This is the BEST fast food Asian restaurant in St. Louis, MO. Basically, the BEST Asian food period. Whenever I go out of town, I always hit up this spot when I come back to St. Louis, MO. Inexpensive and my family has been going to this establishment since the 80's. Hand's down THE BEST!!!
(5)
Lorraine N.
Cheap, Fast, Easy, Cash-Only, Colorful part of town, Gets the job done. Kind of like a five dollar make ya holler hooker... 10.00 for two huge plastic containers of food. Hubby liked the General Tso chicken and egg roll. I had Sweet and Sour and egg roll with pork fried rice. The rice tasted a little burnt and was really brown. The sweet and sour sauce was tasty and the chicken wasn't half bad. Keep your expectations low when it comes to standards for cleanliness. I saw too much clutter in the front so I can assume what it looks like behind the scenes.... Remember when you settle for the cheap and easy thrills you do put yourself at risk....
(3)
Tom J.
My visit to Chong Wah has inspired me two write a song. I'm not sure this has ever happened to me. I'm not a songwriter. Anyway, here it is, it's called "O Health Department Where Have Ye Gone": I like things fresh and clean So I always have counted on you To keep filth and dirt at bay Even at a dump like Chang Woo (misspelling necessary to rhyme) O Health Department Where have ye gone? I know you're out there cause I've seen your A's. There's surely one place you still haven't been You're ne'er at Chang Wah, but at some other place. Like I said - I'm not a songwriter. Some things just have to be sung, though. I stopped at Chung Wah for lunch because I believe it to be the last Chinese place in "Chinatown" that I haven't visited. As with many of these places, I've driven by many times without stopping in. In this case, that 50's drive-in ambience just screams to me "we don't care about this place." As I walked in the door, there was a homeless looking man up at the counter blowing his nose. He was very dirty and scruffy. Of course it's not the restaurants fault - I only mention it because it fit so well with the ambience. The menu is typed on computer paper and taped on a wall behind the counter. It's probably not a good sign when the infamous American abomination, the St. Paul sandwich, is emphasized with a bigger font and listed first. The have some five dollar combo's, but I went for the half order of chicken egg foo yung with a bottle of water (no Coke or Pepsi, only Vess). Total $5.10. That's good. The food that came out was a HUGE pile, covered with that brown gravy. I wasn't bad tasting, but I had to spit out gristle twice. After the second time I gave up and decided to trash the rest. Then it happened. The can. Chong Wah has easily the most filthy, vile and disease-ridden trash can I've ever seen. Yes, I've been in a public restroom in New York City, I've walked the small-town streets of Mexico and Jamaica, but I've never seen such filth. The plastic flipper was about half-way up and wouldn't move, up or down. Of course I didn't touch it, but I finally was able to empty my tray into the can. The last time this thing was wiped down, Francis Slay was a brand new mayor, George Bush was on the campaign trail and we'd never heard of Pujols. So if you long for the sights and sounds of the third world, right here in your own backyard, make sure and stop by Chong Wah soon!
(1)
Pudge B.
Always made to order and always cheaper than any other take out place around. The location is great with covered parking available. Same woman behind the counter the last 20 years I have been going there, so it is truly a family owned business. My favorite are the special fried rice and crab rangoons, that are actually full on the inside instead of the puny things you see elsewhere. The menu even has a healthy option with steamed veggies and rice. They sell duck around thanksgiving time too! Don't forget to bring cash.
(5)
Harold M.
Centered in U-City Chinatown, carry out or dine-in best food at reasonable price.
(4)
Karen G.
I've eaten at Chong Wah a bunch of times. So why go back if it only get's 3 stars? Well, sometimes you just want fast and easy, and Chong Wah definitely is that. Waiting time is typically less than 5 minutes from when you order until you are walking out the door. I first discovered Chong Wah when I lived in UCity in the early 90s. 15 years later and the same woman is behind the counter 100% of the time. This is definitely a to-go place, as the half dozen tables are really only a place for people to sit and wait for their carry out order. I've never seen anyone eating there except for employees on a break. The place is very rough around the edges. The decor is in need of a paint job and the tables are old. I'm going to assume the kitchen is clean (the door is always opens so you can peak in, but can't see enough to really know)...but if you are a germaphob, I'm not sure you will be comfortable here. I'm going to assume the health department has checked and they meet minimum standards. You might feel differently. They clearly pinch every penny and you'll get your to-go order in a paper sack that could be advertising just about anything...if they can get a bunch of bags cheap, they buy them. While the menu is fairly extensive, I've only gotten combo platters, My standards are hot braised chicken (boneless) or General Tso's chicken with steamed rice and crab rangoon. It's cheap and not so healthy, but tastes exactly like I would expect it to. Be sure to bring cash, they don't take credit cards.
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : No Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : 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.
