I ordered a half order of tomato pepper beef to go and when I got home and started the eat, the top half was warm and the bottom was cold. So I suspect this was heated in a microwave rather than prepared fresh. Plus it was so full of onions that all I could taste was onions. Feh! And My token fortune cookie, which I needed to get the taste of the onions out of my mouth, was smashed in its wrapper. I won't be ordering from Tein Li Chow again. Oh, the half order was $14 plus change!
(1)
Tris M.
I like their food. It's not a huge selection of real Chinese foods. Most of the menu is the exact same stuff. But their appetizers are very tasty, sides are very good, egg rolls are very good as well. All in all its a very good little takeout place.
(4)
Menachem B.
Everything is just super yummy. Here is some just to name a few. Fried rice, chicken wings, sesame chicken wings , egg foo young, beef fried rice .only thinks that are coming to mind but that have so many other things to eat there like there chicken salad.
(5)
Nancy C.
The absolute worst fried rice I've ever tasted. It was soggy. It was like someone added soy sauce and egg to wet rice! They seemed really busy when we called. Still quality has to remain consistent. We also ordered fried won ton. Instead of sweet and sour sauce they gave us a tub of soy sauce!!!! We didn't realize it til we were already home and did not want to drive back. Never going here again.
(1)
Andre M.
I've only been to this place twice, but the experience has been awesome every time. My food is made fresh on the spot and it's delicious. I recommend this place to anyone wanting some good eats in a short time
(5)
Talia S.
A great chinese kosher take out/catering food in Jewel. They have GREAT food and are super nice when you ask them for specific dietary requests such as gluten free or without a certain vegetable. The beef and broccoli is great, so is szechuan chicken. I'm a big fan of their curries also, unexpected since this place is chinese but I'm impressed every time I have it. Portions are large enough that I always have leftovers and can have 2 meals from it. Can't understand why people wouldn't want to eat here!
(5)
Yosef B.
i just ordered food from the Chinese restaurant tain lee chow ordered crispy wings and sesame chicken egg rolls and chow dogs it was awesome the delivery driver is very nice and fast they delivered my food free because im less than 2.5 miles i would recommend there food to anyone in chicagoland area
(5)
doreen s.
I've had their Chinese food and although its kosher, I've had better. The fried rice tastes like your typical mall Chinese food. Nothing special about it. Their sweet and sour sauce and egg rolls were edible.
(2)
David W.
Excellent chinese food but remember it is kosher so no pork or shellfish - my favorites are the sesame beef, abd beef thai noodles -it is carry out only
(5)
Ryan S.
Great food at a reasonable price. Everyone should know that if you get a lunch special they will add a soup in for one dollar Monday through Thursday.
(5)
Neil H.
Tein Li Chow fills doesn't just fill your stomach, it fills a void in the community. Their food is excellent and their customer service is great (they even stayed open late once when I came to pick up food). They also have a "value menu" that is AWESOME!! It changes every month, so check their website. There are plenty of times that I will get out of car in the parking lot of Jewel, smell the food, and wish that we didn't have plans for dinner.
(4)
Asaf O.
A kosher Chinese restaurant you can trust. It is great. It has typical Chinese food and I don't suppose it is special in that way but since you can rely on it being kosher, you don't have to worry. The Chow Dog, Scallion pancakes, Shredded garlic chicken, Phoenix and Dragon and Garlic Eggplant are all great. I enjoyed it very much. It is located inside the Jewel on Howard but don't let that fool you. It is very good food.
(5)
H. M.
Poor quality, doesn't taste authentic, sauces taste all a like! Disappointed for Kosher Chinese! I guess if your the only kosher Chinese in Chicago why bother with quality, you don't have to worry about competition. You can make crap food, call it Chinese and the people who eat only kosher won't know any better. Well, if you travel to N.Y., Baltimore, Boca, L.A. etc....you'll know and taste the difference. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!
