Tai Tung Chinese Restaurant
659 S King St, Seattle, WA, 98104
Tai Tung Chinese Restaurant Menu
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Address :
659 S King St
Seattle, WA, 98104 - Phone (206) 622-7372
- Website https://www.taitungrestaurant.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
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 : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Chinese Cuisine
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
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Greta H.
Seriously I don't understand these reviews! For $20 we got delicious egg drop soup, hot tea, potstickers and two lunch specials!! We left stuffed and didn't spend too much! The food is fantastic---both dishes recommended by Jim-who only works on Sundays--but has worked for 25 years here! Black bean sauce with dish is salty but still fantastic! Super conversations and fob english happening all around us! Love it and if I lived closer we would come back again and again! 2/100
(5)Guy B.
My families favorite Chinese place to hit when in Seattle. Service is always great and the two guys have been there serving us for years! Out of town guests, then this is a must do for us after walking around Seattle showing off the sights. Below was tonight's feast Tai Tungs 2xbbq pork Tai tung special chow mein w/pan fried Chicken sub gum w/pan fried Pork fried rice Pineapple sweet n sour pork Pea pods n beef Sweet n sour spare ribs Almond chicken Not to mention the great drinks...Mai Tais were delicious, piña coladas were also mighty fine! Thanks guys for another great meal. Until next time!
(5)Young C.
They serves authentic and great Chinese food! Their sour& sweet pork is the best I've ever tried. One fun fact is that they said they have Bruce Lee's favorite menu and their boss looks like Jackie Chan!! And he's so friendly and came to talk with us during our dining time. It was a great experience eating there
(5)Lawrence L.
I can finally say I've been to this legendary place. Hyped up by my friends but finally found a chance to walk in the door. The inside hearkens back to the days when Chinatown was a dark alley, sort of like a Chinese equivalent of an old boys club decor. Lots of booths at the back but it also seems fun to sit by the bar. The menu is what you'd expect from a greasy spoon diner aimed at an American audience. Had chow fun and abalone with vegetables. Pretty tasty when eating it but I think I felt the ting of MSG-thirst a few minutes after leaving the joint. I would come back with a larger group to try more stuff on the menu. They give you a PILE of fortune cookies at the end ... I ended up with two contradictory/ironic cookies. I'm not sure what to make of that!
(3)Eric S.
Some of the worst food in Seattle. We've been in twice now, the first time was 2/12 maybe 3 stars being generous but tonight we had takeout and all of it went in the compost bin uneaten. The Chinese mushrooms with beef consisted of a few ounces of badly overcooked meat that the claim to be beef. Its sauce tasted like they opened a bottle of store bought brown sauce and just heated it. The mushrooms were obviously re-hydrated but not totally as they were tough and chewy. The schezwan eggplant had flavor but also had a full inch of oil at the top of the container when we opened it. The Chinese greens turned out to be just the white parts of bok choy steamed to a near pulp. I know this place has a recommendation from Tom Douglas and that is the only reason we went back a second time, but having been all of his restaurants I have no idea what he sees in them.
(1)Kevin M.
The food was amazing and authentic. The place gives you a feel of what China is. :) I would come back to this place a lot. :)
(4)Bob M.
You know I've been here couple times and it never seems to fade from being good. I like it here. And really can't find anything bad. The stack is pleasant the food above average. So I'll let you decide are what you think. If it was bad I would rip them a new one here. So with that said it's worth a try
(4)Chris V.
Ate lunch here on Friday and was impressed. I haven't eaten here for years and it was even better than I remembered. We ordered the beef chow fun, BBQ Pork Humbow and the Special Fried Rice with Chinese sausage. The fried rice was my favorite and as good as it was the last time I had it. The humbow were huge and tasty too. I need to frequent this place more often and won't wait that long for another visit. Our waiter was great too and the food was delivered promptly and hot. You might not be impressed with the old decor but the food will most likely make up for it.
(4)Jeremy B.
Very tasty. Under $10 for most entrees. Too bad it's not open later. The portions are very good sized as well.
(4)Lena L.
We were on a tour in Seattle and signed up for the Bruce Lee Chinatown tour. One of the highlights was 'a meal of Bruce Lee's favorite dishes at a neighborhood restaurant'. The worse part of the tour was the lunch. The food at Tai Tung was very oily and salty. Cabbage soup - tasteless Fried chicken wings - very salty Black pepper beef - very salty and oily Sweet and sour pork - meat was very tough and batter was very thick Stir fry broccoli - soggy, oily and salty Prawn in black bean sauce - very salty Frankly speaking, we do not think it was anywhere close to Bruce Lee's favorite dishes! After that lunch, my friend and I had diarrhea. I guess the only consolation from the lunch was a photo with Bruce Lee poster.
(1)Anna C.
Best Chinese by far. The beef was actually tender not like other places that are just tough. Very good and belly is full! Thank you
(5)Meghan B.
Yum yum yum. The fried chicken wings and sweet "n" sour shrimp are a most have. The service was good too. Looking for an old school Chinese restaurant,check out Tai Tung. Even Bruce Lee used to eat there. Now that's cool.
(5)Raymond U.
Best egg roll I've ever had in my life. The Chinese Mushroom with Beef was top notch. Definitely looking forward to my next visit.
(4)Cassandra D.
Delicious real Chinese food with terrific service! I wish they were next door to my house, I would go weekly! This is my fourth or fifth time coming. I had Chow Fun with Chinese broccoli this time and salted pork with egg. Oh my!
(5)Cassie C.
Clean restaurant and good Chinese food. Kau Kau had been the place we would get fried rice, chow mean, sweet and sour pork. This restaurant is so much better. The food is mixed and seasoned well and not greasy. The egg rolls were home made and not some pre-packed frozen item (and had great flavor). The wait staff was pleasant as well. Will go back when I'm craving Chinese food.
(4)Michael G.
