As close to Authentic cheap Chinese food you can get in an around Ames. The couple that run this are genuinely friendly and provide good suggestions for the undecided. The curries in the dishes are not overly greasy, have a decent portions of veggies and have a unique taste to them unlike other local Chinese joints, maybe because of the fresh nature of preparation. I would recommend the Ginger Chicken...Hands down the best Chinese dish I have had in a long time! It's two dollars more than the normal entree but its definitely worth the money!!! Get that every time I go there Thumbs up to this place!!!
(5)
Ravi R.
Okay...the name says it all..."home cooking"... that's all i need to "hear" to verify its quality...it is a sweet family cooking, working, making a business thrive. my friend took me here and i was hooked...i went back at least couple of time a month...
(5)
Josh S.
Hands down my favorite chinese food place ever. I ate here countless times when I lived in Ames and now make a point to stop in when I drive back home from Minneapolis. The owners are so nice and remember people even after years of not living in town. It's easy to miss if you don't know it's there but this is definatly food that you will love. Try the General Tao's Chicken. mmmm-mmmm good.
(5)
Steve B.
CHC is right next to a crappy gas station, and just up the parking lot is the Flying Burrito. You enter through the right hand door and go up to the counter where you order from either the CHC lady or the CHC guy. They are both very nice and will remember you even though you haven't been there in over a year, and will ask about how you are doing and how is whatever city you moved to and where is that nice bearded boy you used to come there with. One of the keys of CHC's awesomeness is the chopsticks. Unlike most ordinary Ames Chinese places, which use cheap disposable wooden chopsticks that are typically not straight and barely useable, CHC uses heavy duty plastic reusable chopsticks which work very very well. So well in fact that some are known to eschew silverware entirely and eat 96% of their rice and all their other food with the chopsticks alone. Some favorite CHC dishes include: * Twice Cooked Pork * Pork with String Beans * Rock Salt Ribs
(5)
Danelle W.
I have been a huge fan of this place for years. The home cooked food is very tasty & cheap! It's also run by a very sweet family so I feel good about spending money there. There's a lot of great things on the menu but some of my favorites are garlic chicken, the crab rangoons, and egg drop soup!
(5)
Roz S.
I wondered if Chinese Home Style could live up to all of these positive reviews, and wow, they sure do! It's worth a trip to Ames just to experience absolutely top-notch Chinese cuisine. The owner was very friendly and stopped by my table to ask me how I liked the dish I ordered (a special, shrimp cooked in salt). I said it was excellent and he told me a bit about his history making the dish in five-star restaurants in Korea. He encouraged me to eat it authentically, including the shells, which were tender from the cooking process. It was lovely! My family all enjoyed their meals, and the prices are incredibly fair. Definitely the best Asian food to be had in central Iowa.
(5)
Jess C.
Here's the thing about this place: the food tastes average while you're eating it and you keep telling yourself "oh, this is ok I guess"... but then after you are done and you leave you get a splitting MSG headache and feel kinda sick...
(3)
Brian S.
Easily the best chinese food in ames especially for the price. My favorite dish is the plum chicken and the angry chicken. You can't go wrong sticking when any Americanized Chinese food staples & they have really good seafood. Everything is homemade and they have a lot of interesting drinks. Their hot and sour soup is also really damn good, especially in the winter. I'd give this place 5/5 but there have been a few times they have messed up the spices on the angry chicken, and made is taste kind of bland. Nevertheless i continue to go all the time because its still really good, and that rarely happens.
(4)
Bob H.
"Hot Braised Chicken" best I've ever had. Great Great Great. Very nice staff. Owner even remembered me after 5 years!
(5)
Andy B.
i love this place with my whole body, including my pee pee. Anyone who rates this less than 5/5 is a fascist.
(5)
Lindsay H.
The best Chinese I've ever had. The ingredients are higher quality and the portions are generous. The staff is accommodating to special requests and very friendly. Love this place!
(5)
Annaliese P.
This place is great to go pick up some sloppy food on a lazy night. I usually order the ginger chicken or angry chicken. The owners are also really friendly and will usually chat with you once you're a "regular". I would not recommend this for a date night, however, as the establishment is sloppy/not romantic, but overall pretty good food. Only 4/5 because when ordering take-out, I feel the food is significantly lower quality than when dining in.
(4)
Daniel B.
Chinese Homestyle Cooking offers a great authentic Chinese cuisine for a relaxed night. The servers of this nice family owned restaurant are very friendly and are always wearing a smile when one walks in. They offer a great selection of food at a low price. Although for a fancy night on the town I do not recommend Chinese Homestyle Cuisine but for a nice relaxed low key night, it is a slam dunk.
(4)
Tyler D.
Ok, pushing food aside for a second can I just say these are hands down the nicest people I've ever met in the restaurant business. I haven't tried much from here (sweet & sour, generals chicken) but I can say that the food is pretty good. It's not the greatest Chinese food I've ever had, but it's well worth the price. Everyone I know loves it here, so don't take my word on it not being the best. The atmosphere is very, very much a hole in the wall sort of place. But with people this nice, don't let that make you think twice. In terms of real Ames Chinese food, this is the place to go.
(4)
Samantha C.
Ok so I don't know if I'm ordering the wrong thing, or if I'm going to a different restaurant than the rest of you rating this place 5 (as good as it gets) because I just don't understand. I just got back from having lunch here and this was my second time eating Chinese Home Style Cooking food. I ordered based off someone's suggestion that the plum sauce chicken was really good. I just don't understand you guys, I really don't. The chicken was gummy and mushy like it was fake. The sauce was so salty and the vegetables were rubbery. Besides that I ordered eggrolls and got two, they weren't cooked fully and the wrapping was chewy and not deep fried all the way through so I had a flour aftertaste. Also I got another bowl of eggdrop soup but told them to not add the celery and other veggies like last time. It was a little more bland than I remember. All of this plus a drink came to about $13 and change. I am full, but my mouth is sad. What am I doing wrong you guys? Is there a secret menu I don't know about? I've been eating chinese food since I could chew, well, at least "American" Chinese food but still I remember a lot of good dishes and so far I have had nothing that comes close at this place. I don't think I will go for the third times a charm here, two bleh meals is enough to make me understand. Two stars for the sweet employees, they are very welcoming.
(2)
John H.
