Always good food. Fast service and friendly. Best sesame chicken in Ames. I hope May continues to provide yummy Chinese food.

Best Taiwanese Place in Ames, IA. I had been frequenting this place since they were open. The owner(s) are the same as Little Taipei and Cocost which were the best Taiwanese place when I was still a poor student at Iowa State. I remember $3.17 was the price of a meal in 1994 and that kept me fed for one day. Good old days. Stopped by today on my trip to another city and to my surprise, Ah May herself was cooking the meals. read more

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Lovely local small restaurant. Very friendly staff and delicious food! And the price is so reasonable. read more

May House Cuisine - chicken, broccoli, and rice - Chinese Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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I went here once years ago and didn't have the most favorable impression, but everyone is entitled to one bad day. Sometimes I have to flex my street cred before I can get good food. I tried once again yesterday with fresh eyes and a fresh palate. Many of my associates and friends who are East Asian or have been to China say May House is clean and the food is authentic Asian cuisine. The one time I went prior, I wasn't a fan of how the food came out immediately and one of the dishes seemed kinda plain. This time I ordered Szechuan favorites of mine, hot and spicy dishes. I was worried that quick service meant the food wasn't fresh, but I watched them work in the kitchen - they're just that fast at what they do. The food was nice and the portions were large. It looked and tasted like a plate of food you'd get from someone's home, and I love that home cooked from mom's kitchen vibe. It's cash only and worth going to an ATM - no tax! I like nice round numbers and that every main dish was $10. It's small and unassuming for a no frills dining experience, though it's currently take out only due to COVID-19. read more

May House Cuisine - Dan Dan noodles - Chinese Near Me - Ames, Iowa

The combination hot pot was unpleasantly too thick and too salty. The consistency of the broth was almost glue like. There were canned vegetables such as mushrooms and baby corn, which made the overall dish smell. This establishment accepts cash only and there is no tax. read more

May House Cuisine - Chinese Near Me - Ames, Iowa

we are going to live in may house because it was incredible. service is amazing, portions and price were perfect and the inside is so cute. food was delicious and we are going to come here every night for the rest of our lives read more

May House Cuisine - sesame chicken, upgrade to fried rice potstickers and chicken fried rice - Chinese Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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Very disappointed! Rude employees and the food taste horrible. The staffs have changed so does their service. I felt insulted when the lady said to me that if I can't eat extreme spicy food, don't order any spicy food. We, people from China eat this level (extreme spicy) of spiciness. Then she told the other two old guys in the kitchen that I can't eat spicy loudly. One laughed with her, and the other guy kept staring at my boyfriend and me. We felt extremely uncomfortable and wanted to leave the restaurant. When I thought the service was bad enough, so does the food. The eggplant taste like rancid oil. It tasted like oil that was used multiple times. We had to discard them because it's awful. I rarely write bad review, but I have to write it for this restaurant. read more

May House Cuisine - 糖醋茄子 sweet sour eggplant - Chinese Near Me - Ames, Iowa

This is the best Chinese food in Iowa. Nothing comes close. There is nothing like this place anywhere else in Iowa. I've been coming here for over 20 years and the food is always prepared the same way and always hits the spot. I would be very sad if they ever went out of business read more