(1)
Jacob J.
Note: This is carry out only which is situated just inside Jewel-Osco, east entrance (Doors next to Best Buy). Recently I watched something on local TV about Tien Li Chow, I think one of the owners was talking about the success of their business. I've also heard many good things from Jewish friends of mine. The other day while grocery shopping I walked past their counter and took a cursory look over the cold items for sale. These are dishes ready made that only need some warming before eating. "Gan Pong Ki"; if you're familiar with this name it's because it's a very popular spicy chicken wing found at a few eateries on the North side. TLC had a container full of their version of Gan Pong Ki, price by weight, the package I picked up was about eight dollars. The texture and sauce looked different to me than what I've had elsewhere but I was looking forward to trying it. Popped them in the oven for a few minutes and voila, they were hot and ready. Taste was plain Jane, nothing to brag about and definitely not close to the flavors of Chicago style Gan pong Ki. To a person that never dines out, perhaps the the sauce would be appealing. The worst part was that a few of the wings had feathers! Not many, maybe the person that cleaned it missed a few, too gross to look passed and try to continue to eat. What a let down. The worst part was that I bought these for a kids birthday party and that was my offering. As another person pulled a wing and saw the rough skin with feather pulls, I heard Ewww. I felt miserable. Waste of eight bucks and my problem is I know I could have gone to either one of two places nearby and gotten Gan pong Ki for about ten dollars; that would have been excellent. I won't hold this against them though, I'm willing to go back and try something diced and prepared in a wok instead.
(2)
Jennifer B.
I too am appalled at Liz's review...must be a hard to please person b/c this food ROCKS! I am not jewish and i am totally diggin this kosher meal :) The adorable gentleman who took my order was super nice, and possibly a little flirty...but in a cute way. I ordered the small Chicken Fried Rice which was about 5$ (this was at lunch time and on special). Now for something thats Kosher and Chinese food...this is a pretty damn good price. And my oh my is it delicious (eating it as i write this review.) Its a no B.S fried rice...no peas or carrots or any of that crap! Just rice, tender pieces of chicken, and a little bit of onion, egg, and sprouts. Im serious about my Fried rice and this is SO good! I cant WAIT to try all the other delish things on the menu...and uh Hello?! they DELIVER! woot! woot!
(5)
Liz M.
Went here a couple of months ago. The girl at the counter was a total B****! When my husband and I walked up to order, she at first was nice to me, but then when my husband walked up to me, she had this disgusted look on her face and had this incredible attitude as if it pained her to even answer any questions or take our order. When our order was ready, she practically threw it at us. Can't be too sure, but maybe it was because we are a mixed couple?? Besides the crappy attitude, the food kinda sucked too. I have sooo had better! But then again, it is Chinese food from Jewel....
(1)
Tracey M.
Good Sweet and Sour Chicken. (My staple order at any given Chinese take out place.) The only thing I would note is that the portions seemed smaller than other Chinese places I've taken out from. Since it is kosher, the prices are more than typically Chinese restaurants.
(3)
Manya T.
I've eaten nonkosher Chinese food in the past and, to me, this place is still fantastic. The hot and sour soup was amazing; I'm not sure I've had better. My Kung Pao Chicken was superb, even according to my still-not-kosher-keeping boyfriend. I didn't like the Chicken with Broccoli that I ordered much, but I think that has more to do with my tastes than anything with the quality of Tien Li Chow's food. Get some and take it home!
(5)
J K.
Yes, it is known as the Kosher Chinese place at Jewel. It is strict Kosher (GLATT) . I only wish they had a place to sit down too for a quick bite, instead of just carry out. Generally speaking, the food is great here. From the Soups to Egg Rolls to Entrees, we have been pleased dozens of times over the years. Liz, no place is perfect all of the time, but I say I am satisfied nine out of ten times. In addition, if people have dietary issues like peanut allergies or want onions held, they are always accommodating and know how to handle these special circumstances.