We stopped in because I wanted to try some authentic-ish Chinese food and this seemed to be a favorably rated place. When we walked in, they seemed to be closing even though their posted hours said they were supposed to be open for at least another hour. We felt pressured to order quickly so we ended up getting less-than-authentic dishes, broccoli beef and sweet and sour chicken as well as crab rangoon. The rangoons were good, the broccoli beef was runny and salty, and the sweet and sour chicken was neither sweet nor sour. Maybe we got an off order because they seemed like they were shutting down, but I'm not sure I would go back for another try.
(2)
Lindsey F.
This place was delicious. Some of the best Chinese food I've had. My husband and I ordered the Sweet and Sour Chicken and the Chicken Fried Rice. Both were delicious. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for great Chinese food in the Ames area.
(5)
Rosa K.
Cash only. Closed on mondays for some reason... Kind of gross... I'm going to stop writing reviews for Chinese restaurants after this unless I actually feel it's edible. 3 stars only because it's cheap and in Ames, Iowa.... The bottled tea was a week from being expired... and the taste made me want to vomit. If it wasn't for that maybe the food wouldn't have tasted so bad too.
(3)
Donald Y.
Unequivocally this is the best and only place to get Chinese in Ames. I would especially recommend the hot braised shrimp or the chicken in plum sauce. Both are fantastic! Also, if you like a little more heat, you can ask them to bump it up for you. they will even make a special hot crab ragoon for you if you request.
(5)
K. B.
This town has very good Chinese food but Chinese Home Style Cooking is one of the best. This is a family owned and operated restaurant and everything is made fresh. Outstanding meal and a great way to support a local business.
(4)
Megan H.
Chinese Home Style has the best Chinese food I've ever experienced in my entire life. No other restaurant can even come close. Their crab rangoon actually has pieces of crab in the filling - one of my friends didn't believe me and I had to take him there to prove it! Everything is fresh, fresh, fresh and homemade. You can actually watch the family who owns the restaurant roll the eggrolls on the counter if you're there at the right time. Not a single bad thing on the menu, and they usually have some pretty great specials. Not too expensive, and mouth-wateringly delicious. It goes without saying... try the crab rangoon!
(5)
Sarah G.
The best chinese in Ames or a large radius. The owners are always friendly and definitely get to know their repeat clients. Spicy Crab Rangoons and rotating specials are both favorites of mine. I don't have one particular dish that stands out in my memory because everything is always pretty damn good.
(5)
Kathy D.
Hands down, best Chinese food in the area and beyond. The place is small and not the best decor, but the food is amazing! Locally owned. The family is super friendly. We eat here at least once a week.
(5)
Marcos C.
Very good Chinese food, I have never been to China but I can tell you that it definitely tasted like homemade. See, in L.A. there is allot of $1 dollar Chinese food stands that are just horrible. The food sits all day until the pan of food is gone. Allll day it sits there. I'm sure there is good Chinese somewhere in L.A., maybe its just me. Nah Here at C.H.S.C they make your food one plate at a time, I know because my food took about 15 minutes to come out. This isn't a complaint I'm glad it took that long. OK, lets talk about food! I had the Chef Special. Rock Salt Ribs, I had never heard of anything like that but I was curious to see what it was. All plates are served with white rice on the side, but I'm not sure if they give you fried rice if you ask for it. This massive plate of hot and delicious food arrives to my table. I stare at it for a few minutes then I get up to get some hot sauce and start digging in. The little rids where packed with taste and infused with fresh green pepper. Pork ribs with a batter is always A OK. in my book. I bit of every little piece of meat I could of the ribs, yums! My girl had a Chicken plate. I forgot the name of it but it was also delicious. We will definitely be going back today or tomorrow, or in a few minutes after I finish typing this.
(5)
Dustin B.
First of all, I'm sorry to be the first to sully the 5-star streak that this place has going. This is very good food. The best chinese food that I've had in a very long time, probably this decade. Flavors, textures were very evenly balanced. Spiciness was interesting, without being overpowering, nor inaccessible. Visually, not a feast for the eyes. Make peace with that before you go. This is a whole in the wall Chinese place. This is not PF Chang's (it's oh so much better). This is not full service. But that it is not a complaint. It is what it is, and does not strive to be anything more. That being said, the owners and their son were all very friendly, and made a point to come around to make sure that everything was ok with our meals. Friday night, I had the rock salt shrimp, and ate the shells too, per Roz' comment in her review below (the owner who took my order said nothing about the way to eat these, and I was a bit self conscious about what I was doing, but it worked). The dish was good, interesting flavor, and was probably one of the most unique dishes that I have tasted in quite some time, if for no other reason than the shells. I came back Saturday for lunch, just to try something different again. I had the Szechuan squid, and this was better than the shrimp, in my opinion. The spice level here was fantastic, and the sauce had just the right amount of sweetness to counterbalance the peppery aspect of the dish. The texture of the squid was different from what I have encountered before; normally squid is very chewy, but the overall texture had a nice crunch as well. The vegetables were a highlight in the dish (which I wouldn't normally say for Chinese food). Why four stars then? Well, I just wasn't completely blown away by this place. Everything was very good, but I wasn't quite wowed enough to give it the highest rating. I will definitely be back again, especially if gas prices stay down. We'll see what the next visit(s) bring.
(4)
Ryan P.
I've been frequenting this tiny mom and pop restaurant for about a decade. Friendly service, outstanding food. Best Chinese food I've had. Atmosphere leaves a bit to be desired, so I wouldn't plan on it for prom night kiddies. Other then that, you need to go.
(5)
Mike R.
By far the best Chinese in Ames. Actually, it's some of the best Chinese I've ever had, and that includes stuff in NYC and San Francisco (and my neighbors from back home who own a chinese restaurant too). I really can't say enough about this place. The woman who owns the place is funny too. Only downside is they don't accept debit/credit, but if you don't like it there's an ATM in the gas station next door
(5)
Yanping Nora S.
this review is about a year old, when I worked in Ames as a Department of Energy intern last summer. the food is decent homestyle for a lot of things, and they did seem to cook some things from southern China, but for this Chinese Singaporean, their conception of spicy never amounted to anything more than adding chili shortly before ending the cooking process. So much for Sichuan! They were friendly though. I wish they were more creative though. And they charge for cilantro. =( the value is good, but is beaten out by Indian buffets in the same city. if this place were in NYC, I'd give it 2-3 stars. but its in Iowa. hey.
(4)
CHRIS C.
