I honestly love their food. They have a wide variety of options to choose from, and I almost always get their shrimp lo mein ($6.50) or one of their combination plates ($5.50-$5.75). Their combination plates come with a large portion of fried rice, 2 potstickers, and a huge portion of main dish (which I can never finish), all for $5.50. I am unashamed to say that my favorite item is their egg drop soup. It comes free during lunch hours, and only $1.50 during dinner hours. I crave it all the time. Unlike other restaurants, they don't dump unnecessary vegetables or chicken noodle soup instead it. Is it sad that I'm drooling thinking about it? The reason I give it 4 stars is because of the shape it's in. It's a VERY run down looking building, mostly because it has had so many businesses go in and out of it. I don't think it has been renovated since it was built in the 60s or 70s. The new staff is friendly. However, the family that runs it is a little iffy. The hostess never smiles, and always has at least 1 kid with her. They hired on a new waiter, who we like very much. Despite the rough looks and the interesting staff, this is a place you don't want to miss!
(4)
Alex S.
how often do i give ones? do you read my reviews? yes... stop reading dont go here. no... i gues i have to write more... why do you think you should go here? its next to university?... oh so proximity is all that matters? well go to macys and spend way too much money on stuiff? oh wait youd never go to macys? then why the hell would you think about going to this place? THE VERDICT: alex this is you worst and shortest review ever... ummmm if by worst you mean i save you time and money... then i agree and shut the hell up. dont go here. and if you do... i hope you never smile again... with your lack of facial muscle. but i love you ho!!! oh ps youre welcome
(1)
Dave B.
Yikes is the first thing you want to say when you walk in. The food is decent and cheap, but not high quality by any means. I usually have a strong stomach but haven't felt well after eating this.
(2)
Kristy R.
Decent Chinese food, the orange chicken and sesame chicken were way more breading than chicken. The lo mein was decent, as was the ham fried rice. The building and dining room are really dated and almost scary when you walk in. Food was ok, I won't rush to come back though. Food came out quickly and it was super hot, so that was really nice!
(2)
Deanna J.
By far the best Chinese meal I've had in the Provo/Orem area. I ordered their delicious chicken and mixed veggies and my husband was definitely pleased with General Tso's chicken. Everything was super quick, and very flavorful. The folks working there are also super friendly and helpful!
(5)
K B.
The food is okay, last time I went the broccoli tasted and smelled old, so I won't be going back. Also lady who usually rings up orders is really rude, never smiles and hardly says thank you. Curb appeal gross.
(1)
Ty R.
Its dirty Chinese. If you like it dirty and cheap, THIS is the place to eat. The service is slow And the outdoor and indoor decor scares away all the yuppies. I liked it and I'll be back
(4)
Kelsey G.
I got introduced to Chen's by a friend, and went back more than twice a week the entire summer until I moved. I've tried so many plates, but I have only ever gotten the combination plate - Huge scoop of rice, 2 pot-stickers, and enough main dish to share. ALL FOR $5.50(or $5.75). The food is truly great. I heard they recently changed the chef, which seems to have changed the quality of the food, but I haven't gone back in a while. Pon-pon chicken - like bbq sweet and sour chicken. My favorite! Honey chicken - a little too sweet for my taste sesame chicken - very similar to honey chicken for me Lemon chicken - a nice sweet citrus, sweeter than orange chicken kung pao - too many vegetables XD That's all that I can remember off the top of my head, but just go and you won't regret it, and get pon pon!
(5)
Craig P.
Went there Tuesday night about 5:15pm. Almost empty, great time to good. First, the food was great - hot, tasty and plentiful. No complaints. But I was not impressed with the curb appeal, it is run down looking. If it had not been the the Yelp reviews we would have gone elsewhere. Inside felt like a gymnasium. It lacked any ambiance. But remember the food was good. The young man that seated us was pleasant enough and dressed for the part. But there was a lady and her child at the first table that was distracting. Why is it that oriental restaurants often have their little children running around? Why don't they take them to a less used area of the restaurant. And this lady delivered our food to us. She was unkempt and short - no people skills. Sad because I really liked the food. We probably will not go back because of the side issues - lady, kid, parking lot and oh yes the bathroom could have used some attention.
(3)
A. R.
I love the Chinese food here. The noodles are to die for and their Hunan chicken is pretty good too. They're pretty fast at making the food and the place is clean. Don't judge it by the way it looks outside. Give it a try! You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Sara P.
