4 stars because they have a unique menu, handmade noodles and wontons, and the staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. What I ordered: Handmade wontons with spiced pork and chili sauce - delicious, but a little on the too salty side. The chili sauce is delicious and not too spicy but very flavorful. Judy's noodles with chicken - handmade noodles are delicious but this dish is extremely garlicky and a little too salty and oily for me..the chicken is a little on the slimy/rubbery side but my cat loved it lol I would order this without meat and extra veggies next time Love the noodles though. Judge
(4)
Sarah V.
I am very pleased to say that I gave Kung Pow's lunch another chance and had a very nice meal. The service was fast, attentive and very friendly, and my honey dry-fried chicken was crisp and tasty. After my uncomfortable first experience and subsequent review, I was contacted immediately by the manager and told the staff would have a talk about wait times. Thank you for the quick response and the second positive experience!
(4)
Josh P.
Can't stop eating the sesame tofu. Best tofu I've ever had. It beckons me. I dream about it. Seriously good stuff.
(5)
Lisa S.
We've been 3 times now since they opened. The first time was during their opening week & the food was absolutely fantastic! We thought we knew what we wanted to order since we had been to Shandong a few times, but the owner came out & chatted with us, giving us his recommendations. We ended up ordering the House-made Wontons in Sichuan Chili Oil, the Spicy Curry Sauce Fried Fish Balls, the Sizzling Rice Soup, & the Zhen Bang Chicken. Everything was really good, but the stand-outs were the fish balls (these may sound weird & unappealing, but they are really delicious & the flavor is outstanding & not really fishy-tasting at all) & the Zhen Bang Chicken. Just thinking about that chicken as I'm typing this review makes my mouth water. Everything was nicely spiced although maybe too spicy for most, but I like it hot so it was perfect for me. The second time we went was maybe a week later. I could not get that chicken out of my head so we ordered that, the Sizzling Rice Soup again, & the Pork Belly & Brussels Sprouts. The soup that is supposed to have a very thin broth was thick & almost gloopy with way too much rice. I'm not sure if they mistakenly added cornstarch or if they made the broth with bones, but it was not how it was supposed to be. The chicken tasted like someone had accidentally dumped a ton of Chinese 5-spice into it because the flavor was overwhelming & the texture was gritty. I'm not sure what happened there, but I really hope it was a one-time fluke. The Pork Belly & Brussels Sprouts was really tasty although pretty salty. I'm sure it's just growing pains since there was such a stark contrast so I'm willing to keep trying. The third time we went with the Pan Pacific Wontons, the Honey Dry-Fried Sauce Chicken Wings, & the Gan Shao Chili Sauce Fried Fish Balls. The wontons were undercooked where the wonton was folded, but I'm pretty sure that happened to us when we ordered them at Shandong. The wings were tasty, & the fish balls were on point again. I prefer the Spicy Curry sauce though. I really hope they iron out the kinks because the potential to be great is there. Happy to have this tasty addition to the neighborhood!
(4)
Vi B.
Huh. Not sure why all the mediocre reviews. KP is super cool spot, and I'm glad they came to 21st to add more Asian food options (and an inexpensive and trendy one at that). I am a huge fan of Shandong, but am not tryin' to drive across the river every time I need that Chinese fix. I ordered a lot when I came here: *Potstickers *Honey Dry Chicken Wings *Wonton Soup *Kung Pow Chicken *Shandong Beef Service was good, and like Shandong, the portions were huge and hit the spot. I guess my expectations were on point with what was delivered. And for that, they get 4 solid stars--color me a fan.
(4)
Hungrylone W.
Service was great, the staff was so friendly and helpful. I wish the food was as good at the people and atmosphere. It seemed expensive for very average tasting Chinese. The music and decor was nice for lunch and the crab wontons were quite good though.
(3)
Cola V.
I thought it was great all around. Definitely unique dishes...and a lot to choose from. Loving the ambiance and style, funky and fun. Food felt fresh and light, and I was glad it wasn't all deep-fried and heavy. We had the Kung Pow and Orange Chicken. Great date night spot or for big groups.
(4)
An D.
In a word, disappointing. We've eaten here twice, hoping we just chose the wrong dishes the first time around. And a heads up: they charge for each cup of rice. $1 for white, $2 for brown. WTF? You charge $1 for 3 cents worth of rice? Visit one: Dumplings in chili oil: the chili oil provided a pleasant kick but the dumplings were unremarkable. Pork belly brussels sprouts: nice flavor (anise?) and well-cooked pork belly, but the brussels were terribly undercooked. Chicken noodle soup: salty and satisfying for the SO recovering from a cold, but otherwise flavorless. A good portion, though. Zhen bang chicken: decent flavor but no spice. I know Portland keeps the spice on the extra-mild side, but I was hoping for some kick. The chicken had a weird gummy texture. No veggies in this dish. Visit two: This time around I made sure to explicitly ask for everything spicy. Much disappoint. Lamb bao bing: decent flavor, but every other chew you'd get this texture like eating sand. Ma po tofu with pork belly: I love ma po. LOVE it! This is emphatically NOT ma po tofu. To start, the wrong kind of tofu (firm rather than soft), which gives the dish an unsatisfying texture. Second, zero spice or flavor. None. It's like the sauce is a hearty helping of vegetable oil mixed with some red food coloring and a pinch of chili flakes for presentation. The pork belly was also a let down...soggy and mushy and no flavor. The chunks were also way too big. Chop that stuff up! Kung pao chicken: Decent flavor profile, kind of smoky, exceptionally mild spice level. Very fatty, gummy meat. For a restaurant that invokes a kicker of a pun of its name, this dish sure was a let down. Seriously, though. Why is the Asian food within Portland so boring and poorly done? I suppose it has to do with its designation as "whitest city in America."
(2)
cindy m.
SOOOOO good but I suspect they use SOOOOO much MSG. Like, muscle-twitch amounts.
(4)
Cheryl R.
If you're trying to knock off Mission Chinese Food in SF with hip Sichuan-ish food perhaps do a better job ripping them off. Make your own tofu. Use day old rice for your fried rice, so it's not just steamed rice drenched in oil. Make sure your meat is cooked. Watch some YouTube how to videos. Get some new cooking staff. Or train the ones you have. Have a smaller menu. I don't know...in the words of Nike, Just do it. Just do something or you'll join the long list of restaurants occupying that space that have since shut their doors. This town needs good Sichuan. I'll be back in 6 months to see if things improve! I hope so!!!!!
(1)
Darryl S.
Great service. Really bad food. Slimy wings (oil not hot enough). Undercooked fried rice and pork (mostly just stands of slimy pork fat). Store bought tofu. Our soup dumplings were frozen inside. Place needs work. Nothing from the spicy section was actually spicy, lacking flavor. Honestly wish we had eaten at Panda Express. Our server was great however.
(2)
Scott H.
Update review : The service sucks so bad here. Food is good. Tried and wouldn't order again: Kung Pow Beef - not good Judy's Noodles - boring, texture was off Mu Shu - boring Lamb Bao Bing - strange grittiness to the dish. Felt like there was sand in it.
(1)
Kate S.
Chinese food in Portland hasn't rocked my world and when Kung POW's menu detailed how it was a modern approach to Chinese food, I was worried we would be having something like Boke Bowl again. Fortunately, the dishes were nowhere near as disastrous and while they were satisfying, I'm not sure if I'd be back. Especially since this new modern take only offers fortune cookies for dessert, the same kind you'd get with any take out, and my fortune was printed lop-sided. Why not an original recipe for it if you're sticking with American style? My favorite part of Kung POW was a cocktail menu with drinks based on each sign of the zodiac. As a superstitious astrology loon, I sought out the rabbit and was pleasantly surprised by the Oolong tea infused vodka that tasted like an Arnold Palmer. (I suppose that would make it a John Daly?) Service was terrific and when we ran into a snag with an order, our waitress waved the charge. While the restaurant claims to be vegan friendly, let the stomach beware. My boyfriend was feeling adventurous from his usual hot dogs and decided to try the tofu fried rice. The tofu was bland, over fried on all sides and wobbly in the middle, with peas and carrots, the most basic of vegetables, added to the dish. I enjoyed my pork belly and Brussel sprouts dish, but the sprouts were a little soggy from too much sauce and the flavors were a touch overpowering. I'm going to fry up my left overs and see if cooking them crispier would be an improvement. If there's one thing Portland does well, it's authentic international cuisine. If there's one area where Portland goes completely clown shoes, it's taking a "modern"/"American"/"Portland" style take on international cuisine. Portland, stop trying to white it up and leave it to the professionals. Peas and carrots. Honestly.
(3)
Parker T.
I visited Kung POW several weeks back with my (visiting) parents because I was aware they had vegan options & we were hoping to find something Portland is sorely lacking: flavorful Chinese food (regardless of diet). The service was friendly but very sporadic. They also mistakenly sent over fried rice with egg included after promising it would be vegan-friendly. I ordered the stir-fried Brussels sprouts dish instead of getting into the vegan-friendliness of their tofu dish sauces--it wasn't very abundant in terms of portion & tasted of absolutely nothing except garlic & charred vegetable. It was also close to $10 without rice or much of anything else included. While my parents enjoyed their non-vegan meals, I have to say I won't be returning to Kung POW.
