La BoriChina - Waterbury, Connecticut I saw someone mention La BoriChina and knew I had to check it out. Located at 105 Meriden Rd in Waterbury, Connecticut, this place serves Puerto Rican-Chinese fusion--a combination I've only ever had back on the island. I got up, dressed quickly, grabbed a coffee, and headed out, hoping for some fried chicken and Puerto Rican pork fried rice. The first thing that caught my eye was the drive-through. Around here, drive-throughs are usually just for fast food, so seeing one at a Puerto Rican-Chinese spot felt unexpected in the best way--like watching our food and culture evolve and progress. The building sits on a small incline, so watch your step when getting out of the car--the sidewalk has yellow-marked elevated sections. Outside, everything was spotless: no moss, no winter mess, and the parking lot was free of garbage. Walking in, the cleanliness continues: the front counter is large and brightly lit, bathrooms are to the left, and tables line both sides. It's mostly takeout-focused, but plenty of seating is available if you want to stay. Salsa music played, giving the space a warm, welcoming vibe that makes you want to linger. I even checked the restroom before ordering, and I was impressed--not just recently cleaned, but clearly maintained consistently. Ordering was easy. The employee was friendly, professional, repeated our order back, and handed over a buzzer. From our seats, I could see customers being helped quickly. The only wait was for the food itself--about 23 minutes. What we ordered (with prices): * Pork fried rice with pepper steak - $14.99 * Pork fried rice with pork chops - $14.99 * Garlic fried plantains - $5.95 * Three pieces of fried chicken with fries - $9.99 * Large passionfruit drink - $10.00 * Small piña colada with cherry - $8.00 * Coca-Cola - $2.79 * G100 to-go fee - $1.00 Desserts (ordered before leaving): * Coconut flan - $3.25 * Tres leches - $3.25 Subtotal: $6.50 Food impressions: * Pork fried rice with pepper steak: Rice was grainy (just how I like it) and pepper steak was soft and well-seasoned, though a couple pieces had cartilage. Fries came with it, but sweet plantains would've been a better fit. Rice needed a touch more salt, and fries were soft rather than crispy, though they tasted fine. * Pork fried rice with pork chops: Pork was soft, juicy, and pleasantly large. Well-cooked overall, though a little adobo, salt, or pepper would've elevated it. * Garlic tostones: Slightly soft but flavorful. * Fried chicken: Crispy without being overdone--the crunch was perfect, though could've used a pinch of salt. Portion sizes are generous. Two people could easily share one pork fried rice with pork chops. Drinks: The specialty drinks came from fountain dispensers, like a classic cuchifrito spot, and were cold and flavorful. I was especially pleased to see a fountain Acerola drink--a rare find I haven't even seen at the Cuchifrito back home. Prices were a bit high ($8 small, $10 large), but I'd still get them again, especially the passionfruit. I LOVE PARCHA! Service was consistently friendly. The employee who took my dessert order even complimented my handbag, and everyone behind the counter was sweet--eye contact always met with an immediate smile. Everything looked well organized and well-stocked, and all employees were well-groomed and clean. When we walked out, by the time we got to our car right in front, we could see them already cleaning the tables--talk about staying on top of things! And let me be clear--when I say clean, I mean abuela-and-all-the-Titi's-scrubbing-with-the-hose clean. The kind of clean we do back home. Would I go back? Definitely! The pepper steak was flavorful, and I'd love more. Next time, I want to try the Mongolian beef and grab another round of fried chicken. Maybe not too often--the drive is an hour and 15 minutes--but it's absolutely worth it for a taste of authentic Puerto Rican-Chinese flavors. read more

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The place looked clean upon arrival. There was plenty of parking, but the entrance was a bit confusing as it seemed like there were many people at the counter, but in reality there was only one person taking orders. The food was good, though the meat was on the saltier side and the egg rolls were too greasy. I asked for no garlic in the mofongo and requested it on the side instead, but I received mofongo with garlic and even more garlic on the side. On top of that, I was charged $1.00 for the garlic that should have originally been in the mofongo Although the portions are large and can be shared, I found it to be pricey, but I guess that's Connecticut for you. One combo was $15, and the total for the meal came to $55. Egg rolls were almost $5 each, and it was $1 extra for mayo ketchup. Because of the distance, I wouldn't go again unless I'm already in the area, but I would still recommend giving it a try. read more

