amazingly authentic. the little place in the middle of everything that noone knows about. don't order from the "Specials" menu; that is for the round-eyes. Order off the paper menu with chinese characters, that is the authentic stuff. the food is served in styrafoam plates and cups with disposable chopsticks, but the presentation is more than offset by the deliciousness. a bit greasy/oily in some dishes, but authentic fresh ingredients cooked in authentic style. Would highly recommend. Many veg choices as well as pork, beef, chicken and seafood. spicy means spicy.
(5)
Jacqueline J.
It's raining and we walked all the way from our apt. to the restaurant trying to get some food for dinner, they said that they open till 9:30pm tonight but because it was raining their cooks went home already, an hour before their closing time. Every time I visited before they either ran out of ingredient or messed up the orders, this time they are opening without having cooks in the back of the house. Horrible restaurant, will never come back!
(1)
Adrian T.
To find authentic Chinese food in state college is rare, but I found it. This place is both affordable and delicious.
I only had their lunch "fast food"...and it is usually very good. They can get really busy and you end up with either no place to sit (peak hour) or many items gone (later). The flavor is really good and authentic. I heard the dinner menu is even better but I have yet to experience that. The eggplant dish is a must try.
(4)
Andres L.
Yup. I tried the "ma po tofu" and was so disappointed. Maybe I built it up too much? Idk. Either way, it was not good. Initially, it's salty as can be. Once you get passed that, there's a hint of sweetness. After that is the spice. And don't forget the glime/liquid fat its drenched in. Please, someone explain this to me. Otherwise I'm done with this place. update: explanation: that's how it's supposed to taste. I'd say its worth trying because my friends did like it
(2)
Andrew W.
First time there, went around 1:30pm. I had the lunch special two items and rice. General Tso's was ok but what was really off putting was a Chicken and Pepper dish that had broken off pieces of bone mixed in. It's like they straight cut up a bone chicken and mixed in some peppers. I could tell something was wrong when the first bite, I had to take out a bone of my mouth. They say they told me it was like that, but I disagree. Someone who had just been there returned her food for the same reason while I was there. Environment wasn't the best either. Poor lighting, didn't see any signs for anything about food or pricing.
(1)
Marissa H.
Legit Sichuan in State College! I got the Sichuan tofu (but medium because I'm a wuss!) which came with white rice & a soda (they were out of soup) for $8 & my boyfriend got the shrimp & chicken delight (which he says "was delightful") with fried rice & a soda for $8. There weren't any veggies with my tofu dish so I stole some of his & they were very tasty. The sauces were great, the portions are huge, and the wait for our to-go order was only long (about 30 min) because we ordered during the Homecoming Parade & it was packed! Definitely a spot we'll try again as there were plenty of tofu & veggie options to choose from & it's affordable. Cash only which is a drag - just be sure to check your $$ supply before heading over.
(4)
Patrick M.
Excellent folks, excellent food. For was both flavorful and spicy. Best Chinese food I've ever had, I'd say.
(5)
Chris C.
Chopsticks Express is probably the best quick lunch place at Penn State. It's authentic, quick and easy. You get 3 side orders/rice for around $5 or 2 side orders/rice for around $4. Again, cash only so go to the nearest ATM before you get there. I wouldn't recommend the dinner too much because it's expensive and usually the same food served during lunch.
(3)
Simon B.
Definitely not a fluke. From now on, I'll stay away from the dinner/student specials. We ordered two dishes for takeout. First was beef fried ho fun, wide but thin noodles with beef and a bit of vegetables in a soy based sauce. Second was ma po tofu (fried tofu with beans in a red pepper sauce: spicy). Both were delicious, and in large portions. We don't eat much, but with both dishes together it was enough for two meals. Delicious.
(5)
Guan Soon K.
For Central Pennsylvania, this is a great place for hot & spicy Sichuan cuisine. I recommend the Sichuan tofu dish. Don't let the disposable plates & silverware turn you away, this is likely as good as it gets for (Sichuan) Chinese food in rural PA. This hotness shall be missed when I leave town.
