JW Chen’s
1835 S Bend Ave, South Bend, IN, 46637
JW Chen’s Menu
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Visit below restaurant in South Bend for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in South Bend for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1835 S Bend Ave
South Bend, IN, 46637 - Phone (574) 271-2777
- Website https://jwchens.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :Closed
- Mon : Closed
Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Chinese Cuisine
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
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Dan N.
Considering all of the hype this place has received on Yelp!, I gotta admit, this place surpassed the hype. Maybe I just didn't believe it, the owner couldn't possibly take time to sit at your table, ask what kind of food you like, offer to make you something "special", and actually turn out some awesome Chinese food.... Sure enough, I walk in and am seated. A few minutes later, an older Asian woman sat at my table, took my order, asked me what I liked, and offered to make me something really "special". I declined her special offering the minute she said the word "tofu", and I went with the Walnut Pork--with a special request of "a little bit spicy". The dish was AMAZING. And yes, it was "a little bit spicy"--exactly how I wanted it. The pork was good, the veggies were good, the spice was good--and the little candied walnuts gave this dish the perfect amount of balance. I would recommend this dish to anyone, although I may go for a special offering next time I'm around. As I left JW Chens, I had an experience that had escaped me for some time. My mouth was actually tingling with the sensation of "deliciousness"--easy 5 stars for that alone.
(5)David T.
Add me to the major fans of this place. First, the food: I've eaten lots of Chinese in lots of places, including many big-city Chinatowns. And I cook it at home, using a high-power propane outdoor wok burner. With that background, I don't know where I would go to get better Chinese food than they serve here. The sauces aren't sticky sweet, but fresh and balanced. The veggies and meats are cooked perfectly. The pot stickers come with a great zesty sauce. The calamari appetizer was a real standout: it is not breaded but instead stir-fried with shaved veggies and aromatics; the sauce just pops with flavor; and the squid is not the least bit overcooked or rubbery. Crispy duck comes in large fried-breaded chunks with another great brown sauce. The lamb (under house specialties in the menu, I think.) was likewise awesome. Szechuan green beans are a great veggie order. I tried the Peking Duck in a past visit, and that was great ($40, and ordering a day or two ahead is called for; if the price seems steep, keep in mind that it serves a few people and that it is very labor intensive for the chefs). Next, the owner Jean is a gem: attentive, appreciative, and generous. She talked happily about the day's offerings, and she even sent our table a complimentary dish of fried fish with black vinegar sauce, which was perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious. (I'm not sure how often she sends things on the house, but it's the first time in my several dine-in visits.) Final tip. The spicing here is whatever you want. When I eat Chinese or Thai out, I tell the waiter whether I speak of "American" or "Thai/Chinese" spicing. "American medium" here would be accessible to most Americans, unless they really don't like much heat at all.
(5)Starr R.
Please do not come to this place, because Jean is the BEST Chinese cook in the area, and I don't want it to get too crowded. No really, you can't go wrong here. Ignore the menu, and just ask her what is fresh today, pick your protein and leave it up to her. Yeah, it costs more, but worth it!
(5)James C.
Lunch Specials are worth every penny!
(5)Pat E.
Some of the very best Chinese food I've ever eaten. Jean is a great hostess & chef.
(5)Beth D.
We went here for dinner and our experience was much like others have described. Jean came and sat down with us, told us a little about her and the restaurant, and then talked to each of us about what we liked. Since we have 2 kids, being able to customize their food was great. Plus, the kids loved the fact that Jean came and sat down with us! I am vegetarian, love mushrooms, and a little bit of spice. Jean had the kitchen make me a wonderful dish with tofu, mushrooms, spinach and a little kick. My husband had a spicy fish dish. I also loved the vegetarian egg rolls. They are small, so we ordered a second set. The food was really good and the portions were generous. The only place where the could improve is with the wait staff. They really weren't terribly nice or friendly. They did do their job, I just felt like they wanted us to finish and get out.
(4)Bryan C.
Two words for this place....RIP OFF and VEGGIE DISCRIMINATION. My wife and I brought our baby in with my sister-in-law because we had a good experience before when we just arrived last summer. Some friends treated us out at JW Chen's and I have to admit the food was good and I'm not going to lie, it was good this time around too...but not special. Especially with how the lady taking our order (I think she was the manager) suggested we get the chinese spinach and jampong dish (didn't mention how much it would cost). Since we're vegetarian, we asked for substitute for tofu instead of meat. All was well until we got the bill. They charged us extra for substituting the tofu saying that because of the time it took to prepare the tofu to make it crispy was extra. And as for the spinach dish and the jampong, she didn't point out the price, but talked us into ordering those dishes because they were expensive. It was good, BUT IT WASN'T THAT GOOD!!! The service was bad too and I think they were taking advantage of us because we were close to the last customers there. VERY DISAPPOINTING. The only happy ending to this review is that I am NEVER stepping foot in that place again.
(2)Andrew M.
Decided to try J.W. Chen's on the suggestion from a friend last week. As I walked in, I was immediately greeted bean, the owner of the restaurant, who promptly seated us, got us drinks, and started talking to us about the menu all within the first five minutes of us being there. Eventually, we decided that we would just let Jean surprise us based on what we told her we liked. Before our food came out, she brought us a complimentary appetizer of 6 almond shrimp (which were delicious) followed by, only a couple minutes later, our entrees. I ended up with a spicy pork dish while my girlfriend had an almond chicken dish without much spice. The freshness of the food was noticeable and we devoured both entrees, the six shrimp, and all the rice which was on the table. Overall, with amazing service and food and a price which won't break your wallet, I believe J.W. Chen's is a fantastic restaurant which should definitely check out if you are in the South Bend area.
(5)Kevin M.
Awesome food! We are from out off town and decided to try this place since it has great reviews , the owner sat down with us to ask what food we usually order and gave suggestions on what we should try! Nicest lady, reminded me of my grandmother :-) . Also sent out to us this shrimp with nuts on them to try , and they were "on the house" .. Was amazing ! Food is a great price , service is excellent ! Thank you!
(5)Cee B.
We came here for dinner after the football was over. The restaurant seemed very popular as all tables were filled quickly and luckily we got the last table available. The owner JW Chen took our order. She was very passionate about her restaurant, told us she was from Taiwan, and emphasized that she will cook any dishes on the menu the way we want it, with any changes we want. At the time we already knew what we wanted to order so we did not make any special request. After dinner though, we wish we had specified the spicy level in our spicy dishes. Looking at what some other tables had, I think they really can cook anything for you. Potstickers: not bad but wished they were crispier. Egg roll: it's very crunchy and it's the more authentic version of egg roll, meaning they are tiny rolls so if you are craving for a big egg roll, you will want at least 2 pieces for yourself. Spicy green beans: On the house. I suggest the spicy green beans with beer. King Du rib: Fried black pepper pork chops covered with red and green pepper. The chop itself was not spicy but the green and red peppers were spicy. This pork chop is a little dry. Crispy duck: Love it! Tender duck meat with crispy skin, served on a bed of stir fry asian vegetables. Portion is not big (but it was also about half the price of other dishes we had). It goes well with white rice. Everybody in our table liked this duck. Pepper scallop: essentially the scallop version of King Du rib. Not bad.
(3)Brian Z.
I was in the other day for dinner and I saw Peking Duck on the menu... You must order it 48 hours in advance as it is a lengthy process to prepare. So I told the owner Jean I will order it for one specified time/date next weekend. I go in and the bring this huge duck out whole to show us. Then take it back to the kitchen to debone and slice. It was very good. Homemade pancakes and plum sauce, along with type of slaw that goes with it. Very good. Also the pan fried noodles with chicken was excellent (new fav). I do enjoy her food. Everything is very fresh and vegetables are vibrant with color. Do not expect the typical... expect wonderful!
(4)Vincent L.
This place has become a regular in our weekly outings. As someone whose parents own a Chinese restaurant of their own, I can be pretty hard to please when it comes to Chinese food. Jean is an awesome person and every time I have gone she has given us a free dish to try. The food itself is made fresh and I can't say I have tried a bad thing on the menu. I am a fan of their hot and sour soup for an appetizer. The best part though is you can ask Jean to make some authentic dishes that are not on the menu. This is great for people like me who miss the stuff my parents make at home as well as people who just want to try something different. The restaurant is kind of small, so if you have a group on the weekends I would advise calling ahead. It looks like they are adding on to the porch out front so more seating is on its way. In all, a great restaurant that isn't too bad on the wallet but when you leave you will be satisfied!
(4)Pooya G.