Cynthia M.
This is the BEST fast food Asian restaurant in St. Louis, MO. Basically, the BEST Asian food period. Whenever I go out of town, I always hit up this spot when I come back to St. Louis, MO. Inexpensive and my family has been going to this establishment since the 80's. Hand's down THE BEST!!!
(5)Lorraine N.
Cheap, Fast, Easy, Cash-Only, Colorful part of town, Gets the job done. Kind of like a five dollar make ya holler hooker... 10.00 for two huge plastic containers of food. Hubby liked the General Tso chicken and egg roll. I had Sweet and Sour and egg roll with pork fried rice. The rice tasted a little burnt and was really brown. The sweet and sour sauce was tasty and the chicken wasn't half bad. Keep your expectations low when it comes to standards for cleanliness. I saw too much clutter in the front so I can assume what it looks like behind the scenes.... Remember when you settle for the cheap and easy thrills you do put yourself at risk....
(3)Tom J.
My visit to Chong Wah has inspired me two write a song. I'm not sure this has ever happened to me. I'm not a songwriter. Anyway, here it is, it's called "O Health Department Where Have Ye Gone": I like things fresh and clean So I always have counted on you To keep filth and dirt at bay Even at a dump like Chang Woo (misspelling necessary to rhyme) O Health Department Where have ye gone? I know you're out there cause I've seen your A's. There's surely one place you still haven't been You're ne'er at Chang Wah, but at some other place. Like I said - I'm not a songwriter. Some things just have to be sung, though. I stopped at Chung Wah for lunch because I believe it to be the last Chinese place in "Chinatown" that I haven't visited. As with many of these places, I've driven by many times without stopping in. In this case, that 50's drive-in ambience just screams to me "we don't care about this place." As I walked in the door, there was a homeless looking man up at the counter blowing his nose. He was very dirty and scruffy. Of course it's not the restaurants fault - I only mention it because it fit so well with the ambience. The menu is typed on computer paper and taped on a wall behind the counter. It's probably not a good sign when the infamous American abomination, the St. Paul sandwich, is emphasized with a bigger font and listed first. The have some five dollar combo's, but I went for the half order of chicken egg foo yung with a bottle of water (no Coke or Pepsi, only Vess). Total $5.10. That's good. The food that came out was a HUGE pile, covered with that brown gravy. I wasn't bad tasting, but I had to spit out gristle twice. After the second time I gave up and decided to trash the rest. Then it happened. The can. Chong Wah has easily the most filthy, vile and disease-ridden trash can I've ever seen. Yes, I've been in a public restroom in New York City, I've walked the small-town streets of Mexico and Jamaica, but I've never seen such filth. The plastic flipper was about half-way up and wouldn't move, up or down. Of course I didn't touch it, but I finally was able to empty my tray into the can. The last time this thing was wiped down, Francis Slay was a brand new mayor, George Bush was on the campaign trail and we'd never heard of Pujols. So if you long for the sights and sounds of the third world, right here in your own backyard, make sure and stop by Chong Wah soon!
(1)Pudge B.
Always made to order and always cheaper than any other take out place around. The location is great with covered parking available. Same woman behind the counter the last 20 years I have been going there, so it is truly a family owned business. My favorite are the special fried rice and crab rangoons, that are actually full on the inside instead of the puny things you see elsewhere. The menu even has a healthy option with steamed veggies and rice. They sell duck around thanksgiving time too! Don't forget to bring cash.
(5)Harold M.
Centered in U-City Chinatown, carry out or dine-in best food at reasonable price.
(4)Karen G.
I've eaten at Chong Wah a bunch of times. So why go back if it only get's 3 stars? Well, sometimes you just want fast and easy, and Chong Wah definitely is that. Waiting time is typically less than 5 minutes from when you order until you are walking out the door. I first discovered Chong Wah when I lived in UCity in the early 90s. 15 years later and the same woman is behind the counter 100% of the time. This is definitely a to-go place, as the half dozen tables are really only a place for people to sit and wait for their carry out order. I've never seen anyone eating there except for employees on a break. The place is very rough around the edges. The decor is in need of a paint job and the tables are old. I'm going to assume the kitchen is clean (the door is always opens so you can peak in, but can't see enough to really know)...but if you are a germaphob, I'm not sure you will be comfortable here. I'm going to assume the health department has checked and they meet minimum standards. You might feel differently. They clearly pinch every penny and you'll get your to-go order in a paper sack that could be advertising just about anything...if they can get a bunch of bags cheap, they buy them. While the menu is fairly extensive, I've only gotten combo platters, My standards are hot braised chicken (boneless) or General Tso's chicken with steamed rice and crab rangoon. It's cheap and not so healthy, but tastes exactly like I would expect it to. Be sure to bring cash, they don't take credit cards.
(3)