(5)
Adele S.
Tien Li Chow is kosher chinese takeout and it is surprisingly good. Located in the kosher Jewel of course. I don't keep kosher but my husband wants to be a good Jew and brings food back when he's working in the area. My favorite is mongolian beef, a bit more expensive than a normal chinese place but you gotta pay for the shochet, doncha know? Fried rice is good too. Stay away from the egg rolls-curry doesn't belong in chinese food. Portions are large. We're healthy eaters and we made do with one order of chicken fried rice and one mongolian beef for 3 people, plenty for all. It's busy, parking sucks, even in the ginormous lot.
(4)
Kenneth S.
[An employee is a friend of mine.] Please note: Tien Li Chow is takeout only--there is no sit-down eating area in the Evanston Jewel! This is truly outstanding Chinese food! I love the spicy chicken. The pot stickers are fantastic. The egg rolls are fine, but there's much more to explore from the restaurant's extensive menu. Tien Li Chow diners won't miss the pork or shrimp one normally finds on a Chinese restaurant menu. This restaurant's food is filling, and its quality encourages return customers. Notes: The take-out establishment's kosher certification means no dairy, pork or shrimp; and slightly higher prices. The menu prices help pay for the certification and kosher meat. I don't understand complaining about parking at Jewel. I've never had more than a one-minute walk and have visited dozens of times in 3-1/2 years of parking there. There's even a close-up loading zone to park in if the take-out order is called ahead. Tien Li Chow doesn't sell alcohol, but Jewel has a full liquor store, so it's possible to pick up any type of spirits to accompany the meal.
(5)
Lena G.
I am totally shocked an appalled at the previous review. I have been ordering from Tein Li Chow since the day they opened, mostly by telephone, but sometimes in person, and have never received anything but courteous service. The food is very good, I just wish they would consider having a sit-down location. Keep up the good work guys and know that we are thankful for you being in our community. Oh, and by the way, I am not sure how the food can kind of suck compared to other Chinese restaurants in the area since the chefs that work there have previously cooked at popular Chinese restaurants through the area, such as KOI.
(5)
Fran D.
Tien Li Chow is pretty much IT for kosher Chinese food in Chicago. Which is a shame, because the quality is about the level of a mediocre corner carryout. Although there are a few tables, for the most part people carry out from this Chinese restaurant inside the "kosher" Jewel on Howard. For those strictly kosher-observant, it is a welcome change from either Middle Eastern, deli/take-out, or dairy options. Too bad it's just not that good. I find the sauces overly thick and extremely salty or sweet without the subtlety of spices of good Chinese food. The food tends to the greasy side, and especially the beef can be awfully chewy. Vegetables are typically done on the soft side, rather than tender crisp as they should be. If you like spicy food, ask for extra spicy because they are very light with the heat. All that said, it's the only Kosher game in town, and I do indulge in the greasy, salty TLC experience every now and then. I am still waiting for a really respectable kosher Chinese restaurant, but it's not as if this area of the world has very good "regular" Chinese either. I'm thinking I'll be waiting a long time.
(2)
Steve D.
The food here is really pretty excellent, especially considering it's kosher. I swing both ways when it comes to kosher and treif, so I've had what to compare it to, and this stuff is really tasty. The potstickers are especially good, as is the Mongolian Beef. Since it's kosher, though, you are going to pay a premium. But if you're answering to a higher authority, it's the way to go.
(4)
Amanda P.
Also known as "The Kosher Chinese Place at Jewel", Tein Li Chow is a takeout-only glatt kosher Chinese food counter. Most of what's on the menu is your typical Chinese-American food, but there are some delightful authentic Chinese surprises here, like baozi, fried eggplant stuffed with chicken (instead of the traditional pork), and scallion pancakes. Since it's kosher, the beef dishes can get a little bit steep in price, and there are no pork or shrimp dishes on the menu. They also cater.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud 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.