Most abysmal service possible. The hostess wouldn't let us sit down because one member of our party was running 2 minutes late. Once we did sit down, the server forced us to order right away even though we told her we weren't ready to order. The food was about equal to Panda Express but cost twice as much and the service was horrid. Save your money and your time.
(1)Jess D.
My fiance and I just moved to town and we were excited to try JW Chen's. We sat at one of the tables outside, which was lovely on a warm night. As reported in many of these reviews, the owner was really congenial, friendly, and on top of everything. We're both vegetarian, and there are very few vegetarian entrees (or appetizers) on the menu, so we just asked the owner what she would recommend. She brought out two very good, delicately-flavored dishes with remarkably fresh ingredients. For dessert we got a watermelon smoothie that I believe was simply pureed watermelon, not watered down or anything -- delicious. The service was excellent; there was always someone coming out to check on us, refill water, clear plates. We were very happy throughout the meal. So why three stars? When we got our bill, we saw that our dishes cost $12 and $14, respectively. This is nowhere near the typical price of a vegetarian entree on their menu, which is around $7.50. We certainly did not expect one of the dishes (which consisted of spinach, tofu and a few other veggies -- no fancy ingredients) to be nearly twice the cost of an on-menu veggie entree, and more than the cost of almost every meat dish on the menu. I understand that the special effort required to make an off-menu dish is worth a bit of a premium, but as a vegetarian, you almost HAVE to order off-menu since the options on the menu are so sparse. I don't mind paying a little extra, but it just felt like an unreasonable amount and the experience left us feeling ripped off. I wish I didn't have to assign stars, because there are different factors affecting whether you will be pleased with this restaurant. If you eat meat, by all means go -- there are lots of options. If you're a deep-pocketed vegetarian who just whips out your AmEx without looking at the bill, then go and have yourself a ball -- for you this restaurant gets 5 stars, especially by South Bend standards. You can order tasty items off the menu without a care. But if you're a poor vegetarian like me, I would say skip it, go to one of the Asian markets in town, and cook something up at home.
(3)Vincent E.
Mrs. Chen will love you forever if you order the Peking duck. If you want something spicy, just ask her for something that will make you sweat. She'll ask you, "Yeah, but how much do you want to sweat?!" The sweet and sour soup is out of this world!
(5)Anthony P.
Not very good. We had beef with broccoli and mushu pork. Both were overwhelmed by onions. Also, the egg rolls were very small and somewhat bland. I will say that the wonton soup was very good.
(2)Zane F.
Exceptional! This place is simply the best authentic Chinese food we have ever had. We were only passing through on our way home to Chicago from a friend's wedding in Cleveland....wish we lived closer! The place was packed with regular and first-time customers, the energy was great! The owner sat down with us at our table to welcome us, introduce herself, and take our order. The rest of the staff was awesome, the food beyond excellent...we were so satisfied and had plenty of leftovers for the next meal. J.W. Chen's was such a treat, we will most definitely come back for more! Thank you!
(5)Don S.
By far one of the best Chinese places in town. Jean is awesome and don't forget to ask her about the specials not on the menu. The chicken and green beans is awesome. If you go for lunch, the food only takes about ten minutes tops. It's a weekly lunch date for my wife and I.
(4)Elizabeth C.
This place is so great!!! We moved to South Bend last summer and have been trying restaurants here and there, and this has become one of our most frequent casual dinner destinations. The sauces are fresh and have delicious, distinct flavors. They're not gooey or cornstarchy. And the vegetables are fresh, not wilted. Now, I'm not a vegetarian, but I do eat mostly veggies, and I must say that the Schezwuan green beans are absolutely perfect! I order them every time we go. The garlic broccoli was a little too sweet for my taste at first, but when I had the leftovers the next day at home, I was in heaven. The sizzling rice soup has chicken in it, along with shrimp, but the flavor is mouth-wateringly good. Our three kids all love it, too. In fact, I have liked everything so far at J.W. Chen's except the crab Rangoon. That's the reason for the 4 stars rather than 5. I happen to love crab Rangoon when it tastes a certain way, and this is not that way. I guess crab Rangoon is not really Chinese anyway, so what does it matter if this tastes a little too...sweet and creamy? Not very crabby or oniony? And the crab Rangoon seems a little pricey considering that it doesn't seem to contain much seafood (if any). But enough about the crab Rangoon. Last time we were there (our family of five, that is) we were treated extremely nicely, as was the Indian family next to us with the joyfully squealing baby and toddler. The owner (or her mother?) of the restaurant will just have a seat at the next table--or even at the extra spot at our table--while she takes our order. At first I was a little startled by this, but now I sort of look forward to it. Last time she also set us up with a free sample plate of the new special, some sort of citrus chicken dish. It was excellent! Now, regarding ambiance...well, it's a casual place, in a strip mall, but it actually looks pretty good considering. It's a little loud (see comment above about joyful babies), always busy at dinner time, and the decor is pragmatic. The place is very clean, though, and in general you get a cheerful sort of experience there. I absolutely recommend it.
(4)ND U.
This is a very causal place to find cheap Chinese food. The food is very average. But I would expect this in south bend. If your looking for bland Chinese food that is not authentic come here.
(2)Mary Beth G.
I stopped in for the first time for a late lunch. The owner told me how everything was made with fresh foods on the premises, except one item...even the Moo Shu Pork pancakes. I ordered the Moo Shu Pork. I would have liked to fill my pancakes myself. The plate came with 2 rolled pancakes, which must have been made by different people at different times. They did not look similar, so it gave the plate an odd look. There was a small spring roll. The plate didn't look appetizing. It was not served with hoisin sauce. Nor did it taste like hoisin was used in the stir fry. The pork used was 65% fat. The Moo Shu looked like a few slices of onion, cabbage and scrambled eggs without flavor.There was a small bowl of a light sweet sauce without flavor...sugar, cornstarch, fruit juice perhaps. Didn't taste any green onion, mushrooms, carrots, rice wine, or flavors in the Moo Shu. I read the other reviews and cannot figure it out. Did I order the one thing on the menu which is not good?
(1)Lauren M.
I've been here probably 3 times before. The most recent time I went was after a football game with a group. They were able to seat us right away which was good so I'd say it's a nice place to take a group, especially after football games when things can be so busy. We all had the warm sake which was good. The crab rangoon was very good as were the pot stickers. I tried a little bit of the spicy beef that my friend order which was very good. I ordered the spice seafood noodle soup which came with noodles shrimp, crab, scallops, and veggies. It was ok but didn't have enough broth. They sent out some walnut shrimp on the house and it was very delicious. I would absolutely recommend that. Overall the prices were reasonable, the service was good, they were able to seat us promptly, and the food was good.
(3)Clara S.
My boyfriend and I have been going here for about a year. The on menu dishes are really good, especially the pot stickers. My boyfriend is Chinese and loves to request many traditional dishes which are not on menu, now Jean brings us all sorts of traditional dishes for us to try when we come in. Jean, the owner, is very friendly. She loves to please and to suggest dishes.
(4)Alex M.
J.W. Chen's is a solid semi-upscale stir-fry place. The best thing about it is that you can get Jean to make you whatever general type of thing you want. I just told her I wanted something with fish and peanuts. She asked if I wanted it spicy so I said yes, and so I got "spicy fish with peanuts". The fish was a nice delicate texture and everything was fairly tasty. It is a little on the pricey side of Chinese but it is nice and you get plenty of food (my fish was about $17) It's also within walking distance from campus and right near Ivy Court.
(4)Alicia G.
Loved. This. Place. Was like going to my mom's house, where she sits down with you, asks you about yourself, finds out your likes and dislikes (i.e., spicy, sweet, traditional, vegetarian, etc.) then makes recommendations. She then writes down what she thinks you'll like and takes the order to the kitchen. She was spot on with a delicious pot sticker starter, a lovely fresh flounder and very fresh and spicy beef dish with green beans. If you find yourself close to the University of Notre Dame, be sure to drop in. You'll be treated like family.
(4)David H.
The food is always great. Jean, the owner always seats at your table asks what you like and tell you what's fresh. She also remembers repeat customers. The food is outstanding. I have never had a bad meal at JW Chen's.
(5)Jessie C.
We'd heard about JW Chen's and finally tried it a few weeks ago. The owner is sweet and when she learned it was our first time, she sent out a complimentary order of Schezuan string beans. We ordered the crab rangoons and potstickers and both were delicious; I would go and order just those! I ordered the Ko Bo chicken (tender chicken sauteed with spicy sauce and peanuts) and my husband ordered the Ko Bo beef and, again, they were delicious. JW Chen's has a friendly atmosphere and outstanding food. We'll definitely go there again!