(1)
David T.
Okay, so we are currently eating the leftovers from this place, cold out of the box. The food is still great, even as leftovers. The clay pot Ma Po Tofu was amazing, soft tofu and a spicy, boiling hot sauce. The chicken chow mien was good too, with some soy sauce on for flavor. Why the two stars then?? The service was just poor. Between the time we arrived and the time our food was ready, four other tables were seated, ordered and served. One table -- which arrived ten minutes after we did -- even ordered the same soup as us and got it sooner. We got an apology (and an offer for some cocktails on the house, but neither of us felt like drinking) but our waitress didn't really check in on us after that. As we were eating, we overheard her apologize to several other tables for the slow service or order mix-ups. We were really excited to try this place, but walked away a little disappointed. In short, the food tasted wonderful, but it seems like they have some kinks in the kitchen to work out.
(2)
Andrew A.
Our table of 10 tried an olio of dishes. Two of the meat ones were meh and over salted, and the honey chicken was tough. A small sizzling hot pot dish was not up to par, while the Hot and Sour soup was better than average. The winner of the evening: scrumptious Pork Belly and Brussels Sprouts. Runner-up was the popular Shao Loong Bao. They offer a creative cocktail menu, the "rabbit" for $8 was a excellent. Service was prompt and attentive. Parking is what it is in this section of town. The consensus among our large party was "may or may not be back." I'm a huge fan of Shendong and much prefer their noodle-heavy menu.
(3)
Adriana G.
Great spot! The pork belly brussels sprouts was the standout dish for us...Decadent veggies. Enough spice to give it a nice kick, but not enough to burn your mouth where you can't taste any favors. Pricing was spot-on for $11. The honey dry fried chicken was pretty good also. My boyfriend loved it - and I liked it overall (Fried chicken isn't my fav). We could tell it was good quality chicken and ingredients, which I really appreciate. The noodles looked amazing - that's definitely on the list for next time!
(4)
J B.
Seriously good food. The Brussels sprouts are a meal unto themselves. Judy's Noodles ... a celebration of flavors!
(5)
Crystal H.
Kung pow was very good I had the spicy noodles with mushrooms and a mix of garlic with some hot spice very delicious. They make their own hand flung noodles ...very unique must try
(4)
Angie S.
The hubby and I were strolling thought the neighborhood debating where to dine, when we happened up Kung Pow. It was their soft opening, so we tried several dishes. We have been to the location when it was a previous restaurant. The new decor is terrific. Bright and open. There is a full wall mural that was painted by a local artist. The colors and artistry are brilliant. The atmosphere was welcoming and comfortable. The servers and service was very good. For a second night soft opening, it was very smooth. The timing of appetizers, main dishes and beverage refills was spot on. Our server, Ashley, was attentive but not overbearing. She was always there when we needed her! She had a great friendly personality. The chef and owner, Henry Liu, popped out a few times as well and chatted with us. Everyone was attentive and happy to help us! The food. What we really care about here on Yelp! Well, it is fantastic. We started with the pork dumplings and the Lamb Bao Bing. We are huge pork dumpling fans, so we can be picky. These were large and perfect. The meat was well flavored with a brilliant texture. The dough had the perfect chew and was pan fried on the bottom to a nice crispy texture. The Lamb Bao Bing must be had by all! It is served with thin pancakes, green onion, and a pepper salsa. Our server described it as an Asian fajita. It was far better than any fajita I've eaten! The lamb was cooked perfectly. There was enough chile to give it punch, but not so much that I was drinking water straight out of the carafe. This is definitely going to be a go to appetizer for us! As if the starters were not enough, we went on to enjoy the Pork Belly and Brussels sprout main dish. Wow! First of all, pork belly is just the best thing ever. But then pair it with a blanched and flash fried Brussels sprout with a wonderful garlic and ginger sauce, you've defined nirvana. The second main dish was Judy's Noodles ( I think, it was definitely a woman's name that started with a J). Wow again! The noodles are handmade in the back. You get a fun pair of scissors so you can cut them to your preferred length. I happen to love interactive food! We added chicken, which was tender and the perfect size to fit in your mouth with a bunch of noodles! Because you can't take a small bite of this meal. It begs to be eaten by the mouthful! They also have a fun trio of sauces on the table. A standard soy sauce, white vinegar, and a chile infused oil. Ashley suggested we try the 1,2,3 method of mixing. One shake of vinegar, 2 shakes of oil, and three shakes of soy sauce. It was fantastic with the pork dumplings! I had to force myself to stop eating before my eyes popped out of my head. I was glad I wore a dress with an elastic waist! We ended up with leftovers as the portions were a good size. I can't wait for lunch tomorrow! We loved the wine list which had the local Teutonic wines. I would suggest the Riesling for these dishes. It is not overly sweet. It is a good balance with the spicy kick of the food. If you prefer something other than wine, they also have Reverend Nat's Revival, which you can never go wrong with ever. They had a very fun cocktail menu that will definitely be going back to sample! Overall, a terrific experience. We were very impressed with the soft opening. To be frank, there is little that Kung Pow needs to improve on! The service, food, and atmosphere are excellent!
(5)
Angela K.
BEST crab Rangoon I've ever had! They call it Pan Pacific Wontons...maybe because there is plenty of fresh snow crab inside! My daughter got her usual Sweet and Sour Chicken and loves it. I was a little more adventurous and ordered the Zehn Bang Chicken. Deliciously spicy with just the right amount of garlic! Sticky rice was good too ;) Waitress was very patient with us and answered all our questions. Definitely recommend!!
(5)
Val C.
Finally!!! Tasty Chinese food In NW! This part of 21st has been in desperate need of good food! Kung Pow's potstickers are flavorful and they don't skimp on the meat. Judy's noodles are very tasty (if you really want spicy ask for extra spicy). Kung Pow! chicken rivals some that I've had in SF, LA & NY! Happy hour 3-5 daily! (My go to's: The Every Dog is tasty as is the Snake in the Grass). Service staff & bartenders are very friendly & attentive. Must try!
(5)
Bm F.
Wow, I really wanted to like this place. I love their other restaurant Shandong. I've only ever had 1 bad chow mein there. Thats what I eat when we can hit up Shandong. Yesterday we ordered a ton of food. 2 apps. were not edible due to the salt, the fried tofu and the dumplings (not the potstickers). They both got tossed. Got the chowmein with shrimp and it had little weiner shrimp in it and was a little dry. Thats what I get at shandong and its had fat shrimp and is usually moist. So 2 crazy salty dishes and a bunch of stuff that we had to doctor up. Chowmein, mongolian beef (very sticky saucy), N fried rice. Very bland. Its like the salt of everything was in 2 dishes. The honey chicken was pretty good though. We spent a good amount of loot and went out of our way to try it. 4 apps. and 5 entrees. So I would have expected a bit more. Hopefully its due to being new and they pay attention to the reviews. I was quite excited and very let down on so many dishes. Oh one last critique, the spring rolls tasted pretty good but the cabbage was the length of the rolls and I'm not sure if it was tough or what but they were a mess to eat due to not being able to bite through without ripping the inside out with your bite. I have to add one more thing that isnt negative. My wife picked up the food and said everyone was extremely nice. Great make me feel bad after writing this.
(2)
Robin P.
I hadn't been to Shandong yet and saw this open and tried it tonight. The food was awesome. The potstickers were delicious, kinda of big which made them hard to eat but delicious. The soup dumplings were the perfect size, delicate and wonderful. The pork belly with fried brussels was delicious, lots of star anise flavors. We also had the Honey fried beef which happily was not too sweet, nice light batter and nice vinegar notes in the sauce to counter the sweetness. Service was great, timing was perfect, will be back!
(5)
Curt S.
As a longtime patron of Shandong, we were very excited to try out the new spot. Did not disappoint! Food was on point, room is airy and hip and the very high-ceilings do a great job of sucking up the ambient noise. Prices are reasonable and staff was very attentive (almost too so). I strongly suspect the brussel sprouts and pork belly will be on my regular rotation any time I'm in NW. An absolute winner.
(5)
David I.
Nice new spot in NW 21 area. In the land of no good Chinese food we are given a trendy Americanized version to sample. On the recommendation of Willamette Week I tried some fish balls (spicy curry). These were delicious. Just a touch of curry and a little bite. Exterior was a touch crunchy which added great texture. Huge serving for $8. Another bargain is the lunch portion entree also around $8. I went with the recommended zhen bang chicken. I can't decide whether I like it or not. The flavors were good but seemed to need more heat. Also it was extremely salty although thankfully not greasy. I would have to say this wasn't well executed. All patrons are given veg hot and sour soup which was a good start. I'd go back for the fish balls!