I had such high hopes from the photos on yelp, but yet this was a total disappointment. For me, it was too much grease, poor cooking, and too much salt and/or msg... I paid over $7 for an order of egg rolls which actually makes me angry and feeling cheated unless they are amazing. The egg roll was unique in terms of the ingredients and may have had potential, but they were not cooked correctly and absolutely soaked in oil and totally greasy and disgusting. After charging all that money, they also did not even serve a room temperature sweet and sour sauce but rather the same hot one they use for the pineapple and sweet and sour dishes. Speaking of which, I love sweet and sour chicken when made well, but this one was horrible, The chicken pieces were big which was good, but the batter was far too heavy, too dry and hard, too oily, and several pieces were burnt from being over cooked. Maybe I came on a bad day, but it really was a greasy awful meal that left me feeling very blah the rest of the day. The restaurant is old and not the cleanest looking but that kind of gives it cool character. The service was actually very good. Unfortunately the food I had was lousy for me.
(1)Suki K.
Hit and Miss - I have gone there now....4 times. Some were AMAZING and some were disappointing. I really like their combo deals as well as appetizer combo. Their fried chicken is amazing - better than Ezell and Mao'no. I also love they give you a whole plate of fortune cookies at the end. :) Their dimsum is not bad, either.
(3)Luis G.
Meals do not include rice for the price plus the menu was dirty ,and the place only have one server be advise that you have to pay for the te that you did not order
(1)Trish J.
Both meals were negative stars. I thought ordering from a long time established restaurant in the heart of China Town would offer great food. I was wrong. The chicken in both dishes were dry and crusted. Tasted and looked like it was left in the fridgerator for days uncovered. I ended up picking out all the pieces from my Chicken Fried Rice and feeding it to the crows. The proportion of bean sprouts was excessive and had about a Tablespoon of fried egg. I found a few pieces of onion but it was mainly dried chicken, rice and bean sprouts for $10. Overall both dishes lacked appeal, taste and was inedible. I will never go back and had better tasting, better valued food at strip malls. This was the worst Chinese food I've ever had. Diner beware.
(1)Koichi K.
Great food. I was very impressed with the selection they had there. Would definitely recommend this to my friends and family members. Ended up having more than I expected when I ordered but they were very prompt on the service and hospitality.
(4)Ry C.
My first Chinese restaurant in the USA 33 yrs ago, still same taste, menu, waiter. We go to Seattle every couple of weeks and a visit to Tai Tung had been a ritual. Our favorites salt and pepper squid, fried chicken Hong Kong style, Chinese broccoli, class w/ black beans sauce has always been great. We consider this place part of our trip each time we visit Seattle.
(4)Kelly N.
After having read all the rave reviews for this place, I brought my mom to the restaurant to celebrate her birthday. I expected a great dinner. A great dinner: it was not. For starters, the sweet and sour pork was undercooked. With the dim lighting, it was hard to see the color of the meat, but the blood dripping from the piece I had was indication enough. This wouldnt have been too much of a problem if it had only been the one piece, but we found pink pork in the whole platter. So then, we wave down a waiter to deliver our complaint, only to be told that some people like their pork undercooked! Well, maybe some people do, but I'd rather the only thing red on this dish be the sweet n' sour! After having our plate exchanged for a new, thoroughly cooked one, it seemed as if we didn't make it clear enough that we wanted well-done pork, as we received another pink plate. But I guess third times the charm, as we finally did get our cooked pork (though can't say we enjoyed the dish even then). We also ordered tbeefongolian beef. Unless you like your beef extra salty, to the point where a sip of water would be needed with every bite, I recommend that you steer clear from it. Shumai was below par, considering price. Bbq pork was dry. Egg soup was beyond bland, but extremely salty. The only thing I can say I was able to enjoy was their broccoli and beef. Even then, you could taste the msg on every dish. Maybe I came in on a bad night, or tried the wrong dishes, but there's no excuse for sending out raw pork, twice! Last time I ever eat here again. Though, the staff was friendly and understanding, so I gave them 2 stars for that!
(2)Charlie B.
The best Chinese-American in the city. It is old and a little dingy but the food and service is spectacular. Chinese food from a bygone era. This is the west coast equivalent to the family run Italian-American restaurant.
(5)C C.
If you try to rate the entire menu, I would give it a three and sometimes lower. The food in general is fresh, and prepared right away, the chefs do not sit around. A few dishes will forever be 5 stars and the best Chinese dish found (none elsewhere) in the U.S. Chicken rice with gravy is actually breaded chicken chunks deep fried then sauteed with Chinese greens and mushrooms, with gravy over rice. I have been eating this dish for over 40 years. It is the same tasting, must have in Seattle, not found anywhere else. As a separate dinner dish (not over rice) is the almond breaded chicken, breast meat filet deep fried with a batter having almonds, once taken out of the fryer, they cut it into rectangular pieces where you can see the white meat over a bed of lettuce. BBQ pork is well roasted at the restaurant too. Everything else, well if you can read the Chinese paper on the walls and the English below, those dishes are worth exploring. Other dishes on the menu are so-so.
(3)Charlene B.
My husband has been coming here since he was a kid so I didn't really have much choice in our 'go to' Chinese spot because it's his favorite. It has quickly become one of mine too. I don't necessarily like to dine-in, but I am not overly fond of the ID begin with. I do, however, on a lazy Saturday evening, love to call in an order and go grab it! Almond Chicken, Sweet & Sour Prawns and Shrimp Fried Rice. Awesome!
(4)Estella P.