(5)kristen e.
I would put J.W. Chen's in the category of "fancy" Chinese. It's definitely a tablecloth-type of place, with delicious and slightly upscale Chinese food. For a night where you want to eat takeout and watch trashy movies, this isn't the best choice, but for a nice date or a treat-yourself kind of evening, it's perfect. I definitely consider the Szechuan String Beans to be their specialty - they're delicious and are often offered as a complimentary side dish. You can choose white or dark meat chicken in any chicken dish (white is $1 extra), which I appreciate. I've never tasted anything here I didn't enjoy, though my husband has more than once been disappointed with some of his choices and found them a tad bland. The owner is very involved with the restaurant, often taking orders and checking to ensure everything is good. Servers are quick and helpful, and the restaurant is usually packed on weekend evenings. It's an excellent restaurant, and is where I choose to eat when I want to do something nice for myself.
(4)Jennifer J.
So happy that I checked out the reviews on Yelp for JW Chen's. Service was great and it was followed by a wonderful menu. Jean sat with us and told us about her, her restaurant. I was unsure about what to order and Jean suggested that she select for me, after asking me my likes and dislikes. She presented me with a wonderful beef dish AND a spicy chicken dish. I loved them both and the beef dish was on the house! I know that my husband and me will be regulars. Try it, you will love it!
(5)Marie F.
Very friendly owner,Jean, and staff. Food was good and there are plenty of choices. We had chicken and noodles, crab Rangoon and Szechwan string beans.
(4)Ane P.
Great food! The owner is super nice and she even gives you free samples of the new additions to the menu. Really nice place!
(4)Henry C.
I gave this place a one star not because of the food, but because of the horrible attitude that the owner has towards customers. We were checking out the local area for dinner and came by this place, decided to pop in to check out the menu. The owner came out to greet us and sit us down. We told her that we were just looking around and ended up deciding going elsewhere to eat. WOW... she ends up doing a complete 180 on her attitude becoming very hostile. We didn't even get to see the menu items, but the very poor customer service killed any chance that I would ever come back.
(1)Em J.
I can highly recomend JW Chen's. The food is fresh, tasty and doesn't use MSG. The menu has a good variety of dishes. The service is super friendly. The price is right. If you're in the area, ths is a great lunch or dinner spot .
(5)T T.
Almond shrimps is the best in town
(5)Catherine W.
We stumbled into this plaza looking for the Thai-Lao restaurant which was closed, so we stopped in here for dinner instead. What a pleasant surprise to have decent Chinese food in this area. If you speak any Chinese at all, you're in for a treat as the owners will speak to you about traditional dishes they can make for you, off-menu. Excellent prices and service.
(4)Lisa W.
Stopped in with my boyfriend ( a native Chinese) and a friend. Unlike most, I didn't find it very charming that the owner sat down to take our order. She also insisted on speaking Chinese with my boyfriend even though I, a non-apparent Chinese speaker and out friend, were present. My boyfriend and myself found this to be very rude and he asked to speak in English and she then did. (Although with a pretty insulted expression.) The other waitress are often overly attentive and I found it weird that they themselves weren't allowed to wait tables. However when was a drink was spilled, nobody came over to help until the owner yelled at them from her seated position. The food was pretty good and they have a good variety of dishes as well. The food there can be authentic if you order off the Chinese only menu which comes along with higher prices. If it were not for the poor customer service we would have potentially came back again.
(2)Christina M.
Chen's has officially been Taiwanese-mom tested and approved! Hooray! Next on the list of things to try: the Peking duck.
(5)Nali L.
Delicious Chinese food and the owner is always cool and would sit down and have a little chat with you, go through the menu with you if you have questions. Sometimes I feel like she can't hear well though, one time my friend ask for a Jean's Special Chicken and she heard "Ginger Chicken" LOL Her sesame chicken is great, the best I've tasted ever (I hate sesame chicken but I have to love JW Chens's!). The restaurant is clean, a little rusty with the weird-looking chairs which make it something to remember by. One of the waitress usually never talk to you and only come to clean out the table and bring the dishes, i guess because her English is not that good (?) The prices are reasonable for a typical Chinese restaurant, I had lunches with a soups, the main dish and an egg roll for $7ish (including tax). I give 3 stars ( A-OK) because i believe there're place much nicer with same quality/better food in town. I switches my Chinese among this one, Ho Ping House and Mandarin House, and sometimes Hibachi Buffet
(3)Shauna E.
Ok, so the food is really, really good. The first time we went there, I left WIPED OUT! I told my husband that it is a place to get orders to go. It just was so fast paced there. Our first time there, the owner comes and asks us what we ate before, we told her, its our first time. She asks generally what we like, I told her sweet. I would be ordering the Lemon Chicken. I then was told by her, its really sweet (in so many words then, you dont want that.....huh??) I ordered it anyway, its lemon chicken as I expected, YUMMY. My husband ordered the shrimp appetizer and says its the best shrimp dish he has ever had. We went a second time, (against my hubbys advice, due to the rushed feeling) and yet again, we were rushed. The place is so small, and very busy. They give you a feeling of you can not dine here, but eat and run. So, if you dont mind that, and get the feeling, they are watching you for your table then go. If not, by all means order it to go, the food is great!!!
(4)Shane J.
This is an excellent spot. I visited from San Francisco and am vegetarian. While there isn't many choices on the menu for vegetarians they are more then accomidating. The owner sat with us and created a dish for me to eat, it was well prepared, she gave us free string beans as well. Chinese good in South Bend? This is the spot!
(5)Jennifer S.
Excellent for those who opt to eat vegetarian. The szechuan string beans are absolutely delicious.
(4)Bradley W.
I've probably eaten at JWs 20 times. If you are going to go, make sure you go for lunch. The lunch menu has a variety of dishes that come with a soup and egg roll for like 8 bucks or so. Dinner is much more expensive and the portions aren't any bigger than the lunch portions. The tables are too close together for my liking, but otherwise the decor/atmosphere is solid. I recommend getting the hot and sour soup and the crispy beef. Also, the almond shrimp is pretty good.
(3)S Y.
Along with the great memories I've had in this place, Jean's service surpasses her great food (especially the Almond Shrimp as well as Almond Duck). The first time I came, she sat down on a chair next to us while taking our order and talked to us as if we were regulars to her restaurant. She makes the experience really comfortable and makes sure you find exactly what you're in the mood for! Definitely a must-go in South Bend!
(5)Lothar M.
Who had ever expected such a gem in South Bend? I've had Chinese food all around the globe, including in China, and JW Chen is among the best I had. In addition to the regular menu and delicious specials, she will by and large make everything you want. I love the tangerine beef while my wife loves the fried spring beans. JW Chen is my favorite restaurant in SB!
(5)Laura R.
We love it here. The owners are very nice and so are the staff. I recommend it all the time to friends. Our favorite dinner in South Bend!
(4)Lisa H.
Fantastic Food. Jean, the owner, is absolutely wonderful. You should always follow her suggestions when ordering. I have introduced so many people to this restaurant and they all love it. A friend even brought her family who were originally from China there. Of course Jean prepared a special meal for them. I am a chinese food snob and I love this place
(4)Quentin T.
A good look for South Bend. I have eaten at many Chinese restaurants in the area, and this one by far was the best. Ms. Chen sat down and went over the menu with us and even sent out a free chicken dish with our meal. Prices are average $8-12 area per entree. If you are still looking for a regular Chinese joint, give this one a try.
(4)Barbara F.
I live on the north side of Chicago where there are no good chinese restaurants. When I come visit my family in South Bend, I LOVE to eat here. It is one of the best Chinese restaurants I have eaten at. The owner is really sweet and very personable. She will do any make any accomadations to the menu you want. The crab ragoon is to die for and if you like hot and spicy...this is the place to be. i would higly recommend this place to anyone...give it a try
(5)Gabriela V.
Both my husband and I are vegetarian and we love the fact that the owner, Ms.Chen, is so accommodating and will always help us create the best dishes ever! We love the Vegetable Lo Mein with deep fried tofu and the Vegetarian Noodle Soup! Definitely, the best Chinese restaurant in town!!! Also, try the Garlic Green Beans!!! Almost better than PF Chang's!!! When we have friends and family visiting with us, this is our 1st restaurant we'll take them to!!! The only downside is the fact that the restaurant is too small and there is an obvious lack of privacy! But, again, the food is amazing and we'll most surely go back!
(5)Jason H.
