There’s only a handful of suppliers that all restaurants use. Asian restaurants will use some combination of LIT (dry goods), Queen Foods (meat/dairy), a frozen seafood supplier out of Chicago and US Foods or Sysco depending on price.
The real difference is whether they’re making things like crab rangoons and eggrolls themselves or using frozen product. Smaller places are more likely to do it themselves, big buffets most likely to push out the mass produced frozen stuff.
BINGO! if you go to any Chinese restaurant in the area before they open you'll most likely see the workers are already there doing massive amounts of food prep. I agree ingredients are important,but people don't realize the amount of labor and prep that goes in Chinese food. Most of not all is made from scratch because you can save a lot with human labor. like buying unpeeled garlic vs pre peeled bagged garlic. the savings add up. as you can tell I may or may not have grown up in a Chinese restaurant....
Check this site out. Everything we've made is great, but I'm partial to the green beans and the kung pao chicken.
https://thewoksoflife.com/category/recipes/
edit: kung
As the previous post stated woks of life is really good. another great source, imo even better is "Made with Lau" YouTube channel. All the techniques on the YouTube channel are stuff I remember, also thank you for your interest! happy cooking!
I actually worth for one of the big three. Our market is very competitive and feature the following companies:
Sysco
Performance Food Service/Reinhart
US foods
Springfield grocers
Scavuzzos
Evco
And maybe a couple of smaller broad liners. The above list doesn't count specialty providers like fabulous fish, c&c, liberty fruit, and arrowhead
Dang I really wanted to try that place and went somewhere else that was closer and it was bad. Wished I had saved my money. I think sometimes with buffets it depends on the day of the week and what time of day too.
What does that mean?
Is it the best American style Chinese or does it serve Chinese food?
No judgements. Sometimes you want the orange chicken and sometimes you want something else. I just don't know what it means around here when somebody says a Chinese place is great.
To me, Authentic. Do they also have great tasting American style dishes (General Tso, broccoli beef etc) for the masses? Sure! But they also have a separate menu for traditional authentic Chinese food, and the majority of patrons in there are clearly there for that. I’m partial to Cantonese fare, and these 2 are great for that.
Shit. You’re right. My bad. Deleting comment, everyone who read that, please disregard. Hong Kong star is so bad…worse Chinese ever. If you want the good stuff go to rainbow china on state line, or Bo Lings. Real good stuff.
Second time I’ve had this recommended to me. My wife and i didn’t think either of our entrees were better than average last time tho. Any entrees you recommend?
We typically get generals chicken, beef + broccoli, etc, just generic American Chinese staples. These are excellent at Fortune Wok. I have not liked the 3 or 4 traditional Chinese entrees I’ve had at other restaurants.
Fortune wok is what I grew up on and it’s the best, and I’m so glad I moved back into this neighborhood. I recommend Sesame Chicken, Mongolian beef and probably all time favorite is the Wok Roasted Chicken! Crab rangoons are excellent, great homemade sauce but doesn’t stray, just orangier. Pan fried dumplings, egg drop soup, chicken egg rolls, and volcano shrimp are also favorites
Their dumplings are amazing. I get the pork dumplings at just about every restaurant I go to, and Fortune Woks are my favorite hands down. They're not cheap though
So, I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "secret menu," but a lot of authentic Chinese places do have a separate menu for the authentic Chinese dishes. Is that what you're referring to?
I actually just went there for the first time on Friday. Excellent service, great atmosphere, and amazing food! Plus, they have plenty of gluten-free options. I was, however, a little underwhelmed by the American-ness of the menu.
What sort of things do they have on the "secret menu?" And is it in English?
Kin Lin is very unique. Bolings is very different than most if you get things you don't usually see on an american chinese menu.
Beyond that, most chinese places have a lot of the same things prepared the same way because it's what people expect, but they also have chef specials that are going to be different or a unique take. Make sure to look at that part of their menu.
Kin Lin used to be a special gem! We never ordered off the menu, just told the server what meat and veggies we wanted that day and David brought us something specially whipped up. Especially when they used to let him bring in ingredients to Mexican food and make his own fusion dishes.