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The food was so good, seasoned very well but not overly salty or oily. It was packed so I knew I was gonna wait but they did the fastest they could and we got our food faster than we thought. Service was good no attitudes or nothing despite how busy they were. read more

La Bori China - Yummy! Boneless Spare Ribs with mofongo, Sweet & Sour Chicken combo, and Boneless Spare Ribs combo - Chinese Near Me - Waterbury, Connecticut

I've been curious about La Borichina for years, so my husband and I finally stopped in for a quick dinner on a Friday night. We ordered ahead online and then ate in. The food was piping hot, and while I've had better Chinese and Puerto Rican food, the combo together was unique and tasty. The beef in the chow mein was surprisingly tender, there were big pieces of chicken in the lo mein, and overall the portions were huge. Loved the fried chicken with fried rice and fries, and the Mofongo was also pretty solid. Definitely not bad and we would come back! Decent seating area and the workers were pleasant. read more

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Food was good here if you like Asian and Latin fusion. I ordered crab Rangoon and I loved how they didn't put too much cream cheese inside and the texture was thin and crispy/crunchy. I also got boneless spareribs with rice . I would give it 3 stars because the porks flavor was alittle off. Tasted overally smoked . Lastly , I enjoyed the tostones they tasted good, but I'm not used to having garlic on them. They had a different unique flavor. Service was fast and staff was friendly. Restaurant was clean. read more

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La Borichina in Waterbury is so worth the drive! It's a perfect fusion of Spanish and Chinese flavors, and every bite was seasoned to perfection. The portions are huge--one order can easily feed two people. I'm obsessed with the tostones and fried pork chunks--add the garlic sauce and thank me later! The pork had a hint of soy sauce that gave it an incredible umami flavor. I also tried the beef and broccoli with fried rice... the beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender. Hubby loved the spare ribs combo. 10/10 There's something for everyone--rice combos, noodles, seafood, you name it. Don't skip the Frescas, either! Plus, the decor gives total Puerto Rico vibes--super clean, spacious, and beautifully done. Highly recommend! read more

La Bori China - Beef and Beef Broccoli fried rice and fries. - Chinese Near Me - Waterbury, Connecticut

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This is a fusion Puerto Rican food and Chinese food restaurant. The walls are adorned with Puerto Rico culture decor. There is only sitting indoor. They do have a drive thru and ample parking in a lot. This is my 2nd time going to this location. The first time I went it was a weekend and it was super busy we waited over an hour for our food. Everything was delicious. This time it was a Monday around 2pm and it was pretty much empty. The food took about 15 minutes to arrive. We had a mofongo, fried rice combo with rice and garlic chicken. The food was good but not great like last time. I was asked if I wanted mayo ketchup with the mofongo and I said yes two please thinking it was included. They charged me $1 per small side of mayo ketchup which I thought was ridiculous. The plates of food are already costly. Why not include at least one with the mofongo or charge a nominal fee. I'm starting to agree with some of the other reviews. The food is overrated. I'd stop again if I happen to be in the area, but I wouldn't go out my way like I did in the past to come dine here. read more

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Food is very good and ready to eat in minutes. I really like Spanish food and Chinese food but it's even better when you put them together.

I've ordered takeout from here with my coworkers, and I absolutely love the Chinese and Puerto Rican fusion! The wait was a bit long for a Chinese spot, but it was worth it. I would definitely recommend it for dinner--it's a hearty meal! The Mongolian beef with tostones was simply delicious. read more