If you're looking for cheap Chinese I would exhort you to turn away from the better-known Panda and come here instead. The portions are big and the prices are small. Their takeout service is excellent. I have enjoyed every meal I've had here, and I will definitely continue going back.
(4)
Renee D.
We came across Chen's noodle house from Yelp and were pleasantly surprised! In fact, we have been 4 times since Christmas Eve. The food is fresh and hot when it comes out and the daily deals can't be beat. Our favorite is the orange chicken and the chicken Lo mein. The potstickers are the best I have ever had. Best Chinese in Utah county!
(5)
Kassy H.
DON'T bother! Kung Pao chicken with peas & zucchini? Very few water chestnuts and NO red pepper flavor... Beef with broccoli the ONLY entree worth eating, at least the dish wasn't flooded with English/Italian veggies...+ the broccoli was crisp... Pork Chow Mein...a very FEW bits of 'BBQ' (read leftover) pork & beaux coups veggies again... Definitely NOT calorie worthy, let alone your hard earned bucks.
(1)
Justin R.
You read reviews saying "If you're looking for cheap Chinese Food...." Thats just it.. If you come here that is exactly what you get. "Cheap Food" and I am not talking about the prices. When I came I ordered a Lunch Special (A3 - Sweet & Sour Chicken) which comes with a soup.. The service was awful, when asking what soup I wanted he made them all sound like 1 word and had no idea what the crap he was saying. I asked him to explain them to me, he just ended up ordering me the 1st soup he said.. which when he brought out to me was like sipping... jelly butter with eggs, that had an awful after flavor. When he had brought out everyone's lunches (was with a group of 7) none of us was impressed by any means. my plate looked like they had just dumped a ladle of the sweet & sour sauce over the chicken and completely missed dumping it over the rice and missing the chicken completely in some parts. Everyone else had similar complaints about what they had ordered. (which consisted of: Orange Chicken & Kung Pow Chicken) The food was bland, especially the ham fried rice. There is not enough Soy Sauce at the table to give your food flavor. Overall the service was bad, and the food was just as bad. I like to give places 2nd chances and order something else and go in during a different time and try to have a better experience but I think I will stay clear of this place. I can't speak for my friends, but I am sure they will do the same.
(2)
Lewie G.
Agree with the previous post. This is comfortably average Chinese food (maybe a titch better than some, but doesn't blow you away). It's affordable and with good-sized portions, so it makes good take-out. The dine-in option isn't life changing but I haven't had a particularly bad experience either. We used to eat here pretty frequently since it was close to home and cheap. Wouldn't go out of my way to go there now, though.
(3)
Elizabeth B.
Pretty good for $5.75! We got the combo platters and we had plenty of food. I got the orange chicken which I thought was just as good as Panda Express and way better than other Chinese takeout places we've been trying. Recommend it.
(4)
Kamalei L.
Legit chinese food is hard to come by in Provo. Chen's does pretty well. Some americanized Chinese dishes but still some original chinese that is all pretty well done compared to the options we have of Panda Express and it's ripoffs. Inside the place is really quiet and a tad dark, but staff is all nice and food isn't terrible at all. Good portions and prices. I like this place a lot.
(4)
Pernilla K.
Extremely minimal service. Didn't even provide a separate plate for the noodle dish, but was just served in the plate the noodles came with. Food is pretty much just like any other Chinglish food. Would be OK as a take out Chinese place, but can't exactly recommend for dine in.
(3)
Kristin F.
It is what you would expect for Chinese food in the U.S., but is definitely cheaper than you would think. Our meal with tip for 3 people (with an appetizer) was only $25. There seemed to be more takeout than people that dined in the whole time we were there. I thought it was pretty tasty and I'll be going back. It's a good value for the money.
(4)
Ronni S.
