Szechuan Empire
29215 5 Mile Rd, Livonia, MI, 48154
Szechuan Empire Menu
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Address :
29215 5 Mile Rd
Livonia, MI, 48154 - Phone (734) 458-7160
- Website https://szechuanempire.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Chinese Cuisine
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.
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Cristin G.
We come here at least twice a month. The food is always hot and delicious and the server remembers my daughter every time. The parking lot is tiny and the location not so beautiful on the outside but the food more then makes up for all of that!
(5)Sarah H.
When it comes to Chinese food, it is hard to find a good restaurant. I have never dined in, so my review is based off of carry outs. The food is good and you get a decent portion. A few of my favorites are the hot and sour soup, veggie spring rolls and veggie fried rice. I would give it 5 stars if I could trust the beef. I've had one too many 'funky' pieces. Happy eating =)
(4)Bill E.
My wife and I were introduced to Szechuan Empire 20 years ago and although we've tried many other Chinese restaurants in the area, we still consider this to be the best. What it lacks in ambience it more than makes up for in service and excellent food! Over the years, I've probably tried about 80% of their menu and have yet to find anything I don't like. My favorite is chicken with hot peppers and peanuts, but there are a number of other items that are tied for a close second. The sizzling rice soup is also a favorite of mine. I just don't think you can go wrong with anything on their menu. Note that Chinese cooking is high temp cooking that is best eaten fresh out of the wok, so I recommend ignoring the carry-out comments and just dine at the restaurant. I also recommend visiting for dinner. Like most other restaurants, the food is best at dinner service. Although it is still great at lunch. Consistent, excellent quality food. I highly recommend this place.
(5)Maureen M.
After the whole Yelp Talk discussion about General Tso's chicken, I was really curious about Szechuan Empire. Last week, I decided to try it! I ordered carry-out. When I picked it up, the restaurant was pretty busy. The parking lot was pretty full (even though it's small), and several cars coming in & out. I figured this was a good sign! I got back to my office to see that it was very different from what I usually get when I order General Tso's chicken. It was definitely more of a red sauce, and it had peppers. The sauce was actually pretty good, but the chicken was not good. It was rubbery, small pieces that were kind of fatty and poor quality cuts. My current favorite place to get General's has big, crispy chunks of white meat, and not a lot of fat. So, this was disappointing. I ordered a medium spice level. It didn't taste too spicy, but I started to sweat. lol The rice had a funny taste to it. It was pretty dry too. I wasn't a fan. The spring roll was all cabbage & had 1 sad little shrimp in it. It was also not very good! I'm bummed. I had hoped for a delicious lunch and a new spot to hit up for lunch. I don't think I'll give this place another try when there are so many other choices out there. : (
(2)Michele G.
Try Four Treasures if you like stir fried beef, shrimp, pork and chicken with spicy sauces. It travels easily for takeout as well. The best hot and sour soup I've had to date.
(4)Three Dog Night T.
This Yelper found himself greeted, seated, and served quickly during a busy weekday lunch service. Chef Tom Lin prides himself both in person and on his website on (a) freshness and (b) no MSG, so I had to check it out. Tis true fellow readers. Even the shitakes in the hot and sour soup were fresh. Even the humble peas and diced carrots in the fried rice were fresh. Everything in my iconic General Tso's rang forth as bright, fresh and tasty. My partner's broccoli and ginger needed a protein boost, so no trouble, the server had the kitchen add tofu to the dish. I wanted my General a bit spicier than medium. No problem. They nailed it! From tea to soup to spring roll to main course, Chef Tom's freshness and MSG-less-ness seemed true. The aging ambiance, well, could use a little sprucing up, but the menu and the taste and the not being clobbered over the head with MSG will bring me back whenever I'm on 5 Mile in Livonia. For me, this is as good as it gets.
(5)Liz W.