Ive been going to Chens for about 10 yrs now. The food is very well prepared, and a little more authentic than Michianas typical asian offerings. The crispy fish is delicious, I often get the brisket soup as a lunch...if you order it spicy you will not be disappointed in its spicyness. If Jean recognizes you as a regular customer, sometimes she will tell you what you are going to order. I have never been disappointed with her recommendation. Jean herself shops daily at Meijer on grape road for their produce...which is a testimony to her attention to detail. Lunches at Chens are an incredible value.
(5)Adam F.
Great food! Kind service! Best Chinese I've had in South Bend. Only complaint: I wish they would serve to food "HOT!" when I request 10/10 in the heat scale.
(4)Kris C.
A wonderful find off the beaten path returning home from a business trip / mini vacation. Jean, the owner, is a remarkable woman, and literally makes the dining experience at this hidden gem. At once we were welcomed and made to feel at home as one might only expect at a reunion with a beloved long lost relative. Jean introduced herself as she pulled up a chair and spoke to us as if we were old friends. Following a quick conversation about how adventurous our tastes were in terms of spice, seasoning, and choice of protein Jean made suggestions from the menu to suit. The food: Pot stickers are made from scratch daily and are incredible. The pork short rib dish that we had was amazing. The meat was super tender and falling off the bone. Balance of flavors and spices was excellent. Almond crusted shrimp has great texture from the almond coating and a light, sweet sauce. The service: Accommodating and friendly. Excellent hospitality. Food came out quickly and the wait staff were very attentive to our needs. The verdict: This is a must visit restaurant in the South Bend area.
(5)Andrew B.
Best Chinese food in South Bend. Located next to an Asian market so the produce is super-fresh and run by a woman who takes it upon herself to sit down and discover what you're in the mood to eat, then places the order for you. Great white meat chicken in their dishes, great sauces that aren't too heavy, salty or oily. A definite must-visit when we visit ND.
(5)Jason W.
I love Jean!!! This is the best Chinese food I've ever eaten. Let Jean order for you. She will get it right.
(5)Lizbeth M.
From the moment you come in you feel like you are entering Jean's living room/kitchen. If you are wondering who Jean is, she is the most adorable Asian lady you would meet owner of the place. You feel like you belong there and she makes you part of her home and the experience. Service was really good. Jean, sat down with us at our table to take our order. She then said let me surprise you, what do you want chicken, beef, pork. One of the people at the table took her up in the offer and by far he ended with the best dish at the table, water beef. It was like a beef stew with spices, super delicious! I orders the crisp duck, which was amazing, super tender duck on the inside, super juicy with a crispy skin layer. The dumplings were really good as well. The place was really affordable for my plate I spent 14, and it was plenty for me to eat and share with the table.
(5)Scott H.
Fantastic. The owner Jean asked is a few questions then asked if she could surprise us. So glad we said yes! Our dinner was outstanding. Crispy chicken, almond shrimp, marinated pork ribs, chicken in a garlic, ginger & fish sauce and spicy fish. Authentic, flavorful, and fresh. Wish this place was in our city.
(5)Matthew E.
I have never, in my entire life, received worse service than when I made the mistake of dining here. The staff is rude, disrespectful, and careless. Moreover, the food I received came out cold and was tasteless. I will not be coming here again.
(1)Viktor K.
I went to this place with my brother after hearing great things about it. Jean sat down at our table and took our order, after recognized my brother. She asked if I had been there before, and after telling her I had not, she recommended dishes for me. The food was great, and we even got a complimentary dish!
(5)Amber P.
They thing that puts JW Chen's above the rest is Jean! The fact that she cares so much about the restaurant and makes such thoughtful recommendations is awesome! Their fried rice is good and I really enjoy their shrimp dishes. If you are around ND, try it out! You will not be disappointed.
(4)Chelsea W.
Food- empress chicken, Mongolian beef, pan noodles (chicken), shrimp low Mein. Empress chicken: Spicy but sweet with a crispy outside and a tender inside. The flavor was good. Mongolian beef: Lots of onions as the description in the menu says. The beef on this plate was very tender but there could have been more beef on this plate. Pan noodles (chicken): This was a large portioned plate! I honestly could have gone without any meat on this plate because there were tons of veggies and the noodles were spectacular. I love garlic so I thought this plate was wonderful but others in my party who tried my dish thought there was too much garlic. Shrimp low Mein: there was a good amount of shrimp. It was worth the dollar upgrade. Vegetarian egg roll: not much flavor and very tiny! Waitor/waitress: We came at a busy time so the place was packed but they seated us pretty quickly. Ms. Jean came and took our order and was very helpful in explaining things on her menu. Atmosphere: We sat outside on the patio so we had lots of room and it wasn't too chaotic.
(4)Chris B.
Great food, and great service. Took a while to get seated because they were so busy, but once I was seated the owner came over, introduced herself asked what I like and said let me surprise you. Picked the perfect dish based off what I told her. Never experienced anything like that before. She also brought me out handmade potstickers that were awesome!
(5)Ang C.
The Emperor Tofu is delicious. Crispy tofu in a sweet/spicy sauce. I love the Chinese food here. If you go to Andrews or Notre Dame, you are blessed!
(5)Kelly M.
This is, by far, one of the best Chinese restaurants I have ever been to. The owner, Jean, came and sat at our table to take our order. She asked us about our likes and dislikes and gave excellent suggestions. She honestly could not have been nicer. We ordered pot stickers (loved by even our 7yo), mu shu pork (they make the pancakes there and roll them up for you!), pan fried noodles (amazing), sesame chicken, broccoli chicken, and almond shrimp (Jean's special recipe in a sweet sauce that was to die for). We ate until we were beyond stuffed and had tons to take home. My family are now creating reasons to come to South Bend and can't wait to visit Jean and her amazing restaurant again!!
(5)Amy S.
We need to be honest here, people! This place is a dump. Filthy and shabby. The food is meh. Nothing bright, fresh or special about it. It's all fried.
(1)Cheryl H.
Came for lunch with a good friend. It was busy for a Tuesday, and for good reason! We started with the calamari (best I've ever had) and each got a lunch special. My orange chicken was fantastic! Mostly dark meat but so well cooked I didn't even care. Well breaded without being greasy or heavy and a little burn on the way down. Came with white rice and an egg roll. Mrs. Chen is warm, inviting and full of smiles. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Scott S.
Fantastic food!!! The owner is as sweet as they come - she's a gem. Don't be afraid of the un-amazing ambiance - once you sit down and start eating - your so glad that you did! First rate food!!
(5)Susan G.
Always delicious....veggies are perfectly cooked. No MSG either. Jean takes your order and always suggests something yummy!
(5)David P.
Wow. The best Chinese food I have ever had. I was hardly expecting to have the best Chinese food in South Bend Indiana, and our tour guide at Notre Dame recommended JW Chen's as the best food in town. I have had Chinese food across America in cities such as New York and San Francisco and did not have food that comes remotely close to Chen's. The green beans were perfect, and were the best green beans I have ever had. The rest of the food was amazing too. The owner Jean will actually sit down and talk with you to discover your preferences and then choose a dish for you (if you don't know what to order). Jean is one of the nicest people to talk with, and she makes the Che's experience. The best decision I made in South Bend Indiana, and I hope to come back soon to have the best Chinese food.
(5)Mike M.
This is the best Chinese restaurant in South Bend. Everything is very fresh.
(5)Tommy L.
Best place for Asian cuisine in South Bend. This place is like the King Boo of MarioKart- always a solid pick.
(4)Paul H.
Simply the best Chinese food you will find in the area. Ask for recommendations! The lady in charge knows what she is doing!
(5)PAUL G.
Jean/owner waited on me. Pulled up a chair to my table (and all the others) and helped me order appetizer and entree. Stopped by restaurant based on Yelp recommendations after landing at airport. Only 10 mins away. Steady customer volume plus returning customers. Pot stickers Spicy fish Chinese pickles - spicy string beans (on the house)
(5)Laszlo N.
Wow, was this ever a bad experience! Starts off with a woman hollering at us to sit at a different table then the one we chose, though the sign said seat yourself,overpriced, small portion lousy moo shoo pork, would not recommend this place to a dog.
(1)Jacqueline T.
FANTASTIC! The food was absolutely delicious. The owner, Jean, was the best! We recommend having her order your food for you :) great food for a great price! Definitely plan on coming back!!!
(5)Jessie L.
The one thing that bothered me was how persistent Jean was about pushing us to order more spice in our dishes. Even when we said we really don't want it spicy she still kinda forced us to have the "slightly spicy" version. I wonder if the ingredient was not fresh enough so they are trying to cover the taste a little? I'm not really sure. Is there anyone who has the same experience?