(3)
johnny s.
Hip new Chinese spot on NW 21st, bound to stick around for a while. Everything we ordered was full of extreme flavor and served in a healthy portion size. Had the Hot n Sour Soup, Honey Fried Chicken, Judy's Noddles...everything was delicious. And while we were full after we finished it wasn't that normal "put me to bed, I'm full".... It was more of a "wow, what just happened to my taste buds" type of full. The restaurant itself looks clean and new. Server wasn't over the top most friendly but we went for the food, not the white table cloth service, so we didn't mind. Xie Xie Kung Pow!
(4)
Sarah K.
Great Sichuan-style Chinese food, and totally non greasy. Lam bao bing and soup dumplings were favorites, but we also really enjoyed the tofu dishes. Best Chinese restaurant in NW area.
(4)
Ryan M.
Moving her from New York City where there are Chinese restaurants on every other block I found that there is a definite lack of Chinese restaurants in the Pearl and Northwest district. My parents loved Chinese food (maybe it's because we're Irish) so I grew up eating a lot of it. Kung POW is right up there with the best I've had. It's a really nice space; open and modern. At first I was surprised by the price of the soup (I always order Hot and Sour Soup) but then I learned it was a large "family style" bowl. My wife and I got 2.5 bowl's each out of it. They also put a nice spin on a traditional soup, adding chicken and shrimp, it was very tasty (especially after adding some of their house made chili oil). Our server told us that our soup with one entree would be enough for us (love the honesty!) so we ordered the Zhen Bang Chicken. As Montgomery Burns would say, "excellent." Large pieces of diced (not fried) chicken with garlic, red chilis and other seasonings. Hot and spicy but not an overpowering heat, more of a slow, subtle heat. We walked out of there quite satisfied and full and looking forward to our next visit. Full bar as well.
(4)
Ken T.
Potstickers were average, honey fried dried beef was good, sesame beef was delicious. Portions are good. Service was very good.
(4)
Ken Z.
Fresh fresh. Great parings such as the brussel sprouts,,, oh my the fish balls in red sauce, don't miss Awesome attention to detail by all the staff Thank you
(5)
Andrea B.
My Kung POW was almost inedible. Way way too spicy and the dish had a hair in it. The service was a bit slow, considering I was the only one in the restaurant. I'll try it again but ask them to dial back the heat.
(2)
Kim I.
Ahhhh I love this place!!! I am so stoked this place opened up. There isn't an abundance of delicious Asian food in the Pearl and Alphabet District so now that this place opened up, I'll be here all the time. I wasn't sure what to expect when I walked in, but the decor was super cool and the staff all super friendly. It was inviting and such a nice change from what it was before. I was there I think maybe second day of opening...and usually restaurants are still working stuff out, but here they seemed to have it all together. Henry, the owner took pride in hospitality and a great atmosphere, you can just tell. He walked around greeting everyone and making sure everyone's food and drinks were good. He gave us recommendations and even showed us how to wrap specific dishes the authentic way. I'm so sick of going to restaurants where the staff thinks they're better than everyone, and that we are the lucky ones to step into their restaurant and that we should kiss the ground they walk on...That attitude is beyond me. You will find none of that horse crap here. Everyone was so so so friendly and warm and I felt so welcome and at home here. I'm not going to pretend I'm an expert in knowing what authentic Chinese food is...but I know that this place took my taste buds for a happy ride and I know this wasn't your average run of the mill Americanized food that is all over the place! The food was sooo impressive and delicious, flavorful and packed a punch, or better yet a POW! We had lamb bao bing because the owner recommended it and it did not disappoint. The dumplings were divine. The Judys Noodles were different and full of flavors. I cannot wait to go back and try everything on their menu. I hope this place does amazing and I only wish them the very best. I'll be recommending this place to all my friends and family. Thanks guys for being a breath of new and fresh air in a city full of pretentious assholes who make me feel like I'm not good enough to eat at their establishments. :)
(5)
Beck C.
Their appetizers are delicious! If you dont like spicy food (like me!), make sure to tell your server that you want your food on the "mild" side, otherwise most food, if not all, are spicy! :) Must try: Spicy curry sauce fried fish balls Chicken wings Dumplings Pork Shumai
(4)
Robert G.
The xlb was right on. Judy noodles, good portion. Well priced; definitely return here
(4)
Jessica N.
SO. SO. Excited about this place!!! Haven't found any good Chinese since I moved to Portland and this is a perfect modern take on Chinese food while invoking those traditional flavors. Must Try: Shandong Beef - holy shit so tasty and tender. Pork Belly Fried Rice - as close to my Dad's fried rice as I've ever had at a restaurant. This is legit! But ask them for a bowl to eat it otherwise you'll waste time chasing rice around a plate. Lamb Bing Bao - Super tasty, be ready for the spice!! Good but not Awesome: Judy's Noodles - these were overcooked. For handmade they need to be more al dente Brussel Sprouts and Pork Belly - For two delicious ingredients this should've been way more flavorful! Agree with other reviews it needed to be crispier, finished on higher heat Service was fine - definitely coudl step up their game here. But overall I'll be back for the flavors!! Plus it was very affordable and you get good portions!
(4)
Joni W.
Great food! The vibes aren't too good though. Service is mediocre, design is OK. Needs more ambiance!
(4)
Brian M.
Had dinner here. Food was well prepared and service was good. The potstickers were well done. The Ma Po tofu could have been spicier. The vegetables were good, I don't know that I'd make a specific trip to eat here, but if I'm in the area I can definitely see eating here.
(3)
Laura M.
We really enjoyed our dinner tonight. Tofu dishes were terrific as are the vegetables. Sizzling rice soup is delicious. We'll definitely be going back and grabbed a takeout menu to have on hand.
(4)
Jessica G.
Visited last night. The service was really good and our server was very knowledgeable. Have been looking for a nice Chinese place in PDX and have yet to find one. I was really impressed with the Kung Pow Chicken dish. While it was deep fried there was a nice ratio of breading to chicken and it wasnt over done. Really liked the Hot and Sour Soup as well. The only reason Im not saying 5 stars is I do agree with some other reviews that it was a little too salty and a little on the oily side. The Brussel Sprouts, while very flavorful where very soaked in oil. Still happy to come back!
(4)
Horace H.
Great location and setting ... service is good and the food quality and selection is great as well ~! Good selection of beverages also ~!
(4)
Patrick G.
This is a great place to go if one is hungry. Service was great and the food was delicious. I however don't recommend the tofu with the fried rice, a bit bland.
(4)
Kelsie B.
Best Chinese in Portland in my opinion! Chow Mein with prawns is delicious!
(5)
Rachel C.
We love this restaurant. They offer a wide variety of favorite Chinese restaurant dishes along with dishes you may not have seen before. The fresh ingredients and perfectly combined spices make their cuisine delicious and memorable. The clean modern urban themed decor and 80's soundtrack along with the attentive service round out a great experience. The prices are very reasonable and the portions are huge. We ordered potstickers, MuShu Pork and Mongolian Beef along with a serving of rice for $30.
(5)
Rick L.
Finally a Chinese restaurant in Portland that offers flavor pulled from fresh ingredients, including house-made noodles (Judy's Noodles, yum!) with perfect texture.
(4)
Amanda H.
Pros: Entrees were good. I had the Sesame Tofu - while not spicy it was flavorful. My husband had the Clay Pot Curry Chicken and he really enjoyed it. Meh: The soup dumplings were kind of underwhelming, I wouldn't order them again. Our lunches came with hot and sour soup which was okay. Cons: Service. Probably the worst service I've ever had in Portland and that says something. We sat down, and a waiter dropped off the soup, no one said what it was or why we were getting it. Then we couldn't get anyone to actually take our order. We weren't alone in this problem, another table was seated and they actually had to get up and ask someone if they could get help. It was a hot day and we finished our water and when we finally flagged someone down to ask for a refill they never brought it. There were three guys working and only the food runner seemed to have any idea what was going on. Overall, if I went back, which is iffy since the prices were kind of high for what you got, I'd definitely get take-out.
(2)
Evan A.
Popped into Kun POW! last night to give it a shot. We were feeling pretty good about the place based up on the reviews we'd read. Overall, we were somewhat disappointed, though it wasn't bad by any means. To begin with, the restaurant side is entirely way too brightly lit. With the mis-matched tables, the open space, general clamor and lack of music, as well as the lighting, it comes across with a bit of a cafeteria feel to it. The bar side appeared to have a better ambiance though, though we only walked through on our way out. For food, we ordered the potstickers and, because the reviews were great and I'm always likely to order pork belly when it's on the menu, the pork belly and brussels. The potstickers were good, but not spectacular. To be honest, they were kinda lackluster. My girlfriend wasn't a huge fan of the pork belly, but I think that was more of a texture issue than anything actually wrong. She hasn't had much pork belly in her time, so I don't think she was expecting it to be as fatty as it can be. But she loved the flavor of the brussel sprouts. I, on the other hand, did really enjoy the full dish and felt that the pork belly was spot on! My only feedback is that we'd ordered brown rice with the meal and so had to ask for silver ware, as it wasn't sticky and couldn't be eaten with chopsticks. But that's not really a complaint at all and could also just be our mediocre chopstick skills. I will say that I'm certain that everything we tasted was fresh. So definitely a nod to the restaurant for ensuring that! But I don't know that we'll be rushing back any time soon with so many great options in town.