After the big General Tso thread in talk I had to come try this food. To tie or even beat what I have long thought was the best General Tso, well that I have to try for myself. It's fricking close. Mind you this review is only about that dish. They will make it spicy if you insist, and I did. Absolutely delish. Sweat inducing as you feast. As in Canton at Szechuan, eat it here or don't go too far with it, leftovers were not as good (the chicken gets all chewy) but heck the leftovers aren't good in Canton either. The sauce is deep, dark and clings to the lightly coated chicken virtually in the same way. I wonder if there is a connection between the two restaurants somehow, it's that much alike. I can't speak to the rice as I eat white rice with both versions, soup here was tasty though as were the spring rolls. Atmosphere is far more glam at Szechuan as they redid it 5 or so years back, you can't beat Szechuans service either. At any rate I don't want you to think this place is not worth your whirl. Prices are about equal. Canton is more convenient for me but if I were closer to here I'd definitely return. What really matters is the General chicken and in that alone it is too close to call. Shocker.
(4)Joe B.
It's suiting that the final stop on my quest for Detroit's best General Tso's would be at the very place that spurred my original addiction for it. Sometime around 1995 a high school buddy introduced me to Tso's at Empire South and it's been a struggle finding any spot that comes close to making it as well. Here's the thing though...what are the chances that it would be as good as it was when I had it 18 years ago, what with chefs changing and taking into account my over inflated memory of how good it was. I had to return to make sure I wasn't boasting lies. Somehow it's still as amazing as it was then. I still have a few spots to hit that were offered up as competition for the #1 slot but I see no real contenders on the future horizon. That said, Szechuan Canton is in line to either take the #2 slot or tie Empire as the #1 Tso's in Detroit! The Empire serves lunch till 3 and since we got in under the wire today the combo was a no-brainer...soup, spring roll and the main dish. First the Wonton soup here is legit. The wonton wasn't cooked to death, its got a nice little filling in it and the soup has some scallion floating in the broth...this was some of the best wonton soup I've had and possibly my personal favorite. The spring roll was nice too...crispy and golden with it's baby shrimp and cabbage filling. Add to that the plum sauce and it's another solid part of the meal. Szechuan in Canton may have them beat here though. The clincher, however, is their style of Tso's. (Note: theirs comes as dark meat UNLESS you prefer white meat, then it's your choice) Whenever I order General's I want it as hot as they can make it and when it first comes out it should look like fiery death on a plate with dried chilies mixed in and just enough sauce to coat but not drown the chicken. Their chicken is fried but if it's dredged it's done so in a very light coating that still offers a nice crunch, while the flavor is overwhelmingly deep until the spice hits you. Empire has no problem with adding spice BTW...if you want it hot you'll burn a little. They even brought out the hot oil without us having to ask, so I kicked it up even hotter and it was just how I like it!! Oddly both Szechuan Canton and Empire don't serve Tso's with broccoli as is the ubiquitous style. Here you'll get chicken, sauce and chilies and it's heaven on a plate. For those of you who missed my Talk thread I'm already well aware that this isn't an authentic Chinese/Szechuan dish, but it is as Authentic Chinese American as chop suey and it's killer eats!!! So if you truly know what this dish should taste like and you crave it like crack, Szechuan Empire South is my #1 pick followed by Szechuan Canton for the near tie. If you try this place and you still think you've got a contender for better Tso's message me.
(5)Dave D.
Wow. I'm a little flabbergasted by some of the recent reviews here. I've been coming here for lunch for about 12 years, and it's still one of my favorite local restaurants. I have never had bad service or cold tea. Never even had to ask for tea. I don't think I've ever waited more than 10 minutes (from entering the door) for my food. Favorites: General Tso's chicken. Yes it's sweet, but not sickly sweet like some others, and very flavorful. Some of the chicken pieces are dark meat, so be prepared for maybe some connective tissue (ok, o'm just trying to warn you that it's not all bland chicken breast, it's not gross or anything). Hunan Spicy Chicken. Chicken with Hot Pepper and Peanuts. Broccoli with Ginger Garlic Sauce: Great veggie dish, probably my favorite way to eat broccoli. And yes, the Hot and Sour soup. Maybe the name throws people off, because it is quite different than many H&S soups in that frankly, it's not that hot or sour. It is in a dark, thick, savory broth, unlike the lighter vinegery broth that's more common, with strips of shitake and pork. Just a hint of sweetness. It's delicious, especially with a couple extra dashes of pepper. Yes it's Americanized, but not to the extent of most. I've never had anything here with the typical overly syrupy cornstarch pink-orange sauces many places serve. Yep, I am a little mystified.