(3)Casey C.
Best Chinese food. Period. And the owner is the kindest woman you will ever meet! I have gone in there and asked her which of two plates I should try, and she's brought me both and only charged me for one! I moved from South Bend and every time I come back I will go here. Try the crispy beef! Amazing food, amazing service, it doesn't get better than this.
(5)Brad M.
Not only genuine Chinese cuisine, but also a friendly atmosphere. The first time I sat down here, Jean sat down at our table, set the menu aside, and asked me what kind of foods I liked. When I got my food, it was fantastic! I would take her recommendations any day. This place is so popular that you'll have to plan ahead during rush hours, but in a thought, this place boasts excellent food and excellent customer service!
(5)Mitchell S.
Yes, the owner did come out and greet us, and she took our order, but I was really upset with the way she treated my wife. She basically told my wife to shut up while she was trying to take my order, I was thinking this was very rude, and we won't be going back. My wife deserves just as much respect as I do.
(1)Emily B.
Excellent food! Has some traditional Taiwanese food that are not on the menu. Make a reservation if you are going to eat during the busy hour, or just take it to go. The service wasn't the best when they are busy, but that is understandable. They just need more training. But the food is definitely worth it. Once you ordered, the food will get to you in 5-10 min. Best Chinese I have tasted so far around this area.
(5)Gail S.
So impressive for the owner to personally greet us, ask us how we heard about the restaurant and inquire about our personal tastes. I'm impressed that even though we said we were traveling and just passing through, that we were treated to a wonderful, personal experience. The Yelp reviews are right on this one- the service is excellent and good very tasty. We particular liked the honey chicken, almond shrimp and moo shoo pork (the pancake wraps are hand made!!).
(5)Elizabeth C.
Sooo good. Constantly busy, if that tells you anything. Huge portions. I always take a box home with me. Round tables, which makes time with your family or group of friends all the more fun. The boss is really friendly. She will order for you if you tell her what you're looking for in a dish. Everything I've had is great. One of my South Bend favorites.
(5)David K.
Our favorite restaurant. Great place to impress friends. Wonderful flavors. Wife loves the almond shrimp. I just tell Jean what I'm hungry for and she delivers a wonderful meal.
(5)David G.
This place is a cool experience. The owner, Jean, is friendly and will surprise you with something based on your likes. Last time we were there I told her I like chicken, pork, and beef as well as sweet and spicy. I received my surprise dish which was tangerine beef. The best dish at the table IMO. The place is on the small side and watch out for major congestion during Notre Dame home games.
(5)Tracy H.
We found reviews on Yelp, so thought we'd try it. Great choice! The owner was the sweetest thing and once she found out it was our first time, she gave us almond shrimp on the house - so delicious! We mentioned that my husband has an allergy and she said to tell her that each time we visit so she can be sure to keep him safe. It was wonderful watching multiple groups of people and families enter and talk to her like they were old friends. It's obvious she cares about all of her customers AND the food was incredible, too! We'll definitely be back!
(4)Kelley R.
We had a wonderful first experience at J W Chens. The owner was very personable, and considerate of our food allergies. She made recommendations based off of the food we typically order from Chinese restaurants, and we received some crispy beef "on the house" that was incredible. My husband and I loved the crab Rangoon and honey chicken, as well! The staff was attentive and friendly, and the food came quick. My only recommendation to the restaurant would be to space out serving the food- we got our soup, appetizers, and entrees at the same time. Everything stayed hot, so it was no big deal to us, but we were a little overwhelmed with everything at once. Overall, we had a fabulous experience and have already recommended it to our friends. Thank you for the delicious dinner!
(5)W J.
The first time I went in this place, the food was decent. I get it - she sits down and asks you what you want. That was nice. However, the hostesses are rude and should calm down. I get this place is very small, but an attitude is uncalled for just because a few people arrive at the same time. And trust me, the owner changes her demeanor quickly.. Secondly,the last time I went in the food literally came out in five minutes and tasted like it had just been in the microwave. I realize I'm not native to eating Chinese food, but I can definitely tell when my food tastes like rubber. It was gross. Finally, the people in the back touching the food always appear to be behind the building smoking. I hope they wear gloves.. Overall - I think this place is highly overrated. Other Chinese restaurants in the area are just as decent. Or perhaps better off driving an hour and a half to Chinatown with some good Chinese food that's cheaper.
(1)Doug B.
This is some of the best Chinese food I have ever eaten. I am from Indy and used them for catering based on Yelp reviews. Great flavor.
(5)Ann-Marie C.
This is what Chines food is supposed to taste like! Not the Americanized crap versions that litter our landscape. Jean, the proprietor is just wonderful. If you tell her it's your first time, she most likely will bring you some special dish she's making in the kitchen. For us, it was a spicy calamari salad. So many dishes on the menu are great, but be sure to venture out into what is typically side dishes. Her szechuan green beans are amazing. But the kicker for me is her version of hot and sour soup, which is nothing like the often bland, soy sauce colored goop you normally get. It's divine! Every Chinese student visiting campus, I now bring them here and it's one feather in our cap to know there is a place like this here in South Bend.
(5)Ricki S.
I have been to JW Chens a few times and this comes after multiple meals there. The people that work there are very nice however after today's experience I feel that quality customer service does not compensate for a sub par product. The rice was mushy and unflavored, the shrimp was hard and I found a very long hair embedded in my food. I won't be back any time soon
(2)Michael K.
Having grown up in California, eating authentic Chinese food in the Bay Area, this place made me feel right at home. Jean is extremely friendly and will often send out a complimentary dish if they're not too busy and you're a new face. I recommend the crispy beef. If you're looking for delicious, authentic Chinese, come to JW Chen's.
(5)Denise C.
Food excellent. Service good. We even got a complimentary order of green beans. Only negative was that the place smelled like bleach :( I appreciate the cleanliness but not the odor while eating.
(4)Christine S.
The owner sits with you to go over the menu and your food preferences. The food was very good. Good Egg Drop soup.
(5)Ed J.
Based on the reviews, I tried this place out. It wasn't great, but I could see why folks love it. I came back again. Miss Jean greeted me at the door each time and in short order, came to my table to take my order, just as all reviewers mention. I always stick with the tried and true chicken fried rice at new to me places. Given the personalized attention I was receiving, I asked for very specific ingredients. I also ordered an egg roll. The egg roll came out quickly. It was the size of my index finger. $1.25 It comes with an absolutely delicious house sweet sauce and what little there was of it was very tasty. The fried rice came out a few minutes later. It did not have the ingredients I had asked for and it was not hot. All around me, folks were raving about the food they had. One person said, "This shrimp saved my life." So, I resolved to return, which I did. I ordered the very same stuff, plus the green beans so many Yelpers wrote about. I asked if I could get just a half order, or a smaller order, and Jean insisted, "No." $7.95 Just as before, the egg roll was really good. Happily, the fried rice was prepared exactly as I had requested and it was hot. The green bean portion was enormous - obviously meant to be ordered as a family/sharing dish. They were tasty, with a garlicky flavor, but not particularly fresh. As before, others around me were praising their food up and down. The pricing for soda pop is excessive, as well. $1.50 for 12 ozs of fountain coca-cola products with zero free refills. This place is definitely not geared for a single. It has its charms and typically, the food is delicious. Jean, the owner, is truly invested in making things right for her customers. I'm not sure how often I'll be back, but if you are looking for a new chinese food experience, I am sure taking a chance on Chen's is a good idea and worth a trip.
(3)Ann F.
Jean is amazing and food was INCREDIBLE! She made suggestions and even brought us an extra dish she wanted us to try "on the house".
(5)Chandrea O.
I use to work close by and would always grab lunch on my break time. After some time, I decided to come here with my husband for dinner. It was excellent - didn't think I would be close to disappointed. Although, my husband was expecting a crispier type of fried fish - instead he was served a fried fish but it was drenched in sauce. But still, it was good. Don't forget to get their boba tea!
(4)Victor M.
My oh my is it hard to find a place with good service but wow this place is amazing!! The owner of the place takes ur order and she is the sweetest lady on earth! It's like she read our minds of what we wanted and it tastes amazing! Will definitely be coming back
(5)Melissa L.
Really good and they have authentic Chinese food too. The owner really caters to each guest. I loved the food and wish I would have cone sooner! They are always so busy that we pass it up but finally got to go and eat! Loved it! So fast so fresh so good!!!
(5)David N.