Betty C.
I ordered a half order of tomato pepper beef to go and when I got home and started the eat, the top half was warm and the bottom was cold. So I suspect this was heated in a microwave rather than prepared fresh. Plus it was so full of onions that all I could taste was onions. Feh! And My token fortune cookie, which I needed to get the taste of the onions out of my mouth, was smashed in its wrapper. I won't be ordering from Tein Li Chow again. Oh, the half order was $14 plus change!
(1)Tris M.
I like their food. It's not a huge selection of real Chinese foods. Most of the menu is the exact same stuff. But their appetizers are very tasty, sides are very good, egg rolls are very good as well. All in all its a very good little takeout place.
(4)Menachem B.
Everything is just super yummy. Here is some just to name a few. Fried rice, chicken wings, sesame chicken wings , egg foo young, beef fried rice .only thinks that are coming to mind but that have so many other things to eat there like there chicken salad.
(5)Nancy C.
The absolute worst fried rice I've ever tasted. It was soggy. It was like someone added soy sauce and egg to wet rice! They seemed really busy when we called. Still quality has to remain consistent. We also ordered fried won ton. Instead of sweet and sour sauce they gave us a tub of soy sauce!!!! We didn't realize it til we were already home and did not want to drive back. Never going here again.
(1)Andre M.
I've only been to this place twice, but the experience has been awesome every time. My food is made fresh on the spot and it's delicious. I recommend this place to anyone wanting some good eats in a short time
(5)Talia S.
A great chinese kosher take out/catering food in Jewel. They have GREAT food and are super nice when you ask them for specific dietary requests such as gluten free or without a certain vegetable. The beef and broccoli is great, so is szechuan chicken. I'm a big fan of their curries also, unexpected since this place is chinese but I'm impressed every time I have it. Portions are large enough that I always have leftovers and can have 2 meals from it. Can't understand why people wouldn't want to eat here!
(5)Yosef B.
i just ordered food from the Chinese restaurant tain lee chow ordered crispy wings and sesame chicken egg rolls and chow dogs it was awesome the delivery driver is very nice and fast they delivered my food free because im less than 2.5 miles i would recommend there food to anyone in chicagoland area
(5)doreen s.
I've had their Chinese food and although its kosher, I've had better. The fried rice tastes like your typical mall Chinese food. Nothing special about it. Their sweet and sour sauce and egg rolls were edible.
(2)David W.
Excellent chinese food but remember it is kosher so no pork or shellfish - my favorites are the sesame beef, abd beef thai noodles -it is carry out only
(5)Ryan S.
Great food at a reasonable price. Everyone should know that if you get a lunch special they will add a soup in for one dollar Monday through Thursday.
(5)Neil H.
Tein Li Chow fills doesn't just fill your stomach, it fills a void in the community. Their food is excellent and their customer service is great (they even stayed open late once when I came to pick up food). They also have a "value menu" that is AWESOME!! It changes every month, so check their website. There are plenty of times that I will get out of car in the parking lot of Jewel, smell the food, and wish that we didn't have plans for dinner.
(4)Asaf O.
A kosher Chinese restaurant you can trust. It is great. It has typical Chinese food and I don't suppose it is special in that way but since you can rely on it being kosher, you don't have to worry. The Chow Dog, Scallion pancakes, Shredded garlic chicken, Phoenix and Dragon and Garlic Eggplant are all great. I enjoyed it very much. It is located inside the Jewel on Howard but don't let that fool you. It is very good food.
(5)H. M.
Poor quality, doesn't taste authentic, sauces taste all a like! Disappointed for Kosher Chinese! I guess if your the only kosher Chinese in Chicago why bother with quality, you don't have to worry about competition. You can make crap food, call it Chinese and the people who eat only kosher won't know any better. Well, if you travel to N.Y., Baltimore, Boca, L.A. etc....you'll know and taste the difference. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!