(4)Kerrie M.
I have been coming here for years and it is my all time favorite Chinese food anywhere! I usually order the ginger-garlic chicken which is all white meat chicken with the most amazingly flavorful sauce ever. I also order the Hunan chicken which is loaded with an assortment of vegetables. This sauce is incredible as well. No other place does it better!!! In recent years, they have adjusted their spice levels so that when you order something mild it has close to no spice at all. So if you like things a little bit spicy, I would start at medium. The restaurant itself is really kind of a dive. We mostly order carry-outs. But on the occasions we do dine in, it is clean and the service is consistently great. One thing that we LOVE is the woman who answers the phone and takes the orders. Give the restaurant a call, and you will see what I mean.... you will wonder if you dialed the right place!!
(5)Debbie L.
My first visit here with my sister and I loved it! She likes to eat here with her hubby and thought I would like it. I did! The food was excellent and the staff were extremely nice! For a small restaurant, it was very comfortable and it had an open feeling. I will be back! The price was pretty good too.
(5)Lauren S.
My family has been coming here since I was a kid and we've never had a bad thing to say about it. It's the best Chinese we can find, no other place can compare. The chicken lo mein is unlike any other lo mein and soooo good. I got my fiancé hooked on them and his go to is always the general tso's. The service is always quick and friendly. This has always been an always will be my go to for Chinese.
(5)Brittanie B.
the sweet & sour chicken was just super yummy. Also the fact that when we got there to pick up our order a little bit too early the guy said "were always ready" so friendly I loved it. I have been looking for a good place for Chinese food & I finally found it.
(5)John B.
This place is just terrible. Terrible call in service and answers to my questions. When I got there for my carry out I was rudely helped at the front desk by some lady that wanted me out of there really fast. She charged me $11.62 for a sweet and sour chicken meal. I've never had to pay that much I felt like I was being robbed. When I got home I found out that it was the worst kind if sweet and sour chicken. It already had the sauce on it and it was SUPER SAUGY then I tasted the worst soup ever. They didn't even have got sauce. Just what terrible food and service for the amount of money these scammers want
(1)Joe V.
So Joe B. and I finally completed our quest for the best General Tso's chicken in the area. After taking a few suggestions from others, I can say we've wrapped it up on a good note. I'll continue to keep my eye out for contenders, but we've got two options that will be tough to unseat. Szechuan Empire popped Joe B.'s General Tso's cherry 15-20 years ago. Szechuan Canton popped mine around the same time. We're both partial to our home restaurants, but I can concede that Szechuan Empire is at least on par with Szechuan Canton in the General Tso's department. You absolutely cannot go wrong with either. Here's my breakdown of the experience and my analysis of the situation. Hot and Sour Soup: Both places make great Hot and Sour Soup. They both keep the broth thin and do not over-thicken it. They both have a sufficient amount of "stuff" in the soup. Verdict: Draw Spring Roll: Nearly identical. Thin, crispy shell. Fresh fillings. Homemade plum sauce to dip. Again, both plum sauces are almost identical. Nice red color. Verdict: Draw Fried rice: Szechuan Canton has egg in their fried rice. Szechuan Empire has peas and little bits of carrot in it. I thought Canton's had more flavor. Verdict: Szechuan Canton. General's Chicken: Do me a favor...if you think that you know what good General Tso's Chicken is, then go grab a box of 64 crayons. Pull out the crayon that says "Brick Red." Scribble on a white sheet of paper with said crayon. If you're General Tso's Chicken has sauce that does not match that color, then you probably do not have good General Tso's Chicken. THAT'S the color it should be. Both Empire and Canton have that deep, brick red sauce. It's not overly breaded. It's spicy. Today I ordered "as spicy as you can make it" and for once I was not disappointed. This place nailed it. I must admit that I was skeptical when Joe B. said this place could rival Szechuan Canton, but Szechuan Empire did not disappoint. In fact, I am going to have to give the chicken verdict to Szechuan Empire. Mainly based upon the heat. I feel like the chicken itself may be a bit better at Canton, but it is negligible. The sauce makes General Tso's and Szechuan Empire does it right. Recognize. Atmosphere: Szechuan Empire is a little older and not as nice aesthetically when compared to Szechuan Canton. Verdict: Canton Service: Solid at both places. When I go to get Chinese food, I don't expect to be blown away by the personalities of my servers as most of them probably speak English as a second language. They're fast, cordial, and not there to be your best friend. And I'm fine with that. Verdict: A-OK at both places Overall: It depends. I'm partial to Canton simply based on frequency, location, and familiarity with other menu items. I'd like to give Szechuan Empire another go to try a few more menu items. I'm not going to lie though...when I'm craving General Tso's chicken, I'll be tempted to make the extra 15-20 minute drive out to 5 Mile and Middlebelt to hit up Szechuan Empire.