(3)
Amanda J.
The wontons in Sichuan chili oil were so good! Very impressed with everything. We sat in the bar and had excellent service, which is a rarity.
(5)
Paul M.
You know you had a good meal when all you can think about is the next time you get to come back!
(5)
sm r.
Salt and oil. That's what substituted for flavour in my chow mein. I went through three glasses of water trying to choke down all that salt. Also, the spring rolls were difficult to eat as the cabbage was basically raw. It would have been forgivable if the dishes had some sort of flavour to them. After all the hype, I was seriously disappointed in my meal. Maybe the restaurant won't be successful and something better will move in. Because until then, I won't be stepping foot inside again.
(1)
Brad W.
Have been very excited to try this new NW spot since the remodel began -- what with the long-time cursed location and all. First we ordered cocktails based on our birth year; my friend is the year of the dog and I am the year of the cock. We each ordered accordingly. In a city filled with amazing cocktails, sadly, these both fell short. Next we ordered chicken siu mai and the lamb bin bao. The siu mai was interesting enough, but left me feeling like it was not worth the pre-determined 15 minute wait. The lamb was good, the spicy condiment that comes with it was really great with loads of flavor and kick. Unfortunately, the Chinese pancakes were less than memorable. As a main, we wanted to try the house made Judy's Noodles. A ton of garlic and spicy jalapeño with spinach, scallions and mushrooms. I was disappointed with how lackluster the noodles were. I guess I was expecting to be wowed. The remodel looks really nice (although it did remind me a lot of PF Chang's) and I sure do hope they are able to figure some of this out in a very food-competitive city where very few settle for anything less than. And finally, as an ancient Chinese proverb patiently reminds us, "Enjoy yourself. It's later than you think."
(3)
James T.
Best pick up Chinese food I've ever had. I really liked pork belly fried rice and kung pow chicken which was loaded with veggies.
(5)
Seth M.
I was expecting spicy hot, but wow... The Kung Pow Chicken was nothing I had experienced before. Amazing! So we're the drinks, especially the spicy vodka mixed drink. Can't wait to visit again.
(5)
Eunice R.
Lamb bao bing was delicious and the garlic chili fish balls were very tasty too. Didn't care too much for the chicken Sui Mai but it was still ok. The mushu pancakes are more like flour tortillas.
Spicy with a kick, that's for sure. What a refreshing restaurant that serves authentic Chinese food with a 21st century spin. The pork belly and brussel sprouts were a hit in my opinion,with the fat literally melting in the mouth. Everything is fair game as delicious--plus service is wonderful and customers get free hot and sour soup during lunch hours!
(5)
Bobbi M.
The food is good and reasonably priced and the decor is very tasteful but the service lacks, unfortunately. When I arrived there was one poor guy seating, serving and busing. When my server did arrive she was unfamiliar with the vegan entrees.
(3)
J P.
The food is soooooooo tasty. FINALLY GOOD CHINESE IN PORTLAND. Also, the service is pretty good and speedy without being dismissive.
(5)
Aaron R.
This place is decent. Kinda surprised about all the great reviews. I did enjoy the hot and sour soup, but the rice was oh so dry and our sweet and sour chicken was a little flavorless. The prices are a little high, but the portions are generous. I'm quite sure everyone is overly psyched about having a Chinese spot here in NW Alphabet. I live right next door and the Kung Pow fumes often find their way into my apartment. I love the smell of garlic in my home...thanks guys!
Great new restaurant with authentic food from China. Lots of variety and a chill atmosphere. If you like food, you'll like this place. Love the owner Henry. Tell him that Pretty Ricky sent you.
(5)
Carolyn C.
Really glad this place opened up in such a convenient location with late hours (open until 12am Thurs-Sat). It's hard to judge the food too quickly because the dishes are so different from one another. After having Judy's Noodles, Gwar Wei Noodles, and the Red Curry Soy Curls Noodles on separate occasions, I'm a little disappointed that the noodles are consistently too soft. It would be great if they could be made firmer. The Chow Mein noodles, however, have perfect al dente texture! Aside from the noodle softness, each dish has distinct, unique flavors that are all worth trying. The chicken dumplings are delicious, and the Lamb Bao Bing is alright. Going to keep trying dishes and update accordingly. I really recommend trying the Soy Curls, they have a savory taste and pleasant texture that's meat-like. Someone else touched on this - the main area of the restaurant has a weird cafeteria feel to it, whereas the bar has better (lower) lighting and a comfortable ambiance. The bar side is better for dates or smaller gatherings, the main area of the restaurant better suits large groups, and could likely accommodate very large ones at that.
(4)
Eee D.
Quick and friendly service and very tasty food! Can't wait to go and try Shandong as well :)
(5)
Liz B.
Since Kung Pow! opened we've been wanting to try it. We finally got take out from here and it was delicious! The Brussel sprouts were DELICIOUS! The food is really tasty, but the spicy food is really spicy! It's a great addition to the NW neighborhood!
(5)
T N.
This place is great and I'm very happy that it's shown up in the neighborhood. Tried the hot and sour soup and one of the clay pots - fantastic. Looking forward to exploring more of the menu.
(5)
Matthew W.
This place is rad! Cool atmosphere and great service. And get this.... The food was outstanding! I had Kung Pow Tofu and I basically inhaled every last bite. I'm full and going home for a nap. Welcome to the hood KP. We will be back. " if there are wontons or monte cristo or cubano on the menu..... I order it".
(5)
SHIVA N.
Went there last week and I'm already craving the food! Service was fantastic even though they had just opened, Everything was running very smoothly, I had the best green beans I've ever had (I added pork) and the Judy noodles, We also tried the potstickers with a yummy sauce and they were fabulous. The noodles and potstickers skins were all homemade, I saw people seating next to me having the Brussels sprouts and that's the first thing I'll be ordering next time. I say they're a great addition to the neighborhood. I'll be back soon!!
(5)
Scott M.
Kung POW! was pretty good chinese food. We went a few days after their grand opening and the restaurant was half full. We ordered potstickers, sweet and sour chicken and kung pow beef, along with two sides of white rice. The potstickers were very good and were some of the biggest that I've ever had/seen - 6 for 8 bucks, they were a good value. The kung pow beef was also very good, and while it was spicy, it wasn't unbearably spicy. Then comes the sweet and sour chicken...I regretted ordering this because of how unappetizing it looked and tasted. It was on par with what you would expect from a panda express, which, in my opinion, is very low. I couldn't get over how pink it looked, and it's not like I expected the food to be all that healthy anyways, but this just looked so unappetizing and unasthetic. The chicken also tasted of low quality and was overall not a fun time. I give three stars to kung pow for the delicious potstickers and the kung pow beef, and if I'm craving chinese food again I will probably return here. There aren't many chinese food places around NW portland, except for that run down shack looking place near 21st/lovejoy that has graffiti on their outside walls, so I will definitely come back to kung pow. Try it out, but stay AWAY from the sweet and sour chicken, unless you want something INSANELY pink staring at you while you try and enjoy your meal.
(3)
Tami K.
Finally, some truly great Chinese food in NW! Try the fish balls or potstickers as a starter (they are almost a meal in themselves). The chow mein is top notch. The Kung Pow Beef is extremely well seasoned and tender. Judy's Noodles are spicy, garlicky goodness. My favorite so far has been the Red Curry Prawn Noodles. Perfectly textured house-made noodles with a spicy-sweet sauce.
(5)
S H.
The star is for ambiance and friendly service people. We ordered off the lunch menu at noon. The bill was $4 higher than the dish on the menu. When I pointed it out, the waiter said, "We gave you the dinner portion and charged for that," and turned away--no apology, no correction. I had not asked for that. This was a ruse in restaurants when we lived in China, ironic here, as none of the waitstaff or owner we met were Chinese. Sadly, neither was the food.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes 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.
Brent E.
Fair-to-good food, aggressive ambience.
(3)Michele H.
4 stars because they have a unique menu, handmade noodles and wontons, and the staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. What I ordered: Handmade wontons with spiced pork and chili sauce - delicious, but a little on the too salty side. The chili sauce is delicious and not too spicy but very flavorful. Judy's noodles with chicken - handmade noodles are delicious but this dish is extremely garlicky and a little too salty and oily for me..the chicken is a little on the slimy/rubbery side but my cat loved it lol I would order this without meat and extra veggies next time Love the noodles though. Judge
(4)Sarah V.
