. Howard is Zeus among the restaurant gods--be sure to ask for him. This place is so good. read more

Kahula Restaurant - Chinese vegetable platter--just one of the dozen delicious dishes we had served. - Chinese Near Me - Sturbridge, Massachusetts

we avoided eating here because of the 3 star rating. however another couple said they go here so we met up with them. We went after 9pm in the bar area. Waitress was fine (despite calling the restaurant kahlua lol). the food was very good. we were shocked and now will be going here. Gen Tsos was very saucy which i like. Try it and dont base it on the ratings! read more

My bill came to $26.91 for an order of sesame chicken and crab rangoon. I ordered over the phone using the latest menu from before closing. TWENTY SEVEN DOLLARS for two items. In addition, the sesame chicken was teryaki chicken with sesame seeds thrown on top. I will not be returning. read more

Just tried to call and order a couple of the dinner combos. Was rudely told NO DINNER COMBOS AFTER 4 O'CLOCK! Looking at the menu it clearly states no lunch menu after 4pm. Wasn't about not being able to get what I was looking for it was more about he major attitude like I just interrupted break time or something. But hey whatever. I used to be a long time customer. This was my go to for Chinese food. The last year or so the service has gone down hill so bad that I will drive out of my way to go elsewhere. read more

Food was good. Not spectacular but fine. Portions were generous. Service was quick and good. I would return.

I liked this spot, it was a surprise to find descent Chinese in a small town. Entrance is grand and nice, but the interior is sparse and basic. Friendly staff accommodated my request for no MSG. Egg drop soup was served hot and delicious. I was so done with BBQ at Brimfield Antique Show so this was a nice alternative. read more

The food was just plain bad. I am wondering if the rave reviews are legit. It was that bad.

This is the best place ever for Pu pu platters and tiki drinks. I drive 45 minutes to eat here. This is the only place where I crave Chinese food. Also their drinks are STRONNG AND CHEAP. I got drunk off of one coconut creamy cocktail. Forgot what it was but for 5.50 I felt I needed to be escorted out. For $19 you can get a massive pu pu platter for two. Coming here is a great value. Unfortunetly they dont sell their tiki mugs. :( read more

My girlfriend and I had the best Chinese food we had ever had at the Kahula in Sturbridge Ma.. Everything was cooked to perfection and brought to our table in almost no time. We ordered a Scorpion Bowl before the meal and it was the best. I just can't say enough about the meal that night as far as im concerned they all deserved a standing ovation. read more

The staff is friendly, the service is quick, and the food is great! We love eating "family style" here.

Ive been going here since i was a kid or my dad running out and bringing it home ,now i eat with my family great food awesome service ..they know us so well i get free soda when me n my family eat in ...adult drinks are so good and there not cheap with the liquor....i get one zombie n im good for the night ...highly recomend this place the food is awesome and always get the red sweet n sour sauce for the chicken fingers its a must .... read more

Best Chinese food, even better than Chinatown. Staff here is really fast and friendly. Drinks are good and at a great price. One of the servers Howard is the best! He's really nice and always does a good job at explaining things to me. Place is a great place for dinner with the family or drinks and food with friends. Wish someone would upload photos of the interior--nicest Chinese restaurant I've seen. Highly recommend. read more

I work in the area and regularly get take out here. The food is always great! Portion sizes are big too. I recommend trying if your looking for good Chinese! read more

Easily one of the worst meals I've ever eaten. Not remotely "Polynesian" and has all the charm of a strip mall take out joint.

I had an absolutely terrible experience at this restaurant. I was looking for some nice authentic Chinese restaurant to have a taste of home, and I came across Kahula. They make it look very Chinese on the outside, but when I got in, I was very disappointed. The food was absolutely disgusting, and It did not satisfy my night. Definitely do not recommend read more

The atmosphere: terrible!! They haven't upgraded in over 20 years!! Service; Terrible!! Took over 15 minutes for our waitress and the place was empty, not friendly or attentive just terrible Food: the lo mein was dry and dark no flavor, pork fried rice do yourself a favor don't order it!!! The crab rangoons all cream cheese. Worst Chinese food I've ever had When we made comment about the poor quality in food the manager got on the defense and you could hear him arguing with his server, very unprofessional. When we left he gave us a dirty look and didn't even say goodbye. Do yourself a favor just keep driving!!! There must be better out there somewhere!!! read more

