Everyone has that moment when Chinese takeout sounds absolutely perfect. Maybe it’s Friday night and you’re too tired to cook, or you’re stuck at the airport between flights. But here’s something most people don’t realize: not all Chinese restaurant chains are created equal. In fact, one chain stands out as particularly terrible, and you’ll want to know which one to avoid before you waste your money on a disappointing meal that tastes like cardboard.
Asian Chao sits at the bottom of the barrel
If you live in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, or Ohio, you might have spotted Asian Chao tucked into a food court somewhere. This is the one chain you absolutely need to skip, no matter how hungry you are or how limited your options seem. The restaurant tries to impress with an extensive menu featuring items like cheese rangoon and deep-fried plantains, but unfortunately, having more choices doesn’t make any of them good. The general consensus from people who’ve eaten there is pretty brutal.
Reviews consistently describe the food as disgusting, bland, and overly salty. One customer even went so far as to call it the absolute worst Asian food they’d ever eaten. The Atlanta airport location gets particularly harsh feedback, with travelers complaining about overpriced dishes that taste mediocre at best. Sure, the line might be shorter than other airport restaurants, but there’s a good reason for that. When you’re stuck at an airport or walking through a mall food court, resist the temptation and find literally any other option instead.
Manchu Wok barely beats Asian Chao
Manchu Wok started in Canada and made its way to some U.S. states, setting up shop mostly in food courts. The only reason this chain ranks slightly above Asian Chao is because the prices are somewhat more reasonable for what you’re getting, with most items costing around $12 or less. But don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s actually worth eating. The restaurant has developed a pretty bad reputation among customers who’ve given it a chance and immediately regretted their decision.
People in Ottawa have taken to online forums to recommend pretty much any other local Chinese spot over Manchu Wok. At the O’Hare airport location, frustrated customers report getting dry, hard chicken dishes that leave a horrible aftertaste. Some say they wished they’d just gone to McDonald’s instead, which really says something about how bad the food must be. While you might find the occasional person who doesn’t mind it, the overwhelming majority of reviews suggest this is another chain you should avoid at all costs.
Chinese Gourmet Express offers inconsistent results
Chinese Gourmet Express shows up in food courts across the country, from both coasts to the southern states. The chain has one thing going for it: apparently decent orange chicken that one person loved enough to search for another location when their local spot closed down. But that’s about where the good news ends. The quality you get depends entirely on which location you happen to visit, making it a risky choice when you’re hungry.
Customers at a San Jose location generally report being satisfied with typical Americanized Chinese food, though nobody’s calling it special or memorable. Meanwhile, people who visited a Salt Lake City location had a much worse experience, complaining about chicken that tasted spoiled and dishes so bland they might as well have been eating plain rice. Chinese Gourmet Express might work in a pinch if you’re desperate, but you’d better check the reviews for that specific location first. Otherwise, you’re gambling with your dinner.
Chowking brings Filipino influence to the mix
Founded in the Philippines back in 1985, Chowking eventually expanded to the United States and other countries. You’ll only find it in California, Nevada, New Jersey, or Washington, so most Americans have never even heard of it. What makes this chain different is its Filipino influence, which means you’ll find unexpected items like dim sum and popcorn chicken on the menu. It’s not the worst place to grab Chinese food when you’re in a bind, but it’s definitely not great either.
The biggest problem with Chowking is the wildly inconsistent quality between locations. Some customers rave about the Halo-Halo shaved ice dessert and the siopao, while others complain about disappointing portions and subpar quality. It’s another situation where you really need to do your homework before showing up hungry. If you’re craving Chowking specifically, it probably won’t be your worst meal ever, but there’s a decent chance you’ll walk away wishing you’d chosen something else. The inconsistency makes it hard to recommend with any confidence.
Leeann Chin has declined over the years
Midwesterners probably know Leeann Chin, a Minneapolis-born chain founded in 1980 by owner Leeann Chin, who grew up in China. The restaurant has grown to over 40 locations, mostly throughout the Midwest. The menu features pretty reasonable prices, with many appetizers under $5 and entrees around $10. But here’s the sad truth: the chain just isn’t what it used to be. People who remember eating there years ago talk about how much better it was back then.