(5)
Karen E.
Really like this hole in the wall. Nice owners, great prices (especially for lunch), spicy food. Just make sure to bring cash!
(4)
Ying X.
I always miss this place after two years left there. It's such authentic and so yummy. I didn't find anywhere else so far in all other big cities can cook something like them. Yes, it's really a shabby, small restaurant and don't even serve in decent plate, but the food is amazing and I love it!
(5)
Yu F.
Not a big fan of the owner. The tables are not very clean either. The food is okay (more authentic perhaps) though.
(3)
kinetic m.
If you want a great, as authentic as you can get in central PA Szechuan Chinese meal go here, but only for dinner. Don't go for the lunch buffet, it is crap. The dinner is great if you order off the Szechuan side of the menu. Don't order off the "round-eye" American Chinese food side. Seriously if you want that breaded, fried mystery meat covered in neon colored, gaggy sweet sauce go somewhere else with some ambiance. If you need a good American Chinese place for lunch or dinner go to the Golden Wok. Chopstick express serves your food on styro plates and styro cups and you may not hear any English spoken for your entire meal except when you place your order. This is a place you go to for the food, not the ambiance. This is one of the hidden gems in State College.
(5)
Julie N.
Chopstick Express -- how do I love thee! Let me sing the praise of your food, so that it shall reverberate from Mt. Nittany to Port Matilda. Hear me, Happy Valley, for I have found Sichuan Heaven right on my doorstep!!! Ignore the American-Chinese menu offering the same-old, dumbed-down day-glo HFCS glop of deep-fried somethings over rice. Instead, turn to the Chef's Specialties and thank me for the rest of your life. Like me, you will dream of the soft, pillowy deliciousness that is Ma Po Tofu, and you will crave it like crack-cocaine. You will suck down the Cold Sliced Pork despite the heaping piles of fresh and fried garlic, and the frightening amount of chili oil. You will revel in the highly addictive Hot & Spicy Pork like there is no tomorrow. You will slurp down the last Stir-fried Green Bean, even though you stopped being hungry half an hour ago. Bring at least two friends, thus enabling you to order a stunning array of dishes to share, and -- despite your original plan to NOT stuff yourself to the gills -- roll home, barely capable of uttering another word, except maybe for a delirious sooo -- Chopstick Express again tomorrow???
(5)
Jessica F.
Wow. I ate here today for the first time per the recommendations of authentic Szechuan cuisine. It is easily the best Chinese I've had in State College. I'm very used to the Americanized Chinese food, so this was a new experience for me. I have never had Chinese like this before. I ordered the cold sliced pork appetizer, hot and spicy pork, Ma Po tofu, and shredded potatoes and green peppers. My family ate it buffet-style and we all agreed it was delicious. The flavors were complex and spicy with lots of garlic and chili. My favorite was the Ma Po tofu. I've had the dish before, but not a truly authentic one. My mom said the food reminded her of the dishes her Chinese friends in San Francisco who cook for her. If you want to try REAL Chinese food, try Chopstick Express. But be prepared to sweat from the spice! It is definitely a "hole in the wall", but don't let its appearance fool you. It is GOOD and the service is great.
(5)
Andrew S.