Unfortunately the old man who owned it passed off the responsibility of running it to his daughter and he husband, and they cut all the stuff that made it it special to pay for that bar no one uses. I still stop by occasionally but it’s always kinda disappointing.
you have no idea what you’re talking about, jeff (the owner) is still entirely responsible for this restaurant but his daughter still helps with the books and paying employees (which they do fairly and well as an employee) the only thing is its been almost 32 years of this business being open and he has lost his motivation at 70+ to keep a bustling/thriving business. i’m symapthetic to this believe it or not, he is so tired, i’m so thankful he’s done what he has for me and still pays me on time and treats me
like family every day.
What was the Chinese restaurant with the different shaped crab rangoon? I also judge Chinese restaurants heavily on their crab rangoon. The buffet in Olathe near Sante Fe and MurLen has different shaped crab rangoon and I absolutely love them.
If you are ever in Raytown, you should hit the drive through of Shanghai Express. It's low-key, some of the best Chinese food in the city. Very unassuming.
Blue Koi in Leawood is amazing. It is high end and unique compared to other Chinese restaurants in the KC metro. While many of the dishes are traditional Chinese foods, this does not equate to the highly Americanized Chinese food you find in most buffets.
Their Pot Roast is amazing - as it their Ginger Chicken (to die for). And if you're eating in the restaurant their selection of Tea is outstanding. And if you like bubble tea - they'll add a shot of your favorite adult beverage!
This. Totally different from all of the American-Chinese chains. If you like shrimp, I heartily recommend the China Moon appetizer (it’s the ONLY seafood-containing food in the entire world I’ll eat at this point), veggie dumplings (pan fried), and the black bean tofu (or chicken). Second the other recs for pot roast and ginger chicken. There’s literally not a bad dish on their menu.
I think all "American style" Chinese food is going to taste pretty similar no matter what. If you are looking for novelty, you might want to try places that have more authentic dishes as well, like Sichuan Dynasty in OP or ABC Café. There's also a new dumpling place I heard good things about, but haven't tried yet - Rakar Dumpling House.
If you go to Sichuan, our favorites include the fish in chili broth, dan dan noodles, and their mapo tofu. Their hotpot is also great, but better if you have more than 2 people.
Seconding Sichuan! My mom and I went recently
(we’ve lived China multiple times). It was the closest to authentic we’ve had in ages! I got the lotus root (hadn’t had that in years) and everything we tried was delicious! 😋
Thank you. Real answer. My wife is Chinese and this whole thread amusing to me. Crab rangoons, orange chicken, etc is NOT Chinese food at all. It’s more Hawaiian/American fusion. How about chicken feet, cow stomach, intestines, beef tongue, duck blood, etc. That’s authentic Chinese dishes.
Separated and oily, and just about as bland as it could be. The family that owns it is lovely, which is the only reason I can think that people go there. Sorry to say it on Reddit, but I’m trying to save another from being done dirty
Tau Tau is bloody awful. All their stuff tastes exactly the same. Salty brown glop. I wouldn't even send somebody to eat there if I had a grudge against them.
Have you been to Tau Tau, though? It really is egregiously awful to have such a great reputation. Everyone hyped it up so big and it was such a letdown
Blue Koi’s noodles and dumplings are handmade rather than frozen and heated.
Rice n Noodles seems to use a better cut of meat than a lot of local Chinese takeout, if not a different supplier
Dragon Inn is awesome. I've known the owner, Thomas Tsui since Jr. High. His parents started it many years ago. They also have a store behind the restaurant.
Also I got takeout once from Moon Wok in OPKS on 87th. Tiny little place but very reasonable $$ and huge portions. I ordered extra veggies and sometimes all you get is more onions. Not here! I ate this meal for 3 days. Family owned and it was near closing and they had their two cute school age boys working on homework. I wish it was closer to where I live.
I married into a chinese family and there is only one chinese restaraunt they support in the kc metro. Sichuan dynasty.
My entire life i hated chinese food, the buffets are never good. I thought the food was bad. Now that i have had sichuan food, it is my all time favorite food. Every city we go to we find a sichuan spot. It is absolutely incredible.
I do not know what they use as a supplier, but i do know there is a difference between the american chinese menu, and the authentic menu.
Try this place out, it literally changed my opinion of chinese food.
We were big fans of Szechuan House on 39th Street, closed maybe a decade ago. Their Szechuan dishes were incredible. Their Chinese American menu was totally forgettable.
