I order out from Zhang's not because of I crave its Chinese food, its because I want food and want it delivered cheap. Zhang's lunch menu ranges all under $6. It however has a delivery requirement of at least $10...but its not too much of a problem, I just order for dinner too. The entire menu is Americanized and you wont find any place around here that is not. The first item in the menu confused the hell out of me.. how can you have Chicken Chow Mein with Pork Fried Rice!! Its like having grains with grains as opposed to grains with vegetables/meat. While ordering, you will find that there is a lack of employees on the other side. There is only one person available to pick up the call and they will always tell you to hold while they pick up the other line only to tell them to hold the phone. The delivery takes place in about 30-60 mins, depending upon the day of the week. They are usually really busy during the weekends, so expect to wait about an hour or so. The food at Zhang's follows the saying 'what you pay for is what you get.' The Chinese food tastes mediocre but so does the rest of Chinese joints in Amherst. I have ordered four meals from Zhang's till and none of them have been any good. The only reason why I order from Zhang is because I like my daily veggie servings and it fills you up. Whatever it may taste like, I guarantee you that it tastes better than the Chinese food available from the university dining services. Zhang's food lacks flavor at all times, and it seems like they use the same condiments for all their dishes... in other words all their dishes taste alike. I am lucky to have all the Chinese sauces in my room, in my humble attempt to recreate what the dish originally tastes like. Their steamed dumplings are the exact same ones you can buy in any Chinatown and they charge you a little of $5 for eight little pieces. I havent really eaten in at Zhang's but have passed by it several times and it looked small with little or no decor. If you are looking for a nice dine in restaurant, Zhang is definitely one place you dont want to go. I dont blame them for the ambiance or anything because their primarily a delivery place.
(2)
Helen T.
Quick and convenient. The staff is friendly and the food is good. Sometimes the Moo-Shu Pork is a bit overdone but the fried dumplings are great! Plus they make their own dipping sauce for the fried wontons. The restaurant tends to be cold in the winter so I recommend getting take out. The decor hasn't been changed since it was first Anita's and then Karen's Kitchen. Lunch specials are cheap too. I will say that the food is much better than when it first opened. We saw a change in the flavor and quality about 3 years ago, and since then, we continue to go back to Zhang's.
(4)
Diane H.
Yeah, you aren't that good. I ordered from you once...you were kinda pricey. So goodbye. Though my friends like my lobster sauce over their food, I still feel you guys weren't up to par..the way I like it.
(2)
Trey S.
Yikes. I guess I'm not as much of a Chinese food connoisseur as my fellow yelpers... I'm actually a fan of this place. They have one of the lowest minimums for delivery (super convenient when you're a broke college student who relies solely on the cruddy bus system to get anywhere.) The person on the phone is nice and efficient, and the delivery guys are always nice and on time. Plus they always know the right door to go to at the dorms (because walking through dorms and/or across campus in PJ shorts and slippers trying to find the delivery guy isn't too fun.) I don't find the food to be half as bad as others may feel. I guess if anything I just love food, and when I'm craving salty, (kinda) greasy, hot NOT dorm food, they're my go-to place.
(4)
Jennifer B.
This is a slightly run-down Chinese takeout place near Hampshire College. The dining room is larger than it looks from the outside, but don't expect a ton of ambiance. The staff is extra nice and friendly, and the food is perfectly fine. I've had much worse take out, believe me. They are a bit heavy on the oil (ask them to ease up if you don't want it too greasy). They serve brown rice (not all places do) and they use fresh ingredients. They cook their vegetables and seafood just perfectly (not too crisp and not too mushy). Don't understand the one-star reviews of this place (one star means "terrible" not just "eh") -- glad I gave it a try anyway!
(4)
Jon L.
I'm with Trey. Don't know what all the hate is about. It's not authentic Chinese food by any stretch of the imagination, but it's good. Prices are typical, food is good (not amazing, but good), and the low delivery minimum is a big plus. I can't speak to the atmosphere of the actual restaurant, but... it's basically made for delivery and takeout. I like it better than Panda East, and it has better vegetarian options than Amherst Chinese (even if AC has better quality overall). I would give it 3.5 stars, but I'll give it 4 to balance out the absurdly low ratings others have given. I mean, 1 star? Really? That's reserved for places that spit in your food and charge you twice the menu price. C'mon people.
(4)
Giselle E.
My response to Zhang's Kitchen is not so much "yuck" but more of a "I've had better.....times ten". My boyfriend and I who are Chinese food eaters-connoisseurs, mind you-was not impressed by Zhang's Kitchen. We ordered delivery on a Tues/Wed early evening. The guy forgot our drinks, and came back a second time to give it to us. Their "beef sticks" (beef teriyaki) was probably the only thing that had game compared to the other Chinese food places I've been to. Their crab rangoons were made with a different kind of wrapper, and was thicker and not that great compared to other restaurants who use more of a lighter, fluffier wrapper to fry. The lo mein was used with "american chinese" noodles. Are you following me? I was really weirded out by this and have never gotten these kind of eggy thick noodles served as "lo mein". A one star because I probably most likely will not return. Their beef sticks are recommended, but I would stay away from their crab rangoons and noodle dishes.... Boston Chinese restaurants do it better
(1)
Theodore C.