Food is good not great. Very good prices. Quick service
(3)
Diana E.
I know a lot of mid Iowa people like this Chinese restaurant but I've been there and it's awful. Ames really doesn't have a good Chinese restaurant. Des Moines has many . Worth the drive to Des Moines for a rare Chinese treat.
(1)
Matt M.
None of these reviews are exaggerated. CHC is, without a doubt, the most reliably amazing Chinese food I've ever found. Were I on death row, my last meal would be CHC spicy Mongolian beef with spicy crab rangoons. I have been a fan since my freshman year in 2000. Now my sister and her entire house are equally obsessed with the Ambrosia they sell. No return trip to Ames is complete without CHC. Every football weekend, every trip to VIESHEA, every time I'm within a half hour of Ames, means a trip to CHC. I'm not ashamed to say that I've traveled 60 miles out of my way when passing through the state just to visit. The owners are great people too. "Mom", as we always called her, will bend over backwards to make you happy. They make an effort to know their regular customers personally, and protect the newcomers by refusing their requests for "Angry Chicken". I really can't say enough good things about this place. It really is deserving of a 6th star. If I had a lick of integrity, I would go reduce all my other 5 star ratings out of respect.
(5)
Kiet L.
damn son these fried pork chops give me life. i was on my deathbed, but one sniff of them chops revitalized me and gave me laser eye beam powers. you heard that right; these pork chops will give you powers and make you win the presidential election. get it right get it tight. #doitforstate
(5)
Sumita B.
Fast food Chinese food. I think this place is a step above your Americanized Chinese take out. This place takes cash only. They offer slightly more authentic food than the other Chinese take out places. Service has been pretty quick all the times I have been here. Order at the counter and they bring it out to you at the table. Water and tea are in dispensers on the counter for self-serve. I came here a few days ago and ordered: Angry chicken - mixture of bamboo shoots and chicken. This was decent and spicy. A lot more bamboo than chicken. Chop chae - not the best I have ever had, but tolerable since not many places in Iowa serve Korean food. Salt and pepper pork chop - probably the best dish to order and eat. Highly recommend. Salt and pepper squid - decent flavor but wasn't fried crispy enough. It was on the soggy side. Green beans and beef - green beans were crisp and lightly charred from wok. Very spicy and another dish I would recommend. Crab Rangoons - not the best but than not the worst. Very small amount of cheese filling. There were 4 to an order.
(3)
Karan V.
I like their soups & all of their chicken entrees. My fav dishes soup is egg drop & I love their Cashew chicken & Curry Chicken. Ask them to make spicy it can make you cry & clear all your sinuses!!!
(5)
Aja L.
I saw the positive YELP reviews and was dying to try it out. I've had better Chinese but this is definitely high on the list of Ames Chinese restaurants. The portions seem just a tiny bit small but I will say - it does look and taste like if you literally ate at a Chinese person's home. It is spicy unlike many other Chinese restaurants in Ames that have watered down whitewashed food for the white kids.
(3)
Robyn T.
Idk how everyone raves about this place, so I was really sad I couldn't agree with those who recommended me to come eat here. I guess I've only been here once, but was so sorely disappointed I never want to try it again. The food was unappetizing, doused in sauce that was over-seasoned. Meat was rubbery and weird. The person I was with agreed so it made me feel better that I wasn't the only one who was let down. I had to force myself to finish my food, but I think I ended up guiltily throwing it away.
(1)
Patrick T.
CHC is what it's called if you are in the know! I have never had a bad meal here.. It's a lot of my friends favorite Chinese place in Ames! Though not my fave, it's really good! Good veggie options, I dig how they cook the tofu! My friends love the Crab ragoon, I have never had the chance to taste it, being a veggie but there is plenty of goodness for vegan friendly folks as well! The actual restaurant is nothing special! A typical classic family run Chinese place! No bells and whistles here, but the food is worth the stop. And they have a private parking lot!
(4)
Xichen J.
Meat are not fresh here l. I have no idea why the reviews are so good but I found the food here disgusting
(1)
A S.
everything you'd expect to find at an american chinese place, but made with way better ingredients in a way you might in your own kitchen. not amazing, but definitely the best cheap chinese i've ever had. it's also dirt cheap
(4)
Chad W.
Best Chinese food in Ames, no contest.
(5)
Aaron L.
We had a few very good dishes and one very bad dish... Salt Ribs. Everyone on Yelp raves about them but mine were WAY overcooked... no moisture, no flavor. The owner said that is how they should be... wow, how sad. She did allow us to order something else in its place. That was nice. The prices are low and the good dishes were worth it. We will go back.
(3)
Rex J.
I've decided that CHC is the only Chinese I will eat during college experience in Ames. It's family run and owned, and the recipes are all family recipes. I've ordered the beef noodle soup numerous times, and I believe it's pretty authentic. It has good flavor, and they serve ample servings. I fully support family owned restaurants, especially when they have reasonable prices, which illustrates their priority for sharing their traditional recipes over the need for excessive profit. The decor is nothing special, but the best restaurants have their food speak louder than the environment. You will always get a great meal at a very reasonable price here a CHC. I also happen to know the owners' sons. They both go to Iowa state and are a fun group of guys who are always more than happy to exchange an occasional hello.
(5)
E P.
I ate here daily in college and go back whenever I'm in town. Hands down the best food ever. Try the Angry Chicken! The Szechuan Squid is my second favorite.
(5)
Nick J.
I've been warned about spicy food at restaurants before and I'm generally pretty skeptical about their "spicy" and my "spicy." Generally I'm looking for more spice. The gentleman behind the counter at CHC confirmed my order, adding that the Angry Chicken was pretty spicy. That's it...just a quick confirmation. I shrugged it off assuming this was another typical spicy situation. WOAH, was I wrong. The faux spicy at other restaurants is not the same here, at least definitely not with the Angry Chicken. Careful with this one -- it's a delicious kick in the mouth.
(4)
Nicholas T.
My eyes began to fill with tears. Not due to sadness, but because of joy. Prior to today, I thought 888 was the best Chinese restaurant in Ames, but that is no longer the case. CHC is everything you want in an authentic eatery. Fantastic food, great service, a wonderful variety of culinary delights, and a ear-to-ear smile on your face upon leaving. My wife and I opted for a 4-5 different things and grazed which was smart since there are so many wonderful things. While many items on the menu say "hot," they are, in the grand scheme of things, mild. Don't be shy to ask for extra spicy! My favorite thus far is the Pork and String Beans. One word: "Legit."