Watched a lot of videos about this place read several reviews centered just up the street from the Brass Mill shopping center so really looked forward to this meal as I have not been out in sometime. Parking was pretty busy with overflow going down to another lot at a local business that thankfully was closed. The smell emanating from the building as I parked drew my attention and my hunger to what I expected based off this aroma to be an eventful meal. Like most Chinese style restaurants you will find the food is mostly designed for take out. You can eat inside at several tables but even if you eat in your getting your food in Styrofoam Containers with a plastic fork. They don't have a selection of hot sauces but you get little packages of a generic sauce which I was a little disappointed by that. I was hoping to try something eclectic and different like this Chines / Puerto Rican food flair restaurant. They have a drive thru that was closed but mostly walk into an Asian flared room with simple one line ordering then step over to pay. Now most of the meals are combos with a chines flair. I had fried pork with onions over fried rice that they throw fries on. I wanted nothing to do with the fries that by all account looked undercooked. I substituted an extra for fried plantains. I was swayed to go with the garlic flavored expecting the recommendation from the owner to be a true score. What I found was not the plantains I was looking forward to but looked more like tostones. These chips had no taste / no flavor / no spice no hint of garlic and by all accounts set my mood for this meal and disappointing experience. Now My friend went with a chicken combo with mofongo so he got no fries and also was not impressed with the plantain option My meal the rice was very good with really nice taste and very flavorful with chunks of pork meat mixed in nicely throughout the rice. My fried pork was a little different and it wasn't your standard fried meat and had more of a texture and taste of a traditional Chinese spare rib. The meat was moist not dry and the taste was not what I expected, I am used to having fried pork and this is not fried pork but a decent spin on the style. My friend enjoyed his chicken and mofongo but also felt like he was looking more for a Puerto Rican flare than this Chinese version. I found my meal to be decent , it was cooked ok but is not my style. I was hoping for more of a combo rather than an overpowering Chinese flare to my meal. Was it worth the trip it was. But I would not rush back. read more

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Customer service was not so good... My husband ordered 5 different orders to which the person taking our order repeated back to us. When my husband went to pay, the lady repeated our order to us again. Our order was also written down. We drove 35 minutes to order their food because my sister recommended it. We paid over $100 for our food. When we drove back home, to our surprise, our entire order was messed up. We literally got food we never even ordered. We will never go back again. It would've been understandable if 1 order was messed up but an entire order is just unacceptable. read more

Honestly, it taste like NY Chinese food. It wasn't bad, but nothing thatI haven't had before. Thank you.

This is a hidden gem. I am from NYC and this food beats any Chinese food I have eaten. And I have eaten a lot of Chinese food and eaten Chinese food everyday at home, so I know what I'm saying. Don't sleep on this joint. 5 stars for the food, the service and the place. I can't wait to go back to Connecticut and eat here again and next time, I'm bring food home. Thank you for the delicious food. Keep it going. Don't change please. read more

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Let me start by saying La Borichina is extremely overhyped. Their food tastes just like any other Chinese food I've ever had. That being said, it is good and the portion sizes are large enough to easily last me 3 meals. I especially enjoyed the boneless spare ribs. However, I don't think it's worth waiting in line for. I had to wait 40 minutes but luckily was able to run errands in the meantime and come back so I didn't mind too much. They also ran out of toilet paper in the women's restroom, but the staff was kind enough to let me use some flushable wipes they had on hand. read more

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Everything we bought was delicious. The service was excellent being that they were busy between the drive thru and the people inside ordering. It seemed like there were a good number of regulars that spoke with the owner.the inside of the location really hits home in Puerto Rico. Many tables available, and the bathrooms were clean. Very authentic Puerto rican Chinese Cuisine. read more

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Here Iam trying a new place again. Big space comfortable seating. I've heard so many things when the food truck was open that I wanted to try it my self. Unfortunately the truck was shut down because a new project was in place. I waited until today to check why people were so hyped up so Ive heard also the quality was not the same but still I wanted to give it a shot. And it is a NO from me. The chicken looked boiled with big pieces of onions and the flavor was so strong that I couldn't get rid of the onion flavor coming up my throat, it was supposed to be garlic chicken but it had no garlic . The rice was just ehh pork fried simple rice And I don't want to forget the pool of oil at the bottom of the tray. So thanks but not thanks read more

La Bori China - Garlic chicken with pork fried rice - Chinese Near Me - Waterbury, Connecticut