JW Chen's is the best Chinese restaurant in South Bend. Period. It is not just good for South Bend, it is a good Chinese restaurant. I am sure you can find better Chinese restaurants in New York, Seattle, etc., but you'd have to know where to go because JW Chen's is much better than the average Chinese restaurant in big cities. When you order, let Jean guide you. She does a fine job of standard dishes, but the ones she specially prepares really shine. For instance, a couple of times she had a lamb and jalepeno available and it was fantastic. Describe the types of things you like and she will cook to your taste. [Note: if you like food really spicy make that clear to her, she is trying to adapt to Indiana's palate.] Fast, cheap, tasty.
(5)Shawn R.
My favorite food outside China. Water fish, honey chicken, almond shrimp, green beans, and cashew veggies. What a crazy good meal. We Love this place. Jean is always so nice to us and she is very good at helping you pick just the perfect dish. If you like what people normally consider Chinese food here in the states then this is not the place for you. This is real food made by people that can cook and who care about serving you a special meal every time you come in. We can't recomend this place high enough.
(5)Tom G.
Best Chinese food in Michiana. As all the other reviewers have mentioned, Jean does her own thing at JW Chen's. She sits down with you to take your order (which may be off putting to you at first, but she's very friendly), she plays classical music in the background of the restaurant. It's definitely not your typical Americanized Chinese food experience. The food is very good - Taiwanese style. Not the best I've ever had maybe, but certainly the best in South Bend, which justifies five stars in my book. If you've never been, try the honey chicken, and if you like your food spicy, she can make anything on the menu as spicy as you want - just ask. If you typically order the Americanized Chinese dishes, General Tso's, sweet and sour, etc., branch out and try something different - these things are available at JW Chen's but they are not the authentic food that makes the place great. If you are unsure what to get, ask Jean for a recommendation. She can even put together a custom dish for you with the meat / vegetables / sauce you want, if you ask nicely The place is always busy at the lunch hour and evenings, and there are many, many regular customers. I have been going a few times a month since I discovered the place 3 years ago. Definitely worth a try
(5)Abbe R.
This is the only Chinese restaurant I will go to in the area any more. The ingredients are so fresh and so high quality. The service and help of the owner in taking orders is superb. There are so many options for special dietary needs. And the flavors are out of this world! I've never had a bad meal here. I would recommend it to anyone!
(5)Thomas L.
Wow what a find! Best Chinese I have ever had. Jean the owner was super friendly and nice sat down asked is what we liked. She the asked us what kind of meat we liked. She then offered to take us on a culinary ride that was unforgettable. Starting with Chicken Beef and Lamb she surprised us with the best appetizers and meals from all three. Trust me she knows food and rocked our dinner. Every person in the place said the same thing, they ordered their favorite dish and here it was the best they ever had! Stop in if you get the chance it rocks!
(5)Nathasja T.
Awwww. I left this restaurant tonight with a full belly and a fuzzy feeling. The people that know me know that I take food seriously, so when I urge you to visit JW Chen's - I want you to know that I am serious. Jean, the owner of the restaurant is the warmest and kindest person you will ever meet. She approaches every table, sits down next to you and takes your order with plenty of smiles and suggestions. Erin knew what he wanted to order, but my experience went like this; "Oooh you are vegetarian! You can order anything of the menu, we can customize everything for you because everything is made to order. We have tofu, mushrooms, Chinese brocolli, bamboo and a lot of fresh Chinese vegetables. We have a truck deliver our ingredients three times a week, everything is really fresh and homemade. The springrolls, potstickers and pancakes for the mu-shu are freshly made. What do you like? Spicy or sweet? Tofu or vegetables? Can I surprise you?" How do you say 'No' to that? Not that I wanted to - I am all for (culinary) surprises. Make me something delicious, I trust you completely! Erin ordered his crispy beef 'Imperial style' which means the entree comes with soup (wonton was his choice), an eggroll and crab rangoon. At this point I have no idea what I am getting, but Jean asks me if I'd like to add soup and the whole shebang. She quickly recanted and told me "No, better no soup because they are made with chickenstock. The eggrolls are fresh and very good". Thank you Jean, an eggroll it is! 5 Stars for service for this alone. It is not often somebody takes their product and customers as seriously as this lady does. All ingredients are super fresh and every dish is handmade and prepared with love. Jean told us that she came to the US 36 years ago from Taiwan, with her husband and two young children. Her husband had found a job, and she had been a homemaker. A year after arriving in a foreign country, her husband died of liver cancer leaving Jean and her two children behind. Not knowing how to drive or speak English, she decided to do what she knew well. From her own kitchen, she started to teach cooking classes - pointing and showing how to prepare food without much talking. She enrolled in school, and eventually became a programmer. She learned how to drive a car and deal with snow. Eventually the monotony and endless-ness of computer work took its toll, and thank goodness for us all she decided to open up a restaurant! Erin told me the crispy beef was outstanding. Slightly sweet and citrus-y, a very delicious and balanced dish all around. My surprise meal was impressive; crispy tofu and fresh vegetables on a hot, sizzling plate. And it was YUM! The soup, crispy eggrolls and crab rangoon were dubbed as some of the best my husband has had. Dear Jean; I love you and I love your food. Your restaurant is you - and you ARE your restaurant! If you are looking for a white granddaughter - I am totally available for adoption, anytime! In the meantime, we will gladly be returning on a monthly basis to see what else you can surprise me with!
(5)Glen L.
Wow! Traveling between Chicago and Cedar Point we decided to stop for dinner and ran across this gem. The food was excellent. Next time through we will definitely stop here.
(5)Keith S.
Not much to look at but the owner Jean is friendly and will help you order. My friend and I got green beans on the house to go with our shrimp and lamb dishes. Excellent use of spices and herbs. Highly recommend.
(4)Howard L.
JW Chen is Jean, and she's just as friendly and welcoming as all the previous reviewers say. She sat down by us, took our order, checked on our spice tolerance, and found out a little about us and our visit to the son who was in South Bend. On top of that, she gave us a complimentary pork noodle dish in addition to the 4 dishes we ordered for dinner. We had: crispy duck steamed flounder filet tangerine beef sizzling tofu complimentary rice noodles, pork, and vegetables All of the dishes were nicely done and of Taiwanese style cooking, but not overly spicy per our requested preference. The three of us finished it all, so that should tell you something (besides that we're pigs). The smallish place was busy on a Sunday night, and folks came, ate, and went. Possibly it was because the Notre Dame ladies were playing their semi final NCAA basketball game. They have a large menu, though it's not apparently posted anywhere on the internet. They've been in business for 4 years now. Nice place to have around, and highly recommended if you're in the area and looking for Chinese cuisine. They're just half a mile from Touchdown Jesus!
(4)K E.
Decided to get take out after a Notre Dame game. The restaurant was packed and smelled good so i expected delicious food. The man working the counter was very rude and a woman bringing food out to tables pushed me out of her way. We got chicken with mixed vegetables and it not only looked horrible, it was!! It was in a clear flavorless sauce and I was given chili oil because they forgot to make it spicy for me. We weren't given any condiments and my hot mustard was also not packed. The egg rolls are pathetically small but may have been good with duck sauce or mustard. The less than half container of egg drop soup was ok. Don't waste your money!!
(1)Mallory B.
Everything is fantastic so you can never really go wrong when ordering. Jean, the owner, is a gem, if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions she will make something special just for you. Food is fresh and flavorful. Can't say enough good things about this place.
(5)Brian J.
It was all fantastic. Jean sat down with us and explained that everything was made fresh. She then got a list of ingredients that we both like and then surprised us with 3 magnificent plates of food. My wife had pork and vegetables, while I had a majorly spicy chicken and garlic. And then Jean brought us a crispy beef to share. I would highly suggest a visit if you are near.
(5)Christine A.
Excellent service & Quality food! If you want a great place to enjoy authentic Chinese food, then this is the place to go. You won't be sorry!!!!
(5)Bob G.
The service was excellent. The ambience was Modern Chinese. We got personal attention from Jean, the owner. She gave us a complimentary appetizer of almond shrimp. It was excellent. I had the Empress Chicken, and my wife had the Cashew Chicken with Jean's own sauce. They were excellent. There was enough left for another meal which we took home with us. We'll be back.
(5)Jen N.