So 4 of us go to sit in bar area and have drinks/food. Not busy in there (at 7:00pm on a Saturday...). One bartender and older Asian man as waiter. After 15 minutes I decide to go to bar and get our drinks, bartender says "sit down, he will be right with you". I go back to table and if it wasn't for the others, I would have walked out. Waiter arrives 10 minutes later... Food was average, drinks ok. Place needs a serious facelift. Too many other great options in the Sturbridge area. (Enrico's, Teddy G's, Cedar Street Grille)...after 20 years of trying Kahula, I'm done... read more

Had a great lunch there. The food tasted very good, and the portions were very large, especially for a combination plate, plenty for left overs. The atmosphere is of a typical mid range Chinese restaurant, not super clean and not very friendly. But the food was worth it! read more

Absolutely LOVE this restaurant!!! There just aren't enough good things to say. The food is amazing and the staff is always polite and smiling. From what I hear the nightlife is pretty cool although I haven't had the chance to find out for myself yet. This place is def a must for everyone! read more

We have eaten in a few times and experience was pretty decent. The food is always made fast and tastes very fresh! We usually get the pu pu platter when eating in with a side of rice. We also order take out from here as well they do not do delivery but you can pick your food up. I have found their appetizer plates are the best and always fresh and crispy. Def. a good place to try if you are in the area. read more

Ate a giant feast here again as soon as I had the chance! My friends and I drove up from Yale to chow down on delicious Asian noms and enjoy a couple of rounds of drinks. Lucky us, we had Howard working at our table--he provided yet another exceptional dining experience! I plan to head back to Kahula the next chance I get. read more

Kahula Restaurant - MmmmMmm! Soooo yummy! - Chinese Near Me - Sturbridge, Massachusetts

Always got takeout here, never actually ate inside but still figured I'd do a review because I have had their food more than once. Always fresh and delicious. I personally think it's better than the Empire Buffet (also located in Sturbridge) because Kahula's food is better and more fresh. Most items on the buffet at the other place tasted like they'd been sitting there for hours. Stick with Kahula! The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because I've never ate inside the restaurant. read more

oh my gosh- what a treat. my boyfriend and i stopped here on a whim after a) being in the mood for chinese food and b) driving past what seemed like a veritable institution to the cuisine. sooo glad we did. we sidled up to the bar, and ordered a scorpion bowl for 2, having discussed this choice on our walk in. i've had scorpion bowls before, and don't remember them being this coconut-y in flavor, but it was yummy and potent, regardless. it took us the whole meal to sip through it. we were both overwhelmed by the size of the menu. this is one of the largest menus i've seen at a chinese restaurant, and it took us some time to order. my boyfriend ultimately went with the scallion chicken accompanied by a small side of plain white rice. his chicken was moist and juicy, and the sauce had some unknown element (cinnamon? nutmeg?) that made it irresistible. we both kept going back for taste, after taste. i started with a cup of hot and sour soup. this is a mainstay for me, but the first time i've ever had hot and sweet and sour soup. there was a note of sweetness i've never encountered before, but it was totally delicious and, again, had me going back for more. for my entree i ordered the ma po tofu and roast pork lo mein. i've had ma po tofu before, and am used to it being a vegetarian dish. this one had a bit of a curve ball, as the savory and somewhat spicy sauce was actually laden with ground pork. the tofu was soft and delicate, the peppers added heat, and the sauce was plentiful and addictive. the lo mein was hearty in portion, and the flavor was classic and spot on. needless to say, though we very much enjoyed our meals, we still took home a healthy amount of leftovers (i'm still working on them...). the inside of the restaurant matches the outside. though we sat at the bar, this place is still super old school. each dish was served in its own vessel, with a silver topper to keep the food warm (pretty AND effective). service was efficient and friendly. i would highly recommend this place for classic and familiar chinese food. we will certainly be back when we're in this neck of the woods again. read more