Behold people! With this, I pronounce Chopstick Express as the one and only authentic chinese cuisine restaurant in State College, Pennsylvania. No, I am not kidding. I am dead serious. Yes, they don't care about you if you can't chew authentic chinese cuisine, you can just scram and eat at Hunan Wok instead. This is a place only for them craving for authentic and original chinese cuisine. One tip, don't come for lunch. Because they actually serve americanized chinese dishes during lunch. Okay, I am not lying. I am just saying the first paragraph for authentic dinner experience. I actually also wonder why Golden Wok and Chopstick Express decided to be crappy during lunch and outstanding during dinner. Are they vampire owned or something? Putting jokes aside, lunch is mediocre. You will come in, choose between 2 entree + rice or 1 entree + rice, fast food style. They have several kinds of dishes warm and ready. You choose and it will be tossed on a plate with rice. You pay and you sit and you eat and you go home. Personal experience, I am not a fan of CE if they only exist during daytime. I am not coming back to CE for lunch ever. Now, night falls and CE has become an entirely different experience. You come in and the lady will seat you. You will be given a menu that doesn't exist during daytime and you can order up. It will take some time for the food to be served, but believe me that it worths every minutes and seconds of your hunger. Last time, my friends and I ordered some chicken dishes and tofu dishes. I was dumbfounded. In that second I felt like I was transferred back to my home country where authentic chinese dishes can be found everywhere. I cried, maybe. I was happy and I was satisfied, very satisfied. We paid up and we went home, happy and content. Our wallet was also happy, because they are not expensive at all. For this kind of food, I would pay more. But I didn't have to, so I am happy. The only downside of CE is man-power and space. I know that there are 2 ladies serving you during lunch and dinner time. They are the only ones from CE that will interact and communicate with you. I don't know how many people down there in the kitchen. Maybe none, or maybe one. That's why it is usually taking longer for you to wait for food to be served on your table. Space wise, this place is too small. It is not good for too many people as you will have to move around tables and chairs to make a table for all of you. But, it doesn't change the fact that this is the only place that can offer you authentic chinese cuisine in state college. If there is some improvement for space, I would update and give CE 5/5 stars. I didn't give full mark because of the place that is too small. But I am not complaining at all.
(4)
Panda M.
Another little gem in State College! It's difficult to navigate if you're not chinese though. Dinner is always better. Don't be turned off by the dark dungy hole in the wall restaurant. Once you walk in, you will be transported to another world - everytime, I walk in I feel like I'm somewhere in China! It's really close to being authentic. Apparently, the beef noodle stew is very good. I haven't tried it yet, but I will next time!
(4)
Genie M.
I am Chinese, and this is the best Chinese restaurant in town. The only complaint is that the serving is getting less and less during the past years. But as the price did not change, what can I expect? It's the cheapest Chinese restaurant in town as well. Try those cold dishes.
(5)
Javier G.
Very reasonably priced and well portioned. Tastes acceptably well.
(4)
Christine J.
Best Chinese food you are going to find in State College! A hole-in-the wall place, it is small, and it's name might seem off-putting but it really is delicious. Also it is vegetarian friendly. There are always options for me here. I won't eat Chinese anywhere else!
(5)
Marlena V.
This is one of those toss up beauties. The location is extremely convenient and thus a line can sometimes accumulate out the door (literally). The two girls behind the counter are always sweet and have remembered my order for the several long years I stopped in. When the food is fresh, it's bangin. The 'fried' rice is again, just the way I love it: steamed white rice with soy sauce and seasonings mixed in. I love their home style combinations- chicken teriyaki complete with stir fried cabbage on the side, noodles with star anise a'floatin in your soup, stir fried pork with bean sprouts and potatoes, it's all delicious and tastes like it just came from my Aunt's kitchen as opposed to the usual Chinese restaurant stock. Except when you get the leftovers. Yes, unfortunately there are leftovers. And when there are, I'd avoid this place by any and all means. After the lunch rush, at times they may scoop up whatever's left in the steam baskets instead of calling for a fresh order. I'd recommend requesting something freshly made when this happens otherwise your chicken with broccoli may be reduced to tough strips of salty protein and stringy, tasteless greenage. Overall this place is worth the stop for some quick, delicious and cheap take out if you're looking for something different from the usual American style Chinese. Since I moved, I miss this place.
(4)
Bunny B.
still absolutely fantastic, despite the fact that the kitchen staff has gone through a few changes... the 'original' cook left for pittsburgh, which made our chili head crowd rather nervous - but after a few bumps in the road here and there (a few dishes excessively over-salted or lacking the craved ma-la), the new team has found its footing again. still (or again) the best restaurant in town. whew!