St. Paul residents reminisce about the old Leeann Chin with its stunning architecture and more sophisticated ambiance and food. Multiple reviewers mention noticing a significant decline in food quality over time. While the chain still serves decent Chinese fast food, it’s nothing like what people remember from 15 years ago. If you’re hoping to recreate a positive experience you had there in the past, you’ll probably end up disappointed. The restaurant has shifted from what used to be a higher-end establishment to just another average takeout spot.
Mr. Chow charges way too much money
Mr. Chow is not the kind of place you stumble into on a random Tuesday. This high-end chain serving Beijing cuisine only has locations in Beverly Hills, New York, Miami, and Las Vegas. You’ll need to make a reservation and prepare yourself for a fancy dining experience. The website makes everything look luxurious and impressive, and the food itself isn’t actually bad. Their chicken satay is apparently pretty iconic, and you might even enjoy your meal.
But here’s the deal: Mr. Chow is the most expensive Chinese restaurant chain in America, with many entrees costing over $50. For that kind of money, the food better be absolutely amazing, maybe even the best Chinese you’ve ever tasted. Unfortunately, it’s not. Reviews consistently mention that what you get doesn’t match what you pay. Some customers even claim the way they price their menu is misleading, which is never a good sign. Unless you’re specifically going for the fancy atmosphere and don’t care about spending a small fortune, you can find much better Chinese food for a fraction of the price.
Pick Up Stix offers more variety than most
West coast residents have probably grabbed lunch at Pick Up Stix at some point. This Southern California chain stands out because they offer more variety than typical Chinese-American restaurants, including tofu-based dishes and lower-calorie options. The prices are pretty reasonable too, with most items costing just over $10. If you’re someone who wants to branch out beyond the usual orange chicken and fried rice, this might be your spot.
Reviews for Pick Up Stix vary by location, but overall, people seem happy with what they get. The house special chicken is particularly popular, with some people even searching for copycat recipes after moving away from their local restaurant. That’s usually a good sign that the food is actually worth eating. If you find yourself near a Pick Up Stix location, it’s definitely worth trying. Just don’t expect anything mind-blowing, just solid, tasty Chinese food that won’t disappoint you or drain your wallet.
Panda Express dominates the nationwide market
You’ve almost certainly eaten at Panda Express at some point. This chain is everywhere across America, serving affordable American-Chinese food with endless combination possibilities. The orange chicken is famous for a reason, and pairing it with chow mein and string bean chicken breast makes for a satisfying meal. One nice thing about Panda Express is that you can usually watch them cook your food right there in the wok, which gives you some confidence in freshness.
However, Panda Express definitely has its ups and downs. Some items, like the honey walnut shrimp, have texture problems that make them less appealing. But the biggest advantage is consistency and availability. When you’re on a road trip or vacation and spot a Panda Express, you know exactly what you’re getting. Your favorite dish will taste pretty much the same whether you’re in California or New York. That reliability counts for something when you’re hungry and don’t want to gamble on an unknown restaurant.
Pei Wei beats its former parent company
Pei Wei is essentially a more affordable version of P.F. Chang’s, though the two companies split up back in 2017. The chain is available in most states, and what really sets it apart is the surprisingly expansive menu. You’ll find items you wouldn’t expect at a Chinese restaurant, like Mongolian green beans, chicken pad thai, and mango habanero wings. It’s refreshing to see a chain willing to offer something different instead of just the same old dishes everyone else serves.
The pricing at Pei Wei is reasonable, with most entrees costing under $15. Reviews from a Texas location are generally positive, though people occasionally complain about a soggy or underwhelming dish here and there. Overall, Pei Wei delivers a solid experience that’s worth the money. If you’re looking for quick Chinese food with more interesting options than the typical fast-food chains, this is a good bet. The food is tasty, the prices are fair, and you’ll probably leave satisfied instead of regretting your choice.
Knowing which Chinese restaurant chains to avoid can save you from wasting money on terrible food. Asian Chao tops the list of places to skip, with Manchu Wok running a close second. If you’re looking for reliable Chinese takeout, stick with chains like Pei Wei or Panda Express that have proven track records. Check reviews for specific locations before you go, since quality can vary widely even within the same chain.