(5)Guy D.
We were in the mood for Thai but the three nearby restaurants were all closed this Sunday at lunch time and I remembered my old favorite lunch spot - my office used to be about 2 miles away. Anyway, with three teens and a vegetarian I figured it was worth a shot. The food was terrific, the vegetarian sweet and sour chicken was good - though I don't really care for sweet and sour I tried it and our vegetarian was pleased with the options and her choice. The teenagers - including two very picky eaters cleaned their plates. I did the General Tso's chicken lunch special (I was pleasantly surprised they still do the lunch specials on Sundays) which includes their terrific soup (I like egg drop, I also tried the hot and sour) and a really nice spring roll. Service was great, fast and friendly and the food was really good (not to mention inexpensive!) - I can't think of a better Chinese restaurant in the area - and I've tried them all. I believe they have another location too - I may have to make a point of trying it as well. [Edit] Also they did have Pad Thai on the menu and a Thai Basil special that I mean to try one of these days.
(5)Jinx N.
Too expensive. Szechuan is not exemplary for the prices that they charge. The prices were truly eyebrow raising. I would try New China Kitchen further north on middlebelt for carry out.
(2)jeff t.
Not sure how their General Tso is anything but a 1 star, at best. Tried take out for the first time. Chicken was fatty, portions small, and way overpriced. Don't waste your time. Do yourself a favor and go across Middlebelt to Fortune Buffet. Much better quality for the money.
(1)Luke R.
I had to drive thru Livonia to help one of my clients for a computer repair job. On my way back to home base I stopped off at Szechuan Empire for hopefully some quick bite to eat. I had been to Szechuan Empire before but its been AGES. At least 7 years since I have eaten there. The place is still tiny, its still hard to get a parking spot, the place still smells musty inside. My stomach was slapping me so I made do and sat down to place an order. I ordered one of my usual's - Chicken Chop Suey and Vege Fried Rice and some hot sour soup. the lady asked if I wanted egg roll. I said no. I asked for Hot Tea to drink. There were several people there but they all look annoyed and as if they were waiting for carryouts. The soup did not take long but the waitress essentially plopped the plate on the table and I took one look at it and thought WTF is this? It looked like Dog Food. It did not even smell or look like hot n sour soup. The broth looked very dark. the sauce was way too thick. I sniffed it and it didnt smell like hot n sour soup... not even close. And still no hot tea. I had no silverware just a napkin. I asked the waiter for silverware and my hot tea. the lady came back with a dirty fork and a dirty knife and still no tea. I was trying to ignore my stomach but I did not know if I should even dare to eat this plate of slop. a whole 20 mins passed before they brought me a barely clean spoon and some Tea. the Tea was barely even warm. I could not bring myself to eat the soup. I asked the waiter how much longer for the food and she disappeared into the back. It had now been 30mins - i had questionable soup that was not hot and for as far as I knew tainted, tea that was barely warm. 1 barely clean spoon, and still no food. This was a waste of time. They have crappy service, terrible standards, and as far as I can tell the food is questionable too. I doubt Gordon Ramsay could even help them. I got up and left.