It is a guilty pleasure. we lived right there for a couple years and got Zhangs a couple times a week. They are friendly people, the food is very americanized chinese, fried and somewhat generic. That said, it hits the spot, and I came to appreciate the food they offered. I admit that now a couple years later, I miss it, general tso, egg rolls, dumplings, all pretty good, filling chinese food. Very large portions.
(4)
Annie R.
I rate on the basis of Accessibility, Price, Food Quality, Ambiance, and Service. As one of the only Chinese places, perhaps the only one that will deliver to Hampshire College, this initially looks tempting. But let me assure you, this is only to be eaten if you are an inch away from death and the only cure is eggrolls. Ambiance: None. This is a hole in the wall that is in the middle of nowhere. Dimly lit, dirty, relatively no decor. Accessibility: There is a bus stop right in front of it, but there's no schedule as to when you'll be picked up, so you have to chance it. Zhang's does deliver to the colleges in the area, which is it's only definite plus. Food Quality: As a former resident of the Bay Area in California, I feel that Massachusetts asian cuisine leaves a lot to be desired. This place has the worst Americanized Chinese food I have ever encountered. This is not to say that the food is bad because it has an American slant; the food is bad because it is just bad, basically inedible. I ordered Chow Mein and was presented with stir fry; apparently, at Zhang's what the rest of the world recognizes as Chow Mein is called Lo Fun ( or something similar) Service: The guy who delivers my chinese food is always very nice and usually the food comes earlier than estimated by about ten minutes. The only other plus about this restaurant. Price: The food is not the cheapest I've ever seen, and you have to order at least $10 worth before they'll deliver to you. I'm sorry Zhang, I really wanted you to succeed. If I saw any potential, or any chance that you could make me happy, I'd order from you at least three times a week. Sadly, you're just not cutting it for me and I can't be with you anymore. I'm breaking up with you.
(1)
Yuri E.
I've never been to the store, but it is one of the few places that will deliver to the Boulders/Southpoint residents. The person on the phone is actually fairly capable of understanding you, which is usually a problem with a chinese restaurant. You have to order over $10 to get a delivery, but it's usually not a problem when I order with my roommate. I think the food quality is actually very normal. They are very mediocre, americanized chinese food. Slightly greasy, but they give you choice of white rice and brown rice, which is nice. The delivery person is always very nice and generally prompt.
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.
Nicholas L.
I order out from Zhang's not because of I crave its Chinese food, its because I want food and want it delivered cheap. Zhang's lunch menu ranges all under $6. It however has a delivery requirement of at least $10...but its not too much of a problem, I just order for dinner too. The entire menu is Americanized and you wont find any place around here that is not. The first item in the menu confused the hell out of me.. how can you have Chicken Chow Mein with Pork Fried Rice!! Its like having grains with grains as opposed to grains with vegetables/meat. While ordering, you will find that there is a lack of employees on the other side. There is only one person available to pick up the call and they will always tell you to hold while they pick up the other line only to tell them to hold the phone. The delivery takes place in about 30-60 mins, depending upon the day of the week. They are usually really busy during the weekends, so expect to wait about an hour or so. The food at Zhang's follows the saying 'what you pay for is what you get.' The Chinese food tastes mediocre but so does the rest of Chinese joints in Amherst. I have ordered four meals from Zhang's till and none of them have been any good. The only reason why I order from Zhang is because I like my daily veggie servings and it fills you up. Whatever it may taste like, I guarantee you that it tastes better than the Chinese food available from the university dining services. Zhang's food lacks flavor at all times, and it seems like they use the same condiments for all their dishes... in other words all their dishes taste alike. I am lucky to have all the Chinese sauces in my room, in my humble attempt to recreate what the dish originally tastes like. Their steamed dumplings are the exact same ones you can buy in any Chinatown and they charge you a little of $5 for eight little pieces. I havent really eaten in at Zhang's but have passed by it several times and it looked small with little or no decor. If you are looking for a nice dine in restaurant, Zhang is definitely one place you dont want to go. I dont blame them for the ambiance or anything because their primarily a delivery place.
(2)Helen T.
Quick and convenient. The staff is friendly and the food is good. Sometimes the Moo-Shu Pork is a bit overdone but the fried dumplings are great! Plus they make their own dipping sauce for the fried wontons. The restaurant tends to be cold in the winter so I recommend getting take out. The decor hasn't been changed since it was first Anita's and then Karen's Kitchen. Lunch specials are cheap too. I will say that the food is much better than when it first opened. We saw a change in the flavor and quality about 3 years ago, and since then, we continue to go back to Zhang's.
(4)Diane H.
Yeah, you aren't that good. I ordered from you once...you were kinda pricey. So goodbye. Though my friends like my lobster sauce over their food, I still feel you guys weren't up to par..the way I like it.
(2)Trey S.