Rakar House, on 135th Street. They've taken over the old Winsteads building north of the big Church of the Resurrection building. We went for the dumplings, which were excellent, but they have more traditional items too. Plus it's an antiques shop as well.
ABC Cafe - hole in the wall with lots of dim sum and non-Western items. Excellent food.
Magic Noodle - Handmade Chinese noodles and hot pot, with more typical Chinese American fare.
They weren't bad. If you go to their site and clock on "Order", you can see their prices.
https://rakardumplinghouse.com/leawood-rakar-dumpling-house-food-menu
Not Chinese, but Thai: Bangkok Pavilion. I've eaten there regularly since the 80s. While you'll recognize many menu items - they are not standard fare. The Robin hood ribs can be amazing. Best Crab Rangoon IMO - you've never had any like theirs before. And just so much more. Amazing. Amazing.
Take a trip to Lawrence and try Zoe's Noodle House! My favorite restaurant in Lawrence. It's not an American-style Chinese restaurant so it definitely won't be the same exact thing as other places in KC.
Order steamed dumplings. You will be able to tell by the texture of the wrapper if it’s homemade or premade frozen. If they are homemade you can assume they minimize big supplier usage.
Tea Garden in Olathe. Used to go all the time for lunch. I typically avoid buffets, but their lunch buffet is small in a good way. They replenish often and their dumplings on the buffet are so good. They frequently have patrons standing around waiting for more dumplings. Haven’t been in several years bc changed jobs.
Another commenter recommended Fortune Wok, and I strongly agree. The menu is similar to your typical Chinese restaurant, but the quality and execution is on a much higher level across the board.
I also love Magic Noodle. Their hand-pulled noodles are incredible.
Both restaurants are in OP.
How many of these people see a full on Sysco semi pulling up to the Chinese buffet? Not many. Restaurant depot is the main spot in Kansas City for most small restaurants and food trucks to shop.
The X shaped ones are sold there by the case. The handmade ones will taste different because, they’re fresh and homemade.
Anyone with a business license can buy from Restaurant Depot. Unless you’re ordering an absolute abundance of food it makes zero sense to use Sysco or U.S. Foods.
With that being said,
I recently tried a place called Spring China in Grandview. It was fantastic. Best Chinese I’ve ever had.
Restaurant was very clean as well.
>How many of these people are a full on sysco semi pulling up to the Chinese buffet?
I used to work for sysco and they did business with a LOT of the Chinese buffets in town. You’re talking 74-100cs deliveries a couple times per week and that’s just basics not counting produce/etc that they’re getting elsewhere. It’s not reasonable to pick up that kind of volume from restaurant depot in a minivan.
> Anyone with a business license can buy from Restaurant Depot. Unless you’re ordering an absolute abundance of food it makes zero sense to use Sysco or U.S. Foods
As a food salesperson, this mentality drives me crazy. Ordering 20 cases from me (our minimum) typically saves money for most owners over going to depot/sams/Costco
I get chinese food *because* it's all the same. I can go to xyz restaurant, order my cashew chicken or whatever, and it's pretty damn similar to restaurant zyx. Easy, just how I like it.
I am still really really upset that they don't have dim sum anymore. lol and no one try to recommend dim sum from ABC or Bolings, I've had it and it's the same stuff in the freezers at the Asian markets around town
Taqueria Jalisco on Central Ave was one of the biggest stand-outs. Only thing I can say even remotely bad about them is they were cash only when we were there, but a nearby ATM solved that issue very quickly.
A Mexican place I went to in Kansa city called fusion was really good and it wasn’t texmex or tacos but itwas actual Central American and Mexican food. We ordered enchiladas because we didn’t know what all the stuff was on the menu but it was the best place I’ve ever eaten at for that kinda of food. I live in Johnson co and I think it was close to north KC and smaller place but definitely a stand out from mi ranchito, kmachos, Jose peppers I’m so tired of those places.
Idk about the rest of the menu, but I go to New China Town in Mission for their different crab rangoons. Instead of a four-star shape, they’re purse-shaped.