LaBori China is by far the best Chinese food in Waterbury and the surrounding area. When it opened a while back, it had lines out the door. I soon learned that a year+ later, it still maintained those lines out the door (at least on weekends). So it wasn't just that initial "new" thing that had people flocking to it, but it maintained that customer base. So why? What makes it so special? For starters, it offers a mix of both Chinese (American Chinese) and Latin cuisine. You can get Orange Chicken and a side of Fried or Sweet Plaintains. The food is FRESH. It doesn't taste like old oil or a reheat. Next, it offers generous portions when you order the combos. Typically, with a Chinese food combo, you get the food in the little split tray or single tray plastic container. Well, at LaBori China, they give you a full Styrofoam takeout container with enough pork fried rice to feed 2-3 people or split amongst a young family. This makes it family affordable, so it's perfect for families on a budget who want to get takeout. Lastly, the place being new is BEAUTIFUL inside. It has ample seating (except when it's mobbed), and it has off-street parking to avoid that hassle in Waterbury. They did a great job balancing the decor inside, and it looked above/beyond your standard Chinese takeout restaurant. While you wait for your food, you are given a notifier device, or they will call you when it's ready (so if it's busy, you don't have to stand in the store). Why I didn't give it 5 stars has nothing to do with the food or the facility. 100% recommend to anyone based on the food. However, they set up a website that you can order from, but that always says they are "closed," and it will not take orders. This initially prevented me from eating there because I thought they went out of business. Not to mention that phone number goes straight to voicemail (like a personal one) any day you call. My assumption is that the website was set up before they knew about the demand or foot traffic and, after the popularity, no longer needed it. So, not having the ability to call ahead or order online is inconvenient. A member of the staff, when I went there on one of the 3 occasions (so far), was rude for no reason. I politely waited for a couple of hours, and they had an attitude when placing an order. With the above being said, it doesn't deter me from visiting LaBori. I would recommend if you are new to the restaurant, you will want to avoid visiting them on Saturday and Sunday when they typically have massive lines going out the door (at least at the time I write this). I did one of these long Sunday waits, and it was just about 2 hrs total. Instead, go on a Wednesday or Thursday. You won't regret this advice. read more

First of all this is NOT Asian Latin FUSION. It's a take out place with tables that has Chinese food and Latin food menus! HUGE disappointment as I was so excited and curious to see how they fused the two! The wait was ridiculous - we were first in line and we still waited 1/2 hour for two persons food - we received a buzzer for when our food was ready and two full lines of people that came in after us were served before we got our food. We asked for recommendations and the employee only recommended the Chinese dishes. Interesting as everyone in the place (except us) looked Hispanic/Latino. The fries were cold and soggy, and the pepper steak had about 2 small pieces of pepper and onion and the rest (chewy) steak but that was less than 1/2 the container which was filled with fried rice (I wasn't offered the option of white rice) and fries. Also no sauce with dumplings - never ok! The beef lo mein was the best choice although there was standing oil in the bottom of the container. The tables and space in general were not clean and I saw inside the bathroom as someone came out and decided to wait til I got home. The music was loud and Latin hip hop and the decor I'd you could call it that was limited to the counter area where there were a few Chinese and Latin decorations and a balloon with hair attached! Needless to say we will not be back! PS - $55 was the price for this, a bottle of water and strawberry boba. read more

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In my honest opinion this place is not worth the hype. If you don't live in Waterbury I don't recommend it. The rice was uncooked, the meat wasn't bad it had a lot of flavor. Service wasn't bad the line was actually moving at a moderate speed. Nice little ambiance but that's the least of my worries. To wait over a half hour for food that's mediocre is ridiculous, I paid 2 dollars extra for shrimp fried rice and there wasn't any in my plate. Maybe today was an off day, but honestly and truly I wont be going back. read more

La Bori China - Boneless Spare Ribs and Mongolian Beef - Chinese Near Me - Waterbury, Connecticut

Mongolian beef combo was delicious. I really liked the tenderness of the steak and the sweetness of the sauce with a touch of heat. Very tasty. The fried rice is great! The fact that it has ham in it is very familiar to me growing up eating my families boricua cuisine. I thought the fries on top were interesting and I can take 'em or leave 'em. The portion is what makes this such a steal at $15 you get food for days. Leftovers are the best! Service is fast and it's easier to get in and out on a weekday before noon than any other time. This place has a tendency to be packed! There is plenty of room inside and everything here is packaged to go, so then you just find a seat. read more