Yikes. I guess I'm not as much of a Chinese food connoisseur as my fellow yelpers... I'm actually a fan of this place. They have one of the lowest minimums for delivery (super convenient when you're a broke college student who relies solely on the cruddy bus system to get anywhere.) The person on the phone is nice and efficient, and the delivery guys are always nice and on time. Plus they always know the right door to go to at the dorms (because walking through dorms and/or across campus in PJ shorts and slippers trying to find the delivery guy isn't too fun.) I don't find the food to be half as bad as others may feel. I guess if anything I just love food, and when I'm craving salty, (kinda) greasy, hot NOT dorm food, they're my go-to place.
(4)Jennifer B.
This is a slightly run-down Chinese takeout place near Hampshire College. The dining room is larger than it looks from the outside, but don't expect a ton of ambiance. The staff is extra nice and friendly, and the food is perfectly fine. I've had much worse take out, believe me. They are a bit heavy on the oil (ask them to ease up if you don't want it too greasy). They serve brown rice (not all places do) and they use fresh ingredients. They cook their vegetables and seafood just perfectly (not too crisp and not too mushy). Don't understand the one-star reviews of this place (one star means "terrible" not just "eh") -- glad I gave it a try anyway!
(4)Jon L.
I'm with Trey. Don't know what all the hate is about. It's not authentic Chinese food by any stretch of the imagination, but it's good. Prices are typical, food is good (not amazing, but good), and the low delivery minimum is a big plus. I can't speak to the atmosphere of the actual restaurant, but... it's basically made for delivery and takeout. I like it better than Panda East, and it has better vegetarian options than Amherst Chinese (even if AC has better quality overall). I would give it 3.5 stars, but I'll give it 4 to balance out the absurdly low ratings others have given. I mean, 1 star? Really? That's reserved for places that spit in your food and charge you twice the menu price. C'mon people.
(4)Giselle E.
My response to Zhang's Kitchen is not so much "yuck" but more of a "I've had better.....times ten". My boyfriend and I who are Chinese food eaters-connoisseurs, mind you-was not impressed by Zhang's Kitchen. We ordered delivery on a Tues/Wed early evening. The guy forgot our drinks, and came back a second time to give it to us. Their "beef sticks" (beef teriyaki) was probably the only thing that had game compared to the other Chinese food places I've been to. Their crab rangoons were made with a different kind of wrapper, and was thicker and not that great compared to other restaurants who use more of a lighter, fluffier wrapper to fry. The lo mein was used with "american chinese" noodles. Are you following me? I was really weirded out by this and have never gotten these kind of eggy thick noodles served as "lo mein". A one star because I probably most likely will not return. Their beef sticks are recommended, but I would stay away from their crab rangoons and noodle dishes.... Boston Chinese restaurants do it better
(1)Theodore C.
It is a guilty pleasure. we lived right there for a couple years and got Zhangs a couple times a week. They are friendly people, the food is very americanized chinese, fried and somewhat generic. That said, it hits the spot, and I came to appreciate the food they offered. I admit that now a couple years later, I miss it, general tso, egg rolls, dumplings, all pretty good, filling chinese food. Very large portions.
(4)Annie R.
I rate on the basis of Accessibility, Price, Food Quality, Ambiance, and Service. As one of the only Chinese places, perhaps the only one that will deliver to Hampshire College, this initially looks tempting. But let me assure you, this is only to be eaten if you are an inch away from death and the only cure is eggrolls. Ambiance: None. This is a hole in the wall that is in the middle of nowhere. Dimly lit, dirty, relatively no decor. Accessibility: There is a bus stop right in front of it, but there's no schedule as to when you'll be picked up, so you have to chance it. Zhang's does deliver to the colleges in the area, which is it's only definite plus. Food Quality: As a former resident of the Bay Area in California, I feel that Massachusetts asian cuisine leaves a lot to be desired. This place has the worst Americanized Chinese food I have ever encountered. This is not to say that the food is bad because it has an American slant; the food is bad because it is just bad, basically inedible. I ordered Chow Mein and was presented with stir fry; apparently, at Zhang's what the rest of the world recognizes as Chow Mein is called Lo Fun ( or something similar) Service: The guy who delivers my chinese food is always very nice and usually the food comes earlier than estimated by about ten minutes. The only other plus about this restaurant. Price: The food is not the cheapest I've ever seen, and you have to order at least $10 worth before they'll deliver to you. I'm sorry Zhang, I really wanted you to succeed. If I saw any potential, or any chance that you could make me happy, I'd order from you at least three times a week. Sadly, you're just not cutting it for me and I can't be with you anymore. I'm breaking up with you.
(1)Yuri E.
I've never been to the store, but it is one of the few places that will deliver to the Boulders/Southpoint residents. The person on the phone is actually fairly capable of understanding you, which is usually a problem with a chinese restaurant. You have to order over $10 to get a delivery, but it's usually not a problem when I order with my roommate. I think the food quality is actually very normal. They are very mediocre, americanized chinese food. Slightly greasy, but they give you choice of white rice and brown rice, which is nice. The delivery person is always very nice and generally prompt.
(3)