(1)Jennifer V.
Szechuan Empire is BY FAR the best Chinese place I've found while living in Michigan. I'm from the SF Bay Area originally, and was horrified at the lack of ethnic food out here. I was skeptical at ordering food from a Chinese place in a city that was once literally the "whitest city in the country" (literally. Livonia, by percentage of population, was the whitest city in the country. Probably still pretty close to it.)... I was craving Chinese food, the fiance lives in Livonia, and this was the closest place. I decided we should give it a shot. I'm SO glad we did. I can't remember what we've ordered each time, but at different times we've had shrimp, chicken, and beef entrees. All have been very, very good. The fried rice and lo mein have also always been good. We've only eaten in once, and the service was a bit slow. We didn't mind, because we didn't have anywhere to be, but if you're in a hurry, don't eat in!
(5)Mel E.
I wanted to try something new , so I looked up the highest rating food in the area at that time and results were this place..as arrive the place looked horrible but people were raving about their food so I had to try it ..To me it's all about service food has to be good too but the service will never have me coming back. walked in and spoke with the lady upfront looks like the owner , I ordered a little bit of everything , and decided to dine in .. Right away she snapped at me giving me a rude stare saying I already helped you and if you dine you would have to tip.. So I just paid for my food left and will never return again.. Food was ok but overall experience very bad..And by the way they don't even deserve a star but I had to put it bc yelp makes us..hands down Thumbs down.
(1)William M.
This quiet unassuming Chinese restaurant is one of the best in the area. Try the General Tso's chicken, which is a nice red sauce unlike other more common examples.
(5)Chelsea G.
I discovered Szechuan Empire through my husband - who is absolutely obsessed with this place. One day, while we were dating, he asked me if I wanted to go to the BEST Chinese restaurant in the world. Naturally, I said yes and my expectations were high. When we pulled up to the restaurant, I thought that those expectations needed to be lowered. The building was kinda tiny, the parking lot congested and the entire sign was blocked by an enormous tree - making it hard to find the place. But all of my doubts diminished once our food arrived...everything we ordered was unbelievable! To start we had a bowl of hot and sour soup - which arrived in what looked like a serving bowl and was seasoned to perfection. Then I had the vegetarian delight - the portion was enormous and the vegetables were very fresh, covered in a fantastic brown sauce and cooked perfectly. Dan ordered chicken with hot peppers and peanuts...it was to die for. This dish is a little on the spicy side but the chicken is tender and sauce is amazing. All entrees come with rice and there is more than enough to take home for a midnight snack! For the amount of food you are served the prices are unbelievable! Entrees run from $10-$12 and are big enough to spilt. It comes with rice and you can order soup for $1.25 extra. As I said - don't get discouraged when you pull up - the inside of the restaurant is adorable, quaint and clean....and most importantly - their Chinese food is out of this world!
(5)Christian F.
This place is the real deal. They have some authenticate items and the general Americanized fair. It really hits the spot and they are literally right around the corner. Good portions too.
(5)Cindy S.
Went here for dinner on the way home from a funeral today. .....so happy we did, yumm. I had the chicken and peanuts (kung pow), hubby had Chicken and veggies sooo good!!! I will be craving this food at least one time a month! !
(5)Erika T.
The BEST vegetarian "meat" food I've had outside California. Their General Tso's "chicken" is soooo good. I've only eaten from this location twice, usually eat at Commerce. They'd get 5 stars if it was a little better price wise. Delicious nonetheless!
(4)Jimmy D.
Food was awesome. Must go if you like Chinese food. Service and the waiters spoke broken english but we're pretty friendly.
(5)Heather M.
My aunt, uncle and I always come here. This is the only Chinese restaurant we come to that's by us. I wish there soups were as big as the China queen in Walled Lake, but by far the best around here. They have the best fried dumplings. I never go anywhere else to get my Chinese food. It's my favorite food!
(5)Greg G.
This place is our constant spot. Good food, not fancy but good. My three year old is obsessed with this place.
(5)Cuemaster S.
