This is a little hole-in-the-wall Chinese place in what used to be some sort of diner. There isn't any real "ambiance" to speak of, but the food is quite tasty. They use very high-quality chicken, and their sauces each have a distinct flavor, which isn't something most Chinese buffets can say. Very inexpensive for what you get, and quite filling.
(4)
Ashlee M.
The only thing that sucks about South China is that after you have it everywhere else will disappoint you. Best lo mein by far. And don't be alarmed by the lack of a "traditional" style buffet. It is presented on a menu and they make whatever you want FRESH and fast!
(5)
Dave T.
Great food and really good prices. I only have one small complaint and that would be that they closed about 5 minutes early one time, even after wet called ahead. Other than that, the potions are big and everything I'd support delicious.
(4)
Jesus M.
Food is great as are the prices. I enjoy their chicken fried rice and chicken lo mein.
(3)
Kelly R.
Ignore any comments about ambiance, decor, or quality of wall sconces... it's a family-owned neighborhood restaurant that aims to impress with awesome food and fair prices. Personally I think the ambiance is improved by having the same decor for 30 years because it prompts the fussy and fashionable to order take-out so we can always get our favorite booths. Generally the only other people in there are eastside types like my family (none of the folks who come on yelp and talk about their favorite "ethnic" restaurants and warn others that the neighborhood is "dodgy", lol). It's just a great, comfortable place you can afford to take your whole family (and hear what they have to say because it lacks annoying overhead music and is usually not very crowded). The food is the best of its kind I have ever had. Anywhere. The shrimp fried rice is rich, savory, loaded with bean sprout, egg, scallion, and a deep-brown color (nothing like the day-glo yellow rice with some frozen diced carrots and peas thrown in at other eastside Chinese places). The egg rolls are wonderfully unique with their awesome bbq pork, cabbage, and perfect seasoning (including generous black pepper which gives them a spicy kick without adding any heat). The cream cheese wontons, teriyaki chicken skewers, fried dumplings and bbq pork appetizer are all exceptionally good. Chicken wings are not the best; they are kind of small drummy/wing portions in a very dense batter and somewhat hit or miss. Kung Pao San Ding is essential if you like spicy stir-fry; large tiger shrimp, cubes of bbq pork, and very tasty quality chicken breast combine with crunchy diced celery, carrot, and cashews in a medium-hot savory sauce. Their lo mein is truly one-of-a-kind with a very thin fried noodle with veggies and your choice of meat in the best lo mein sauce anywhere (it's even delicious as a cold noodle salad right out of the fridge the next day). The twice cooked cabbage is far better than any similar dish I've had elsewhere. Basically, if you come here and just order the mall food Panda Express dishes like sweet and sour pork and sesame chicken you might not ever realize how awesome South China Island Inn's version of Chinese food is, so try something you haven't had before. The buffet is an excellent way to try a dozen dishes and appetizers. It is a small high-quality buffet, not a sprawling mega buffet with hundreds of options so expect more of a greatest-hits tasting menu than a Great Moon Buffet type experience. That said, this is American-style Chinese comfort foods with a lot of heavy, filling, salty, and not-diet-friendly dishes. The chow mein is the Nanking-style nothing but celery in a rich/dark gravy type of thing (and we actually prefer that style from Wong's Kitchen on Earl and Maryland, but know it's a local acquired taste compared to the more veggie-heavy stir fry chow mein in light-colored sauce elsewhere). If you're in the mood for low-calorie, fancy, fusion, or generic dishes that taste like "New York Style" Chinese takeout, this is none of that. Personally, I'm 33 and have eaten here since I was in utero (no idea how long my mom and grandma have been enjoying South China Island) and my whole family loves this place. Everyone I've brought here has enjoyed it immensely (even a couple people who are more into hipster foodie places, and maybe wouldn't have come to this neighborhood without a local escort assuring them their car would be safe in the lot). The family who owns AND works there have seen me and my kids grow up, and we have likewise seen their family and kids grow up working there. In our economy it's awesome to see a small business thrive in the community and continue to offer such low prices and high quality. I hope to someday be as old as my grandma (who also goes there all the time), eating with my grandkids and being waited on by the great-grandkids of the current operators. Call ahead for fast take-out because they really make things to order and isn't fast food sitting under a heat lamp before you show up. :)
(5)
Richard K.
Egg Foo Young is made just right (the way Sui Yep's used to). Sesame chicken & Fried rice are very good. The place is in an old A&W, so take out is recommended.
(4)
Charlene R.
Great take out!!! Look past the decor of this place. The food is excellent. I've been coming here for over 10 years. Most of their business is take out. Call ahead and they'll have your food ready by time you get there. Favorites are pork chow mein, chicken Lo mein, egg foo young, sweet n sour chicken, chicken fried rice and kung pau chicken. You get huge portions of food for the money. Great value. Great food.
(4)
Derek A.
While the food is good, the service is not. And this is not a buffet. The claim that this is a buffet is what will anger most people who make it here. This is an order as you go place. All you can eat for 6.25. But be careful, order ALL YOU CAN on your first Order. If you want to order a 2nd time, you must have finished EVERYTHING on your plate to even be ALLOWED to place an order. Even if all you want is an appetizer. The staff is very unfriendly, the management is worse. Do not get any expectations up, this is worse than a hole in the wall its a money pit in the wall. Good food, but the service and management make this restaurant a no go.
(1)
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Address :1851 N Saint Paul Rd
Maplewood, MN, 55109
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
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.