La Bori China - Mongolian Beef combo - Chinese Near Me - Waterbury, Connecticut

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Literal 10 out of work. Everything we ordered always absolutely delicious. It's amazing how the owner managed to combine Puerto Rican spices with Chinese. The one dish that was most similar to just Chinese was the chicken wings (which again were still delicious). We ordered beef and broccoli, shrimp lo mein, special lo mein, shrimp chow mein , ribs, mofongo, chicken wings, and chicken parts, oh and fried rice-- so it's safe to say you can trust me. The price was reasonable, we caught the line at a decent time, and the seating was perfect. Timing is definitely important for a place like this, so be cognizant of when you go. The only reason I'm not giving it a 5/5 because the styrofoam containers. As successful as the restaurant has been, the styrofoam is literally a buzz kill. Our containers melted away because of the heat of the food and then when we asked for another one( the manager tried to charge us. Thankfully one of the other employees saw that it wasn't our fault and gave it to us for free. Styrofoam is never good for holding food, especially when it's hot. Even from a health conscience perspective, the chemicals literally melt into the food. Hopefully they recognize this soon and change the packaging. read more

It's clearly evident that the food is tasty so I'll start with the CONS. I wanted to try their dumplings and I asked about the sauce. There is no sauce. That was disappointing because I love a good dumpling sauce. So we asked if the rangoons come with a sauce.. NO. I let my friend pick and she went for the rangoons. I didn't like them at all. It was filled with crab though, just not tasty and I don't think they use any creamcheese; just crab and onions. The bathrooms felt so...icky. Nothing was blatantly gross it just felt that way. The restrooms are very spacious. I would recommend adding a changing table for the tiny patrons. PROS: easy parking, lots of seating and standing room, very friendly and patient staff. My boneless spare ribs were delicious! Every piece was tender and juicy, I like how the meat was sliced as well. My friend gave great reviews about her chicken and broccoli. They give plenty of food so you will have leftovers. We came early about 10 mins before opening on a Tuesday and there were already people outside waiting. Then realized a bunch of people were also waiting in their cars. I socialized a bit because I didn't know what to order. Mainly everyone I spoke to was a 1st timer. I want to try their Mofongo and pork chunks as well as their fried chicken. PLEASE OFFER A DUMPLING SAUCE!! There is nothing like that savory sweet gingery sauce. read more

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I so wanted to love this!!! If you are looking for Chinese food Puerto Rican style then this is the place. This is "fast" casual so be sure to adjust your expectations. Our food was great, we ordered the garlic chicken, the sweet and sour chicken, mofongo and egg rolls. The egg rolls tasted amazing!!!!! And the mofongo is the best mofongo I had in a long time. The bad: we stopped by because the line appeared short. Let me tell you, the process from waiting in line to place an order the going to another line to pay and receiving the food took 2 hours. Yes, it was very busy so I get it but there's a lot of room for improvement and 2 hours was unnecessary. We received our food and one of our items was missing, so when I brought it to their attention I was treated poorly by the young lady who helps put the orders together, at one point she decided to try and engage me in an argument. The owner actually stepped in and quickly resolved my issue but at this point I was already turned off by the service. The concept and the food get 5 stars all day. The service and ambiance need a lot of work. The highlight of my 2 hour wait was going to Brooklyn Bakery afterwards. read more

La Bori China - Chinese Near Me - Waterbury, Connecticut

We didn't even get to try their food, we made an order online on their page and there's not a cancel button AND their phone number is always off and voice mail box is full giving us no way to contact them about a situation we had and needed to call them. They are very irresponsible when it comes to their website and ordering online, they should be checking their phone calls and voicemails, which is full. I wouldn't be surprised if these situations have happened to others seeing the box was full. Never ordering here again, thank you and if you have our food don't throw it out give it to someone who needs it or refund us. read more

Food is excellent with super friendly staff and a pretty awesome interior and spot to host a small party. I never knew Chinese food could taste so good! read more