I am very pleased to say that I gave Kung Pow's lunch another chance and had a very nice meal. The service was fast, attentive and very friendly, and my honey dry-fried chicken was crisp and tasty. After my uncomfortable first experience and subsequent review, I was contacted immediately by the manager and told the staff would have a talk about wait times. Thank you for the quick response and the second positive experience!
(4)Josh P.
Can't stop eating the sesame tofu. Best tofu I've ever had. It beckons me. I dream about it. Seriously good stuff.
(5)Lisa S.
We've been 3 times now since they opened. The first time was during their opening week & the food was absolutely fantastic! We thought we knew what we wanted to order since we had been to Shandong a few times, but the owner came out & chatted with us, giving us his recommendations. We ended up ordering the House-made Wontons in Sichuan Chili Oil, the Spicy Curry Sauce Fried Fish Balls, the Sizzling Rice Soup, & the Zhen Bang Chicken. Everything was really good, but the stand-outs were the fish balls (these may sound weird & unappealing, but they are really delicious & the flavor is outstanding & not really fishy-tasting at all) & the Zhen Bang Chicken. Just thinking about that chicken as I'm typing this review makes my mouth water. Everything was nicely spiced although maybe too spicy for most, but I like it hot so it was perfect for me. The second time we went was maybe a week later. I could not get that chicken out of my head so we ordered that, the Sizzling Rice Soup again, & the Pork Belly & Brussels Sprouts. The soup that is supposed to have a very thin broth was thick & almost gloopy with way too much rice. I'm not sure if they mistakenly added cornstarch or if they made the broth with bones, but it was not how it was supposed to be. The chicken tasted like someone had accidentally dumped a ton of Chinese 5-spice into it because the flavor was overwhelming & the texture was gritty. I'm not sure what happened there, but I really hope it was a one-time fluke. The Pork Belly & Brussels Sprouts was really tasty although pretty salty. I'm sure it's just growing pains since there was such a stark contrast so I'm willing to keep trying. The third time we went with the Pan Pacific Wontons, the Honey Dry-Fried Sauce Chicken Wings, & the Gan Shao Chili Sauce Fried Fish Balls. The wontons were undercooked where the wonton was folded, but I'm pretty sure that happened to us when we ordered them at Shandong. The wings were tasty, & the fish balls were on point again. I prefer the Spicy Curry sauce though. I really hope they iron out the kinks because the potential to be great is there. Happy to have this tasty addition to the neighborhood!
(4)Vi B.
Huh. Not sure why all the mediocre reviews. KP is super cool spot, and I'm glad they came to 21st to add more Asian food options (and an inexpensive and trendy one at that). I am a huge fan of Shandong, but am not tryin' to drive across the river every time I need that Chinese fix. I ordered a lot when I came here: *Potstickers *Honey Dry Chicken Wings *Wonton Soup *Kung Pow Chicken *Shandong Beef Service was good, and like Shandong, the portions were huge and hit the spot. I guess my expectations were on point with what was delivered. And for that, they get 4 solid stars--color me a fan.
(4)Hungrylone W.
Service was great, the staff was so friendly and helpful. I wish the food was as good at the people and atmosphere. It seemed expensive for very average tasting Chinese. The music and decor was nice for lunch and the crab wontons were quite good though.
(3)Cola V.
I thought it was great all around. Definitely unique dishes...and a lot to choose from. Loving the ambiance and style, funky and fun. Food felt fresh and light, and I was glad it wasn't all deep-fried and heavy. We had the Kung Pow and Orange Chicken. Great date night spot or for big groups.
(4)An D.
In a word, disappointing. We've eaten here twice, hoping we just chose the wrong dishes the first time around. And a heads up: they charge for each cup of rice. $1 for white, $2 for brown. WTF? You charge $1 for 3 cents worth of rice? Visit one: Dumplings in chili oil: the chili oil provided a pleasant kick but the dumplings were unremarkable. Pork belly brussels sprouts: nice flavor (anise?) and well-cooked pork belly, but the brussels were terribly undercooked. Chicken noodle soup: salty and satisfying for the SO recovering from a cold, but otherwise flavorless. A good portion, though. Zhen bang chicken: decent flavor but no spice. I know Portland keeps the spice on the extra-mild side, but I was hoping for some kick. The chicken had a weird gummy texture. No veggies in this dish. Visit two: This time around I made sure to explicitly ask for everything spicy. Much disappoint. Lamb bao bing: decent flavor, but every other chew you'd get this texture like eating sand. Ma po tofu with pork belly: I love ma po. LOVE it! This is emphatically NOT ma po tofu. To start, the wrong kind of tofu (firm rather than soft), which gives the dish an unsatisfying texture. Second, zero spice or flavor. None. It's like the sauce is a hearty helping of vegetable oil mixed with some red food coloring and a pinch of chili flakes for presentation. The pork belly was also a let down...soggy and mushy and no flavor. The chunks were also way too big. Chop that stuff up! Kung pao chicken: Decent flavor profile, kind of smoky, exceptionally mild spice level. Very fatty, gummy meat. For a restaurant that invokes a kicker of a pun of its name, this dish sure was a let down. Seriously, though. Why is the Asian food within Portland so boring and poorly done? I suppose it has to do with its designation as "whitest city in America."
(2)cindy m.
SOOOOO good but I suspect they use SOOOOO much MSG. Like, muscle-twitch amounts.
(4)Cheryl R.
If you're trying to knock off Mission Chinese Food in SF with hip Sichuan-ish food perhaps do a better job ripping them off. Make your own tofu. Use day old rice for your fried rice, so it's not just steamed rice drenched in oil. Make sure your meat is cooked. Watch some YouTube how to videos. Get some new cooking staff. Or train the ones you have. Have a smaller menu. I don't know...in the words of Nike, Just do it. Just do something or you'll join the long list of restaurants occupying that space that have since shut their doors. This town needs good Sichuan. I'll be back in 6 months to see if things improve! I hope so!!!!!
(1)Darryl S.
Great service. Really bad food. Slimy wings (oil not hot enough). Undercooked fried rice and pork (mostly just stands of slimy pork fat). Store bought tofu. Our soup dumplings were frozen inside. Place needs work. Nothing from the spicy section was actually spicy, lacking flavor. Honestly wish we had eaten at Panda Express. Our server was great however.
(2)Scott H.
Update review : The service sucks so bad here. Food is good. Tried and wouldn't order again: Kung Pow Beef - not good Judy's Noodles - boring, texture was off Mu Shu - boring Lamb Bao Bing - strange grittiness to the dish. Felt like there was sand in it.
(1)Kate S.
Chinese food in Portland hasn't rocked my world and when Kung POW's menu detailed how it was a modern approach to Chinese food, I was worried we would be having something like Boke Bowl again. Fortunately, the dishes were nowhere near as disastrous and while they were satisfying, I'm not sure if I'd be back. Especially since this new modern take only offers fortune cookies for dessert, the same kind you'd get with any take out, and my fortune was printed lop-sided. Why not an original recipe for it if you're sticking with American style? My favorite part of Kung POW was a cocktail menu with drinks based on each sign of the zodiac. As a superstitious astrology loon, I sought out the rabbit and was pleasantly surprised by the Oolong tea infused vodka that tasted like an Arnold Palmer. (I suppose that would make it a John Daly?) Service was terrific and when we ran into a snag with an order, our waitress waved the charge. While the restaurant claims to be vegan friendly, let the stomach beware. My boyfriend was feeling adventurous from his usual hot dogs and decided to try the tofu fried rice. The tofu was bland, over fried on all sides and wobbly in the middle, with peas and carrots, the most basic of vegetables, added to the dish. I enjoyed my pork belly and Brussel sprouts dish, but the sprouts were a little soggy from too much sauce and the flavors were a touch overpowering. I'm going to fry up my left overs and see if cooking them crispier would be an improvement. If there's one thing Portland does well, it's authentic international cuisine. If there's one area where Portland goes completely clown shoes, it's taking a "modern"/"American"/"Portland" style take on international cuisine. Portland, stop trying to white it up and leave it to the professionals. Peas and carrots. Honestly.
(3)Parker T.
I visited Kung POW several weeks back with my (visiting) parents because I was aware they had vegan options & we were hoping to find something Portland is sorely lacking: flavorful Chinese food (regardless of diet). The service was friendly but very sporadic. They also mistakenly sent over fried rice with egg included after promising it would be vegan-friendly. I ordered the stir-fried Brussels sprouts dish instead of getting into the vegan-friendliness of their tofu dish sauces--it wasn't very abundant in terms of portion & tasted of absolutely nothing except garlic & charred vegetable. It was also close to $10 without rice or much of anything else included. While my parents enjoyed their non-vegan meals, I have to say I won't be returning to Kung POW.
(1)David T.