The first sip of the chinese cabbage soup brought back fond memories of the times I spent with my grandpa here back in the 1970's. He brought me here often when I was a kid. I haven't been back here until just recently and it is just the way I remembered it. The same decor (the lamp shades are now dusty and worn) and the food tasted the same. My hubby and I had the Tai Tung special chow mein, fried chicken and bittermelon with beef. All were pretty tasty. Although my husband did not like the chow mein as much as it was a little too oily for him. It actually tasted like their other chow meins, just with different meats and veggies. I love the shrimp chips that come with the fried chicken and the skin was nice and crispy. The bittermelon was actually not bitter and I love the black bean sauce poured over steamed rice. Pure comfort food. Funny how I always eat the same thing when I come here. They do have all kinds of specials that are posted on the wall behind the bar and on the wall near the dining area. I just may try a few of them next time.
(3)Kurt R.
Run, do not walk, to this place! I've been coming here for almost 20 years, & I have NEVER been disappointed. Considering the place has been open since 1935, they must be doing something right. I do recommend the egg rolls, the pineapple chicken, which is their sweet & sour chicken, but better.
(4)Chris H.
As many others, I came here often with the family as a young kid. It was my favorite restaurant hands down. Alas, we grow up, tastes change, restaurants evolve. Except Tai Tung. Walking in It's like stepping back 40 years as a child parents alongside. Same look, smells and food I loved. Anywhere else I would now call the food and ambiance mediocre, but it works here. You need to ask what's fresh and good from the waiter and you will be pleased, order the combo plate... Just don't do it. Yes, much of the the menu is old school American style Chinese, but that's the charm. No, it won't win over foodies looking for inventive fusion cuisine, know this going in, and you'll have a great experience.
(4)Bee H.
Very Americanized....everything in brown gravy? Seriously? Coming from Hawaii, this is not "good" Chinese.
(1)N M.
My ratings for Tai Tung are high because this is a landmark restaurant in Seattle. It's one of the few old time places left. My dad used to go here as a kid, I've been going here since childhood, and I'm grateful that I've been able to take my daughter as well.
(4)Randon A.
I was really surprised by this restaurant. The restaurant is timeless and untouched. It also has history. Generations of families frequent here. There is also a table dedicated to Bruce Lee who worked at this restaurant when he lived in Seattle. The food was awesome. It wasn't as heavy and oily as Chinese food can be. The black bean cod melts in your mouth. Their fried rice had lap cheong (Chinese sausage)! Delicious! My new go-to for Chinese food.
(5)Michelle K.
We had friends that raved about this place. Decided to try it and was greatly disappointed. We ordered the combo plates and egg rolls. Egg rolls had grease running down my hand. Yuk! Soup was so salty! Next came pork fried rice and pineapple spare ribs. Rice had an odd/off taste and dried up pork bits. Spare ribs were dry and hard. Then came the chicken chow mein and egg foo yung. We both opted against the egg foo yung due to the off flavor and chow mein had no flavor. Maybe we ordered the wrong items but 6 different options came up short. Will not return.
(1)Nikita A.
good food! (for the most part) bad service and most of all everytime i go there's bugs in the soup!yuk
(3)Lisa C.
Get here! The food is so good. We love the garlic spare ribs (Chinese style). The gravy is delicious on this dish and so good over the fried rice. We try to get here at least once a month and would come sooner but we don't live in Seattle. The service is impeccable, these gentlemen are so nice and friendly. They'll tweak a dish if you have an ingredient preference and I love that! The building is old and a bit worn but don't let that discourage you - the food is authentic and the service is great and to me those are the most important factors.
(5)Garth H.
Extremely disappointing, if you are looking for 1960's Chinese food ,this place is for you. I had a combo plate for lunch, egg foo yung looked and tasted like it was a week old, the "pineapple spareribs" also must had been a week old, although the sweet and sour sauce was decent. The chow mein was horrible, dry Chinese noodles....really?? Oh I forgot, the soup looked like Something the garbage disposer coughed up.....BAD
(1)Al Y.
This restaurant is one of those places that your friends who have lived in Seattle their whole lives talk about having gone to sometime in the distant past. I guess the important thing to remember for me is that they never commented on going back. The restaurant is dirty and looks like it has been through lots and lots of customers over more than 40 years. The service was rushed and the food had a strange flavor - the oils they use seem a bit old - my mom commented that "the food seems greasy but not greasy" I was thinking about this Yelp review while finishing some fried rice... They don't really need to change anything because they have outlived many other fancier restaurants. Tung Tung is one of those places that you have to go to - it has seen better times and is like an uncle whose place is old and established and is just not clean anymore. Go here once, but then go to somewhere else in Chinatown for your other food needs...
(2)Seanessy G.
Not impressed with the food which was MSG centered. It hit the spot in a very predictable Chinese food way. Nice setting and serving staff.
(2)Yumiko K.
Tai Tung has been around as far as I can remember. It is such a *traditional* American Chinese restaurant with a long list of egg foo young. The decor is super dated and dingy. The tea is weak, and the food is simply sub-par (burnt lettuce, rubbery seafood, and an assortment of boring veggies). However, I must commend Tai Tung for their service. It was friendly, prompt, and super attentive! It was pretty impressive. It is very unfortunate that the quality of their food will not lure me back, ever again... :-(
(2)Doug M.
This place is all about the food. Tai Tung has an extensive menu that I've only explored slightly during my 4-5 visits. The all Chinese staff with heavy accents should not deter you. Service is friendly, although conversations tend to be short and direct due to language barrier. The food is amazing....hot, fresh and very authentic! If you like to eat "out of the box" this is the place for you. The ambiance is very dated and appears to be last upgraded in the mid 70's. It almost gives you that back in time feeling. Full bar is nice, close to light rail and bus tunnel is great.
(4)Patrick S.
Ever since my folks were dating to me being born, my brother being born we've been coming here. It's certainly turned into a family tradition. When it comes to authentic Chinese style cooking this is the place you want to eat at. Over the course of my 20 years though, economy has hit this place. And the plates have gotten smaller from what I last remember. However, the taste and quality of the food never fails. The service is great, they're friendly, attentive, and sports guys too! Go for the Chef's Special Chow Mein, Fried Calamari, and Chi Chi Chicken Pot!