(5)
Bob S.
Really? Five stars? Four stars? The food at this restaurant is bland and ordinary at best. The chicken broccoli was flavorless and the General Tso's chicken was just okay. In addition, the environment is poor- in need of repair and not clean. It took us three tables to find one that did not have food on it from previous meals and even the one on which we settled had a film of grease on it.
(2)
Jon C.
when I first went here over 10 years ago I got the lunch special because it was cheap....it tasted really gross! Fast foward few years later, I went with a bunch of people hearing the hype about a new chef that only cooks during dinner hours and all day saturday since they are closed sunday. The food was amazing! I would say my favorites that I keep going back for are the appetizer# 1.Sliced Pork with Minced Garlic and #2 Hot and Spicy Tofu (do not get confused with MaPo Tofu). and for entree: the Diced Chicken w/ Hot Pepper. If I'm not eating with a party, I will get their noodle soups which is amazing as well! Pork w/ Pickled Cabbage and Tomato & Egg noodle soups. For those that don't like a crammed dining atmosphere I would suggest you grab takeout but if you want to take out a soup dish, bring your own tupperware because they'll ask for deposit if you borrow one of theirs. Enjoy!
(5)
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
Address :134 E College Ave
State College, PA, 16801
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
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.
Bill E.
amazingly authentic. the little place in the middle of everything that noone knows about. don't order from the "Specials" menu; that is for the round-eyes. Order off the paper menu with chinese characters, that is the authentic stuff. the food is served in styrafoam plates and cups with disposable chopsticks, but the presentation is more than offset by the deliciousness. a bit greasy/oily in some dishes, but authentic fresh ingredients cooked in authentic style. Would highly recommend. Many veg choices as well as pork, beef, chicken and seafood. spicy means spicy.
(5)Jacqueline J.
It's raining and we walked all the way from our apt. to the restaurant trying to get some food for dinner, they said that they open till 9:30pm tonight but because it was raining their cooks went home already, an hour before their closing time. Every time I visited before they either ran out of ingredient or messed up the orders, this time they are opening without having cooks in the back of the house. Horrible restaurant, will never come back!
(1)Adrian T.
To find authentic Chinese food in state college is rare, but I found it. This place is both affordable and delicious.
(5)Alex B.
Tucked between a diploma shop and a shoe store, Chopstick Express is a hole in the wall with a view of Old Main directly across College Ave. I've unknowingly passed CE many times in fact it nearly took me a semester to realize this little Chinese restaurant sat on the busiest street in State College. When I walked in I realized I was the only non-Asian there but don't think I mean that as a bad thing. I figured CE had to be authentic if it was full of Asian students enjoying their dinner. I sat at a little table in the center and looked out at Old Main across the street. The owner brought me napkins and a fork. Right after that, she went to another table and handed two girls chopsticks. I wasn't offended but I wanted to eat the way everyone else did in the restaurant so I asked for chopsticks. I'm really no Chinese food expert and my go to entrée is almost always General Tso's Chicken. But tonight I had a "when in Rome" kind of attitude. I resisted ordering my favorite chicken dish and instead ordered the Shredded Pork with peppers. My meal was brought out pretty quick and I really enjoyed it. The peppers had a little kick to them and the pork was great! I totally recommend. I'll definitely go back and try the Ma Po tofu or Chicken and peanuts as I've heard great things. I left with a good full feeling, not like the usual full feeling after you eat 2lbs of General Tso's and pork fried rice. I'd especially recommend CE to any Penn State student that is looking for something other than Uncle Chen's. I know many students love their Chipolte but CE is a great and quick place to stop when you're sick of the dining hall meals or cooking for yourself at your apartment.
(4)Tony L.
I only had their lunch "fast food"...and it is usually very good. They can get really busy and you end up with either no place to sit (peak hour) or many items gone (later). The flavor is really good and authentic. I heard the dinner menu is even better but I have yet to experience that. The eggplant dish is a must try.