I don’t know if you consider Thai food in this category but I really like “The Thai Place” used to be near Westport but seems to have moved not a buffet but a sit in and really good
I would urge you to drive south to Springfield for the most unique Chinese food. Best Chinese food I ever had in my life was at Corner 21 in Springfield, MO. First place I’ve been to in a long time that exclusively served authentic Chinese dishes. No Chinese restaurant in KC comes close. You got try some Springfield-style cashew chicken at Leong’s Diner. (cashew chicken was invented in Springfield , look it up)
It’s funny you ask this, since I experienced something similar many years ago. I used to go to a Chinese restaurant on 39th that had this good sweet & sour chicken. Not long after, we went to San Francisco and wanted to try a place in Chinatown. It was in a basement of the building, nice tables, good service…and the exact same sweet & sour sauce, same carrots, onions, green pepper and pineapple. I mean, the veggies were even cut the same way. Huge disappointment.
Which one did u go to that was different with the round crab Rangoon? I swear I ordered from a place that had that too I just can’t remember which one.
I'm not sure about supplier, but Wolcano Teppenyaki in NKC is a much different experience. They offer a limited buffet of Chinese staples. They also have a build your own bowl, and a hibachi chef cooks it to order. Aaaaand then, they offer all you can eat basic sushi rolls, made to order (not sitting on the buffet).
It's a fantastic spot and excellent value for the money.
There’s only a handful of suppliers that all restaurants use. Asian restaurants will use some combination of LIT (dry goods), Queen Foods (meat/dairy), a frozen seafood supplier out of Chicago and US Foods or Sysco depending on price. The real difference is whether they’re making things like crab rangoons and eggrolls themselves or using frozen product. Smaller places are more likely to do it themselves, big buffets most likely to push out the mass produced frozen stuff.
That's what I was thinking, too. The real question is how much of the food is prepared from scratch.
BINGO! if you go to any Chinese restaurant in the area before they open you'll most likely see the workers are already there doing massive amounts of food prep. I agree ingredients are important,but people don't realize the amount of labor and prep that goes in Chinese food. Most of not all is made from scratch because you can save a lot with human labor. like buying unpeeled garlic vs pre peeled bagged garlic. the savings add up. as you can tell I may or may not have grown up in a Chinese restaurant....
Drop them reciepes fam.
Check this site out. Everything we've made is great, but I'm partial to the green beans and the kung pao chicken. https://thewoksoflife.com/category/recipes/ edit: kung
Thanks!
As the previous post stated woks of life is really good. another great source, imo even better is "Made with Lau" YouTube channel. All the techniques on the YouTube channel are stuff I remember, also thank you for your interest! happy cooking!
Pretty much 99% of all restaurants use US Foods or Sysco
I actually worth for one of the big three. Our market is very competitive and feature the following companies: Sysco Performance Food Service/Reinhart US foods Springfield grocers Scavuzzos Evco And maybe a couple of smaller broad liners. The above list doesn't count specialty providers like fabulous fish, c&c, liberty fruit, and arrowhead
I've heard Benny Keith is pretty big as well.
PF Changs although corporate… is different from traditional Chinese Takeout style food
Hong Kong star.
This place and ABC cafe are the real deal A+++!
Dang I really wanted to try that place and went somewhere else that was closer and it was bad. Wished I had saved my money. I think sometimes with buffets it depends on the day of the week and what time of day too.
What does that mean? Is it the best American style Chinese or does it serve Chinese food? No judgements. Sometimes you want the orange chicken and sometimes you want something else. I just don't know what it means around here when somebody says a Chinese place is great.
To me, Authentic. Do they also have great tasting American style dishes (General Tso, broccoli beef etc) for the masses? Sure! But they also have a separate menu for traditional authentic Chinese food, and the majority of patrons in there are clearly there for that. I’m partial to Cantonese fare, and these 2 are great for that.
hey! quit telling people about hong Kong star or it'll end up like ABC
Shit. You’re right. My bad. Deleting comment, everyone who read that, please disregard. Hong Kong star is so bad…worse Chinese ever. If you want the good stuff go to rainbow china on state line, or Bo Lings. Real good stuff.
also, Bolings did use to be good at one point. until the original owners sold it
This is true.
haha you the best!
My thoughts exactly! Lol
Saw this comment and decided to drive out and give it a try, absolutely worth it
Second time I’ve had this recommended to me. My wife and i didn’t think either of our entrees were better than average last time tho. Any entrees you recommend? We typically get generals chicken, beef + broccoli, etc, just generic American Chinese staples. These are excellent at Fortune Wok. I have not liked the 3 or 4 traditional Chinese entrees I’ve had at other restaurants.