Okay, so we are currently eating the leftovers from this place, cold out of the box. The food is still great, even as leftovers. The clay pot Ma Po Tofu was amazing, soft tofu and a spicy, boiling hot sauce. The chicken chow mien was good too, with some soy sauce on for flavor. Why the two stars then?? The service was just poor. Between the time we arrived and the time our food was ready, four other tables were seated, ordered and served. One table -- which arrived ten minutes after we did -- even ordered the same soup as us and got it sooner. We got an apology (and an offer for some cocktails on the house, but neither of us felt like drinking) but our waitress didn't really check in on us after that. As we were eating, we overheard her apologize to several other tables for the slow service or order mix-ups. We were really excited to try this place, but walked away a little disappointed. In short, the food tasted wonderful, but it seems like they have some kinks in the kitchen to work out.
(2)Andrew A.
Our table of 10 tried an olio of dishes. Two of the meat ones were meh and over salted, and the honey chicken was tough. A small sizzling hot pot dish was not up to par, while the Hot and Sour soup was better than average. The winner of the evening: scrumptious Pork Belly and Brussels Sprouts. Runner-up was the popular Shao Loong Bao. They offer a creative cocktail menu, the "rabbit" for $8 was a excellent. Service was prompt and attentive. Parking is what it is in this section of town. The consensus among our large party was "may or may not be back." I'm a huge fan of Shendong and much prefer their noodle-heavy menu.
(3)Adriana G.
Great spot! The pork belly brussels sprouts was the standout dish for us...Decadent veggies. Enough spice to give it a nice kick, but not enough to burn your mouth where you can't taste any favors. Pricing was spot-on for $11. The honey dry fried chicken was pretty good also. My boyfriend loved it - and I liked it overall (Fried chicken isn't my fav). We could tell it was good quality chicken and ingredients, which I really appreciate. The noodles looked amazing - that's definitely on the list for next time!
(4)J B.
Seriously good food. The Brussels sprouts are a meal unto themselves. Judy's Noodles ... a celebration of flavors!
(5)Crystal H.
Kung pow was very good I had the spicy noodles with mushrooms and a mix of garlic with some hot spice very delicious. They make their own hand flung noodles ...very unique must try
(4)Angie S.
The hubby and I were strolling thought the neighborhood debating where to dine, when we happened up Kung Pow. It was their soft opening, so we tried several dishes. We have been to the location when it was a previous restaurant. The new decor is terrific. Bright and open. There is a full wall mural that was painted by a local artist. The colors and artistry are brilliant. The atmosphere was welcoming and comfortable. The servers and service was very good. For a second night soft opening, it was very smooth. The timing of appetizers, main dishes and beverage refills was spot on. Our server, Ashley, was attentive but not overbearing. She was always there when we needed her! She had a great friendly personality. The chef and owner, Henry Liu, popped out a few times as well and chatted with us. Everyone was attentive and happy to help us! The food. What we really care about here on Yelp! Well, it is fantastic. We started with the pork dumplings and the Lamb Bao Bing. We are huge pork dumpling fans, so we can be picky. These were large and perfect. The meat was well flavored with a brilliant texture. The dough had the perfect chew and was pan fried on the bottom to a nice crispy texture. The Lamb Bao Bing must be had by all! It is served with thin pancakes, green onion, and a pepper salsa. Our server described it as an Asian fajita. It was far better than any fajita I've eaten! The lamb was cooked perfectly. There was enough chile to give it punch, but not so much that I was drinking water straight out of the carafe. This is definitely going to be a go to appetizer for us! As if the starters were not enough, we went on to enjoy the Pork Belly and Brussels sprout main dish. Wow! First of all, pork belly is just the best thing ever. But then pair it with a blanched and flash fried Brussels sprout with a wonderful garlic and ginger sauce, you've defined nirvana. The second main dish was Judy's Noodles ( I think, it was definitely a woman's name that started with a J). Wow again! The noodles are handmade in the back. You get a fun pair of scissors so you can cut them to your preferred length. I happen to love interactive food! We added chicken, which was tender and the perfect size to fit in your mouth with a bunch of noodles! Because you can't take a small bite of this meal. It begs to be eaten by the mouthful! They also have a fun trio of sauces on the table. A standard soy sauce, white vinegar, and a chile infused oil. Ashley suggested we try the 1,2,3 method of mixing. One shake of vinegar, 2 shakes of oil, and three shakes of soy sauce. It was fantastic with the pork dumplings! I had to force myself to stop eating before my eyes popped out of my head. I was glad I wore a dress with an elastic waist! We ended up with leftovers as the portions were a good size. I can't wait for lunch tomorrow! We loved the wine list which had the local Teutonic wines. I would suggest the Riesling for these dishes. It is not overly sweet. It is a good balance with the spicy kick of the food. If you prefer something other than wine, they also have Reverend Nat's Revival, which you can never go wrong with ever. They had a very fun cocktail menu that will definitely be going back to sample! Overall, a terrific experience. We were very impressed with the soft opening. To be frank, there is little that Kung Pow needs to improve on! The service, food, and atmosphere are excellent!
(5)Angela K.
BEST crab Rangoon I've ever had! They call it Pan Pacific Wontons...maybe because there is plenty of fresh snow crab inside! My daughter got her usual Sweet and Sour Chicken and loves it. I was a little more adventurous and ordered the Zehn Bang Chicken. Deliciously spicy with just the right amount of garlic! Sticky rice was good too ;) Waitress was very patient with us and answered all our questions. Definitely recommend!!
(5)Val C.
Finally!!! Tasty Chinese food In NW! This part of 21st has been in desperate need of good food! Kung Pow's potstickers are flavorful and they don't skimp on the meat. Judy's noodles are very tasty (if you really want spicy ask for extra spicy). Kung Pow! chicken rivals some that I've had in SF, LA & NY! Happy hour 3-5 daily! (My go to's: The Every Dog is tasty as is the Snake in the Grass). Service staff & bartenders are very friendly & attentive. Must try!
(5)Bm F.
Wow, I really wanted to like this place. I love their other restaurant Shandong. I've only ever had 1 bad chow mein there. Thats what I eat when we can hit up Shandong. Yesterday we ordered a ton of food. 2 apps. were not edible due to the salt, the fried tofu and the dumplings (not the potstickers). They both got tossed. Got the chowmein with shrimp and it had little weiner shrimp in it and was a little dry. Thats what I get at shandong and its had fat shrimp and is usually moist. So 2 crazy salty dishes and a bunch of stuff that we had to doctor up. Chowmein, mongolian beef (very sticky saucy), N fried rice. Very bland. Its like the salt of everything was in 2 dishes. The honey chicken was pretty good though. We spent a good amount of loot and went out of our way to try it. 4 apps. and 5 entrees. So I would have expected a bit more. Hopefully its due to being new and they pay attention to the reviews. I was quite excited and very let down on so many dishes. Oh one last critique, the spring rolls tasted pretty good but the cabbage was the length of the rolls and I'm not sure if it was tough or what but they were a mess to eat due to not being able to bite through without ripping the inside out with your bite. I have to add one more thing that isnt negative. My wife picked up the food and said everyone was extremely nice. Great make me feel bad after writing this.
(2)Robin P.
I hadn't been to Shandong yet and saw this open and tried it tonight. The food was awesome. The potstickers were delicious, kinda of big which made them hard to eat but delicious. The soup dumplings were the perfect size, delicate and wonderful. The pork belly with fried brussels was delicious, lots of star anise flavors. We also had the Honey fried beef which happily was not too sweet, nice light batter and nice vinegar notes in the sauce to counter the sweetness. Service was great, timing was perfect, will be back!
(5)Curt S.
As a longtime patron of Shandong, we were very excited to try out the new spot. Did not disappoint! Food was on point, room is airy and hip and the very high-ceilings do a great job of sucking up the ambient noise. Prices are reasonable and staff was very attentive (almost too so). I strongly suspect the brussel sprouts and pork belly will be on my regular rotation any time I'm in NW. An absolute winner.
(5)David I.
Nice new spot in NW 21 area. In the land of no good Chinese food we are given a trendy Americanized version to sample. On the recommendation of Willamette Week I tried some fish balls (spicy curry). These were delicious. Just a touch of curry and a little bite. Exterior was a touch crunchy which added great texture. Huge serving for $8. Another bargain is the lunch portion entree also around $8. I went with the recommended zhen bang chicken. I can't decide whether I like it or not. The flavors were good but seemed to need more heat. Also it was extremely salty although thankfully not greasy. I would have to say this wasn't well executed. All patrons are given veg hot and sour soup which was a good start. I'd go back for the fish balls!
(3)johnny s.
Hip new Chinese spot on NW 21st, bound to stick around for a while. Everything we ordered was full of extreme flavor and served in a healthy portion size. Had the Hot n Sour Soup, Honey Fried Chicken, Judy's Noddles...everything was delicious. And while we were full after we finished it wasn't that normal "put me to bed, I'm full".... It was more of a "wow, what just happened to my taste buds" type of full. The restaurant itself looks clean and new. Server wasn't over the top most friendly but we went for the food, not the white table cloth service, so we didn't mind. Xie Xie Kung Pow!
(4)Sarah K.
Great Sichuan-style Chinese food, and totally non greasy. Lam bao bing and soup dumplings were favorites, but we also really enjoyed the tofu dishes. Best Chinese restaurant in NW area.
