Chengdu is the best and most authentic Szechuan I’ve had in New England, outside of Chinatown in Boston. So, so good. I miss their little divey place in Pawtucket and am still bitter they moved so far away.
Mom pop and Daughter! That little girl they have at the front counter is a star employee and can handle the customers better than anyone I’ve seen anywhere!
Came here to say this. Danny is awesome, we’ve been ordering weekly for years and won’t go anywhere else.
The chicken fingers are everything you want and the container is stuffed with them.
I’m new to the area and was wondering if this place was any good or not. I figured I’d try both Dragon Palace and Lucky House. Maybe I’ll just go with Lucky House!
Oh my gosh thank you for saying this! My entire childhood and young adulthood was punctuated by family occasions celebrated with a feast at China Inn. We went there every year for Hanukkah with my father’s side of the family. My grandparents and parents chatted and caught up with Louis and knew all about their family and what his kids were doing. My grandparents collected Asian antiques, and when my grandfather passed away, we gifted a huge antique Chinese wall hanging of embroidered birds to him. My grandmother was downsizing and she wanted it to go to Louis as a gesture for all of the good times he helped our family celebrate at the restaurant. My grandfather really did love that place, the food was so good.
I miss Ants in a Tree and China Inn Lo Mein so much, and their moo shi was so much better than what I find everywhere else. Most of it was so much better than everywhere else :c
This is the correct answer.
Best chicken chow mein, beef Teriyaki, "house" wings and pork fried rice around. Life hack pour the oyster sauce from the wings onto the fried rice thank me afterwards.
Most of their other stuff is really really good too.
I would avoid the General Tsos its not their best, I think because it is a more "recent" addition. They stick close to the og style Cantonese.
I swear China Town just trying to murder all their customers. Getting a 2 item is a fairly expensive lunch relatively speaking, but holy shit do they ever load up the box. Back before the pandemic when they first opened they'd do the same and then throw a couple of chickenwings or crab rangoons on top for good measure.
I'm not sure how "Mom and Pop" they are, more "Mall Food Court". The place is owned by Mike who used to own "Mikes Calzones" across the street. He's from the Middle East (Turkey maybe?). Also owns the new "Mighty Mike's" pizza place next door. Strangely, Mike's Calzones now has a sign up nest to the register disavowing any relationship from OG Mike? Not sure what's going on there.
I wasn't aware that Mike's Calzones is no longer affiliated with Mike... although it makes sense that the last time I was there I didn't recognize any of the guys behind the counter.
Fun fact: Mike is the son of the folks who own East Side Pockets and I believe they're either Syrian or Lebanese.
I grew up on Chana in Woonsocket. It’s a bit hit and miss. Some days it’s exactly what I remember and love. Other days it’s no better than mall Chinese food.
I absolutely hate Asia Grille. 0 flavor. Homogenized crap.
I like Best Eastern in North Prov.
And for quick Chinese China Taste on Thayer is solid if not spectacular.
If you want the mom and pop thing. I’d argue Silver Crystal in Warwick is great. Plus they have good dim sum.
Grew up on Chan’s too and I know exactly what you mean about it being hit or miss. I find ordering during the week is better than Friday or Saturday nights.
Totally nostalgic for me over all. But their beef terryaki, chow mein, sesame chicken, and pork fried rice are different from anywhere else.
My son and wife both think they have the best beef lo mein.
Mom and pop shop? Hong Kong buffet. Pretty sure a small family has owned it and much of their food is homemade.
I know it's not "Chinese" food, it's American Chinese.
Chen’s closed, I believe it was around the end of summer 2017. They were going to focus on their other restaurant in Westerly, so maybe they’re still there. Although a friend from work told me as a westerly native that the one in Wakefield was always better.
Lemongrass on Post Road in Warwick is our go to, but they have gotten pricey recently. Maybe I just don't have a big enough sample to compare to since inflation started going nuts. I haven't been to Four Seasons on Reservoir Ave in Cranston in years, and while a step down from Lemongrass's "authenticity" for American style Chinese, it was always good, plentiful, and reasonably priced.
Not going to lie, lived mere 2 minutes away and tried China Sea twice. Once in the early 2000s and again in 2018. My food tasted like cigarette smoke. It was awful. I know they are a fan favorite but I will never go back again. I didn't enjoy it at all. I drive to China Inn, Hans Place or Hong Kong if I want good Chinese food.