(5)
Daniel L.
This Chinese restaurant has been touted as one of the best in the eyes of many reviewers. The interior is small, with lines of rectangular tables, has moderate lighting, and a fast food counter for its order first then find your seat protocol. They have three separate menus available: Specialized, Americanized, and Korean. It's easy to hear the Northerner accent and they seem to have a nice following from those that go to school nearby. I visited this place on a number of occasions. What I like about this restaurant is that the piping hot food temperature, the moist texture on the steamed rice, and friendly service. Food-wise, it can be a hit and miss and it's certainly not the home style cooking that I grew up with. One of their most popular items, Spicy Beef Noodle Soup ($7.50), came with a good amount of noodles to accompany a decent beef broth with a backdrop of roasted flavor. The beef were chunky with decent flavors, but the textures can be unevenly dry here and there. The broth got saltier midway into the meal, and the noodles were overcooked due to the high temperature. I grew up eating Beef Noodle Soup, and the one here is passable, but nothing remarkable. The server once recommended me to try their Mongolian Combo ($7.95). There seems to be a lot of "Mongolian" restaurants in Iowa but I doubt the food can be considered Halal. This dish includes a mix of chicken, beef and shrimp stir fry that covered a bed of crispy white noodles and a mix of sweet and savory sauces. There was a form to the stir fry and the range of textures coupled nicely with the thickened steamed rice. This is one dish that I would recommend for those who are visiting for the first time. The dishes that I don't recommend are the Pork Rib Soup ($7.75) and Braised Pork over Rice ($5.50). The pork ribs were breaded and fried, so it was counter intuitive as to why they would serve them in a bland broth that tasted like boiling water. Not only were the flavors and textures compromised by the broth, the pieces were also boney without much to chew on. Additionally, the Braised Pork could come with better seasoning as I was looking for the robust aromatic flavors that usually comes with this dish. Somehow the rice was sitting on a layer of watery sauce. This dish was not designed to be so watery so it further cast doubts about how any of these techniques were intentional or as good as those who claim this restaurant to be 5-stars worthy. The fast food service arrangement was quick and efficient. The husband who owns the restaurant seemed much friendlier and accessible than the wife who looked bothered and upset at times. After multiple visits, this place was not as amazing as what it is made out to be. Not bad but also not the best if you consider this a Chinese fast food restaurant. Closed on Mondays and cash only.
(3)
Cookie D.
I like their beef noodle soup and coffee cake. However, the taste of the other food changed almost every time I came to this place. Some dishes is pretty oil and salty
(3)
Adam ..
My girlfriend and I ordered food from this restaurant tonight. My girlfriend was the first to try out the food, and the look on her face said it all. She got the Sesame chicken and described it as disgusting. The sauce didn't taste right, and the chicken was so drenched in it, that the sauce leaked out of the container. Moving on to my chicken fried rice, that was actually supposed to be shrimp. I wouldn't describe it as being terrible, but it's certainly nothing special. The Mongolian beef on the other hand was amazing, some of the best Mongolian beef I've ever had. I wish that they took debit/credit cards, because having to go next door for cash was a minor inconvenience.
(3)
Thao P.
Good Chinese place in Ames! CHC has both a Chinese American menu and a more traditional menu. They also serve a few Korean items as well such as Kimchi fried rice since the Chinese owners used to live in Korea for a little bit. Their specialties seem to be the beef noodle soup, rock salt ribs, and rock salt shrimp or squid. When I say "rock salt", I don't mean rocks of salt are on the food. It means that it's basically a fried salt and pepper batter that's delicious. If you like fried food (which most people generally do), then you will like it. My personal favorites I've tried so far are the Rock Salt Squid, Shrimp and Chive Dumplings, and Hot and Sour Soup. Hot and Sour Soup is generally pretty plain at most places but this place makes it especially well because they not only put the usual ingredients, but also bamboo shoots, meat, tofu, etc. It's also a tad bit sweeter for a Hot and Sour Soup.
(4)
Matt E.
My wife's birthday request: Pork and Green Beans, extra spicy at Chinese Home Style cooking. CHC is still our first choice in Ames for amazing Chinese food. Great food in the Taiwanese tradition, and great personable owners. Very little has changed since my last review; on the inside or with the mind-blowingly good food you'll find here. It's cash-only (you won't need much), and you can customize your level of spicy heat at the counter. CHC still has the edge and is the place we head to when we want a Chinese fix. I'm still in awe of the famous incendiary Angry Chicken but I've also grown to appreciate the the depth of their selection and carefully crafted "Chef's Specials" displayed on a board as you enter the establishment. There are curiously several Korean items that have been overlooked in previous reviews here. They've consistently delivered amazing meals quickly, at a low-price over the years I've been coming here.
(5)
Haley R.
CHC is right up with there with Little Taipei. Great food, especially the angry chicken. Unfortunately, though, they don't deliver.
(4)
Jeff M.
Beef noodle is a must try! So good! The owner of the restaurant is very nice and funny. Feel home at the place.
(5)
Piper F.
The food is great and the owners are very friendly, the only draw back is the bathroom. When your shoes stick to the floor eew.
(3)
Xiaolin B.
least meat and highest price compare other Chinese restaurant in Ames. Taste bad, so bad. Cups always have washing liquid smell.
(1)
Oryx E.
I recently moved out-of-state, and this is the one thing about Ames that I miss terribly. Believe me when I say that I have a bit of a Chinese food obsession- if it is a restaurant that sells Chinese food, whether it be Des Moines or Ames, I have tried it. I can honestly say that this is hands down the best Chinese food in Iowa. The portions are perfect, the pricing is great, and the taste is amazing. I personally enjoy the deliciously tangy Orange Chicken and the salty, textured Mongolian Beef. The big star here though is the Angry Chicken! Ask for it extra hot- it will knock your socks off. And can I mention the crab rangoon? I normally despise rangoons, but these are to die for. I miss them so badly. Do yourself a favor and try this place out. Don't be spooked by the tacky and less-than-glamorous interior- the food is just too excellent.
(5)
Kat L.
Best Chinese joint in town! The beef noodle soup is the best item on the menu, although pretty much anything there is delicious. Try some of their Chinese-Korean items if you want something a bit different. You can get black noodles (jajangmyun) or a spicy noodle soup (jjampong). Yum yum!