(4)Ryan M.
Moving her from New York City where there are Chinese restaurants on every other block I found that there is a definite lack of Chinese restaurants in the Pearl and Northwest district. My parents loved Chinese food (maybe it's because we're Irish) so I grew up eating a lot of it. Kung POW is right up there with the best I've had. It's a really nice space; open and modern. At first I was surprised by the price of the soup (I always order Hot and Sour Soup) but then I learned it was a large "family style" bowl. My wife and I got 2.5 bowl's each out of it. They also put a nice spin on a traditional soup, adding chicken and shrimp, it was very tasty (especially after adding some of their house made chili oil). Our server told us that our soup with one entree would be enough for us (love the honesty!) so we ordered the Zhen Bang Chicken. As Montgomery Burns would say, "excellent." Large pieces of diced (not fried) chicken with garlic, red chilis and other seasonings. Hot and spicy but not an overpowering heat, more of a slow, subtle heat. We walked out of there quite satisfied and full and looking forward to our next visit. Full bar as well.
(4)Ken T.
Potstickers were average, honey fried dried beef was good, sesame beef was delicious. Portions are good. Service was very good.
(4)Ken Z.
Fresh fresh. Great parings such as the brussel sprouts,,, oh my the fish balls in red sauce, don't miss Awesome attention to detail by all the staff Thank you
(5)Andrea B.
My Kung POW was almost inedible. Way way too spicy and the dish had a hair in it. The service was a bit slow, considering I was the only one in the restaurant. I'll try it again but ask them to dial back the heat.
(2)Kim I.
Ahhhh I love this place!!! I am so stoked this place opened up. There isn't an abundance of delicious Asian food in the Pearl and Alphabet District so now that this place opened up, I'll be here all the time. I wasn't sure what to expect when I walked in, but the decor was super cool and the staff all super friendly. It was inviting and such a nice change from what it was before. I was there I think maybe second day of opening...and usually restaurants are still working stuff out, but here they seemed to have it all together. Henry, the owner took pride in hospitality and a great atmosphere, you can just tell. He walked around greeting everyone and making sure everyone's food and drinks were good. He gave us recommendations and even showed us how to wrap specific dishes the authentic way. I'm so sick of going to restaurants where the staff thinks they're better than everyone, and that we are the lucky ones to step into their restaurant and that we should kiss the ground they walk on...That attitude is beyond me. You will find none of that horse crap here. Everyone was so so so friendly and warm and I felt so welcome and at home here. I'm not going to pretend I'm an expert in knowing what authentic Chinese food is...but I know that this place took my taste buds for a happy ride and I know this wasn't your average run of the mill Americanized food that is all over the place! The food was sooo impressive and delicious, flavorful and packed a punch, or better yet a POW! We had lamb bao bing because the owner recommended it and it did not disappoint. The dumplings were divine. The Judys Noodles were different and full of flavors. I cannot wait to go back and try everything on their menu. I hope this place does amazing and I only wish them the very best. I'll be recommending this place to all my friends and family. Thanks guys for being a breath of new and fresh air in a city full of pretentious assholes who make me feel like I'm not good enough to eat at their establishments. :)
(5)Beck C.
Their appetizers are delicious! If you dont like spicy food (like me!), make sure to tell your server that you want your food on the "mild" side, otherwise most food, if not all, are spicy! :) Must try: Spicy curry sauce fried fish balls Chicken wings Dumplings Pork Shumai
(4)Robert G.
The xlb was right on. Judy noodles, good portion. Well priced; definitely return here
(4)Jessica N.
SO. SO. Excited about this place!!! Haven't found any good Chinese since I moved to Portland and this is a perfect modern take on Chinese food while invoking those traditional flavors. Must Try: Shandong Beef - holy shit so tasty and tender. Pork Belly Fried Rice - as close to my Dad's fried rice as I've ever had at a restaurant. This is legit! But ask them for a bowl to eat it otherwise you'll waste time chasing rice around a plate. Lamb Bing Bao - Super tasty, be ready for the spice!! Good but not Awesome: Judy's Noodles - these were overcooked. For handmade they need to be more al dente Brussel Sprouts and Pork Belly - For two delicious ingredients this should've been way more flavorful! Agree with other reviews it needed to be crispier, finished on higher heat Service was fine - definitely coudl step up their game here. But overall I'll be back for the flavors!! Plus it was very affordable and you get good portions!
(4)Joni W.
Great food! The vibes aren't too good though. Service is mediocre, design is OK. Needs more ambiance!
(4)Brian M.
Had dinner here. Food was well prepared and service was good. The potstickers were well done. The Ma Po tofu could have been spicier. The vegetables were good, I don't know that I'd make a specific trip to eat here, but if I'm in the area I can definitely see eating here.
(3)Laura M.
We really enjoyed our dinner tonight. Tofu dishes were terrific as are the vegetables. Sizzling rice soup is delicious. We'll definitely be going back and grabbed a takeout menu to have on hand.
(4)Jessica G.
Visited last night. The service was really good and our server was very knowledgeable. Have been looking for a nice Chinese place in PDX and have yet to find one. I was really impressed with the Kung Pow Chicken dish. While it was deep fried there was a nice ratio of breading to chicken and it wasnt over done. Really liked the Hot and Sour Soup as well. The only reason Im not saying 5 stars is I do agree with some other reviews that it was a little too salty and a little on the oily side. The Brussel Sprouts, while very flavorful where very soaked in oil. Still happy to come back!
(4)Horace H.
Great location and setting ... service is good and the food quality and selection is great as well ~! Good selection of beverages also ~!
(4)Patrick G.
This is a great place to go if one is hungry. Service was great and the food was delicious. I however don't recommend the tofu with the fried rice, a bit bland.
(4)Kelsie B.
Best Chinese in Portland in my opinion! Chow Mein with prawns is delicious!
(5)Rachel C.
We love this restaurant. They offer a wide variety of favorite Chinese restaurant dishes along with dishes you may not have seen before. The fresh ingredients and perfectly combined spices make their cuisine delicious and memorable. The clean modern urban themed decor and 80's soundtrack along with the attentive service round out a great experience. The prices are very reasonable and the portions are huge. We ordered potstickers, MuShu Pork and Mongolian Beef along with a serving of rice for $30.
(5)Rick L.
Finally a Chinese restaurant in Portland that offers flavor pulled from fresh ingredients, including house-made noodles (Judy's Noodles, yum!) with perfect texture.
(4)Amanda H.
Pros: Entrees were good. I had the Sesame Tofu - while not spicy it was flavorful. My husband had the Clay Pot Curry Chicken and he really enjoyed it. Meh: The soup dumplings were kind of underwhelming, I wouldn't order them again. Our lunches came with hot and sour soup which was okay. Cons: Service. Probably the worst service I've ever had in Portland and that says something. We sat down, and a waiter dropped off the soup, no one said what it was or why we were getting it. Then we couldn't get anyone to actually take our order. We weren't alone in this problem, another table was seated and they actually had to get up and ask someone if they could get help. It was a hot day and we finished our water and when we finally flagged someone down to ask for a refill they never brought it. There were three guys working and only the food runner seemed to have any idea what was going on. Overall, if I went back, which is iffy since the prices were kind of high for what you got, I'd definitely get take-out.
(2)Evan A.
Popped into Kun POW! last night to give it a shot. We were feeling pretty good about the place based up on the reviews we'd read. Overall, we were somewhat disappointed, though it wasn't bad by any means. To begin with, the restaurant side is entirely way too brightly lit. With the mis-matched tables, the open space, general clamor and lack of music, as well as the lighting, it comes across with a bit of a cafeteria feel to it. The bar side appeared to have a better ambiance though, though we only walked through on our way out. For food, we ordered the potstickers and, because the reviews were great and I'm always likely to order pork belly when it's on the menu, the pork belly and brussels. The potstickers were good, but not spectacular. To be honest, they were kinda lackluster. My girlfriend wasn't a huge fan of the pork belly, but I think that was more of a texture issue than anything actually wrong. She hasn't had much pork belly in her time, so I don't think she was expecting it to be as fatty as it can be. But she loved the flavor of the brussel sprouts. I, on the other hand, did really enjoy the full dish and felt that the pork belly was spot on! My only feedback is that we'd ordered brown rice with the meal and so had to ask for silver ware, as it wasn't sticky and couldn't be eaten with chopsticks. But that's not really a complaint at all and could also just be our mediocre chopstick skills. I will say that I'm certain that everything we tasted was fresh. So definitely a nod to the restaurant for ensuring that! But I don't know that we'll be rushing back any time soon with so many great options in town.
(3)Amanda J.
The wontons in Sichuan chili oil were so good! Very impressed with everything. We sat in the bar and had excellent service, which is a rarity.
(5)Paul M.
You know you had a good meal when all you can think about is the next time you get to come back!
(5)sm r.