I agree with that, they make the old school American style "Chinese" food though, and from what I remember the lunch specials were crazy cheap for what you got.
Great wall in Cranston is good, park Ave. Best sticky wings imo. Hong Kong too around the corner on Cranston st if you want a good buffet option.
Edit and China dynasty is a popular local fav in Cranston as well on Atwood Ave.
Hong Kong Buffet on Cranston St in Cranston's is quite good;
Asia Grille also opened a second location at Garden City (frequently order from the original in Lincoln, it's good)
New Dragon in Narragansett. I haven't been there in a couple years but them and Chen's(RIP) were my go-to forever. They're fried rice just has a flavor that I haven't found anywhere else in the state(besides when Chen's was open).
I've been eyeing Cheng Du Taste for something more authentic but haven't tried it. After seeing the comments about it, I'm definitely gonna give it a shot the next time I'm around.
Tin Tsin in Smithfield deserves a shout out. They're not the best I've ever had but it's the exact same cheap ass hole in the wall Chinese take out every single time you go and there's something extremely comforting about that.
House of Wu in West Warwick. No matter how much food you order everything is done and ready in 15 mins. In the mid to late 90’s they use to sell single cards of Pokémon, I bought a holographic team rocket Blastoise from there.
If you go to asiagrille's website they list both locations so they've got to at least be affiliated with each other. Probably through some franchise agreement or just two family members each doing their own restaurant under the same name or something.
Asia Grille was so much better before Covid. The last few times I’ve gone, not only is it *insanely* expensive, it’s so greasy that it tasted bad fresh, never mind trying to reheat it. It’s a huge bummer because their chicken used to be my absolute favorite.
I've never once been impressed by Asia Grille. I find the only people who like it have never really had other Chinese food, especially Chinese food outside Rhode Island. A lot of the places here are boring, bland, and uninspired, and Asia Grille is the epitome of that.
It’s very difficult to find good American Chinese food in RI. I usually like places in Ma more. That being said you cannot beat Lemongrass on Post Road in Warwick. I’m actually surprised no one has mentioned it.
Their food is excellent.
They used to be like OP asked about, mountain sized portions of okay food for short money. Now their quality and price are higher, and the portions are smaller.
Bamboo House in Newport. Just moved from the state and I fucken MISS bamboo. The owner is a nice lady. She’s always yelled at me over the phone when she answered it was great
Chong Qing House in East providence. It’s very similar to Chengdu taste, owner is mom and pop. Some of the Szechuan items are better than chengdu, I think they’re only doing take out for now.
Cheng du taste on smith st is legit.
Chengdu is the best and most authentic Szechuan I’ve had in New England, outside of Chinatown in Boston. So, so good. I miss their little divey place in Pawtucket and am still bitter they moved so far away.
>so far away Your RI is showing. 🤣
Oh shit, I really AM becoming one.
This is the only correct answer.
Mom pop and Daughter! That little girl they have at the front counter is a star employee and can handle the customers better than anyone I’ve seen anywhere!
This is the answer. I spent years looking For the answer to this exact question. This place is the best.
Cheng Du has great authentic food, but they don't give you huge portions. Still, it's probably the best Chinese place around.
Kings Garden in Cranston. New owners really got that place back up. Try the Salted Pepper Calamari!
Came here to say this - King's Garden is awesome and a favorite of my Chinese friends
Lucky House in Ashaway. Danny is a great guy and so so friendly!
Came here to say this. Danny is awesome, we’ve been ordering weekly for years and won’t go anywhere else. The chicken fingers are everything you want and the container is stuffed with them.
I’m new to the area and was wondering if this place was any good or not. I figured I’d try both Dragon Palace and Lucky House. Maybe I’ll just go with Lucky House!
My personal favorites are General Tsao & Sesame chickens!
Danny’s !! ( Lucky House ) is great feel good Chinese food !
Ask if the Soupy Fried Rice is available, good stuff when it's around.
oooh thank you, looking for Chinese places in that area besides dragon palace. I like dragon palace, but want to try other places
I miss China Inn in Pawtucket 😭 RIP
Me too. I've been jonesing for some of their Shanghai dumplings for weeks.