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : No Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No 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.
Kartik S.
As close to Authentic cheap Chinese food you can get in an around Ames. The couple that run this are genuinely friendly and provide good suggestions for the undecided. The curries in the dishes are not overly greasy, have a decent portions of veggies and have a unique taste to them unlike other local Chinese joints, maybe because of the fresh nature of preparation. I would recommend the Ginger Chicken...Hands down the best Chinese dish I have had in a long time! It's two dollars more than the normal entree but its definitely worth the money!!! Get that every time I go there Thumbs up to this place!!!
(5)Ravi R.
Okay...the name says it all..."home cooking"... that's all i need to "hear" to verify its quality...it is a sweet family cooking, working, making a business thrive. my friend took me here and i was hooked...i went back at least couple of time a month...
(5)Josh S.
Hands down my favorite chinese food place ever. I ate here countless times when I lived in Ames and now make a point to stop in when I drive back home from Minneapolis. The owners are so nice and remember people even after years of not living in town. It's easy to miss if you don't know it's there but this is definatly food that you will love. Try the General Tao's Chicken. mmmm-mmmm good.
(5)Steve B.
CHC is right next to a crappy gas station, and just up the parking lot is the Flying Burrito. You enter through the right hand door and go up to the counter where you order from either the CHC lady or the CHC guy. They are both very nice and will remember you even though you haven't been there in over a year, and will ask about how you are doing and how is whatever city you moved to and where is that nice bearded boy you used to come there with. One of the keys of CHC's awesomeness is the chopsticks. Unlike most ordinary Ames Chinese places, which use cheap disposable wooden chopsticks that are typically not straight and barely useable, CHC uses heavy duty plastic reusable chopsticks which work very very well. So well in fact that some are known to eschew silverware entirely and eat 96% of their rice and all their other food with the chopsticks alone. Some favorite CHC dishes include: * Twice Cooked Pork * Pork with String Beans * Rock Salt Ribs
(5)Danelle W.
I have been a huge fan of this place for years. The home cooked food is very tasty & cheap! It's also run by a very sweet family so I feel good about spending money there. There's a lot of great things on the menu but some of my favorites are garlic chicken, the crab rangoons, and egg drop soup!
(5)Roz S.
I wondered if Chinese Home Style could live up to all of these positive reviews, and wow, they sure do! It's worth a trip to Ames just to experience absolutely top-notch Chinese cuisine. The owner was very friendly and stopped by my table to ask me how I liked the dish I ordered (a special, shrimp cooked in salt). I said it was excellent and he told me a bit about his history making the dish in five-star restaurants in Korea. He encouraged me to eat it authentically, including the shells, which were tender from the cooking process. It was lovely! My family all enjoyed their meals, and the prices are incredibly fair. Definitely the best Asian food to be had in central Iowa.
(5)Jess C.
Here's the thing about this place: the food tastes average while you're eating it and you keep telling yourself "oh, this is ok I guess"... but then after you are done and you leave you get a splitting MSG headache and feel kinda sick...
(3)Brian S.
Easily the best chinese food in ames especially for the price. My favorite dish is the plum chicken and the angry chicken. You can't go wrong sticking when any Americanized Chinese food staples & they have really good seafood. Everything is homemade and they have a lot of interesting drinks. Their hot and sour soup is also really damn good, especially in the winter. I'd give this place 5/5 but there have been a few times they have messed up the spices on the angry chicken, and made is taste kind of bland. Nevertheless i continue to go all the time because its still really good, and that rarely happens.
(4)Bob H.
"Hot Braised Chicken" best I've ever had. Great Great Great. Very nice staff. Owner even remembered me after 5 years!
(5)Andy B.
i love this place with my whole body, including my pee pee. Anyone who rates this less than 5/5 is a fascist.
(5)Lindsay H.
The best Chinese I've ever had. The ingredients are higher quality and the portions are generous. The staff is accommodating to special requests and very friendly. Love this place!
(5)Annaliese P.
This place is great to go pick up some sloppy food on a lazy night. I usually order the ginger chicken or angry chicken. The owners are also really friendly and will usually chat with you once you're a "regular". I would not recommend this for a date night, however, as the establishment is sloppy/not romantic, but overall pretty good food. Only 4/5 because when ordering take-out, I feel the food is significantly lower quality than when dining in.
(4)Daniel B.
Chinese Homestyle Cooking offers a great authentic Chinese cuisine for a relaxed night. The servers of this nice family owned restaurant are very friendly and are always wearing a smile when one walks in. They offer a great selection of food at a low price. Although for a fancy night on the town I do not recommend Chinese Homestyle Cuisine but for a nice relaxed low key night, it is a slam dunk.
(4)Tyler D.
Ok, pushing food aside for a second can I just say these are hands down the nicest people I've ever met in the restaurant business. I haven't tried much from here (sweet & sour, generals chicken) but I can say that the food is pretty good. It's not the greatest Chinese food I've ever had, but it's well worth the price. Everyone I know loves it here, so don't take my word on it not being the best. The atmosphere is very, very much a hole in the wall sort of place. But with people this nice, don't let that make you think twice. In terms of real Ames Chinese food, this is the place to go.
(4)Samantha C.
Ok so I don't know if I'm ordering the wrong thing, or if I'm going to a different restaurant than the rest of you rating this place 5 (as good as it gets) because I just don't understand. I just got back from having lunch here and this was my second time eating Chinese Home Style Cooking food. I ordered based off someone's suggestion that the plum sauce chicken was really good. I just don't understand you guys, I really don't. The chicken was gummy and mushy like it was fake. The sauce was so salty and the vegetables were rubbery. Besides that I ordered eggrolls and got two, they weren't cooked fully and the wrapping was chewy and not deep fried all the way through so I had a flour aftertaste. Also I got another bowl of eggdrop soup but told them to not add the celery and other veggies like last time. It was a little more bland than I remember. All of this plus a drink came to about $13 and change. I am full, but my mouth is sad. What am I doing wrong you guys? Is there a secret menu I don't know about? I've been eating chinese food since I could chew, well, at least "American" Chinese food but still I remember a lot of good dishes and so far I have had nothing that comes close at this place. I don't think I will go for the third times a charm here, two bleh meals is enough to make me understand. Two stars for the sweet employees, they are very welcoming.
(2)John H.