After reading all the reviews I was not sure about my decision to take my two teenagers to Chen's tonight. I'm sooo glad I didn't let some of the reviews sway my decision! We were seated immediately (not busy at all on a Saturday night...just a couple poorly behaved large families), our orders were taken very quickly, the service was quick and efficient, the food was hot, the servings were huge and inexpensive, and the food was great! They were out of egg drop soup but made a new batch for us and it came hot and very tasty. My daughter and I ate until we were stuffed and my son wasn't able to finish his meal (that is A LOT of food). The servers were not "chatty"...but we were so impressed with the experience that I paid $40.00 for a $32.06 bill and when the server took the payment and I told her that I didn't want any change she was stunned and was all smiles. I think, unfortunately, that people in Orem have a nasty habit of tipping poorly but expecting incredible service in return. She was clearly not used to being tipped commiserate with the efficiency of the service and quality of the food. And F.Y.I. they kick Panda Express's butt! I can't wait to try their egg foo young (they were out by the time we arrived tonight). My two teens had the special of the night (although we were told we could order any of the weekly night specials) - getting sweet and sour chicken, fried rice, one of the best lo-main dishes I've ever had at a Chinese restaurant (we all loved it and my daughter and I don't like broccoli!!), an egg roll, and egg drop soup all for under $8. I ordered a bowl of ham fried rice, an order of pot stickers, and egg drop soup. The pot stickers were crisp (I had to fight the kids for them), the rice was fresh (and not just cooked white rice with soy sauce on it, like so many places do), and the kids were asking before we left if we could try to go there at least twice a month (and we aren't able to get out to nice restaurants much...but they are willing to cut their weekly meal budget to be able to go there again). I highly suggest trying Chen's!! And the only tasteless part of our evening was a tacky family letting their children crawl around on the floor sticking their butts in the air while their parents made loud, nasty, bleching noises...but that wasn't Chen's fault.
(5)
Shaun B.
This place holds a special place in my heart. I call it "the best kept secret in Utah County". The food is nothing special (but it is good), and the dining experience is mediocre at best, but they are one of the few places in Orem that is not packed on a Friday night. As a poor college student, my wife and I could dine in and eat a good meal for under $15 (including a generous tip) without having to wait for a table. The food is much better than Panda Express and cheaper. I always get the dinner platter which comes with 2 wantons, a mound of fried rice, and the main course. The waiters are not as "warm" as other restaurants, but they are polite and fill you drinks frequently. For the price and the quality/quantity of food, you just can't beat this place.
(4)
Greg M.
I really like this place. About as good of Chinese food you can find in Provo Orem area. Good portions for good prices.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
Kara N.
I honestly love their food. They have a wide variety of options to choose from, and I almost always get their shrimp lo mein ($6.50) or one of their combination plates ($5.50-$5.75). Their combination plates come with a large portion of fried rice, 2 potstickers, and a huge portion of main dish (which I can never finish), all for $5.50. I am unashamed to say that my favorite item is their egg drop soup. It comes free during lunch hours, and only $1.50 during dinner hours. I crave it all the time. Unlike other restaurants, they don't dump unnecessary vegetables or chicken noodle soup instead it. Is it sad that I'm drooling thinking about it? The reason I give it 4 stars is because of the shape it's in. It's a VERY run down looking building, mostly because it has had so many businesses go in and out of it. I don't think it has been renovated since it was built in the 60s or 70s. The new staff is friendly. However, the family that runs it is a little iffy. The hostess never smiles, and always has at least 1 kid with her. They hired on a new waiter, who we like very much. Despite the rough looks and the interesting staff, this is a place you don't want to miss!
(4)Alex S.
how often do i give ones? do you read my reviews? yes... stop reading dont go here. no... i gues i have to write more... why do you think you should go here? its next to university?... oh so proximity is all that matters? well go to macys and spend way too much money on stuiff? oh wait youd never go to macys? then why the hell would you think about going to this place? THE VERDICT: alex this is you worst and shortest review ever... ummmm if by worst you mean i save you time and money... then i agree and shut the hell up. dont go here. and if you do... i hope you never smile again... with your lack of facial muscle. but i love you ho!!! oh ps youre welcome
(1)Dave B.
Yikes is the first thing you want to say when you walk in. The food is decent and cheap, but not high quality by any means. I usually have a strong stomach but haven't felt well after eating this.
(2)Kristy R.
Decent Chinese food, the orange chicken and sesame chicken were way more breading than chicken. The lo mein was decent, as was the ham fried rice. The building and dining room are really dated and almost scary when you walk in. Food was ok, I won't rush to come back though. Food came out quickly and it was super hot, so that was really nice!
(2)Deanna J.