I just moved to South Bend from Indianapolis. I had two favorite restaurants in Indy that served authentic Chinese food, and I was really worried about finding a suitable replacement here. So I was thrilled when I walked into JW Chen's and smelled the familiar flavors I had come to love. They serve both American style Chinese food and some authentic dishes. I had the spicy fish, and it was delicious and similar to flavors I had in China. I did find it a bit pricy, but I'm willing to pay for good food! My friends who ordered the American style Chinese lunches let me try a bit, and they were delicious, too. The basil shrimp was especially good. Regardless of which kind of food you prefer, the bottom line is that it is high quality food and you will enjoy it. As others have explained, Jean really does come and sit at your table to talk with you and make recommendations. Next time I need to work on convincing her that I really can handle the spice, that will make the dishes perfect. They also offer beer and wine, which is nice. If you come in a group, be aware that the food will come out as it is finished, it won't all be delivered at once as you may be used to. But don't wait for your friends, eat it while it is piping hot. They'll understand when they get theirs.
(5)Brian K.
Authentic Chinese food. Excellent!!!! The owner grandma sits down at your table to take your order. It was awkward at first but then it became kind of a homie feeling. And if you're not sure what to order then she's really good at suggesting things. She has very good customer service. If there's something wrong with your dish, she won't hesitate to bring it back and correct it. The other servers may not seem as nice but they're not rude or anything. Conclusion: VERY GOOD AUTHENTIC CHINESE FOOD!! This is one of our favorite places.
(5)Peter H.
I've had the good fortune to be able to try Chinese food in a number of different countries, and this is as good as I've had anywhere. It's located right next to a Chinese grocery, tucked away in a strip mall. Blink and you'll miss, as the place isn't large. It's also not fancy, and the prices are fairly high. But it's worth it. Jean, the owner, is extremely gracious (and will remember her regulars with a hug and a chat), the service is quick, and the food is wonderful. The cuisine here is Taiwanese, specifically, but like any Chinese restaurant they're forced to carry the Asian-American usuals to appease local tastes. Egg rolls, chop suey, general tso's, and the like. There are places for such things, but I wouldn't recommend them here. Just wait 'til Jean stops by to take your order, which she usually will (unless they're extraordinarily busy), and take her advice. She'll ask a few questions to determine your preferences, starting with how spicy you'd like things, then she'll start making suggestions. And they're almost always spectacular: three cup chicken, crispy (twice cooked) beef, vinegar fish, chinese egg-plant with pork, salt and pepper pork short ribs, and more. Just be adventurous, step outside the comfort zone, and try things you've never had before. As an added bonus, if you're in town for football, it's a short walk from Notre Dame's campus, so it's a great option for post-game dinners.
(5)Chris S.
Excellent Chinese food for the area, very authentic. The boss lady is very friendly and sits down to help you choose what to order. As other reviewers have commented, it can be a bit awkward at first, but I think it's cool and shows she's passionate about getting you the right dish. Service is reasonably quick, and the food is very tasty. Getting the spiciness right can be a bit hit-or-miss though; for me it's usually not hot enough. The vegetables are sometimes a bit underdone too. This is definitely the best Chinese restaurant I've found in the Michiana area.
(4)Star W.
I am from mainland China, I don't understand why the boss lady was so mean to me when I tried to order foods by speck Chinese. Me and my host family went there in the first day of New Year, she embarrassed me in front of my host family. When I tried to get a bowl, the Chinese waitress totally ignored me when I said Chinese to her , until my host mom stood out and helped me. This restaurant has good food, I admit. But I just don't understand why the people there were mean to me.
(1)Kelly F.
I love this restaurant FOR LUNCH. We came on a Friday night for dinner. All of these empty tables "reserved" tables. Still empty when we left. We were put at a large table on one side being told this is reserved as well, but not until 6:30. I get that and totally understand that. However we were in there for less than 30 minutes, never felt so rushed. I knew what I wanted. My husband looked at the menu and she sat down and asked a couple of questions and basically ordered food for him. That's ok too, suggestions are nice. He enjoyed his meal. Our appetizers arrive at the table WITH his meal! By the time he started his meal, it was cold. My meal didn't arrive until after he started his. Then I asked for plum sauce, the look I got from the waitress was like I was really bothering her. She never brought it, had to ask someone else for it. I felt terribly rushed, could not enjoy our meal. If you plan on going in the evening, MAKE RESERVATIONS. You'll be treated better. I'll be back for lunch.
(2)Sarah A.
One of our favorite restaurants in SB! Love the almond shrimp and green beans! Large portions and good prices. Jean talks to every customer and helps you order. No added MSG.
(4)Marc A.
Best Chinese food in South Bend, hands down! Jean is amazing-she listens to your likes/dislikes, then recommends and customizes your dish to meet any dietary concerns you have. This weekend was our first time, but most definitely will not be our last!
(5)Jie L.
This restaurant is fine for its Chinese food but due to unknown reason, the boss seems to discriminate mainland Chinese customers. She will check first where you are coming from. If several friends come to this restaurant and even there is a single mainland Chinese, then the you will receive inferior service ( food quality, service attitude, etc).
(1)Amie D.
We went here one day for lunch with my Dad. We didn't plan on going here, but the place we originally set out for was closed, so figured we'd try out this place after my Dad said they got good reviews. As we were ordering, the owner of the restaurant came to our table and introduced herself, which I thought was a nice touch. She mentioned that they could make things other than the menu, custom to your taste. What do you like? Meat or no meat? Seafood? Spicy or no? My sister is a vegetarian so her assistance was helpful. The food came out quickly and hot. The taste was excellent - everyone enjoyed their dishes. Also the food was not heavily grease-laden as I have found in other Chinese restaurants. The portion size was appropriate for lunch, and we were satisfied. The price was very inexpensive and the quality was good. I have a good memory of this place as it was one of the last spots my sister and I were able to go with my father before he passed away. I would like to thank JW Chen's for making it such a nice experience for us.
(5)Stacy L.
Excellent food and service! It got very busy during lunch. So come early or sit outside. Delicious, delicious, delicious!
(5)Javid D.
Great!
(4)Jie S.
Decent Chinese food with great services. I would give a five star but the dishes were more expensive than I expected. I found out this place from tripadvisor.com which is the #1 restaurant in South bend. The Chinese name of this place is "Jing"-quite which i would guess is the first name of the owner. She was the one ordering the food for every table. She took the time and sat down with us to discuss what we wanted. She probably gave us 12-15 specials for the day. In the end we basically abandoned the menu and went for her recommendation which were all great. We ordered: Pot stickers Pickled veggie withe sliced pork belly meat. Spicy lamb Wu Gen Chang Wang Chinese Greens with garlic Beef stew casserole She gave us a complimentary Taiwanese fried noodles with pork and vegetables Surprisingly, we liked all dishes. As a picky Chinese from Chicago, I didn't think this place would beat the Chicago Chinatown food. Well, I was impressed. They were ranked as #1 on Tripadvisor.com for a reason. My 6 year old finished up a plate of pot stickers in 5 minutes. I had to order another one for him. And I didn't get to try one from the second plate neither. So it must be really really good. The owner told us those were made there not some frozen packaged dumplings. Pickled veggie withe sliced pork belly meat and Wu Gen Chang Wang were done in a traditional Taiwanese way. Those were cooked with lots of meat but not greasy at all. Loved both. Spicy lamb was cooked with chilli peppers and fresh bamboo shoots. Meat was tender with enough cumin and pepper flavor. Spicy and delicious. My personal favorite. The service was super comparing to Chicago china town standard. They checked with us a few times to make sure everything was good. It was kind of expensive for a Chinese dinner for me, again, comparing to Chicago china town. I would say about 30%-40% more. I highly recommend this place if you are in South bend and want the Chinese food.
(4)David L.
While I don't often go out for Chinese food anymore, having learned to cook in during a year spent in Beijing, this is about the only place I'll go in South Bend when I do. I love the staff and the owner, Jean, who will happily stand table-side for 15 minutes chatting with me in Mandarin to find out what I like and dislike and then throw together a nice homestyle dish to fit those characteristics perfectly. Who needs menus when you have a 20 year veteran of the Chinese restaurant business to guide you? The food ranges from standard Americanized Chinese fare on the menu to completely authentic northern Chinese dishes for those who can custom order or are willing to trust the staff's judgment in selecting something to suit their tastes. Prices are a bit higher than the norm for local Chinese, but the food is bloody well worth it; it's much better than the norm for local Chinese. Atmosphere is nice; a bit tight on seating but pleasant enough, with comfortable chairs, decent decor, and a nice bi-lingual environment as background noise. Forgot to mention, as well, that almost every time I walk in I wind up getting something for free. Jean's always happy to chat with anyone, in English or Mandarin, but the latter will often get you some special consideration, even if it's just the pidgin of a first-year student. ND kids, go for it, it's fun and if you botch a sentence (or six) no one will fault you for it.
(4)Victoria S.