(4)Andres L.
Yup. I tried the "ma po tofu" and was so disappointed. Maybe I built it up too much? Idk. Either way, it was not good. Initially, it's salty as can be. Once you get passed that, there's a hint of sweetness. After that is the spice. And don't forget the glime/liquid fat its drenched in. Please, someone explain this to me. Otherwise I'm done with this place. update: explanation: that's how it's supposed to taste. I'd say its worth trying because my friends did like it
(2)Andrew W.
First time there, went around 1:30pm. I had the lunch special two items and rice. General Tso's was ok but what was really off putting was a Chicken and Pepper dish that had broken off pieces of bone mixed in. It's like they straight cut up a bone chicken and mixed in some peppers. I could tell something was wrong when the first bite, I had to take out a bone of my mouth. They say they told me it was like that, but I disagree. Someone who had just been there returned her food for the same reason while I was there. Environment wasn't the best either. Poor lighting, didn't see any signs for anything about food or pricing.
(1)Marissa H.
Legit Sichuan in State College! I got the Sichuan tofu (but medium because I'm a wuss!) which came with white rice & a soda (they were out of soup) for $8 & my boyfriend got the shrimp & chicken delight (which he says "was delightful") with fried rice & a soda for $8. There weren't any veggies with my tofu dish so I stole some of his & they were very tasty. The sauces were great, the portions are huge, and the wait for our to-go order was only long (about 30 min) because we ordered during the Homecoming Parade & it was packed! Definitely a spot we'll try again as there were plenty of tofu & veggie options to choose from & it's affordable. Cash only which is a drag - just be sure to check your $$ supply before heading over.
(4)Patrick M.
Excellent folks, excellent food. For was both flavorful and spicy. Best Chinese food I've ever had, I'd say.
(5)Chris C.
Chopsticks Express is probably the best quick lunch place at Penn State. It's authentic, quick and easy. You get 3 side orders/rice for around $5 or 2 side orders/rice for around $4. Again, cash only so go to the nearest ATM before you get there. I wouldn't recommend the dinner too much because it's expensive and usually the same food served during lunch.
(3)Simon B.
Definitely not a fluke. From now on, I'll stay away from the dinner/student specials. We ordered two dishes for takeout. First was beef fried ho fun, wide but thin noodles with beef and a bit of vegetables in a soy based sauce. Second was ma po tofu (fried tofu with beans in a red pepper sauce: spicy). Both were delicious, and in large portions. We don't eat much, but with both dishes together it was enough for two meals. Delicious.
(5)Guan Soon K.
For Central Pennsylvania, this is a great place for hot & spicy Sichuan cuisine. I recommend the Sichuan tofu dish. Don't let the disposable plates & silverware turn you away, this is likely as good as it gets for (Sichuan) Chinese food in rural PA. This hotness shall be missed when I leave town.
(5)Karen E.
Really like this hole in the wall. Nice owners, great prices (especially for lunch), spicy food. Just make sure to bring cash!
(4)Ying X.
I always miss this place after two years left there. It's such authentic and so yummy. I didn't find anywhere else so far in all other big cities can cook something like them. Yes, it's really a shabby, small restaurant and don't even serve in decent plate, but the food is amazing and I love it!
(5)Yu F.
Not a big fan of the owner. The tables are not very clean either. The food is okay (more authentic perhaps) though.
(3)kinetic m.
If you want a great, as authentic as you can get in central PA Szechuan Chinese meal go here, but only for dinner. Don't go for the lunch buffet, it is crap. The dinner is great if you order off the Szechuan side of the menu. Don't order off the "round-eye" American Chinese food side. Seriously if you want that breaded, fried mystery meat covered in neon colored, gaggy sweet sauce go somewhere else with some ambiance. If you need a good American Chinese place for lunch or dinner go to the Golden Wok. Chopstick express serves your food on styro plates and styro cups and you may not hear any English spoken for your entire meal except when you place your order. This is a place you go to for the food, not the ambiance. This is one of the hidden gems in State College.