By far the best Chinese meal I've had in the Provo/Orem area. I ordered their delicious chicken and mixed veggies and my husband was definitely pleased with General Tso's chicken. Everything was super quick, and very flavorful. The folks working there are also super friendly and helpful!
(5)K B.
The food is okay, last time I went the broccoli tasted and smelled old, so I won't be going back. Also lady who usually rings up orders is really rude, never smiles and hardly says thank you. Curb appeal gross.
(1)Ty R.
Its dirty Chinese. If you like it dirty and cheap, THIS is the place to eat. The service is slow And the outdoor and indoor decor scares away all the yuppies. I liked it and I'll be back
(4)Kelsey G.
I got introduced to Chen's by a friend, and went back more than twice a week the entire summer until I moved. I've tried so many plates, but I have only ever gotten the combination plate - Huge scoop of rice, 2 pot-stickers, and enough main dish to share. ALL FOR $5.50(or $5.75). The food is truly great. I heard they recently changed the chef, which seems to have changed the quality of the food, but I haven't gone back in a while. Pon-pon chicken - like bbq sweet and sour chicken. My favorite! Honey chicken - a little too sweet for my taste sesame chicken - very similar to honey chicken for me Lemon chicken - a nice sweet citrus, sweeter than orange chicken kung pao - too many vegetables XD That's all that I can remember off the top of my head, but just go and you won't regret it, and get pon pon!
(5)Craig P.
Went there Tuesday night about 5:15pm. Almost empty, great time to good. First, the food was great - hot, tasty and plentiful. No complaints. But I was not impressed with the curb appeal, it is run down looking. If it had not been the the Yelp reviews we would have gone elsewhere. Inside felt like a gymnasium. It lacked any ambiance. But remember the food was good. The young man that seated us was pleasant enough and dressed for the part. But there was a lady and her child at the first table that was distracting. Why is it that oriental restaurants often have their little children running around? Why don't they take them to a less used area of the restaurant. And this lady delivered our food to us. She was unkempt and short - no people skills. Sad because I really liked the food. We probably will not go back because of the side issues - lady, kid, parking lot and oh yes the bathroom could have used some attention.
(3)A. R.
I love the Chinese food here. The noodles are to die for and their Hunan chicken is pretty good too. They're pretty fast at making the food and the place is clean. Don't judge it by the way it looks outside. Give it a try! You won't be disappointed.
(5)Sara P.
If you're looking for cheap Chinese I would exhort you to turn away from the better-known Panda and come here instead. The portions are big and the prices are small. Their takeout service is excellent. I have enjoyed every meal I've had here, and I will definitely continue going back.
(4)Renee D.
We came across Chen's noodle house from Yelp and were pleasantly surprised! In fact, we have been 4 times since Christmas Eve. The food is fresh and hot when it comes out and the daily deals can't be beat. Our favorite is the orange chicken and the chicken Lo mein. The potstickers are the best I have ever had. Best Chinese in Utah county!
(5)Kassy H.
DON'T bother! Kung Pao chicken with peas & zucchini? Very few water chestnuts and NO red pepper flavor... Beef with broccoli the ONLY entree worth eating, at least the dish wasn't flooded with English/Italian veggies...+ the broccoli was crisp... Pork Chow Mein...a very FEW bits of 'BBQ' (read leftover) pork & beaux coups veggies again... Definitely NOT calorie worthy, let alone your hard earned bucks.
(1)Justin R.
You read reviews saying "If you're looking for cheap Chinese Food...." Thats just it.. If you come here that is exactly what you get. "Cheap Food" and I am not talking about the prices. When I came I ordered a Lunch Special (A3 - Sweet & Sour Chicken) which comes with a soup.. The service was awful, when asking what soup I wanted he made them all sound like 1 word and had no idea what the crap he was saying. I asked him to explain them to me, he just ended up ordering me the 1st soup he said.. which when he brought out to me was like sipping... jelly butter with eggs, that had an awful after flavor. When he had brought out everyone's lunches (was with a group of 7) none of us was impressed by any means. my plate looked like they had just dumped a ladle of the sweet & sour sauce over the chicken and completely missed dumping it over the rice and missing the chicken completely in some parts. Everyone else had similar complaints about what they had ordered. (which consisted of: Orange Chicken & Kung Pow Chicken) The food was bland, especially the ham fried rice. There is not enough Soy Sauce at the table to give your food flavor. Overall the service was bad, and the food was just as bad. I like to give places 2nd chances and order something else and go in during a different time and try to have a better experience but I think I will stay clear of this place. I can't speak for my friends, but I am sure they will do the same.