We love eating at JW Chens. Jean is the owner and so gracious and makes us special Dishes when we eat there. No MSG in any of the food! That is a huge plus!
(5)Paul K.
I'm not surprised this restaurant is rated so high. Their food is amazing, and the prices are very reasonable. Best of all, it is conveniently located near the ND campus.
(5)Elaine D.
The BEST! Consistent, quick, friendly. Jean is great!
(5)Geo C.
I sat down and the owner came over and sat down to introduce herself, learn about my likes and then offered to surprise me with something special. For that alone -- 5 stars!
(5)Robert A.
Wow, if you like Chinese food this is the place u have to check out. Great prices and great food. We ate off the lunch menu and were even brought a special side dish at no charge which was fantastic.. Family ran business.
(5)A D.
After getting my nails done next door at 2:30, I realized I hadn't eaten since about 6 am and I was starving. I walked in and was greeted warmly by Jean. It was only once she sat down to take my order that I realized I had read reviews and got excited. I mentioned that people had raved about her on the internet and she lit up. My compliments ended up in getting a complimentary dish of almond shrimp; it was incredible! I also ordered the Ko Bo Beef, which was flank steak with spicy peppers, some onions and peanuts. Both dishes were unbelievable. This place is a MUST VISIT.
(5)Chris A.
My wife & I went here on New Year's Day because it was one of the only places open, and because we'd never been there. Having read some reviews online (Yelp and other places) we were really looking forward to eating there. First of all, in my experience if a Chinese restaurant is busy, that usually means the food is good. The place was packed when we arrived, and packed when we left. Secondly, the food and service were awesome. Jean, the owner, sat down next to us and took our order. Our food was at our table so fast I almost couldn't believe it as fresh as it was. All the meat and produce is really fresh. I had the orange chicken, my wife had the almond chicken, and we ordered a plate of crab rangoons and somehow ended up with a plate of green beans. The quality of the food was amazing. I highly recommend this place if you want quality Chinese food that is totally unlike any other place I've been. You can also call ahead and order food if you want it to go. Try it. You'll love it!
(5)Erin S.
Driving through on our way home, pulled up yelp and saw the great reviews, so we decided to try it out. Exactly as great as described. Jean was so kind and helpful, pointed us to some great food choices. The spicy fish was amazing! Prices are very reasonable and service was great. We will definitely be back on our next time through South Bend.
(5)Shannon B.
We were in New York heading back to the Chicago area and I drove out of our way to go through South Bend to enjoy JW Chen's with my family. When we got close I called to see how busy there were. No answer. After several failed calls I looked on yelp to find out...they were closed on Mondays. I couldn't believe it! I would have to give myself 1 star for NOT checking this out before the big detour, but alas, I assumed every restaurant on the planet was open on Mondays. My real review is below.
(5)Soo K.
Ok....Where do I need to start...hum... As Asian myself meal from this place wasn't good at all. Not a good place. I will never eat again here. Maybe my expectation was too high.
(1)Katie M.
What a pleasant surprise JW Chen's is. If you'd told me South Bend would have a place where I could find good authentic Chinese food, I would have laughed - but I'm really glad JW Chen is here to make me keep my mouth shut. Among my favorite dishes are the Taiwanese-style fried rice noodles, chicken lettuce wraps, sizzling rice soup, mongolian beef, and ma po tofu. Also, the owner is a really nice and friendly lady and I strongly recommend talking to her - not only will she help pick out stuff on the menu that she thinks you'll like, but there is also a specialty list of really authentic stuff that's not on the printed menu, like the pork with preserved vegetables that I rarely ever see in a restaurant that isn't in a Chinatown. This is certainly a 5* restaurant for South Bend and I'm so glad to have it. The only bad thing about this place is I run into a lot of professors here. ;)
(4)Melissa K.
One word...TERRIBLE! We had heard amazing things about this place and decided to give it a try. The place was packed and the tables are so close together that you can hardly move. It took forever to have someone take our order and when they finally did, they sat down at the table like they were part of our party. The food was disgusting. The egg drop soup tasted spoiled, the food had absolutely no flavor, and everyone was rude. When we complained about one of our entrees, the owner threw her hands up in the air, acted like she didn't understand us, and refused to give us a new dish. Another waiter had to bring us new food. Later the owner brought over another dish "on the house." It was horrible and had no flavor either. When we told her this, she was extremely rude. All of the waiters were rude. We will not be going back to this place. Honestly I've had better food out of the freezer section at the grocery store than what this was. Most disgusting food I've ever tasted.
(1)Ali H.
I had heard many good things about Chen's but I failed to be impressed on a recent visit. We stopped in for lunch, and it was packed. The owner came over and talked with us before ordering which was nice. The lunch specials were reasonably priced, at 7.50 for your main dish plus rice, soup, and an egg roll. But these are prices you'd pay in Chicago for a similar lunch deal, and the food wasn't great at all. I had a spicy shrimp dish that was, actually, quite good. It was everything that came with it that was lackluster. The hot and sour soup was like nothing I'd tasted before; it seemed to lack entirely the "sour" part of hot and sour soup. I LOVE hot and sour soup, and this was so bland and weird that I didn't even eat it. The fried rice that came with the meal suffered from a complete and total lack of flavor. And the only condiment on the table was a sweet sauce for the egg rolls, so I had to go in search of a spicy sauce or soy sauce to make the rice edible. I mean, this literally had no more flavor than your average unseasoned white rice. My friend that got the garlic chicken had similar things to say about his meal. So yeah...Probably won't make a return trip here.
(3)Nicole B.
This is the gem of South Bend food, in my opinion. You can get a massive lunch for 7 bucks that will give you enough to bring home and have a snack later. The food is delicious and the owner sits down with you and makes you a custom meal if you're not sure what you want (although that usually ends up costing a bit more). Every time I come back to South Bend, the first thing I do is get a lunch here because it's so good and not like anything else in the city.
(5)Jeremy M.
The best Chinese place I have been to in South Bend. I wasn't impressed the first time I came, until I went with some friends and just said "surprise us."
(4)Christine B.
We were visiting from out of town and found this restaurant on Yelp. The food was amazing! The owner introduced herself after we were seated and personally tailored our meal to our tastes. She even brought us samples on the house. Definitely try the ginger chicken - it was awesome! We wished this restaurant were closer to home!
(5)Nicholas R.
My wife and I wanted to try someplace new for lunch and we were going to try the greek place a couple doors down, they looked completely dead and decided that might not be a good decision. We noticed a lot of people flocking to JW Chens a couple stores down. So we thought we would give it a whirl. As soon as we walked in we were sat. Shortly after we were approached by Jean the owner. She was very friendly but a bit overzealous when talking about her food. I feel like she actually hyped it up a little bit too much. Not to mention she kind of made us feel a bit uncomfortable by sitting at our table, a little unprofessional. I ordered the Sesame chicken and my wife ordered the General Tso's chicken, she was actually talked out of the General's chicken by Jean and ordered the Honey chicken. The food came out pretty quick. Was piping hot and actually took about 5 minutes to cool off before we could eat. The texture of the food was pretty good. Everything tasted a bit too garlic'y / Ginger'y for my taste. My grandmother is Asian and has been cooking for me since forever and I'm no stranger to ginger and garlic, but it was a bit overwhelming for me, If it was for me, i can't imagine how it must taste to the average person. Overall the food was decent, the dining experience was slightly below average. I might try back another time for dinner and see if we like it any better.
(3)Marisa V.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in South Bend. The service is quick, the food is delicious, and the prices are reasonable. The owner Jean sits down to take your order and I like to ask her for suggestions. My favorite dish is the almond shrimp!
(5)Jan S.
Stopped in here 2 years ago. A friend just asked me about it and we both agreed it was one of the best meals we've ever had. If I'm in the area, i'll make it a point to stop in here. The owner is very friendly.
(5)Diana D.
My boyfriend and I LOVE to eat at this place. When he first moved out there, we tried it out, not sure about how it would be. My boyfriend couldn't decide between two dishes (I think it was the crispy beef and his go-to Mongolian beef), but he went ahead with the Mongolian beef. When our food came out, the owner brought us out a full-sized dish of the crispy beef for us to try! (It was AMAZING, by the way!) The customer service floored both my boyfriend and myself. The owner truly cares about her customers and wants them to have the best food and the best experience at her restaurant. Highly recommend this place if you are looking for some great, authentic Chinese food in South Bend (at great prices, too!).
(5)Abaan Z.
Best Chinese food in the area! Very authentic and tasty. Must try the water fish and the garlic chicken in claypot. If you like red meat, then go for cumin mutton.
(5)