(5)Julie N.
Chopstick Express -- how do I love thee! Let me sing the praise of your food, so that it shall reverberate from Mt. Nittany to Port Matilda. Hear me, Happy Valley, for I have found Sichuan Heaven right on my doorstep!!! Ignore the American-Chinese menu offering the same-old, dumbed-down day-glo HFCS glop of deep-fried somethings over rice. Instead, turn to the Chef's Specialties and thank me for the rest of your life. Like me, you will dream of the soft, pillowy deliciousness that is Ma Po Tofu, and you will crave it like crack-cocaine. You will suck down the Cold Sliced Pork despite the heaping piles of fresh and fried garlic, and the frightening amount of chili oil. You will revel in the highly addictive Hot & Spicy Pork like there is no tomorrow. You will slurp down the last Stir-fried Green Bean, even though you stopped being hungry half an hour ago. Bring at least two friends, thus enabling you to order a stunning array of dishes to share, and -- despite your original plan to NOT stuff yourself to the gills -- roll home, barely capable of uttering another word, except maybe for a delirious sooo -- Chopstick Express again tomorrow???
(5)Jessica F.
Wow. I ate here today for the first time per the recommendations of authentic Szechuan cuisine. It is easily the best Chinese I've had in State College. I'm very used to the Americanized Chinese food, so this was a new experience for me. I have never had Chinese like this before. I ordered the cold sliced pork appetizer, hot and spicy pork, Ma Po tofu, and shredded potatoes and green peppers. My family ate it buffet-style and we all agreed it was delicious. The flavors were complex and spicy with lots of garlic and chili. My favorite was the Ma Po tofu. I've had the dish before, but not a truly authentic one. My mom said the food reminded her of the dishes her Chinese friends in San Francisco who cook for her. If you want to try REAL Chinese food, try Chopstick Express. But be prepared to sweat from the spice! It is definitely a "hole in the wall", but don't let its appearance fool you. It is GOOD and the service is great.
(5)Andrew S.
Behold people! With this, I pronounce Chopstick Express as the one and only authentic chinese cuisine restaurant in State College, Pennsylvania. No, I am not kidding. I am dead serious. Yes, they don't care about you if you can't chew authentic chinese cuisine, you can just scram and eat at Hunan Wok instead. This is a place only for them craving for authentic and original chinese cuisine. One tip, don't come for lunch. Because they actually serve americanized chinese dishes during lunch. Okay, I am not lying. I am just saying the first paragraph for authentic dinner experience. I actually also wonder why Golden Wok and Chopstick Express decided to be crappy during lunch and outstanding during dinner. Are they vampire owned or something? Putting jokes aside, lunch is mediocre. You will come in, choose between 2 entree + rice or 1 entree + rice, fast food style. They have several kinds of dishes warm and ready. You choose and it will be tossed on a plate with rice. You pay and you sit and you eat and you go home. Personal experience, I am not a fan of CE if they only exist during daytime. I am not coming back to CE for lunch ever. Now, night falls and CE has become an entirely different experience. You come in and the lady will seat you. You will be given a menu that doesn't exist during daytime and you can order up. It will take some time for the food to be served, but believe me that it worths every minutes and seconds of your hunger. Last time, my friends and I ordered some chicken dishes and tofu dishes. I was dumbfounded. In that second I felt like I was transferred back to my home country where authentic chinese dishes can be found everywhere. I cried, maybe. I was happy and I was satisfied, very satisfied. We paid up and we went home, happy and content. Our wallet was also happy, because they are not expensive at all. For this kind of food, I would pay more. But I didn't have to, so I am happy. The only downside of CE is man-power and space. I know that there are 2 ladies serving you during lunch and dinner time. They are the only ones from CE that will interact and communicate with you. I don't know how many people down there in the kitchen. Maybe none, or maybe one. That's why it is usually taking longer for you to wait for food to be served on your table. Space wise, this place is too small. It is not good for too many people as you will have to move around tables and chairs to make a table for all of you. But, it doesn't change the fact that this is the only place that can offer you authentic chinese cuisine in state college. If there is some improvement for space, I would update and give CE 5/5 stars. I didn't give full mark because of the place that is too small. But I am not complaining at all.