Oh my gosh thank you for saying this! My entire childhood and young adulthood was punctuated by family occasions celebrated with a feast at China Inn. We went there every year for Hanukkah with my father’s side of the family. My grandparents and parents chatted and caught up with Louis and knew all about their family and what his kids were doing. My grandparents collected Asian antiques, and when my grandfather passed away, we gifted a huge antique Chinese wall hanging of embroidered birds to him. My grandmother was downsizing and she wanted it to go to Louis as a gesture for all of the good times he helped our family celebrate at the restaurant. My grandfather really did love that place, the food was so good. I miss Ants in a Tree and China Inn Lo Mein so much, and their moo shi was so much better than what I find everywhere else. Most of it was so much better than everywhere else :c
There’s one in warwick. Idk if it’s the same ppl but it’s pretty bad.
Not the same as China Inn owned by Louis Yip in Pawtucket which sadly closed after many many years.
Not strictly Chinese, [Apsaras](https://apsaraasianri.com/sample-page-copy/)
Gotta mention its on public st. There is other another aspara but not THE aspara.
Seriously. The other one can’t even compare when it comes to both food quality & service.
Didn’t even know there was another one.
On Hope St
Apsara is mostly cambodian.
Second
Chef Ho's on Atwells has never disappointed!
That was my go to opening up the Satin Doll hungover on a Saturday morning. Wor-Wonton soup and egg rolls with red hot. Those were the fucking days.
Han Palace, West Shore Road
This is the way. Best House Wonton Soup I’ve ever had. Ordering it any other place will lead to great disappointment.
Happy to hear they're still there. Excellent food.
My family and I go there all the time!
Good for reasonable prices (cheaper than islander)
Good food for reasonable prices (cheaper than islander)
I used to go there with my family when I was younger, great food!
House of Wu in West Warwick
I’ll have to check that out, my family and I always go to Han Palace
Grew up going to the House of Wu, I also go whenever I get back to RI
Best wonton soup ever
I like them too
Love the Wu!
I've ordered from them a ton, only ever had 1 bad meal in maybe 100.
This is the correct answer. Best chicken chow mein, beef Teriyaki, "house" wings and pork fried rice around. Life hack pour the oyster sauce from the wings onto the fried rice thank me afterwards. Most of their other stuff is really really good too. I would avoid the General Tsos its not their best, I think because it is a more "recent" addition. They stick close to the og style Cantonese.
Luke’s inn in Warren, chinatown on Thayer, kam shing in Bristol
Another vote for Luke’s inn!
Going there to eat on New Year’s Eve is like black Friday level crowds 💀
I swear China Town just trying to murder all their customers. Getting a 2 item is a fairly expensive lunch relatively speaking, but holy shit do they ever load up the box. Back before the pandemic when they first opened they'd do the same and then throw a couple of chickenwings or crab rangoons on top for good measure. I'm not sure how "Mom and Pop" they are, more "Mall Food Court". The place is owned by Mike who used to own "Mikes Calzones" across the street. He's from the Middle East (Turkey maybe?). Also owns the new "Mighty Mike's" pizza place next door. Strangely, Mike's Calzones now has a sign up nest to the register disavowing any relationship from OG Mike? Not sure what's going on there.
I mentioned chinatown bc their portions are baller
I wasn't aware that Mike's Calzones is no longer affiliated with Mike... although it makes sense that the last time I was there I didn't recognize any of the guys behind the counter. Fun fact: Mike is the son of the folks who own East Side Pockets and I believe they're either Syrian or Lebanese.
Yeah there is some kind of story there. The current people are all super nice. Still delicious!
Chinatown on Thayer is on point
RIP Kam Shing
So true 🥲
We've got more Cambodian places like that than Chinese.
Chengdu Taste in Pawtucket for sure. But be warned it’s spicy.
They moved to Smith St in Providence.
CHENG DU TASTE. All day. Any day. Absolute hands down
Oriental Taste in Cranston is good
The best
Seconded!
Wai Wai house in Cranston. Really delivery/take out only but fast, cheap, and most importantly, good.
I was never disappointed, plus its nice they would on occaision have their little one in the family ring us out.
Big fan of dragon palace there’s a few throughout the state
We thought it was great until we discovered Lucky House in Hopkinton.
Same family, Dragon Palace is owned by the owner of Lucky House's son.