(1)Jacob J.
Note: This is carry out only which is situated just inside Jewel-Osco, east entrance (Doors next to Best Buy). Recently I watched something on local TV about Tien Li Chow, I think one of the owners was talking about the success of their business. I've also heard many good things from Jewish friends of mine. The other day while grocery shopping I walked past their counter and took a cursory look over the cold items for sale. These are dishes ready made that only need some warming before eating. "Gan Pong Ki"; if you're familiar with this name it's because it's a very popular spicy chicken wing found at a few eateries on the North side. TLC had a container full of their version of Gan Pong Ki, price by weight, the package I picked up was about eight dollars. The texture and sauce looked different to me than what I've had elsewhere but I was looking forward to trying it. Popped them in the oven for a few minutes and voila, they were hot and ready. Taste was plain Jane, nothing to brag about and definitely not close to the flavors of Chicago style Gan pong Ki. To a person that never dines out, perhaps the the sauce would be appealing. The worst part was that a few of the wings had feathers! Not many, maybe the person that cleaned it missed a few, too gross to look passed and try to continue to eat. What a let down. The worst part was that I bought these for a kids birthday party and that was my offering. As another person pulled a wing and saw the rough skin with feather pulls, I heard Ewww. I felt miserable. Waste of eight bucks and my problem is I know I could have gone to either one of two places nearby and gotten Gan pong Ki for about ten dollars; that would have been excellent. I won't hold this against them though, I'm willing to go back and try something diced and prepared in a wok instead.
(2)Jennifer B.
I too am appalled at Liz's review...must be a hard to please person b/c this food ROCKS! I am not jewish and i am totally diggin this kosher meal :) The adorable gentleman who took my order was super nice, and possibly a little flirty...but in a cute way. I ordered the small Chicken Fried Rice which was about 5$ (this was at lunch time and on special). Now for something thats Kosher and Chinese food...this is a pretty damn good price. And my oh my is it delicious (eating it as i write this review.) Its a no B.S fried rice...no peas or carrots or any of that crap! Just rice, tender pieces of chicken, and a little bit of onion, egg, and sprouts. Im serious about my Fried rice and this is SO good! I cant WAIT to try all the other delish things on the menu...and uh Hello?! they DELIVER! woot! woot!
(5)Liz M.
Went here a couple of months ago. The girl at the counter was a total B****! When my husband and I walked up to order, she at first was nice to me, but then when my husband walked up to me, she had this disgusted look on her face and had this incredible attitude as if it pained her to even answer any questions or take our order. When our order was ready, she practically threw it at us. Can't be too sure, but maybe it was because we are a mixed couple?? Besides the crappy attitude, the food kinda sucked too. I have sooo had better! But then again, it is Chinese food from Jewel....
(1)Tracey M.
Good Sweet and Sour Chicken. (My staple order at any given Chinese take out place.) The only thing I would note is that the portions seemed smaller than other Chinese places I've taken out from. Since it is kosher, the prices are more than typically Chinese restaurants.
(3)Manya T.
I've eaten nonkosher Chinese food in the past and, to me, this place is still fantastic. The hot and sour soup was amazing; I'm not sure I've had better. My Kung Pao Chicken was superb, even according to my still-not-kosher-keeping boyfriend. I didn't like the Chicken with Broccoli that I ordered much, but I think that has more to do with my tastes than anything with the quality of Tien Li Chow's food. Get some and take it home!
(5)J K.
Yes, it is known as the Kosher Chinese place at Jewel. It is strict Kosher (GLATT) . I only wish they had a place to sit down too for a quick bite, instead of just carry out. Generally speaking, the food is great here. From the Soups to Egg Rolls to Entrees, we have been pleased dozens of times over the years. Liz, no place is perfect all of the time, but I say I am satisfied nine out of ten times. In addition, if people have dietary issues like peanut allergies or want onions held, they are always accommodating and know how to handle these special circumstances.