There are none higher do yourself a favor and come to Szechuan empire the generals chicken is unique and authentic as well as the happy family the red sauce and the brown sauce are magic and unequaled in the Michigan area.
(5)Emily M.
Stopped in with my daughter later in the evening a week or so back. We just moved over here and decided to give this one a try. Definitely worth the 5 stars. First off they're half packed at 830pm on a week night, good sign. The waitress seated and waited on us very quickly. She answered my million questions easily, then suggested a dish based on my requests. It was great! Spring Rolls where fantastic, we split the cashew chicken. It's fried but not overly breaded and was not greasy. Even with 2 of us eating it, we still had a large amount to take home. Everything was quick and fresh. Highly recommend you give this place a try.
(5)Dawn N.
I ordered sesame chicken & the vegetable rice and it was really good. It reminded me a lot of Panda Express just fresher but I'm a big Panda fan. Also, the prices are very reasonable. The only thing I didn't like was that if you wanted shrimp fried rice, you had to order it separately. Most chinese places will allow you to substitute the rice that comes with it for shrimp fried rice for an additional charge. Besides that, I enjoyed the food and would definitely come back!
(4)Mimi S.
Great service and great hot fast fresh food! Hot sour soup Spot on cept I wanted more :( + I was getting full quick. with the twice cooked pork YUM! and the hot deep fried springroll.Fried rice Im in heaven will go back for more soon! Awesome attentive service!
(5)Carole Makurat G.
Amazing hot & sour soup. Food and service are both excellent. I would stop in just for the tea. Can't wait to go back and try other dishes. I haven't been in for years, so I tried the Crispy Almond Chicken and it was as good as ever!
(5)Monica H.
The food was fantastic. I went as a result of the Yelp review and it was everything and more. The service was on point. I had Cashew Chicken and Curried Shrimp. I would recommend this place again!
(4)Lewis L.
I drove 27 minutes from the airport to this place craving for Szechuan dishes and just to find out that it's Americanized Chinese food...
(3)Evie B.
It was very empty on a Saturday night at 7:30 pm. The greeters were friendly. Service was fast. My egg drop was a bit different tasting than what I've had at other restaurants. It was quite orange/yellow perhaps this was authentic General Tao chicken was crispy, served hot but had no heat - asked for medium. I think they make theirs quite authentic compared to places that sweeten theirs up - this has a vinegary -salty slightly sweet flavor. It was very good. The crab Rangoon actually had crab meat n them and not a load of cream cheese. They were quite good.
(4)Sarah E.
The food was not very good and it was WAY over priced for basic Chinese food in the area. The only good thing we had was the soup.
(3)Eldwin L.
This place is definitely a go four generals tao they even don't mind if you request to make it without the breading but I asked for extra spicy and well worth it the extra bonus is you can tell they care about their community there is a lot of local working people here at lunchtime and they give a 10% discount to military police and fire their customer service is definitely great they're so attentive when we call in an order they know it is us just by the items the place is definitely dated so don't expect downtown Plymouth admosphere but if you want good food at a great price and not watery or runny sauce on your generals this is the place these are the places people should go out of their way to patronage so they stay in business and the great food makes it easy
(5)Ellie K.
Oh I am coming to hate change, it usually isn't for the better ( like websites upgrade). Here they have moved to styrofoam containers! What the hell! That's not Chinese food! I need it in a box. Those styrofoam containers are more prone to leaking or compartments spilling over into each other. I order Szechuan, which is in red on the menu indicating spicy, I request spicy, yet every time I get bland non-spicy. Really! I'm afraid if I make an issue of this they will make something spicy inedible. Time to check other places.
(3)Cornelius B.