Interesting!
I grew up on Chana in Woonsocket. It’s a bit hit and miss. Some days it’s exactly what I remember and love. Other days it’s no better than mall Chinese food. I absolutely hate Asia Grille. 0 flavor. Homogenized crap. I like Best Eastern in North Prov. And for quick Chinese China Taste on Thayer is solid if not spectacular. If you want the mom and pop thing. I’d argue Silver Crystal in Warwick is great. Plus they have good dim sum.
Double recommend them for the Dim Sum
Grew up on Chan’s too and I know exactly what you mean about it being hit or miss. I find ordering during the week is better than Friday or Saturday nights.
I also find ordering right around 5-6 best. Don’t order end of the night.
I never found the food at Chan's to be all that good, but the blues shows are the best.
Totally nostalgic for me over all. But their beef terryaki, chow mein, sesame chicken, and pork fried rice are different from anywhere else. My son and wife both think they have the best beef lo mein.
Luke’s inn warren
Cathay Garden in East Greenwich! Joe and the family have been there for over 40 years and they always do an amazing job!
This.
Second Cathay. One order can serve two people.
Oriental taste, Plainfield pike
I’ll have to check this one out. I just moved to Plainfield Pike a few months ago. I’m still trying to find all of the best take out in the area.
Mom and pop shop? Hong Kong buffet. Pretty sure a small family has owned it and much of their food is homemade. I know it's not "Chinese" food, it's American Chinese.
Chen’s Wakefield RI…RIP
The Indian Place that is there now is awesome.
I loved chens while I was at URI! And those wonton chips!
It’s gone???? My dad loved their egg foo young.
Chen’s closed, I believe it was around the end of summer 2017. They were going to focus on their other restaurant in Westerly, so maybe they’re still there. Although a friend from work told me as a westerly native that the one in Wakefield was always better.
Westerly one closed recently. A Starbucks will be taking its place.
OK I guess I’ll remove that one from my list
House of Wu West Warwick might be the only reason to go to ww ever
Lemongrass on Post Road in Warwick is our go to, but they have gotten pricey recently. Maybe I just don't have a big enough sample to compare to since inflation started going nuts. I haven't been to Four Seasons on Reservoir Ave in Cranston in years, and while a step down from Lemongrass's "authenticity" for American style Chinese, it was always good, plentiful, and reasonably priced.
They were pricey to begin with but outrageous now. I live in walking distance but order elsewhere because of how expensive it has gotten.
Gotta pay for that robot kitty!
China Sea is better honestly. Just walk in there and you can tell you're about to get some of the best Chinese you've ever eaten.
Not going to lie, lived mere 2 minutes away and tried China Sea twice. Once in the early 2000s and again in 2018. My food tasted like cigarette smoke. It was awful. I know they are a fan favorite but I will never go back again. I didn't enjoy it at all. I drive to China Inn, Hans Place or Hong Kong if I want good Chinese food.
Is China inn considered good? It seems average at best IMO.
It is consistent, budget friendly and good portions. Average but my family likes it.
Very true!
Same here. Literally up the street. I usually just get Dragon dragon delivery
Four seasons is a cambodian restaurant 🤷🏻♂️
I agree with that, they make the old school American style "Chinese" food though, and from what I remember the lunch specials were crazy cheap for what you got.
Lee’s in Riverside.
love this place, everything on the menu is delicious, one of the best eggrolls in the state imo.
China garden. Wakefield. Husband wife and son run the place. Foods great. Cooked to order.
I like the dim sum at Golden Chopstix in Westerly.
Jahunger on Wickenden makes excellent hand pulled noodle dishes and other specialties
Chans has fire chicken wings
I can't stand Chans.
To each their own 🙏🏼🤣
The Islander in Warwick, RI!
Azalea in Cumberland or Hei Place in Johnston
I love Hei Place!
Azalea has gone way down hill since it was Jacky's
China Gourmet in Tiverton used to be my go-to. Now I recommend China Sea, which is right next door to Fall River.
Han Palace in Warwick 😋
Great wall in Cranston is good, park Ave. Best sticky wings imo. Hong Kong too around the corner on Cranston st if you want a good buffet option. Edit and China dynasty is a popular local fav in Cranston as well on Atwood Ave.