May House is a place of nostalgia for me. When I was attending ISU from 1999-2005, I ate there frequently, at least once every two weeks if not more. It was always fast, inexpensive, and delicious. It still holds true to those qualities today. May House looks fairly unsuspecting from the outside. Inside the decor is largely unchanged in the last 20 years. That being said, it doesn't really need to change. It's not a large place, but it feels comfy and quaint. They only take cash. No credit cards or Apple Pay here. This is not uncommon for old school Chinese restaurants like May House. The lack of modernisation certainly hasn't hurt them. While they do longer have my absolute favorite Chinese dish of all time, the Grilled Chicken Big Boat. There is plenty to enjoy here. The menu isn't small, and neither are the portions. Nothing requires a long wait, and everything is hot and fresh when you get it. I decided to go with one of my other favorites...Ta Chan Chicken. This is one of the items that's been on the menu, and totally unchanged, for the last 20+ years. Once you eat it, you won't have difficulty understanding why. It is delicious mix of chicken, mushrooms, bell peppers, baby corn, and onions in a savory brown sauce. I always ask for it spicy, because that's how I like my Chinese food. I also ordered some egg rolls, because why not? It arrived quickly, and it came piping hot. I sipped on some complimentary hot tea while I waited a few minutes for it to cool down. I ate my egg rolls in the interim as well. They were nice and crispy and tasted good. They aren't exceptional, but they're a solid entry nonetheless. The Ta Chan was exactly as I remembered, even though I literally hadn't eaten it in probably five years, as I am rarely in Ames these days. The veggies were well cooked but still crisp. The sauce was mildly spicy and delicious. The chicken was tender but not overcooked. Overall it was a quite satisfying meal, and under $10 for the entree and an appetizer as well. It really is great inexpensive Chinese food. May House isn't pretentious. They're not culinarily bold or game changing. They make simple, delicious, inexpensive food. Is there anything wrong with that? Certainly not! Stop into May House if you want competently made, delicious Chinese food, at an affordable price. I am sure I'll be back again before too long. I hope they'll be in Ames for another 20 years! read more

May House Cuisine - Ta Chan Chicken. It's still one of my favorites, 20 years later. I feel so old saying that. - Chinese Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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May House is one of my favorites. I have been here plenty of times and it has become a tradition for one of my friend groups to eat here when we're together in Ames. The price is right for all of the meals I've seen here as you definitely get the quantity that will make you leave either stuffed or with a to-go box. The quality of food is here as it takes a couple minutes to cool down before you can even take the first bite, plus the tenderness of the chicken, pork and beef that I've tasted. And lastly, the service is phenomenal as it takes about 8 minutes tops from the second your order is placed to the second your plate hits the table. I liked May House the first time I ate here and I've continued to try new dishes ever since as these three attributes I've described have been present with every visit. read more

May House Cuisine - The famous fish sculpture next to my favorite table - Chinese Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Best Chinese in Ames for sure. And now take Credit cards. Been going here for years. Nice Ames family owned business for 25+ years.

Generally very good food. Older building. Fairly clean. Staff ok. Family friendly. Lot parking. Prices ok. Cash only, still, if I remember from my last visit. Free tea with your dine in meal. The cash only is a huge part that I don't come here as often anymore. I rarely carry cash. I did have a meal with mushrooms once that had a rather large flat mushroom colored stone in it. They promptly made a new meal for me. I do understand that things like this can happen. No harm, no foul. Good solid Asian food. Marcy'sDinerTantrumScale 5/5- NoScreamingKids read more

I have been dining out at May House for years. I have always gotten friendly customer service and food prepared fresh that is out of this world. I have never had any problems with stomach pain, either! That's why I keep going back to enjoy May House. read more

THEY ONLY TAKE CASH. That being said, I didn't enjoy the first entree I had here (chicken curry). It was incredibly bland and the chicken just tasted...weird. However, I decided to give it another try due to the good aspects of my first visit (the sweet and sour sauce is the BEST I have ever had). This time I had the chicken lo mien and it was REALLY good. It was a tad oily, but I'm sure that was why it had so much flavor. It was a big portion and was not bland at all (which can be an issue with some lo mien). Be aware that their "crab" rangoon is really cheese wontons. They do NOT have any crab in them. This is typical in other restaurants (like Mongolian Buffet), but they usually label them as cheese wontons instead. I personally have no problem with fried, crispy, cream cheese filled sides, so I loved them still. For the price, it's pretty good food. I wish more rangoon came with the order (you only get 3 for $3), but overall it's really good and fast food. The free hot tea is very good as well! read more