We stopped in because I wanted to try some authentic-ish Chinese food and this seemed to be a favorably rated place. When we walked in, they seemed to be closing even though their posted hours said they were supposed to be open for at least another hour. We felt pressured to order quickly so we ended up getting less-than-authentic dishes, broccoli beef and sweet and sour chicken as well as crab rangoon. The rangoons were good, the broccoli beef was runny and salty, and the sweet and sour chicken was neither sweet nor sour. Maybe we got an off order because they seemed like they were shutting down, but I'm not sure I would go back for another try.
(2)Lindsey F.
This place was delicious. Some of the best Chinese food I've had. My husband and I ordered the Sweet and Sour Chicken and the Chicken Fried Rice. Both were delicious. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for great Chinese food in the Ames area.
(5)Rosa K.
Cash only. Closed on mondays for some reason... Kind of gross... I'm going to stop writing reviews for Chinese restaurants after this unless I actually feel it's edible. 3 stars only because it's cheap and in Ames, Iowa.... The bottled tea was a week from being expired... and the taste made me want to vomit. If it wasn't for that maybe the food wouldn't have tasted so bad too.
(3)Donald Y.
Unequivocally this is the best and only place to get Chinese in Ames. I would especially recommend the hot braised shrimp or the chicken in plum sauce. Both are fantastic! Also, if you like a little more heat, you can ask them to bump it up for you. they will even make a special hot crab ragoon for you if you request.
(5)K. B.
This town has very good Chinese food but Chinese Home Style Cooking is one of the best. This is a family owned and operated restaurant and everything is made fresh. Outstanding meal and a great way to support a local business.
(4)Megan H.
Chinese Home Style has the best Chinese food I've ever experienced in my entire life. No other restaurant can even come close. Their crab rangoon actually has pieces of crab in the filling - one of my friends didn't believe me and I had to take him there to prove it! Everything is fresh, fresh, fresh and homemade. You can actually watch the family who owns the restaurant roll the eggrolls on the counter if you're there at the right time. Not a single bad thing on the menu, and they usually have some pretty great specials. Not too expensive, and mouth-wateringly delicious. It goes without saying... try the crab rangoon!
(5)Sarah G.
The best chinese in Ames or a large radius. The owners are always friendly and definitely get to know their repeat clients. Spicy Crab Rangoons and rotating specials are both favorites of mine. I don't have one particular dish that stands out in my memory because everything is always pretty damn good.
(5)Kathy D.
Hands down, best Chinese food in the area and beyond. The place is small and not the best decor, but the food is amazing! Locally owned. The family is super friendly. We eat here at least once a week.
(5)Marcos C.
Very good Chinese food, I have never been to China but I can tell you that it definitely tasted like homemade. See, in L.A. there is allot of $1 dollar Chinese food stands that are just horrible. The food sits all day until the pan of food is gone. Allll day it sits there. I'm sure there is good Chinese somewhere in L.A., maybe its just me. Nah Here at C.H.S.C they make your food one plate at a time, I know because my food took about 15 minutes to come out. This isn't a complaint I'm glad it took that long. OK, lets talk about food! I had the Chef Special. Rock Salt Ribs, I had never heard of anything like that but I was curious to see what it was. All plates are served with white rice on the side, but I'm not sure if they give you fried rice if you ask for it. This massive plate of hot and delicious food arrives to my table. I stare at it for a few minutes then I get up to get some hot sauce and start digging in. The little rids where packed with taste and infused with fresh green pepper. Pork ribs with a batter is always A OK. in my book. I bit of every little piece of meat I could of the ribs, yums! My girl had a Chicken plate. I forgot the name of it but it was also delicious. We will definitely be going back today or tomorrow, or in a few minutes after I finish typing this.
(5)Dustin B.
First of all, I'm sorry to be the first to sully the 5-star streak that this place has going. This is very good food. The best chinese food that I've had in a very long time, probably this decade. Flavors, textures were very evenly balanced. Spiciness was interesting, without being overpowering, nor inaccessible. Visually, not a feast for the eyes. Make peace with that before you go. This is a whole in the wall Chinese place. This is not PF Chang's (it's oh so much better). This is not full service. But that it is not a complaint. It is what it is, and does not strive to be anything more. That being said, the owners and their son were all very friendly, and made a point to come around to make sure that everything was ok with our meals. Friday night, I had the rock salt shrimp, and ate the shells too, per Roz' comment in her review below (the owner who took my order said nothing about the way to eat these, and I was a bit self conscious about what I was doing, but it worked). The dish was good, interesting flavor, and was probably one of the most unique dishes that I have tasted in quite some time, if for no other reason than the shells. I came back Saturday for lunch, just to try something different again. I had the Szechuan squid, and this was better than the shrimp, in my opinion. The spice level here was fantastic, and the sauce had just the right amount of sweetness to counterbalance the peppery aspect of the dish. The texture of the squid was different from what I have encountered before; normally squid is very chewy, but the overall texture had a nice crunch as well. The vegetables were a highlight in the dish (which I wouldn't normally say for Chinese food). Why four stars then? Well, I just wasn't completely blown away by this place. Everything was very good, but I wasn't quite wowed enough to give it the highest rating. I will definitely be back again, especially if gas prices stay down. We'll see what the next visit(s) bring.
(4)Ryan P.
I've been frequenting this tiny mom and pop restaurant for about a decade. Friendly service, outstanding food. Best Chinese food I've had. Atmosphere leaves a bit to be desired, so I wouldn't plan on it for prom night kiddies. Other then that, you need to go.
(5)Mike R.
By far the best Chinese in Ames. Actually, it's some of the best Chinese I've ever had, and that includes stuff in NYC and San Francisco (and my neighbors from back home who own a chinese restaurant too). I really can't say enough about this place. The woman who owns the place is funny too. Only downside is they don't accept debit/credit, but if you don't like it there's an ATM in the gas station next door
(5)Yanping Nora S.
this review is about a year old, when I worked in Ames as a Department of Energy intern last summer. the food is decent homestyle for a lot of things, and they did seem to cook some things from southern China, but for this Chinese Singaporean, their conception of spicy never amounted to anything more than adding chili shortly before ending the cooking process. So much for Sichuan! They were friendly though. I wish they were more creative though. And they charge for cilantro. =( the value is good, but is beaten out by Indian buffets in the same city. if this place were in NYC, I'd give it 2-3 stars. but its in Iowa. hey.
(4)CHRIS C.