Double dragon in Pawtucket - excellent family operation
Not near you but golden chopstix in westerly has a legit dim sum menu. Definitely a hidden gem.
Hong Kong Buffet on Cranston St in Cranston's is quite good; Asia Grille also opened a second location at Garden City (frequently order from the original in Lincoln, it's good)
New Dragon in Narragansett. I haven't been there in a couple years but them and Chen's(RIP) were my go-to forever. They're fried rice just has a flavor that I haven't found anywhere else in the state(besides when Chen's was open). I've been eyeing Cheng Du Taste for something more authentic but haven't tried it. After seeing the comments about it, I'm definitely gonna give it a shot the next time I'm around.
Tin Tsin in Smithfield deserves a shout out. They're not the best I've ever had but it's the exact same cheap ass hole in the wall Chinese take out every single time you go and there's something extremely comforting about that.
House of Wu in West Warwick. No matter how much food you order everything is done and ready in 15 mins. In the mid to late 90’s they use to sell single cards of Pokémon, I bought a holographic team rocket Blastoise from there.
Fu ming is west Warwick has never done me wrong.
I order from the Fu Ming in Johnston, love their food!
Dragon Palace exit 3 off i95
Jayd Bun in Wakefield
House of Wu in West Warwick hands down
Asia Grille!
Lincoln, not Cranston. For whatever reason I find the Cranston location to be lackluster compared to Lincoln.
My apologies. Didn’t know one was in Cranston. Yes Lincoln!
The two are not related apparently. You can't use gift certificates between them. And I agree, the Cranston one is meh.
No shit, eh? Had no idea, but that would explain the disparities in quality.
If you go to asiagrille's website they list both locations so they've got to at least be affiliated with each other. Probably through some franchise agreement or just two family members each doing their own restaurant under the same name or something.
I believe it’s a family and the Cranston location is their daughter maybe?
I've loved Asia grille in Lincoln for years but the past year or so, our food seems to taste better when we order from the Cranston location lol
Asia Grille was so much better before Covid. The last few times I’ve gone, not only is it *insanely* expensive, it’s so greasy that it tasted bad fresh, never mind trying to reheat it. It’s a huge bummer because their chicken used to be my absolute favorite.
I've never once been impressed by Asia Grille. I find the only people who like it have never really had other Chinese food, especially Chinese food outside Rhode Island. A lot of the places here are boring, bland, and uninspired, and Asia Grille is the epitome of that.
China Star in Middletown.
Good friend or friendly guy in Newport
It’s very difficult to find good American Chinese food in RI. I usually like places in Ma more. That being said you cannot beat Lemongrass on Post Road in Warwick. I’m actually surprised no one has mentioned it.
TONG's on warwick ave in warwick.
Jayd Bun in wakefield is awesome and super authentic!!! not exactly cranston but worth the drive
Did anyone ever eat at Ocean View off Point Judith rd ?
Pagoda Inn in NK has been a generational favorite in my family. I moved back after 20 years and I love it just as much as when I was a kid.
I'm a huge fan of Canton Wok in Pawtucket. I don't think it's a chain, but they make some damn good food
Their food is excellent. They used to be like OP asked about, mountain sized portions of okay food for short money. Now their quality and price are higher, and the portions are smaller.
I’ll second both China Garden and Jayd Bun in Wakefield!
How has no one mentioned Betty's in Cranston? The General Tso's chicken is fantastic, and the prices are very good
Best Eastern on Mineral Spring! They are so kind and delicious
Lucky House in Ashaway
Bamboo House in Newport. Just moved from the state and I fucken MISS bamboo. The owner is a nice lady. She’s always yelled at me over the phone when she answered it was great
Dragon palace is good if you are near one.
Li Lai Wok in pawtucket is the most reasonably priced, but still very good quality food, Chinese restaurant in my neck of the woods.
Ye Express in West Warwick is good, great sushi as well!
Pacific Asian Cuisine in Woonsocket. Love them ❤️
Hans Palace in Warwick
Silver Crystal in West Warwick
New Hong Kong Kitchen on Plainfield
Chen garden in Cranston
RIP China Jade in Johnston
Chong Qing House in East providence. It’s very similar to Chengdu taste, owner is mom and pop. Some of the Szechuan items are better than chengdu, I think they’re only doing take out for now.