May House Cuisine - Chicken Curry (very bland, I wouldn't recommend it) and pot stickers. The pot stickers and sweet and sour sauce were VERY good! - Chinese Near Me - Ames, Iowa

**Cash Only**Not a full service restaurant and that's why the prices are great!! You refill your own water & get your own silverware. Food always comes out quick and always consistent. I've tried Hot Braised Chicken & Tofu Bao Beef, both are satisfying. Hot Braised Chicken Breaded chicken covered in slightly sweet thick sauce served with rice. Reminds me of orange chicken but better! Tofu Bao Beef Served in a sizzling hot pot with a side plate of rice topped with crumbles of beef. This dish will definitely warm you up on a cold night. Order this with a side of roasted egg to top it off-yummy!! Love coming here because it's different from the Chinese food I'm use to. read more

May House Cuisine - Tofu Bao Beef - Chinese Near Me - Ames, Iowa

This place is gross!!! I went to order food and the guy taking my order was picking at his teeth with a toothpick the whole time!!!! I ended up canceling my order when he wouldn't stop doing that, and just left before I almost puked all over the counter. Gross!!!! read more

The food honestly pry deserved three stars but every thing else about this place drops it to a two. The service was horrific and at the counter the manager was rude and impatient. The inside was dated and tacky. I would not suggest going to eat here if you are in the ames area. read more

May House Cuisine - Orange chicken - Chinese Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Best Hot Pot I've had. I normally get the Beef Tofu Bao. I order it with the Roast Egg and let it sit in the hot pot. Awesome food. I'm Asian and I approve this review. read more

May House has been at this location for years. I stopped in on a friends recommendation. I enjoyed it. And I have been back several times. Tried sesame chicken, garlic chicken. Last time the Thia Boa. Spicy but I liked it. Nothing fancy inside and it can be a bit cool on cold days. I would recommend. read more

We heard from a foodie friend that May House had great food. We went in to check out the menu. There were many dishes I wanted to try because they were comfort food from my childhood like bak jut the, ha jiang nian, pork intestine hot pot. Because we already had dinner, I ordered the fried gyoza which was the fried Beijing Jiaozi. They were great, crispy, fast and filled with a pork and leek mixture seasoned with a touch of sesame oil. The sauce was the nasty red stuff so we skipped it. These dumplings were 6 for $3. I could've made a meal of 3 orders. read more

I like May House. The food is consistently great, good portions and a wide selection of dishes all reasonably priced. This is a no-frills place. You help yourself to hot tea, napkins, and silverware. Sure, the décor could use a spruce, but the reason I come to May House is the food. The thing about the menus (yes, there are two of them) is that you can play it cool and comfortable with popular Chinese dishes like Kung Pao, Lo Meins, and delicious curries or you can try dishes not seen elsewhere in Ames. I highly recommend the tofu Mapo. I've been to May House over 20 times. The cashier, Jonny, is always friendly and willing to guide guests through tasty menu choices. Try May House, you will not be disappointed. read more

What's good? It was cheap. My Chinese friends said the taste was close to Chinese food aka authentic. What's bad? I DON'T LIKE MY FOOD. It has sand in it. The place gives a ghetto feeling plus not clean. The server is rude/ not friendly. Not coming back. read more

I really like May House. Most dishes are only $7, and are pretty big, so it's a good deal. I go to there frequently, and the food is always good. My favorite dishes are chicken fried rice and sesame chicken. There are many Chinese takeout places in Ames, but May House stands out to me because of the food quality. read more

Not bad... generally pretty inexpensive so I was surprised when I came by one time to have to pay $5 for some plain rice to go. Semi self service.... go to the counter and order your food and they'll bring it out to you. Complimentary hot tea. read more

May House Cuisine - Chinese Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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Great fast food Chinese. Their after dark menu is very different from their normal one and well worth a try. Love the Szechuan boiled beef and low price. Cash only. read more

One of my favorite restaurants when I lived in Ames. Anytime I'm near Ames I make a point to stop in for a meal. Excellent food and low prices. My personal favorites are the Mongolian Beef or Chicken and the Green Beans. read more