Food is good not great. Very good prices. Quick service
(3)Diana E.
I know a lot of mid Iowa people like this Chinese restaurant but I've been there and it's awful. Ames really doesn't have a good Chinese restaurant. Des Moines has many . Worth the drive to Des Moines for a rare Chinese treat.
(1)Matt M.
None of these reviews are exaggerated. CHC is, without a doubt, the most reliably amazing Chinese food I've ever found. Were I on death row, my last meal would be CHC spicy Mongolian beef with spicy crab rangoons. I have been a fan since my freshman year in 2000. Now my sister and her entire house are equally obsessed with the Ambrosia they sell. No return trip to Ames is complete without CHC. Every football weekend, every trip to VIESHEA, every time I'm within a half hour of Ames, means a trip to CHC. I'm not ashamed to say that I've traveled 60 miles out of my way when passing through the state just to visit. The owners are great people too. "Mom", as we always called her, will bend over backwards to make you happy. They make an effort to know their regular customers personally, and protect the newcomers by refusing their requests for "Angry Chicken". I really can't say enough good things about this place. It really is deserving of a 6th star. If I had a lick of integrity, I would go reduce all my other 5 star ratings out of respect.
(5)Kiet L.
damn son these fried pork chops give me life. i was on my deathbed, but one sniff of them chops revitalized me and gave me laser eye beam powers. you heard that right; these pork chops will give you powers and make you win the presidential election. get it right get it tight. #doitforstate
(5)Sumita B.
Fast food Chinese food. I think this place is a step above your Americanized Chinese take out. This place takes cash only. They offer slightly more authentic food than the other Chinese take out places. Service has been pretty quick all the times I have been here. Order at the counter and they bring it out to you at the table. Water and tea are in dispensers on the counter for self-serve. I came here a few days ago and ordered: Angry chicken - mixture of bamboo shoots and chicken. This was decent and spicy. A lot more bamboo than chicken. Chop chae - not the best I have ever had, but tolerable since not many places in Iowa serve Korean food. Salt and pepper pork chop - probably the best dish to order and eat. Highly recommend. Salt and pepper squid - decent flavor but wasn't fried crispy enough. It was on the soggy side. Green beans and beef - green beans were crisp and lightly charred from wok. Very spicy and another dish I would recommend. Crab Rangoons - not the best but than not the worst. Very small amount of cheese filling. There were 4 to an order.
(3)Karan V.
I like their soups & all of their chicken entrees. My fav dishes soup is egg drop & I love their Cashew chicken & Curry Chicken. Ask them to make spicy it can make you cry & clear all your sinuses!!!
(5)Aja L.
I saw the positive YELP reviews and was dying to try it out. I've had better Chinese but this is definitely high on the list of Ames Chinese restaurants. The portions seem just a tiny bit small but I will say - it does look and taste like if you literally ate at a Chinese person's home. It is spicy unlike many other Chinese restaurants in Ames that have watered down whitewashed food for the white kids.
(3)Robyn T.
Idk how everyone raves about this place, so I was really sad I couldn't agree with those who recommended me to come eat here. I guess I've only been here once, but was so sorely disappointed I never want to try it again. The food was unappetizing, doused in sauce that was over-seasoned. Meat was rubbery and weird. The person I was with agreed so it made me feel better that I wasn't the only one who was let down. I had to force myself to finish my food, but I think I ended up guiltily throwing it away.
(1)Patrick T.
CHC is what it's called if you are in the know! I have never had a bad meal here.. It's a lot of my friends favorite Chinese place in Ames! Though not my fave, it's really good! Good veggie options, I dig how they cook the tofu! My friends love the Crab ragoon, I have never had the chance to taste it, being a veggie but there is plenty of goodness for vegan friendly folks as well! The actual restaurant is nothing special! A typical classic family run Chinese place! No bells and whistles here, but the food is worth the stop. And they have a private parking lot!
(4)Xichen J.
Meat are not fresh here l. I have no idea why the reviews are so good but I found the food here disgusting
(1)A S.
everything you'd expect to find at an american chinese place, but made with way better ingredients in a way you might in your own kitchen. not amazing, but definitely the best cheap chinese i've ever had. it's also dirt cheap
(4)Chad W.
Best Chinese food in Ames, no contest.
(5)Aaron L.
We had a few very good dishes and one very bad dish... Salt Ribs. Everyone on Yelp raves about them but mine were WAY overcooked... no moisture, no flavor. The owner said that is how they should be... wow, how sad. She did allow us to order something else in its place. That was nice. The prices are low and the good dishes were worth it. We will go back.
(3)Rex J.
I've decided that CHC is the only Chinese I will eat during college experience in Ames. It's family run and owned, and the recipes are all family recipes. I've ordered the beef noodle soup numerous times, and I believe it's pretty authentic. It has good flavor, and they serve ample servings. I fully support family owned restaurants, especially when they have reasonable prices, which illustrates their priority for sharing their traditional recipes over the need for excessive profit. The decor is nothing special, but the best restaurants have their food speak louder than the environment. You will always get a great meal at a very reasonable price here a CHC. I also happen to know the owners' sons. They both go to Iowa state and are a fun group of guys who are always more than happy to exchange an occasional hello.
(5)E P.
I ate here daily in college and go back whenever I'm in town. Hands down the best food ever. Try the Angry Chicken! The Szechuan Squid is my second favorite.
(5)Nick J.
I've been warned about spicy food at restaurants before and I'm generally pretty skeptical about their "spicy" and my "spicy." Generally I'm looking for more spice. The gentleman behind the counter at CHC confirmed my order, adding that the Angry Chicken was pretty spicy. That's it...just a quick confirmation. I shrugged it off assuming this was another typical spicy situation. WOAH, was I wrong. The faux spicy at other restaurants is not the same here, at least definitely not with the Angry Chicken. Careful with this one -- it's a delicious kick in the mouth.
(4)Nicholas T.
My eyes began to fill with tears. Not due to sadness, but because of joy. Prior to today, I thought 888 was the best Chinese restaurant in Ames, but that is no longer the case. CHC is everything you want in an authentic eatery. Fantastic food, great service, a wonderful variety of culinary delights, and a ear-to-ear smile on your face upon leaving. My wife and I opted for a 4-5 different things and grazed which was smart since there are so many wonderful things. While many items on the menu say "hot," they are, in the grand scheme of things, mild. Don't be shy to ask for extra spicy! My favorite thus far is the Pork and String Beans. One word: "Legit."