(5)Lee L.
I've eaten there many times over the past 15 yrs., but I won't be anymore. All my favorite dishes have become overly salty and leave too much oily residue on the plate, but the worst was when I discovered a rancid chunk of pork in the Sweet & Sour order I was served. Excuses, apologizes and offers of reimbursement were meaningless to me. I lost my appetite and the entire evening was spoiled, there is no reimbursement for that.
(1)Kevin O.
So just like everyone else I remember going here when I was a kid, which is kind of weird because I grew up in Kirkland. I asked my mom about it and she said we would go there after Children's Theater. Anyways, I recently returned here after like 20 years and it hasn't changed a bit. I had to order the paper wrapped chicken appetizer since that was what I remembered from when I was a kid. It was same as I remembered lil pieces of chicken cooked in tin foil packets and these pork rind things. You take the chicken out the wrapping and put it in a rind and voila! Other food was ok but definitely dated. I would stay away from the chow mein and egg foo young but the spare ribs, fried rice and hot and sour soup are bomb. There is also these fried chicken wings that my co-worker calls crack chicken that are pretty bad ass too. Went there with a group of like 7 at lunch and they were very accommodating. The two old guys that run the place (think they own it) are hilarious. Don't be shy to ask for suggestions, they'll tell you what's up. I'll be back!
(3)Kayla H.
In the search for more great chinese restaurants in Chinatown, my co-workers came to this spot. Upon walking in you may think your walked into a 1970's Elk Lodge with the wood panel walls. We thought it looked straight up like A Christmas Story where the family goes to eat at the chinese restaurant. (FA RA RA RA RA). I ordered the Mongolie Beef and Kung Pao Chicken which my co-worker and I shared. The beef was way better than the chicken. I also had some veggie fried rice which I thought was pretty good. Overall I thought this place was pretty good, but not the best that I have had. On your way out be sure to check out the old school cash register. Its pretty awesome.
(3)Carla J.
Decide what you want LO-FAN or traditional true Chinese cooking.... LO-FAN Style... Stick with the menu that has been around since 1937 OR... Be adventurous and maneuver yourself through the numerous fresh sheets of authentic Chinese offerings written in Chinese 1st and then again in English. Late night, between lunch and dinner you will be welcomed. I have enjoyed the food here ALL MY LIFE!!! I wonder what it was like to use a call button to alert your server back in the day... those private semi booths have door-bell buttons to call your server to your table! OH MY... My family had has hosted functions in there downstairs banquet private dining room, on the side behind the main counter, me and BAD Momma sit at the counter, whatever, when ever. Egg Fu Young, Steamed Egg, with salted pork, stinky hum-yu, you can have WHATEVER you like... The service is consistent, medium speed... alright, alright... you will get good food in good time, with a fake smile that could care less if you REALLY care about quality customer service... It's frickin 3 o'clock in the morning for Christs' Sake??? WTF??? Shouldn't your munchy graving, drunk ass be at home now anyway??? Sit down... Order... Eat and then ask Tommy, Harry or whomever is taking care of you down there whether or not you should call a damn cab, walk or take yourself home!!!
(4)Camille L.
Like other yelpers Tai Tung has been my family's go to Chinese restaurant for three generations. I've had the opportunity to try a lot of menu. The potstickers are really good. Crispy and stuffed with meat, they've got a unique flavor! The fried squid is also bomb. It's 9.95 for a huge plate, tentacles and all. The pork with Chinese sausage, I'm told, tastes just like my great grandma used to make. I also really like the prawns with lobster sauce, however this dish is a hit or miss. I think it depends on the cook. You can't go wrong with the beef chow fun, big appropriately greasy noodles with veggies and meat. The portion are very generous and the prices are reasonable. The wait staff is friendly and attentive, they box up your left overs for you and you get a ton of fortune cookies.
(4)Tom B.
Kind of an institution in the ID. Full of cops and Asians, which makes me think I'll get interesting food at a good price. Feels dim, maybe even a little shy of fully clean in the dining room, but then again, maybe they're just trying to stretch an extra 10 years out of the carpet. The food, though, is awesome. Intensely flavorful and well-made. Dig the hot pots especially, and love all of the dozen or soups and entrees I've tried. They once shied away from serving me the most traditional chinese dishes, blatantly discouraging me from ordering them, but not every time I go. I realize they just don't want to scare off potential regulars, and that's cool. Part of my core rotation of Chinese restaurants.
(4)Daniel T.
Tai Tung has the best hot and sour soup in the city I think. They get a 5 star for that. Everything after that is great as well, but the Hot and Sour Soup is what makes this place so good. It always fixes me when I have a cold as well. Healing Power Soup!
(4)Jolorene G.
My family and I have been loyal customers and have been coming here for as long as I can remember. Tai Tung is one of the landmark restaurants in Chinatown (International District). When you enter through the swinging doors it's like you walked out of a time machine.. But you can bet yourself you've come to the right place. They have this HUGE register that I can confirm with you is still being used to this day. Their chinese style Squid can't be found anywhere else. Along with the Pancit (chinese style), you've gotta try it. You won't regret it! Both are made with thinly sliced bbq pork so just a heads up on that. Its what completes each dish as a cherry would on a sundae. If you come by during lunch, grab some "puto" best known as sweet rice cakes. Try these and they will keep you coming back, as it has for me. Enjoy!
(5)Ivan S.
Hands down, my favorite American Chinese food joint in the city. Tai Tung is an unpretentious little dive - think old 50's lunch counter, but Chinese. Hot & sour soup - thick and full of all the usual goodies - crisp bamboo shoots, shitake mushrooms, tofu... just the right amount of heat. Potstickers - handmade and full of porky-gingery goodness. nice & crusty on the bottom, tender and soft on the top. Almond fried chicken - my favorite Americanized Chinese menu item since I was a kid... and my brother's too - he's in Tucson, can't get almond fried chicken there. Every time I drop by Tai Tung, I order it, take a picture and send it to him just to piss him off. Reasonably priced & tasty - this kind of comfort food was as big a part of my childhood as my mom's meatloaf.