Although I've been here several other times, when visiting suburban heaven, a/k/a Livonia, the food has either been good or not so good. Tonight, however, as I pulled my full size van into the tiny parking lot, squeezing into one of the 5 parking spaces, I saw the chef at the dumpster banging away at something very LOUDLY. This was an omen of bad things to come. Entering the always nearly empty dining room, a pleasant bleached blond young Asian woman greeted and seated me into a booth, right next to 4 loud young goths who seemed like renters from Redford, based on their outbursts. Of course they were giving the waitress a very hard time, mocking her strained ability to understand their numerous questions about ingredients in various dishes. And yes, 2 of them even changed their orders when their soup was served. I ordered the ginger garlic broccoli. Less than 4 minutes later, the dish was served. Immediately I noticed I was given a plate of blanched broccoli, that seemed more white than green. Perhaps they boiled this broccoli tonight instead of steaming it. Taking one bite, I detected the flavor of CHICKEN. This dish is supposed to be VEGETARIAN. I called over the waitress asking her why the broccoli was white. She said sometimes when an order is cancelled, they wash off the vegetables for use in another dish....like mine...eeeew! I told her this was unacceptable and promptly left. NEVER TO RETURN!
(1)Jenee M.
Maybe I ordered the wrong dish but I was not a fan. I ordered the Almond Chicken Stir Fry and it wasn't awful by any means but it wasn't great either. In fact, I didn't even finish mine. The fried rice had an awesome flavor that was unique. However, it was a bit crunchy so I left some of that behind on my plate as well. The spring roll was the most gratifying of the meal as it was well-made and fresh (on the small side though). Lastly, my Crab Rangoon was so-so but quite mellow flavor wise. The Rangoon's were also small which was very disappointing because I love, love, love Rangoon's so the bigger the better in my book. The lady on the phone when I placed my order was super courteous too so I feel really bad about this review. But I can't lie, I just wasn't feeling it. Oh, one more thing that may make me reconsider my rating; my BF ordered the Pepper Steak and he said it was excellent. He has some leftovers that I may try tomorrow when I am hungry again. If the pepper steak passes my taste-bud test then I may possibly up my rating. I want to like this place so I will give it another try. The darn phone lady was just too sweet for me to be mean (me = torn).
(2)Julie F.
It's not the best Chinese out there, but it's probably the best fast-food American Chinese in Livonia you've ever had. Pretty much all of their dishes are too oily, but depending on who takes your order, you can ask them to go light on the oil/sauce (sometimes they get confused by this, and will glob the crystal sauce on, just be clear that you want it with little oil, not a lot of oil, dry, etc). I'm a fan of their mooshoo pork or chicken, szechuan chicken, beef-n-broccoli, and chicken fried rice (extra spicy!). Avoid General Tso and Sesame chicken - gloppy, deep fried nuggets, no flavor. Order extra white rice if you get a carry out, otherwise they'll give you a teeny pint for every quart you order. Soup carry outs are huge, enough for 2 gluttons. The hot&sour and eggdrop are quite decent. Wonton's a little skimpy. Take out is always fast (ten minutes means five), and it's lava-hot. The place has a distinct odor and it will leave its mark in your car/fridge... but you'll keep coming back for more. I don't know what it is. According to the neon sign, it's not MSG. I can be heating it up the next day at work, and someone will invariably sigh and ask, "Szechuan Empire?" And I love the way the gals are on the phone, "Szechuan Empiiiiiiiiiiire! ... 10 Minute Five Mile Middlebelt!!!!" all the while code-switching between languages. Awesome. I live in L.A. now, and wish they were right around the corner, like they used to be. Good ole' Szechuan Empire.
(4)Jim S.
My favorite Chinese restaurant in southeastern Michigan!!! I usually get the chicken lo mein, it's always great. The service is good and the fare is always excellent!
(5)Brett S.
I love good Chinese, and this place gives you more bang for your buck! Not only does Szechuan Empire give you quantity, but no one surpasses them in quality. I have seen a few bad reviews,(and I mean very few), and dont quite understand any dissapointment. I have frequented this establishment for about nine years, and never left unhappy. The outside appearance of this Asian eatery may give you doubts, but without hesitation I can gaurantee a fabulous dining experience. The appetizers are small and pricey, but the entrees are abundant and delicously fullfilling! Their dinners and lunch specials are too numerous to mention, but do yourself a favor and try everything on the menu. I am delighted that this resteraunt is only a mile from my home. So in conclusion I can honestly say, " I would wok a mile to eat at Szechuan Empire!!" (sorry, haha).
(5)Lee R.