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Ordered the boneless spare rib combo plate with tostones com ajo. I understand the nostalgia it brings and craving Puerto Rican Chinese food. That being said, the flavors are expected and good. Portions are big. I didn't really like the garlic on the tostones, didn't taste fresh or fully cooked, but it was crispy. Best part were the natural juices, definitely try the tamarindo and acerola. It was busy but it went along. We waited for about 45 minutes, including waiting in both lines. Ambiance is cool when you walk in. Clean, well decorated, and pretty spacious without the large amount of people. read more

Great foods and excellent services! Big portion for all the dishes. The fried rice and fried chicken is so tasty! Dining area is clean and spacious. I love the aroma there. It is a good sign of good foods! read more

Happy to support. But perhaps I ordered the wrong items? Nothing special here. Flavor is there. I got the boneless spare ribs combo. Rice was a little too soft. Fries soggy. Tostones were delicious. Maybe I should have ordered the fried chicken. I saw it on lots of peoples orders. It's a in and out type of spot. Tables to sit. Decor is nice. Clean. read more

La Bori China - Boneless spare rib - Chinese Near Me - Waterbury, Connecticut

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This place is busy at 8 pm on a Tuesday night, as I wait for my food in their clean, bright dining room, I'm taking this as a good sign. They have not started delivery yet. Food was made within 10-12 minutes and we were on our way. The food was delicious, the mofongo is moist and flavorful, the fried rice is outrageous! The pork chop was okay and the maduro (aka sweet plantains) looked dark but tasted perfect....I can't wait to eat there food again! read more

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Waited at the drive-thru for 10 minutes. No one ever took my order, so I left. It was easier to leave than deal with the owners famous attitude. read more

La Bori China - Drive through but no one is on the other end to take your order. - Chinese Near Me - Waterbury, Connecticut

Went there and got chicken and fried rice and a egg roll. The rice was pretty good and so was the egg roll. The chicken was not cooked though. It was still pink. So I couldn't eat it I had to throw it out. I might try them again but I wish I could have tried the chicken. read more

La Bori China - 3 Piece Wings with Fried Rice - Chinese Near Me - Waterbury, Connecticut

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Best tasting Latin Chinese fusion I've had. It's over an hour trip for me , but well worth the trip! Try the mofongo . I only wish the dumplings had sauce! read more

First time here saw it on TikTok and had to come check it out. Over 3 hour drive but worth it. Ordered a platter and it was so good had to order 2 more to take home. Only complaint would be that they don't let you order the meat on the side, you can only order platters. read more

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tried to call this business to cancel order that was placed online. phone number provided was off and went to voicemail and cannot leave a message because their box is full. no where in the app to cancel either. read more

There is hype from Instagram drove 1hour and a half to get there but so worth it. FYI: you will be waiting. Line is outside the door. Waited 3 hours in total. There's not enough seating. Outdoor seating would be a good addition. Waited and ate in the car. But let me tell you so worth it! The tostones are so good! read more

When you walk in there, you feel like you in Puerto Rico the decoration is really really cute. Puerto Rican flavor with a touch of Chinese food was really good. My monfongo was really soft and good. There's a $13 for each plate. It wasn't bad at all, but it was always packed and you know the food is not just sitting around. They have a lot of the natural l I'll eat parcha, And piña colada really so good. Well, I enjoy it. I hope you do too. read more

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It was ok. First trip to the location in Waterbury. I tasted better. You can find other places that are better. I will continue to visit my original location as always. read more

Love the food. Always big portions. Just will like to be able to order ahead so I dnt have to wait over an hour once I place my order. They still do not have a phone one can call to order so it's only in person which is why the wait specially evenings it's so long. read more

Food is good but not worth the 1+ hr wait . The lines inside is confusing. You have to wait in line to place your order they give you a buzzer to let you know when your food is ready , then you have to get in another line to pay for your order. That part took about 45 min and then it took about another 30 min for the food. read more

When is this place going to star being considerate. Second time there and food is always messy, thrown in the plate, order always wrong i order shrimp rice and get pork, I order crap raggon NO FREKN SAUCE. WTF. I drive up driveway thats not blocked and have to reverse all the way out...no thank you. too salty food not cooked long enough my pork spare ribs tasted like actual pork....no good. yes i mad expected so much more and all it cause was a fight w my boyfriend of the bad food. read more