(4)Vince N.
"A bit Mild, not so Wild!" The food here has morphed from a tasty staple of food in China town to somewhat of a watered down version of what you would call Chinese food. Maybe the flux of new Chinese restaurants have raised the bar in taste and authenticity? I'm not fully sure. All I know is that the food served doesn't dance in your mouth and say hey this is real Chinese. The Atmosphere here is great. The walls and decor scream of how long this establishment has been in business. The service is good and the food comes out right on time. There are the faithful who will only eat at Tai Tung and no where else. I don't blame them, familiarity is just as important as good food while you are eating. Give this place a shot, it's not bad, it's not great either.
(2)Thomas V.
Its classic Seattle/ American/ Chinese food. We we 3 couples who decided after too many drinks to eat at Tai Tung. The food was okay. I thought the hot and sour soup was sweet...which made me realize nothing is probably going to be great. But the service was awesome. I also love lazy susan's on tables. When you walk in just a few feet from the bathroom you'll notice two doorbells. I never pressed them...but someone should. Anyways I'm not going to write a lengthy review. Just know Tai Tung has been around forever and the service is awesome. Food is just C+ grade. *quick note...if your feeling awesome order the Zombie drink...for some reason it kinda reminded me of Hurricanes on Bourbon street :)
(4)Madey A.
First impression of this place: ew. Dirty, old, dingy, smelled. We were seated to our table and I didnt want to touch the plates or silverware; it just felt wrong. I ordered the vegetarian chow mein and it was the grossest chow mein I've ever had. The noodles were clumped together and dry (not cooked all the way through) and there was no flavor. It just tasted like half-cooked noodles and water. Needless to say, I didn't eat at all. The "soup starter" aka some broth with cabbage leaves in it, was terrible. Had one sip of the soup and refused to eat any more. It was like drinking urine. Everyone else seemed to like what they ordered, maybe I just had an unfortunately horrible dish. Their fortune cookies were the only palatable thing. They probably came from a box, which is what made them edible. I would never go here again.
(1)G W.
I first ate at Tai Tung when I was about four years old. So, it's 43 years now. It's the best place in the world. The food is the best. It's my comfort food. I am certain everyone has their favorites. Mine are the Pork Chow Mein with Soft Noodles, Chef Special Chow Fun, BBQ Pork, Almond Fried Chicken, Shrimp with Crab Sauce, and on on on.
(5)Adam D.
Love the food here! dirty is the way i describe everything there but yummy! i could write a lot more about it but that was a perfect description.
(3)Jarrod L.
The wonton soup was bad: It was mini-shumai (instead of wontons) and bok choy in flavorless broth. The fried dumplings (on the menu as potstickers) were huge and amazingly tasty. I can't think of any restaurant I've ever been to with better fried dumplings. The "Crispy Duck, Szechuan Style" was ok, but really dry for duck. It might be worth coming again and getting very different items, but I'm not going to go out of my way to eat there any time soon.
(2)Justin B.
Best potstickers in the city. Best potstickers in the country. Best potstickers in the known universe. And in the unknown universe. And wherever else. I defy you to find better potstickers than the ones at Tai Tung. Cause..you can't. Tai Tung is my favorite Chinese restaurant in Seattle. The high walls of the booths make it feel like you're going to partake in a sinister cloak-and-dagger meeting while eating Lo Mein. And, seeing as how the restaurant's been around since like 1913 or something, I'm QUITE sure there have actually been many clandestine deals made in the tables near the back. And that makes it feel really cool. And yea, they have good food. The almond chicken is better than sex. Get some of the pork slices too. And did I mention the potstickers? I'm quite sure I did. If not, let me say it again: The potstickers are delicious, bountiful, greazy, delicious, and they will make you tingly all over. An orgiastic feast for the senses. You will love them, and they will love you back. It's win-win! Tai Tung is the place to be.
(5)SiR N.
I went and won't be coming back. The service was good and quick but the food, even if it is considered "American Chinese" was barely edible and drowned in thick gooey sauce. And if you order chow mein noodles, don't expect long noodles, just those short crunchy fried noodles. The food was bland and I was so very disappointed. I would eat at the Magic Dragon any day over Tai Tung, and I can barely eat anything at the Magic Dragon!
(1)D.J. Y.
...it's solid....solid like a rock.... Actually one of my fav places to go for lunch. On a cold blustery gray winter day, I'll head on over to this Seattle institution. These folks have been here for a very long time and by the looks of the inside of the place, you'll know that I speak the truth. While there is no other place like this in Seattle the food here is your basic Cantonese affair. Nothing amazing just solid. One of my fav's is the War gow, (sp?) soup. Somewhat like won-ton soup this has egg noodles, and pork dumplings in it, along with some Chinese greens and bbq pork. The broth is always hearty and flavorful, not over powering just solid. Now I wouldn't make the trek down here from Shoreline for dinner, but for lunch you can't beat it. If memory serves they still offer valet parking at night, don't quote me on that...
(4)A. B.
My family's been coming here for 35 years (give or take) and it is one of the most comforting places that I can think of. My husband is the only date I've ever taken here- because I knew he'd understand the place. My mother ate here the night she gave birth to my sister; we ate here for my high school graduation night. My husband-to-be had the foresight to plan (along with my mother) a huge feast here the night he proposed. Needless to say my attachment here is very sentimental. That said, the food is damn good! I have had the random off night over the past 30 years, but one out of every 20 times ain't bad! The chow mein, ginger beef, fried rice, almond chicken, barbeque pork, and pot stickers are all favorites. This place is an institution, a favorite to many, but some people don't get it, and that's fine- more food for the rest of us!