Go in sat down 2 minutes later food comes out I'm a very picky water and I loved it if your looking for fast good Chinese food for about 2 bucks a person come here you won't be dissatisfied. read more

May House Cuisine - Best rice and chicken ever - Chinese Near Me - Ames, Iowa

When I was 16, 17 and 18 and after May House had a business on Welch in Ames called Cocost that was perfect every time I had it and at least when I was 16 and 17 it was $5 even for a big plate of whatever you ordered but they had closed Cocost( I think that's how you spell it) but they have the same sort of thing here even though the price has gone up over the years. read more

May House is a non-frills, super cheap, delicious spot in Ames! Perfect for hungry students! The food is better than the other low-cost-Chinese restaurants. No wait service, no fortune cookies, no credit cards, self-service beverages, nothing but basic. When I was student, their tea, hot braised chicken, curry and seafood noodle soup kept me going (especially during winter)! The staff is friendly and fast. The food is tasty. Whenever I happen to be in Ames I try to stop by! read more

Again my girlfriend and I couldn't decide on what to eat, mostly her!! Every time we are driving by May House Cuisine it is packed. So we decided to go in and see what the place was all about. Wow the food was great, I had a Chinese food classic kung po chicken, boring huh..sure was good. The chicken was slathered in a special sauce with fresh veggies. Served with a order of rice on the side. I wish I could of poured the kung po over the rice so it can soak up all the yummy juices. Teresita had rice noodles with chicken, wow wow. Awesome flavor with grilled chicken and egg. A little on the greasy but that's OK. The reason I am giving the place a three star is because of the service is poor as can be. We got our order mixed up. We got one plate at a time, about 5 minutes apart but seemed hours. Never once I saw a smile from anyone. I asked the guy that was picking up the plates where can I go to get a refill for my $1.50 8oz. cup, he then pointed at the counter with what seemed like a grunt...refills buy the way cost 50 cents. I will go back, but I will order ahead and take it to go. read more

Not bad. a little bland at times. Lots of options for vegetarians. Very inexpensive.

I've had their fried rice a couple times now. It didn't wow me the first time, but I decided to give it a second try. Each time I was given no more meat than the size of my finger in a large plate-full of rice. Like finding a needle in a hay stack. The price is ridiculous for the quality of service and food. The most screwed over I've felt going out to eat. read more

Very very yummy!! Food didn't feel like it was full of grease like some other places. It tasted light & healthy. We got chicken fried rice (very good), sesame chicken (great), pork low mein (good), & special flavor chicken boneless (very good)! read more

Food isn't very good and the price it's not that cheap, either at $8 per dish. After driving 10 hours to ISU, this food was disappointing for sure. Cash only no tax is good I suppose. I have had much better Chinese before. read more

Carry out on 9/09/18. I would have done better getting frozen stuff. Cold, tasteless, no meat or vegetables. We have used many times, but I am no longer a customer. Take your chances my friends. Just terrible even for $8 a plate. read more

It is 2018, you will go out of business if you are cash only. Get a card reader ASAP

nothing beats their big bowl of korean style noodle soup on a cold Iowa winter day/night. Highly recommend it!

I got food poisoning after eating at this place recently. There was no problem before. But as more Chinese restaurants are open in Ames, less people come to this place. There are more leftover of precooked soup and foods that become bad. So be careful when you order the dish. read more

The entree I ordered smelled so bad. The weird odor smelled like dated newspapers or commercial papers which made me vomited. Not sure it is sanitary and safe to eat. Another bad experience was that they only accept paying in cash which was really inconvenience. read more

Fast food chinese with a twist. I love the menu on the board above the kitchen. It's had "oxtail" listed for years - I order every time I go there. They have yet to have it. Everthing is super saucy, but ok from a flavor perspective. Enjoy your warm water in a plastic cup that was manufactured in 1967. read more