Salt and oil. That's what substituted for flavour in my chow mein. I went through three glasses of water trying to choke down all that salt. Also, the spring rolls were difficult to eat as the cabbage was basically raw. It would have been forgivable if the dishes had some sort of flavour to them. After all the hype, I was seriously disappointed in my meal. Maybe the restaurant won't be successful and something better will move in. Because until then, I won't be stepping foot inside again.
(1)Brad W.
Have been very excited to try this new NW spot since the remodel began -- what with the long-time cursed location and all. First we ordered cocktails based on our birth year; my friend is the year of the dog and I am the year of the cock. We each ordered accordingly. In a city filled with amazing cocktails, sadly, these both fell short. Next we ordered chicken siu mai and the lamb bin bao. The siu mai was interesting enough, but left me feeling like it was not worth the pre-determined 15 minute wait. The lamb was good, the spicy condiment that comes with it was really great with loads of flavor and kick. Unfortunately, the Chinese pancakes were less than memorable. As a main, we wanted to try the house made Judy's Noodles. A ton of garlic and spicy jalapeño with spinach, scallions and mushrooms. I was disappointed with how lackluster the noodles were. I guess I was expecting to be wowed. The remodel looks really nice (although it did remind me a lot of PF Chang's) and I sure do hope they are able to figure some of this out in a very food-competitive city where very few settle for anything less than. And finally, as an ancient Chinese proverb patiently reminds us, "Enjoy yourself. It's later than you think."
(3)James T.
Best pick up Chinese food I've ever had. I really liked pork belly fried rice and kung pow chicken which was loaded with veggies.
(5)Seth M.
I was expecting spicy hot, but wow... The Kung Pow Chicken was nothing I had experienced before. Amazing! So we're the drinks, especially the spicy vodka mixed drink. Can't wait to visit again.
(5)Eunice R.
Lamb bao bing was delicious and the garlic chili fish balls were very tasty too. Didn't care too much for the chicken Sui Mai but it was still ok. The mushu pancakes are more like flour tortillas.
(3)marissa w.
My pregnancy cravings have been all about spicy Sichuan food and Kung Pow definitely delivers. The wontons in chili oil and sautéed Brussels sprouts are so freaking delicious. I wish I didn't have to drive across town to get them!
(4)Melody Y.
Spicy with a kick, that's for sure. What a refreshing restaurant that serves authentic Chinese food with a 21st century spin. The pork belly and brussel sprouts were a hit in my opinion,with the fat literally melting in the mouth. Everything is fair game as delicious--plus service is wonderful and customers get free hot and sour soup during lunch hours!
(5)Bobbi M.
The food is good and reasonably priced and the decor is very tasteful but the service lacks, unfortunately. When I arrived there was one poor guy seating, serving and busing. When my server did arrive she was unfamiliar with the vegan entrees.
(3)J P.
The food is soooooooo tasty. FINALLY GOOD CHINESE IN PORTLAND. Also, the service is pretty good and speedy without being dismissive.
(5)Aaron R.
This place is decent. Kinda surprised about all the great reviews. I did enjoy the hot and sour soup, but the rice was oh so dry and our sweet and sour chicken was a little flavorless. The prices are a little high, but the portions are generous. I'm quite sure everyone is overly psyched about having a Chinese spot here in NW Alphabet. I live right next door and the Kung Pow fumes often find their way into my apartment. I love the smell of garlic in my home...thanks guys!
(3)Courtney H.
Mixed feelings on Kung Pow!. I wanted to like it so much...it is close to where I live, smells great every time I walk by and was a beautiful remodel of the former Blue Olive space! My fiancé and I stopped in for an early dinner on a Saturday night. We were promptly greeted and ordered drinks at the bar. I went 'off-menu' and ordered a grapefruit juice and Thai chili infused vodka. My fiancé went with a bourbon drink off of the year of birth Chinese calendar menu. We both enjoyed them. Unfortunately, the food didn't live up to the ambiance, service and drinks. We started with pork potstickers - which were probably my favorite dish of the night. Pan fried to golden perfection, but the wrapper did not adhere to the filling as you would expect. Next were the curry fish balls...they LOOKED amazing, but were liyerally salt/oil bombs in my mouth void of any other flavor. Lastly, we shared Judy's Noodles - which came out (again) completely drenched in oil. So much so afterward we showed out server the puddle of oil left on the plate a quarter inch thick. I ate a few bites and paid for it the next day. I think the flavor could have been good, if had it not been for the drowning in oil that muted the flavors of everything else in the dish. My fiancé wants to give them another shot....with all the amazing places to visit in the city to dine, it will be a while before Kung Pow! makes it back into the rotation.
(3)Ricky H.
Great new restaurant with authentic food from China. Lots of variety and a chill atmosphere. If you like food, you'll like this place. Love the owner Henry. Tell him that Pretty Ricky sent you.
(5)Carolyn C.
Really glad this place opened up in such a convenient location with late hours (open until 12am Thurs-Sat). It's hard to judge the food too quickly because the dishes are so different from one another. After having Judy's Noodles, Gwar Wei Noodles, and the Red Curry Soy Curls Noodles on separate occasions, I'm a little disappointed that the noodles are consistently too soft. It would be great if they could be made firmer. The Chow Mein noodles, however, have perfect al dente texture! Aside from the noodle softness, each dish has distinct, unique flavors that are all worth trying. The chicken dumplings are delicious, and the Lamb Bao Bing is alright. Going to keep trying dishes and update accordingly. I really recommend trying the Soy Curls, they have a savory taste and pleasant texture that's meat-like. Someone else touched on this - the main area of the restaurant has a weird cafeteria feel to it, whereas the bar has better (lower) lighting and a comfortable ambiance. The bar side is better for dates or smaller gatherings, the main area of the restaurant better suits large groups, and could likely accommodate very large ones at that.
(4)Eee D.
Quick and friendly service and very tasty food! Can't wait to go and try Shandong as well :)
(5)Liz B.
Since Kung Pow! opened we've been wanting to try it. We finally got take out from here and it was delicious! The Brussel sprouts were DELICIOUS! The food is really tasty, but the spicy food is really spicy! It's a great addition to the NW neighborhood!
(5)T N.
This place is great and I'm very happy that it's shown up in the neighborhood. Tried the hot and sour soup and one of the clay pots - fantastic. Looking forward to exploring more of the menu.
(5)Matthew W.
This place is rad! Cool atmosphere and great service. And get this.... The food was outstanding! I had Kung Pow Tofu and I basically inhaled every last bite. I'm full and going home for a nap. Welcome to the hood KP. We will be back. " if there are wontons or monte cristo or cubano on the menu..... I order it".
(5)SHIVA N.
Went there last week and I'm already craving the food! Service was fantastic even though they had just opened, Everything was running very smoothly, I had the best green beans I've ever had (I added pork) and the Judy noodles, We also tried the potstickers with a yummy sauce and they were fabulous. The noodles and potstickers skins were all homemade, I saw people seating next to me having the Brussels sprouts and that's the first thing I'll be ordering next time. I say they're a great addition to the neighborhood. I'll be back soon!!
(5)Scott M.
Kung POW! was pretty good chinese food. We went a few days after their grand opening and the restaurant was half full. We ordered potstickers, sweet and sour chicken and kung pow beef, along with two sides of white rice. The potstickers were very good and were some of the biggest that I've ever had/seen - 6 for 8 bucks, they were a good value. The kung pow beef was also very good, and while it was spicy, it wasn't unbearably spicy. Then comes the sweet and sour chicken...I regretted ordering this because of how unappetizing it looked and tasted. It was on par with what you would expect from a panda express, which, in my opinion, is very low. I couldn't get over how pink it looked, and it's not like I expected the food to be all that healthy anyways, but this just looked so unappetizing and unasthetic. The chicken also tasted of low quality and was overall not a fun time. I give three stars to kung pow for the delicious potstickers and the kung pow beef, and if I'm craving chinese food again I will probably return here. There aren't many chinese food places around NW portland, except for that run down shack looking place near 21st/lovejoy that has graffiti on their outside walls, so I will definitely come back to kung pow. Try it out, but stay AWAY from the sweet and sour chicken, unless you want something INSANELY pink staring at you while you try and enjoy your meal.
(3)Tami K.
Finally, some truly great Chinese food in NW! Try the fish balls or potstickers as a starter (they are almost a meal in themselves). The chow mein is top notch. The Kung Pow Beef is extremely well seasoned and tender. Judy's Noodles are spicy, garlicky goodness. My favorite so far has been the Red Curry Prawn Noodles. Perfectly textured house-made noodles with a spicy-sweet sauce.
(5)S H.
The star is for ambiance and friendly service people. We ordered off the lunch menu at noon. The bill was $4 higher than the dish on the menu. When I pointed it out, the waiter said, "We gave you the dinner portion and charged for that," and turned away--no apology, no correction. I had not asked for that. This was a ruse in restaurants when we lived in China, ironic here, as none of the waitstaff or owner we met were Chinese. Sadly, neither was the food.
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