(5)Ann B.
We could not eat our food it was that bad and we got what the waiter suggested. We claimed a lack of hunger and got it to go to give away on the street. I don't know what others like about this place other than nostalgic memories.
(1)Lindsey S.
Went there a few nights ago with a large group of friends, the place wasn't super busy so they got us a large table pretty quickly. We all ordered different items and ate family-style to try out everything, I must say their Cashe Chicken and Pineapple Chicken are superb! The Mongolian Beef was really tasty and had a nice slight kick to it, the short ribs were kinda tough to eat and made me look like a fool gnawing away. The Paper Wrapped Chicken was quite tasty, although to be honest I wasn't sure what to do with those light crispy round things... Other dishes we tried were ginger beef (looks horrible, tastes decent), chop suey (meh), special fried rice (yes please), fried squid ( good), barbeque pork (ok) and there's was another one or two I forgot. I love the tea they serve, jasmine perhaps? So tasty... So why did Tai Tung's get 3 stars.... Well see, kids, when you sit down and order they will bring you a bowl of soup, mine happened to be a cabbage-like brothy soup. After a few sips (it was tasty) I looked down into my spoon thing and saw a died floating fly. I kid you not. And I left the fly in my spoon, and when our server came back we mentioned it to him and he seemed to not care one bit. He just asked if I'd like another bowl of it. Hmm, no not really, but thanks. Sorry but a dead insect in my food qualifies for an automatic 2 star deduction. But the main entrees were good and fly-free.
(3)Melissa S.
There ain't no china town like the Tai Tung china town. Even though the bathrooms are the worst in town and the parking lot is all so sketch, once you've enjoyed some food and the sincere service from the long time china town employees, you will feel right at home. You must order the wonton soup - the big one with noodles, seafood, wontons, pork, chicken, ..... It's delicious! Theres something in it for everybody. Then depending on your style, move on to the greasy and luxurious shrimp chowmein with some breath taking (literally) garlic beef. MMMM. After you've gorged yourself with fortune cookies, ask for an almond cookie on the way out. You won't regret it. Now that you know why I come back here, besides knowing the old men used to serve Bruce Lee here, this is highly recommended.
(5)Brad A.
Oh my gawd, I love the food and this place! It's so unpretentious! The food is truly good. I normally don't eat pork, but they have these little sweet & sour ribs and the sauce mixes well with the fried rice (which is most excellent). If you're not some asshole prude that needs a fancy environment, then this is Canton Chinese food place to eat.
(4)Angelina V.
I have been going to Tai Tung since I was 'knee-high to a grasshopper'. I love it. Screw that, the cabbage soup they serve when you sit down is one of the reasons I go. The waiter with the gold tooth is hilarious and I have never had bad service there. It's American Chinese food, take it or leave it. They just might be one of the oldest Chinese restaurants in Seattle so if you complain about the decor, high tail your stuck up @$$ elsewhere, cause that is what I love about it.
(4)M.B. J.
Football. Sized. Egg. Rolls. WOW!! I would come here again JUST for the egg rolls. They tasted like heaven. As far as entrees, I sampled a bunch when I came here with friends and everything was pretty good. My favorite was the pineapple chicken (the chicken is fried, how can it not be good?!). The had plenty of available parking (in their own lot) even though I was there on a Friday night. Definitely coming back soon.
(4)Aaron M.
I used to go hear quite often when I first moved to Seattle. Some dishes are really good...others are full of oil and lameness. Don't really know why I don't make it there that often anymore it is not like I have found a place that is better to replace it or anything. It is like an old good friend you know is always there and will be there when you need it. I totally use Tia Tung. Am I a bad person for that?
(4)Jenderon T.
Whoa! Okay, Seattle has some great restaurants but Seatlites don't know chinese food. Listen to the New Yorker and myself, this is not good chinese food. I don't care how many folks have been coming here for decades or how long this place has been around or if there's been other local chinese folks who have gone here. This is not chinese food. This is very much Americanized chinese food akin to Panda Express or my uncle's "chinese" restaurant in chicago. I've lived in places across the country from Chicago to Orlando to Dallas to San Francisco to los Angeles and I know what i'm talking about. I've had chinese food in China and Hong Kong and this isn't chinese food. It's food made by chinese but it ain't chinese. Heck even the vegetarian place around the corner has better chinese food and I didn't think that much of that place either. The taste is akin to msg sauces thrown on barely cooked food which are large chunks of whatever. Chinese food is cut in small bite-size pieces with sauces made from scratch and soups that took all day to make. Rice is eaten out of a bowl with chopsticks not out of a plate. Yeah we can probably get bowls but I shouldn't have to ask. Chinese don't use forks or knives because the food is prepared in bite-sized pieces and to bite at the table is bad manners and poor cooking style. When I mean barely cooked I mean barely cooked. Both dishes I had was more braised then stir fried. This is what folks in Seattle think is good chinese food?! Pulllease!!!!! I could take you to better hole-in-the-wall chinese joints in Los Angeles and San Francisco that serve better.
(1)J K.
Solid, old-school Chinese food. Great Mongolian beef. Authentic 70s, back-room atmosphere -- without the cigarette smoke. I read somewhere that this was the oldest standing restaurant in Seattle.
(3)Bryan L.
I honestly don't get it. Seattle institution and all that but the food is so-so at best. Interior is pure time warp. I am a 52 year long seattle resident, so I get the joke, but the food is really Mary Pang in taste. Nothing special.
(3)Bruce F.
Best authentic Chinese food in Seattle. Try the Chinese Mushroom Chicken and Sweet and Sour Prawns. Bey BBQ pork in town. Been going here all my life (literally) and my dad since the 60s.
(5)dill w.