(4)Panda M.
Another little gem in State College! It's difficult to navigate if you're not chinese though. Dinner is always better. Don't be turned off by the dark dungy hole in the wall restaurant. Once you walk in, you will be transported to another world - everytime, I walk in I feel like I'm somewhere in China! It's really close to being authentic. Apparently, the beef noodle stew is very good. I haven't tried it yet, but I will next time!
(4)Genie M.
I am Chinese, and this is the best Chinese restaurant in town. The only complaint is that the serving is getting less and less during the past years. But as the price did not change, what can I expect? It's the cheapest Chinese restaurant in town as well. Try those cold dishes.
(5)Javier G.
Very reasonably priced and well portioned. Tastes acceptably well.
(4)Christine J.
Best Chinese food you are going to find in State College! A hole-in-the wall place, it is small, and it's name might seem off-putting but it really is delicious. Also it is vegetarian friendly. There are always options for me here. I won't eat Chinese anywhere else!
(5)Marlena V.
This is one of those toss up beauties. The location is extremely convenient and thus a line can sometimes accumulate out the door (literally). The two girls behind the counter are always sweet and have remembered my order for the several long years I stopped in. When the food is fresh, it's bangin. The 'fried' rice is again, just the way I love it: steamed white rice with soy sauce and seasonings mixed in. I love their home style combinations- chicken teriyaki complete with stir fried cabbage on the side, noodles with star anise a'floatin in your soup, stir fried pork with bean sprouts and potatoes, it's all delicious and tastes like it just came from my Aunt's kitchen as opposed to the usual Chinese restaurant stock. Except when you get the leftovers. Yes, unfortunately there are leftovers. And when there are, I'd avoid this place by any and all means. After the lunch rush, at times they may scoop up whatever's left in the steam baskets instead of calling for a fresh order. I'd recommend requesting something freshly made when this happens otherwise your chicken with broccoli may be reduced to tough strips of salty protein and stringy, tasteless greenage. Overall this place is worth the stop for some quick, delicious and cheap take out if you're looking for something different from the usual American style Chinese. Since I moved, I miss this place.
(4)Bunny B.
still absolutely fantastic, despite the fact that the kitchen staff has gone through a few changes... the 'original' cook left for pittsburgh, which made our chili head crowd rather nervous - but after a few bumps in the road here and there (a few dishes excessively over-salted or lacking the craved ma-la), the new team has found its footing again. still (or again) the best restaurant in town. whew!
(5)Bob S.
Really? Five stars? Four stars? The food at this restaurant is bland and ordinary at best. The chicken broccoli was flavorless and the General Tso's chicken was just okay. In addition, the environment is poor- in need of repair and not clean. It took us three tables to find one that did not have food on it from previous meals and even the one on which we settled had a film of grease on it.
(2)Jon C.
when I first went here over 10 years ago I got the lunch special because it was cheap....it tasted really gross! Fast foward few years later, I went with a bunch of people hearing the hype about a new chef that only cooks during dinner hours and all day saturday since they are closed sunday. The food was amazing! I would say my favorites that I keep going back for are the appetizer# 1.Sliced Pork with Minced Garlic and #2 Hot and Spicy Tofu (do not get confused with MaPo Tofu). and for entree: the Diced Chicken w/ Hot Pepper. If I'm not eating with a party, I will get their noodle soups which is amazing as well! Pork w/ Pickled Cabbage and Tomato & Egg noodle soups. For those that don't like a crammed dining atmosphere I would suggest you grab takeout but if you want to take out a soup dish, bring your own tupperware because they'll ask for deposit if you borrow one of theirs. Enjoy!
(5)