(2)Lewie G.
Agree with the previous post. This is comfortably average Chinese food (maybe a titch better than some, but doesn't blow you away). It's affordable and with good-sized portions, so it makes good take-out. The dine-in option isn't life changing but I haven't had a particularly bad experience either. We used to eat here pretty frequently since it was close to home and cheap. Wouldn't go out of my way to go there now, though.
(3)Elizabeth B.
Pretty good for $5.75! We got the combo platters and we had plenty of food. I got the orange chicken which I thought was just as good as Panda Express and way better than other Chinese takeout places we've been trying. Recommend it.
(4)Kamalei L.
Legit chinese food is hard to come by in Provo. Chen's does pretty well. Some americanized Chinese dishes but still some original chinese that is all pretty well done compared to the options we have of Panda Express and it's ripoffs. Inside the place is really quiet and a tad dark, but staff is all nice and food isn't terrible at all. Good portions and prices. I like this place a lot.
(4)Pernilla K.
Extremely minimal service. Didn't even provide a separate plate for the noodle dish, but was just served in the plate the noodles came with. Food is pretty much just like any other Chinglish food. Would be OK as a take out Chinese place, but can't exactly recommend for dine in.
(3)Kristin F.
It is what you would expect for Chinese food in the U.S., but is definitely cheaper than you would think. Our meal with tip for 3 people (with an appetizer) was only $25. There seemed to be more takeout than people that dined in the whole time we were there. I thought it was pretty tasty and I'll be going back. It's a good value for the money.
(4)Ronni S.
After reading all the reviews I was not sure about my decision to take my two teenagers to Chen's tonight. I'm sooo glad I didn't let some of the reviews sway my decision! We were seated immediately (not busy at all on a Saturday night...just a couple poorly behaved large families), our orders were taken very quickly, the service was quick and efficient, the food was hot, the servings were huge and inexpensive, and the food was great! They were out of egg drop soup but made a new batch for us and it came hot and very tasty. My daughter and I ate until we were stuffed and my son wasn't able to finish his meal (that is A LOT of food). The servers were not "chatty"...but we were so impressed with the experience that I paid $40.00 for a $32.06 bill and when the server took the payment and I told her that I didn't want any change she was stunned and was all smiles. I think, unfortunately, that people in Orem have a nasty habit of tipping poorly but expecting incredible service in return. She was clearly not used to being tipped commiserate with the efficiency of the service and quality of the food. And F.Y.I. they kick Panda Express's butt! I can't wait to try their egg foo young (they were out by the time we arrived tonight). My two teens had the special of the night (although we were told we could order any of the weekly night specials) - getting sweet and sour chicken, fried rice, one of the best lo-main dishes I've ever had at a Chinese restaurant (we all loved it and my daughter and I don't like broccoli!!), an egg roll, and egg drop soup all for under $8. I ordered a bowl of ham fried rice, an order of pot stickers, and egg drop soup. The pot stickers were crisp (I had to fight the kids for them), the rice was fresh (and not just cooked white rice with soy sauce on it, like so many places do), and the kids were asking before we left if we could try to go there at least twice a month (and we aren't able to get out to nice restaurants much...but they are willing to cut their weekly meal budget to be able to go there again). I highly suggest trying Chen's!! And the only tasteless part of our evening was a tacky family letting their children crawl around on the floor sticking their butts in the air while their parents made loud, nasty, bleching noises...but that wasn't Chen's fault.
(5)Shaun B.
This place holds a special place in my heart. I call it "the best kept secret in Utah County". The food is nothing special (but it is good), and the dining experience is mediocre at best, but they are one of the few places in Orem that is not packed on a Friday night. As a poor college student, my wife and I could dine in and eat a good meal for under $15 (including a generous tip) without having to wait for a table. The food is much better than Panda Express and cheaper. I always get the dinner platter which comes with 2 wantons, a mound of fried rice, and the main course. The waiters are not as "warm" as other restaurants, but they are polite and fill you drinks frequently. For the price and the quality/quantity of food, you just can't beat this place.
(4)Greg M.
I really like this place. About as good of Chinese food you can find in Provo Orem area. Good portions for good prices.
(4)