Home. That's the spot a meal at Tai Tung hits in my soul. Exceeding simple comfort food, it's joy and deliciousness served up on ancient thick plates that wear the marks of generations of stainless spoons scooping in adoration. Every bite, taste, fragrance, chew, slurp and smack intoxicates me with the sensations of the most wondrous nutritive bliss. Okay, sorry, I'm sounding melodramatic but this is my first review and my most loved restaurant, ever. Tai Tung was the place my family would go for birthday's, when we had guests in town, or just because our cravings were too strong to deny. It was probably 1965 that I had my first meal there. I was too young to remember but was told I plunged my piece of BBQ pork in the hot mustard and into my mouth before they could catch me. It was years again before I would go near the mustard but that didn't slow me down for the rest of their offerings. So part of my love is the association with good times, but it's more than that, I swear. When I say intoxicates I'm not trying to be poetic, it's real. Every time I leave through those swinging doors I've got a really good buzz. Some of my favorites: Deep Fried Tofu w/ BBQ Pork (so good, big cubes of toasty on the outside, creamy on the inside 'fu in a brown, mild version of black bean sauce accompanied with their delicious char siu sliced pork loin) Asparagus Beef (in spring when the asparagus is bright green and crisp, beef is always perfection of tenderness and flavor) Chef's Special Chop Suey (sorry Ron G. - lots of gorgeous black mushrooms along with chunky veggies and whatever kinda meat you want) Beef Noodle (this one is a definitive comfort food - bland soft noodles in a simple beef and onion sauce. Beats chicken soup for a cold any day!). There's also a tomato version that good too. The BBQ pork, sesame balls, chicken wings, beef chow fun, chow mien, steamed cod, foo young, almond chicken. They also have the yummiest fortune cookies. But the BE ALL END ALL: SWEET AND SOUR SHRIMP!!!!!!!!!! Pillowy rings of specially butterflied fried shrimp, glistening in thick, sweet, golden sauce that's spiked with a fruity deep tang of cider vinegar, along with steamed rice, HEAVEN ON EARTH.
(5)Knatie K.
My husband(a native New Yorker who knows fantastic Asian food) and I made the mistake of a lifetime by deciding to have lunch here. The decor leaves a lot to be desired;but, then, so do a lot of Asian restaurants in New York. We were seated and I got the heady aroma of bus station latrine and diluted pine cleaner-not too conductive to appetite. The potstickers' shells were like terrycloth with a hint of Bisquick and the filling-Jimmy Dean sausage meets La Choy. I ordered the lunch combo. The inedible and ice cold spareribs were like some mystery meat jerky with brown sugar and pineapple juice. The soft noodles with chicken fat globules and limp veggies were flavorless. The egg fu yung was more like egg fu OLD-overcooked and watery. The brown sauce reminded me of the sewer grate repair sludge,a mixture of Heinz 57 and the gravy from Gravy Train doggy food. My husband's lunch of Sweet sour shrimp was sweet-a confectioner's dream. Mr. Smucker would have adored the use of his orange marmalade for the sauce. No sour at all. The breading was a thick as dust bunnies under a computer that hadn't been moved in three years. The rice, while a large amount, was a giant ball of overcooked rubberized bath mat with just about as much flavor. My husband said this was the worst food he has ever eaten in any restaurant in Seattle in 26 years. This from a man who has eaten haggis! Well, we are home now. Honey, do you want a glass of gingerale? It'll have to wait until I come out of the bathroom, excuse me, excuse me. Warning -No stars!!
(1)Mercedes L.
My family has been coming to Tai Tung since it first opened, I practically grew up. Every time i walk in, Harry or Tommy knows to set aside some chicken wings and steamed salmon for me, and they're always willing to cook me up some even if it's not on the menu. You eat family style here, so it's best to come with a few people so you can try multiple dishes. Or you can be a fatass like me, and just order a ton of food for yourself, which I've been prone to do here. I've been here at all hours and days of the week, and I always leave happy. Even if the decor hasn't changed since it opened, I don't mind at all. It keeps the experience more authentic for me, none of this new fancy stuff. I come here when i want some good home-style cooking.
(4)Tim H.
Pass. It's cheap but very bland.
(2)Enrique B.
I visit Tai Tung when I'm in need of a dive. The only trouble is... this place echoes like a mug, so I have to keep my voice relatively low. The partitions between tables are high, so there is some level of anonymity. I felt the food was average, but at least it is consistent. The decor is dated, but I don't mind.
(3)Kimber R.
I asked my friend for a good old fashioned, not fancy Chinese restaurant to get some good, crunchy chow mein full of celery and carrots and almonds in that kind of bland sauce. Plus I wanted really greasy fried shrimps too with the red sauce that's really ketchup. Yes, I did have a really bad hangover. He sent me to Tai Tung and I've loved it ever since! I come here fairly often and get the exact same dish every time. It's the best in comfort food.
(4)Melodie S.
Been coming here since my mother was reigning queen of Seattle's disco nightlife. I have dragged more people than I could even venture to guess through that padded door past the counter- taking someone to Tai Tung means I really really like you, or am just about to break up with you. If you haven't tried the seafood hot pot, you are just cheating yourself.
(4)Eugene O.
Tai Tung is just as much of a Seattle landmark to Chinese food-lovers as the Space Needle is to Seattleites. Both have similar traits: they're always there, they always please the soul and they remind us of why we like our city. My criteria broken down: Food - always consistent. I order the almond chicken, beef chow fun and mongolian beef everytime I visit, and it's always piping hot, fresh, tasty and healthful feeling (though factually, it's probably not). Service - quick, down-to-business and no nonsense. I've had my fair share of favorite waiters over the years, but after dining there for over seven years, I'm not really looking for smiling faces at this point because I'm only there on a mission for the food nowadays. Atmosphere - dark, outdated, peaceful, quiet. The walls are made of that wood/vinyl wallpaper/cardboard-type material that reminds me of why I wanted to live in the 60's/70's (I was born in the early 80's). It's always clean. Prices - neverchanging, feasible, affordable and blue-collared. Most entrees are under $10 unless you're ordering seafood dishes. No need to complain here. I'll always come back.