This is my go to place for Chinese food in the metro area. I've been going ever since they opened. The hot and sour soup is superb as are the fried dumpling, spring roll. They know how to make Szechwan food but you have to ask for a spice level you can tolerate. I went weekly when I lived in Livonia, but now have to make an effort which I do as often as I can. It would be five stars except for atmosphere. The service is always superb
(4)Micah W.
Szechuan Empire is by far my favorite Chinese. I've eaten at all three (Livonia, Commerce Twp and Milford) locations, but I'll save the five-star rating for Lei Ting in Milford based on atmosphere alone. The food is consistently good at all locations. Everything I've tried is good, but I am a creature of habit, and I love the General Tso chicken (served differently than most places I've tried it) so much that I can't bring myself to order any of their other delicious dishes. Their spring rolls are also delightful. The Commerce Twp location recently moved one door down from their previous location, and is very nice, but I still like Milford (Lei Ting) a little better for atmosphere. For carry-out, location does not matter.
(4)Jenny J.
OK, I am finally willing to reveal my favorite local Chinese restaurant with you all. I have been getting take out and dining here for seven years now. I have a great pic of my fiance next to the big smiling Buddha artwork on the wall that I just love. The food always has been and continues to be great. The staff is really polite too. The Jasmine tea smells and tastes wonderful... Like you're drifting off to somewhere exotic. Yeah, that was cheesy but it's true. My favorite dishes from this place are the Hunan or Szechuan chicken. I always have leftovers. For the price, it is so very reasonable.
(5)Matt S.
I'd never been before and I was pleasantly surprised with the meal we ate there. Two of our dinner companions are vegetarian and they had a great selection of meatless meals. I had the Orange Chicken and my wife the General Tsao's. Both were fantastic and freshly made. They even made the fried rice up fresh. The meal was also served with a generous portion of white rice. The staff were friendly and attentive. You might get twice as much food somewhere else, but the quality and taste is probably half as good. SES does not serve the typical greasy, disgusting, frozen meals that seam to permeate most Chinese restaurants in the Detroit area.
(5)David K.
Went there on a whim one night expecting to have Chinese but saw they had Pad Thai. It was good. I ordered it mild and should have ordered medium because it did need a little more zing.
(4)Gio P.
This place is awesome.I grew up in Livonia and have been going here for about 15 years.The food is great especially the General Taos!!!!Love it!I currently live in San Diego now but have never found a place around here that compares to the food at Szechuan Empire.Its so good I looked into having my family shipping an overnite order of General Taos out to me.That's gotta tell you something;)Other than that,the staff is friendly..the food is great and the portions always have you taking some with you and the prices are just right...can't ask for much more than that.5 stars for Szechuan Empire!!!
(5)Chris L.
This is a 5 star place for the items I like on the menu but because the menu is a little hit or miss and every once in awhile the food is inconsistent it get's a 4 overall. Unbelievably fast carryout. Call ahead for lunch and it will be waiting for you in 5-7 minutes. The only chance to actually get some spicy flavor rich Chinese in Livonia. Lunch specials worth every penny. Better than average hot and sour soup. The dishes that really pop in my opinion and have flair unique to this place are as follows: Hunan Chicken Spicy. My absolute favorite. Chocked full of fresh veggies and brimming with Szechuan spices with little pearls of savory goodness in the little bits of fermented black bean in the dish. Chicken with hot peppers and peanuts spicy. Chicken with dried peppers and peanuts. Deceptively simple but delicious and the peanuts are sooo good with the chicken. Broccoli in ginger garlic sauce. I love broccoli and what better way to eat a pile of super fresh broccoli than to smother it in a garlic and ginger sauce. Some caveats: The rest of the menu trends towards the usually blandish typical fare. The Thai dishes are best stayed away from if you are at all picky about Thai food. I don't like them They seem to cook with a lot of infused oils. Flavor is great but the dishes can be overly oily if they go overboard and are never what I would consider light eating even when they don't.
(4)Helen L.
I don't like the food here. Friendly service. But the food is jsut too Americanized. Way too sweet and too much sauce.
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