DJ A.
This is a little hole-in-the-wall Chinese place in what used to be some sort of diner. There isn't any real "ambiance" to speak of, but the food is quite tasty. They use very high-quality chicken, and their sauces each have a distinct flavor, which isn't something most Chinese buffets can say. Very inexpensive for what you get, and quite filling.
(4)Ashlee M.
The only thing that sucks about South China is that after you have it everywhere else will disappoint you. Best lo mein by far. And don't be alarmed by the lack of a "traditional" style buffet. It is presented on a menu and they make whatever you want FRESH and fast!
(5)Dave T.
Great food and really good prices. I only have one small complaint and that would be that they closed about 5 minutes early one time, even after wet called ahead. Other than that, the potions are big and everything I'd support delicious.
(4)Jesus M.
Food is great as are the prices. I enjoy their chicken fried rice and chicken lo mein.
(3)Kelly R.
Ignore any comments about ambiance, decor, or quality of wall sconces... it's a family-owned neighborhood restaurant that aims to impress with awesome food and fair prices. Personally I think the ambiance is improved by having the same decor for 30 years because it prompts the fussy and fashionable to order take-out so we can always get our favorite booths. Generally the only other people in there are eastside types like my family (none of the folks who come on yelp and talk about their favorite "ethnic" restaurants and warn others that the neighborhood is "dodgy", lol). It's just a great, comfortable place you can afford to take your whole family (and hear what they have to say because it lacks annoying overhead music and is usually not very crowded). The food is the best of its kind I have ever had. Anywhere. The shrimp fried rice is rich, savory, loaded with bean sprout, egg, scallion, and a deep-brown color (nothing like the day-glo yellow rice with some frozen diced carrots and peas thrown in at other eastside Chinese places). The egg rolls are wonderfully unique with their awesome bbq pork, cabbage, and perfect seasoning (including generous black pepper which gives them a spicy kick without adding any heat). The cream cheese wontons, teriyaki chicken skewers, fried dumplings and bbq pork appetizer are all exceptionally good. Chicken wings are not the best; they are kind of small drummy/wing portions in a very dense batter and somewhat hit or miss. Kung Pao San Ding is essential if you like spicy stir-fry; large tiger shrimp, cubes of bbq pork, and very tasty quality chicken breast combine with crunchy diced celery, carrot, and cashews in a medium-hot savory sauce. Their lo mein is truly one-of-a-kind with a very thin fried noodle with veggies and your choice of meat in the best lo mein sauce anywhere (it's even delicious as a cold noodle salad right out of the fridge the next day). The twice cooked cabbage is far better than any similar dish I've had elsewhere. Basically, if you come here and just order the mall food Panda Express dishes like sweet and sour pork and sesame chicken you might not ever realize how awesome South China Island Inn's version of Chinese food is, so try something you haven't had before. The buffet is an excellent way to try a dozen dishes and appetizers. It is a small high-quality buffet, not a sprawling mega buffet with hundreds of options so expect more of a greatest-hits tasting menu than a Great Moon Buffet type experience. That said, this is American-style Chinese comfort foods with a lot of heavy, filling, salty, and not-diet-friendly dishes. The chow mein is the Nanking-style nothing but celery in a rich/dark gravy type of thing (and we actually prefer that style from Wong's Kitchen on Earl and Maryland, but know it's a local acquired taste compared to the more veggie-heavy stir fry chow mein in light-colored sauce elsewhere). If you're in the mood for low-calorie, fancy, fusion, or generic dishes that taste like "New York Style" Chinese takeout, this is none of that. Personally, I'm 33 and have eaten here since I was in utero (no idea how long my mom and grandma have been enjoying South China Island) and my whole family loves this place. Everyone I've brought here has enjoyed it immensely (even a couple people who are more into hipster foodie places, and maybe wouldn't have come to this neighborhood without a local escort assuring them their car would be safe in the lot). The family who owns AND works there have seen me and my kids grow up, and we have likewise seen their family and kids grow up working there. In our economy it's awesome to see a small business thrive in the community and continue to offer such low prices and high quality. I hope to someday be as old as my grandma (who also goes there all the time), eating with my grandkids and being waited on by the great-grandkids of the current operators. Call ahead for fast take-out because they really make things to order and isn't fast food sitting under a heat lamp before you show up. :)
(5)Richard K.
Egg Foo Young is made just right (the way Sui Yep's used to). Sesame chicken & Fried rice are very good. The place is in an old A&W, so take out is recommended.
(4)Charlene R.
Great take out!!! Look past the decor of this place. The food is excellent. I've been coming here for over 10 years. Most of their business is take out. Call ahead and they'll have your food ready by time you get there. Favorites are pork chow mein, chicken Lo mein, egg foo young, sweet n sour chicken, chicken fried rice and kung pau chicken. You get huge portions of food for the money. Great value. Great food.
(4)Derek A.
While the food is good, the service is not. And this is not a buffet. The claim that this is a buffet is what will anger most people who make it here. This is an order as you go place. All you can eat for 6.25. But be careful, order ALL YOU CAN on your first Order. If you want to order a 2nd time, you must have finished EVERYTHING on your plate to even be ALLOWED to place an order. Even if all you want is an appetizer. The staff is very unfriendly, the management is worse. Do not get any expectations up, this is worse than a hole in the wall its a money pit in the wall. Good food, but the service and management make this restaurant a no go.
(1)