(5)Ron G.
I have been coming here since the '80s I guess. I always get the Singapore Noodles; extra spicy. At one point in time, about 10 years ago, they served this dish with big black mushrooms; yuk. Now, they get it right EVERY time. The black mushrooms are gone and it is about as perfect a curry noodle dish as could be expected. The salty cabbage soup (included) is always a pleasant way to begin the experience. Also, they are one of the few restaurants in Chinatown, sorry, The International District, to offer free parking (one block to south).
(4)John C.
Been going here since I was a kid and it's still the same...delicious. Talked to the waiter and found out this place has been around since 1935. Damn, they should have landmark status not the Denny's in Ballard. Also found out some of the waiters have been working there for over 30 years, maybe that's why some of them seem grumpy, but it's cool and all part of the experience. Service is fast and efficient and surprisingly, they pour a stiff drink that relaxes the mind ;). Here are my favorites: Chicken wings, Hot and Sour Soup, Chicken Chow Fun, Sliced Cod with Chinese Greens, Steamed Black Cod and Steamed Salmon. Also, when the BBQ pork is fresh out of the oven, it is to die for, they use the leanest pork I've ever had, not like the fatty stuff that most places use that taste good, but clog up the arteries. Also if you're in a rush and need a take out, they are super fast. I've timed it before, I called in an order, waited five minutes, double parked, ran inside, picked up my food, and bam, out the door and away I go. Don't come here if you're looking to get pampered or for a glamourous atmosphere otherwise you'd be disappointed, just straight up Cantonese food.
(5)Ricky D.
Tai Tung Restaurant was awesome! This restaurant has been a landmark among the Chinese community for decades. Located in the International District of Seattle, Tai Tung's provides authentic Chinese food for the local Chinese and tourists, Chineese staff who speak Chinese (and some english) and even the menus themselves are written only in Chinese. The outside is very unassuming and the inside is cramped with booths providing little room to move around. But it's packed with people and families and the food is nothing less than perfectly awesome. It's everything you would expect if you were actually in China. Want to get real? Go here! I was lucky to have a friend who spoke Chinese with me. We had seaweed soup and Chinese cracked crab (local dungeness) with black beans & Duck. We also ordered a steamed pork dish was called Hom Yok which wasn't even on the menu but a traditional local favorite! Highly recommended.
(5)Steve M.
Yes, as good as it gets. There are few things in life more reliable than this place (ok, Denny's in Ballard at 2 am, but I digress). A culinary orgasm that's been raging since the 1930's, not to mention my Dad's been eating here since the 50's. Pull up a stoop at the eat-in bar at midnight and order a beef noodle. Bring your appetite, and tell 'em Steve sent ya.
(5)Tula L.
Ok, so maybe I was really hungry that first time or maybe they were just a little off the next time, but I have to say on my next journey to Tai Tung the hot and sour soup was a little ketchup-y....not necessarily my favorite quality in a soup. Still fun to sit and pretend you have some sort of connection to the chinese mafia (or am I the only one who feels like that in there?).
(3)Erik W.
Eugenius' review nails it -- both the standby standard nature of Tai Tung, and the consistent quality. This is the first Chinese restaurant I can remember visiting -- 1968 maybe? The decor might have been new then. This place, and "Ming's Chinese" in Coos Bay, OR are the archetypes of chinese restaurant in my mind. So yeah, I'm biased. But I've never ever been disappointed in the food. The crazy sliced ham and chicken in sweet sauce I wish I could ever remember the name of the dish is an amazing protein fix. Awesome cod in black bean garlic sauce. The big deal is, though, that I wouldn't fear to order anything -- it's good, and always seems to be fresh and wholesome. Give 'em a try, as long as you aren't hung up on fancy atmosphere. 2015 update: made my first visit in a while recently and it is still up to the same fantastic standards. I have no clue why the average rating is so low.
(5)ian l.
This is the best, Since my wife's family has been coming here for decades we get great treatment. My wife is all about the chow fun
(4)ITesh J.
This place was recommended on a travel brochure as being Seattle's oldest Chinese restaurant. And so I trekked through some dicey areas of town to find a rather small restaurant with menu items posted on a wall from your Kung Pao chicken to Chow Mein. However, there wasn't much available if you're vegetarian. After a bit of haggling, however, they did prepare for me something vegetarian and so they get 4 stars.
(4)bethany s.
Chicken wings are the bomb. The sesame balls are perfect and only 65cents. Pork fried rice - yum... Full chinese fare, interesting interier with private booths and a diner type counter that is very 60's. I call and take out often - the speed is great.
(4)Drew P.
Not sure why the bad reviews. We enjoyed our lunch here! Food was great and the service although a little on the slow side, was polite and friendly.
(4)Robert L.
Being closer to the Mothership, I've had better Chinese food. There is a lot of hype for this place because of the history that it carries, but with a dying Chinatown in cities in North America - I'm surprise this place still can survive on a few tables. We came here because our tour at the Wing Luke Museum included a meal after our Bruce Lee tour of Chinatown. American Chinese food is somewhat different from Canadian Chinese food. I think we use more grease and America uses more MSG. We had a selection of Bruce Lee's favourite dishes and dishes from the Wing Luke staff. I can say that I did like some while others are my cup of tea. At the end of your meal, they provide you a pile of fortune cookies (something Canadian Chinese restaurants don't do - well not in Vancouver) from the local fortune cookie factory. The old dark panelling and vintage decor makes the dining are very dark. A shrine of Bruce Lee pictures, cut outs and memorabilia is located beside the big family table. The waiter showed us an original Tai Tung menu from when Bruce ate there.
(2)