(5)Adele S.
Tien Li Chow is kosher chinese takeout and it is surprisingly good. Located in the kosher Jewel of course. I don't keep kosher but my husband wants to be a good Jew and brings food back when he's working in the area. My favorite is mongolian beef, a bit more expensive than a normal chinese place but you gotta pay for the shochet, doncha know? Fried rice is good too. Stay away from the egg rolls-curry doesn't belong in chinese food. Portions are large. We're healthy eaters and we made do with one order of chicken fried rice and one mongolian beef for 3 people, plenty for all. It's busy, parking sucks, even in the ginormous lot.
(4)Kenneth S.
[An employee is a friend of mine.] Please note: Tien Li Chow is takeout only--there is no sit-down eating area in the Evanston Jewel! This is truly outstanding Chinese food! I love the spicy chicken. The pot stickers are fantastic. The egg rolls are fine, but there's much more to explore from the restaurant's extensive menu. Tien Li Chow diners won't miss the pork or shrimp one normally finds on a Chinese restaurant menu. This restaurant's food is filling, and its quality encourages return customers. Notes: The take-out establishment's kosher certification means no dairy, pork or shrimp; and slightly higher prices. The menu prices help pay for the certification and kosher meat. I don't understand complaining about parking at Jewel. I've never had more than a one-minute walk and have visited dozens of times in 3-1/2 years of parking there. There's even a close-up loading zone to park in if the take-out order is called ahead. Tien Li Chow doesn't sell alcohol, but Jewel has a full liquor store, so it's possible to pick up any type of spirits to accompany the meal.
(5)Lena G.
I am totally shocked an appalled at the previous review. I have been ordering from Tein Li Chow since the day they opened, mostly by telephone, but sometimes in person, and have never received anything but courteous service. The food is very good, I just wish they would consider having a sit-down location. Keep up the good work guys and know that we are thankful for you being in our community. Oh, and by the way, I am not sure how the food can kind of suck compared to other Chinese restaurants in the area since the chefs that work there have previously cooked at popular Chinese restaurants through the area, such as KOI.
(5)Fran D.
Tien Li Chow is pretty much IT for kosher Chinese food in Chicago. Which is a shame, because the quality is about the level of a mediocre corner carryout. Although there are a few tables, for the most part people carry out from this Chinese restaurant inside the "kosher" Jewel on Howard. For those strictly kosher-observant, it is a welcome change from either Middle Eastern, deli/take-out, or dairy options. Too bad it's just not that good. I find the sauces overly thick and extremely salty or sweet without the subtlety of spices of good Chinese food. The food tends to the greasy side, and especially the beef can be awfully chewy. Vegetables are typically done on the soft side, rather than tender crisp as they should be. If you like spicy food, ask for extra spicy because they are very light with the heat. All that said, it's the only Kosher game in town, and I do indulge in the greasy, salty TLC experience every now and then. I am still waiting for a really respectable kosher Chinese restaurant, but it's not as if this area of the world has very good "regular" Chinese either. I'm thinking I'll be waiting a long time.
(2)Steve D.
The food here is really pretty excellent, especially considering it's kosher. I swing both ways when it comes to kosher and treif, so I've had what to compare it to, and this stuff is really tasty. The potstickers are especially good, as is the Mongolian Beef. Since it's kosher, though, you are going to pay a premium. But if you're answering to a higher authority, it's the way to go.
(4)Amanda P.
Also known as "The Kosher Chinese Place at Jewel", Tein Li Chow is a takeout-only glatt kosher Chinese food counter. Most of what's on the menu is your typical Chinese-American food, but there are some delightful authentic Chinese surprises here, like baozi, fried eggplant stuffed with chicken (instead of the traditional pork), and scallion pancakes. Since it's kosher, the beef dishes can get a little bit steep in price, and there are no pork or shrimp dishes on the menu. They also cater.
(4)