(5)Daniel L.
This Chinese restaurant has been touted as one of the best in the eyes of many reviewers. The interior is small, with lines of rectangular tables, has moderate lighting, and a fast food counter for its order first then find your seat protocol. They have three separate menus available: Specialized, Americanized, and Korean. It's easy to hear the Northerner accent and they seem to have a nice following from those that go to school nearby. I visited this place on a number of occasions. What I like about this restaurant is that the piping hot food temperature, the moist texture on the steamed rice, and friendly service. Food-wise, it can be a hit and miss and it's certainly not the home style cooking that I grew up with. One of their most popular items, Spicy Beef Noodle Soup ($7.50), came with a good amount of noodles to accompany a decent beef broth with a backdrop of roasted flavor. The beef were chunky with decent flavors, but the textures can be unevenly dry here and there. The broth got saltier midway into the meal, and the noodles were overcooked due to the high temperature. I grew up eating Beef Noodle Soup, and the one here is passable, but nothing remarkable. The server once recommended me to try their Mongolian Combo ($7.95). There seems to be a lot of "Mongolian" restaurants in Iowa but I doubt the food can be considered Halal. This dish includes a mix of chicken, beef and shrimp stir fry that covered a bed of crispy white noodles and a mix of sweet and savory sauces. There was a form to the stir fry and the range of textures coupled nicely with the thickened steamed rice. This is one dish that I would recommend for those who are visiting for the first time. The dishes that I don't recommend are the Pork Rib Soup ($7.75) and Braised Pork over Rice ($5.50). The pork ribs were breaded and fried, so it was counter intuitive as to why they would serve them in a bland broth that tasted like boiling water. Not only were the flavors and textures compromised by the broth, the pieces were also boney without much to chew on. Additionally, the Braised Pork could come with better seasoning as I was looking for the robust aromatic flavors that usually comes with this dish. Somehow the rice was sitting on a layer of watery sauce. This dish was not designed to be so watery so it further cast doubts about how any of these techniques were intentional or as good as those who claim this restaurant to be 5-stars worthy. The fast food service arrangement was quick and efficient. The husband who owns the restaurant seemed much friendlier and accessible than the wife who looked bothered and upset at times. After multiple visits, this place was not as amazing as what it is made out to be. Not bad but also not the best if you consider this a Chinese fast food restaurant. Closed on Mondays and cash only.
(3)Cookie D.
I like their beef noodle soup and coffee cake. However, the taste of the other food changed almost every time I came to this place. Some dishes is pretty oil and salty
(3)Adam ..
My girlfriend and I ordered food from this restaurant tonight. My girlfriend was the first to try out the food, and the look on her face said it all. She got the Sesame chicken and described it as disgusting. The sauce didn't taste right, and the chicken was so drenched in it, that the sauce leaked out of the container. Moving on to my chicken fried rice, that was actually supposed to be shrimp. I wouldn't describe it as being terrible, but it's certainly nothing special. The Mongolian beef on the other hand was amazing, some of the best Mongolian beef I've ever had. I wish that they took debit/credit cards, because having to go next door for cash was a minor inconvenience.
(3)Thao P.
Good Chinese place in Ames! CHC has both a Chinese American menu and a more traditional menu. They also serve a few Korean items as well such as Kimchi fried rice since the Chinese owners used to live in Korea for a little bit. Their specialties seem to be the beef noodle soup, rock salt ribs, and rock salt shrimp or squid. When I say "rock salt", I don't mean rocks of salt are on the food. It means that it's basically a fried salt and pepper batter that's delicious. If you like fried food (which most people generally do), then you will like it. My personal favorites I've tried so far are the Rock Salt Squid, Shrimp and Chive Dumplings, and Hot and Sour Soup. Hot and Sour Soup is generally pretty plain at most places but this place makes it especially well because they not only put the usual ingredients, but also bamboo shoots, meat, tofu, etc. It's also a tad bit sweeter for a Hot and Sour Soup.
(4)Matt E.
My wife's birthday request: Pork and Green Beans, extra spicy at Chinese Home Style cooking. CHC is still our first choice in Ames for amazing Chinese food. Great food in the Taiwanese tradition, and great personable owners. Very little has changed since my last review; on the inside or with the mind-blowingly good food you'll find here. It's cash-only (you won't need much), and you can customize your level of spicy heat at the counter. CHC still has the edge and is the place we head to when we want a Chinese fix. I'm still in awe of the famous incendiary Angry Chicken but I've also grown to appreciate the the depth of their selection and carefully crafted "Chef's Specials" displayed on a board as you enter the establishment. There are curiously several Korean items that have been overlooked in previous reviews here. They've consistently delivered amazing meals quickly, at a low-price over the years I've been coming here.
(5)Haley R.
CHC is right up with there with Little Taipei. Great food, especially the angry chicken. Unfortunately, though, they don't deliver.
(4)Jeff M.
Beef noodle is a must try! So good! The owner of the restaurant is very nice and funny. Feel home at the place.
(5)Piper F.
The food is great and the owners are very friendly, the only draw back is the bathroom. When your shoes stick to the floor eew.
(3)Xiaolin B.
least meat and highest price compare other Chinese restaurant in Ames. Taste bad, so bad. Cups always have washing liquid smell.
(1)Oryx E.
I recently moved out-of-state, and this is the one thing about Ames that I miss terribly. Believe me when I say that I have a bit of a Chinese food obsession- if it is a restaurant that sells Chinese food, whether it be Des Moines or Ames, I have tried it. I can honestly say that this is hands down the best Chinese food in Iowa. The portions are perfect, the pricing is great, and the taste is amazing. I personally enjoy the deliciously tangy Orange Chicken and the salty, textured Mongolian Beef. The big star here though is the Angry Chicken! Ask for it extra hot- it will knock your socks off. And can I mention the crab rangoon? I normally despise rangoons, but these are to die for. I miss them so badly. Do yourself a favor and try this place out. Don't be spooked by the tacky and less-than-glamorous interior- the food is just too excellent.
(5)Kat L.
Best Chinese joint in town! The beef noodle soup is the best item on the menu, although pretty much anything there is delicious. Try some of their Chinese-Korean items if you want something a bit different. You can get black noodles (jajangmyun) or a spicy noodle soup (jjampong). Yum yum!
(5)