Chinese Food Update

I keep forgetting to mention this, but after the last time I abused this blog to complain about DC's Chinese food options, a savvy reader recommended Mr. Chen's Organic in Woodley Park. Potentially worth checking out, I thought, but I'm never in Woodley Park. More recently, though, I discovered that my house, though pretty far away, is in Mr. Chen's delivery range. The food is very good -- in NYC it'd be totally unremarkable, but "unremarkable by New York standards" is extraordinary in DC.

It also should be said that DC's Chinatown has at least two good places, Chinatown Express for cheap noodles and Full Kee for a broader menu. There's also good stuff in the suburbs. But for sitting-around-the-house-looking-for-delivery, Mr. Chen's is my new go-to source.

Comments

I'll definitely second the Chinatown Express recommendation. Best $5.50 meal in town. And if you're willing to trek out to Gaithersburg, New Fortune does a solid Dim Sum.

Posted by LaFollette Progressive | May 21, 2007 3:53 PM

New York City is certainly full of great Chinese restaurants, but I can't find one that doesn't use ANY M.S.G.

Suggestions welcome!

Posted by Ted T. | May 21, 2007 4:05 PM

MattY,

Mr. Chen's is very good, I've had it delivered 8-10 times, but it turns out it's not even the best in Woodley Park. Give Eddie Cafe a shot for delivery, I've never gone back to Mr. Chen's since I tried 'em. (eddiecafe.com)

Posted by Zagnut | May 21, 2007 4:16 PM

Blech. The most tired of conversations! Behold, the New Yorker bemoaning the lack of quality Chinese culinary establishments in his new place of residence!

That said, I've never had better Chinese than in New York, at my friend's parents' house.

Posted by Ryno | May 21, 2007 4:34 PM

Matt:

Check out Great Wall on 14th Street -- sticking only to the one page of sichuan ("ma la") dishes. Sometimes great; other times a bit weakened (so ask for it spicy) or too salty. Definitely the most promise in your neighborhood. See http://www.donrockwell.com/index.php?showtopic=3226&hl=great+wall

If you're ever inclined to go out to the 'burbs, let me know and I can point you to delicious offerings in NoVa and Rockville (and points north).

Posted by Marty Lederman | May 21, 2007 4:40 PM

I don't know how close they are to you, but there are a few P.F. Chang's restaurants in the D.C. metro area. I live in the NYC area with plenty of Chinese restaurants, but the kung pao shrimp at P.F. Chang's beats everyone else's all to hell. Their veggie lettuce wraps kick ass too.

Sometimes the chain beats the locals.

Posted by Fred | May 21, 2007 4:42 PM

Meiwah, Eat First (Chinatown), City Lights of China (CT Ave above Dupont Circle).

Posted by Miracle Max | May 21, 2007 5:02 PM

Matt, what are your favorite Chinese places in NYC?

Posted by RC | May 21, 2007 5:12 PM

in Cleveland Park? Sure, the food's terrible, but oh what history . . . .

Posted by what about Yenching Palace | May 21, 2007 6:12 PM

Since you’re the guy who thinks Budweiser is just as good as microbrewed beer, could you tell me why I should listen to your advice about food?

Posted by ostap | May 21, 2007 6:15 PM

I don't know about the rest of their stuff but their Singapore Rice Noodles are terrrrrible.

Posted by Becks | May 21, 2007 6:50 PM

If Singapore noodles are your craving, Becks, then get thee to Li Ho, two doors down from Full Kee. Total grease pit, and almost everything is mediocre at best -- *except* the orange chicken (of all things) and the Singapore noodles *ordered fresh*, i.e., *not* from the steam table.

Caveat -- I haven't eaten there in about a year.

Posted by Marty Lederman | May 21, 2007 7:41 PM

full kee's good, but way overpriced.

Mei Wah's legit.

Mr. Chen's is over rated. People just buy into the organic aspect of it.

Oriental East in Silver Spring has the best dim sum.

Posted by nathaniel | May 21, 2007 8:02 PM

Eat First is also worth it, if you order off the little stand-up menu on your table.

Posted by AG | May 21, 2007 11:48 PM

I was at the quaint Chinese bakery right next to Chinese Express recently and had the best fried rice I've eaten in D.C. The place is very homely and the employees are almost always sitting at a table chatting or playing mahjang or something. Reminds me of relatives. Anyways, be brave in the face of the kitschy Chinese folk decorations and get the pork fried rice.

Posted by StJoe | May 22, 2007 2:33 AM

What's the differenc? Chinese food all tastes the same.

Posted by Virginia Dutch | May 22, 2007 12:51 PM

Another vote for PF Changs lettuce veggie wraps. "Vegetable Garden" in Rockville is excellent, but delivery / take out loses something.

Posted by Gore/Edwards 08 | May 23, 2007 7:12 AM