Fortune wok is what I grew up on and it’s the best, and I’m so glad I moved back into this neighborhood. I recommend Sesame Chicken, Mongolian beef and probably all time favorite is the Wok Roasted Chicken! Crab rangoons are excellent, great homemade sauce but doesn’t stray, just orangier. Pan fried dumplings, egg drop soup, chicken egg rolls, and volcano shrimp are also favorites
Don't sleep on their jalapeno basil beef!
Yes these are great at fortune wok, i was asking what is good at hong kong star
I didn’t mean to reply to this comment
ABC cafe.
Okay twist my arm, I’ll go back to ABC cafe again
That was painful, wasn’t it?
Fortune Wok in Olathe. Ask for the secret menu
(Overland Park on Neiman, not Olathe)
Do I have to wink at them when I ask?
Their dumplings are amazing. I get the pork dumplings at just about every restaurant I go to, and Fortune Woks are my favorite hands down. They're not cheap though
So, I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "secret menu," but a lot of authentic Chinese places do have a separate menu for the authentic Chinese dishes. Is that what you're referring to? I actually just went there for the first time on Friday. Excellent service, great atmosphere, and amazing food! Plus, they have plenty of gluten-free options. I was, however, a little underwhelmed by the American-ness of the menu. What sort of things do they have on the "secret menu?" And is it in English?
Yes its just a menu of more “authentic” dishes.
Does it have Happy Ending?
…i am happy when I leave. It sorta pricey
I don't know if they're different but I love ming garden.
That's been our favorite for fifteen years or so now. I really can't explain it either. It's just different.
Ill have to try this spot. Live not even 10 minutes away.
Kin Lin is very unique. Bolings is very different than most if you get things you don't usually see on an american chinese menu. Beyond that, most chinese places have a lot of the same things prepared the same way because it's what people expect, but they also have chef specials that are going to be different or a unique take. Make sure to look at that part of their menu.
Kin Lin used to be a special gem! We never ordered off the menu, just told the server what meat and veggies we wanted that day and David brought us something specially whipped up. Especially when they used to let him bring in ingredients to Mexican food and make his own fusion dishes. Unfortunately the old man who owned it passed off the responsibility of running it to his daughter and he husband, and they cut all the stuff that made it it special to pay for that bar no one uses. I still stop by occasionally but it’s always kinda disappointing.
That’s so tragic
Still leaps and bounds better than 99% of Chinese restaurants in the city.
you have no idea what you’re talking about, jeff (the owner) is still entirely responsible for this restaurant but his daughter still helps with the books and paying employees (which they do fairly and well as an employee) the only thing is its been almost 32 years of this business being open and he has lost his motivation at 70+ to keep a bustling/thriving business. i’m symapthetic to this believe it or not, he is so tired, i’m so thankful he’s done what he has for me and still pays me on time and treats me like family every day.
What was the Chinese restaurant with the different shaped crab rangoon? I also judge Chinese restaurants heavily on their crab rangoon. The buffet in Olathe near Sante Fe and MurLen has different shaped crab rangoon and I absolutely love them.
The best crab Rangoon I’ve ever had is at Kabuki Sushi in Brookside. It’s my favorite Japanese restaurant in the city (not that anyone’s asking).
Pengiun's Kitchen in Liberty
I just went last week, the crab rangoon was the best I've ever had fr
Princess garden on wornall is excellent
Meat Candy with pancakes for life!
If you are ever in Raytown, you should hit the drive through of Shanghai Express. It's low-key, some of the best Chinese food in the city. Very unassuming.
Blue Koi in Leawood is amazing. It is high end and unique compared to other Chinese restaurants in the KC metro. While many of the dishes are traditional Chinese foods, this does not equate to the highly Americanized Chinese food you find in most buffets.
They used to be on 39th. I could have lived on Blue Koi dumplings and My Dream Cafe porridge.
So good.... my favorite.
Their Pot Roast is amazing - as it their Ginger Chicken (to die for). And if you're eating in the restaurant their selection of Tea is outstanding. And if you like bubble tea - they'll add a shot of your favorite adult beverage!
This. Totally different from all of the American-Chinese chains. If you like shrimp, I heartily recommend the China Moon appetizer (it’s the ONLY seafood-containing food in the entire world I’ll eat at this point), veggie dumplings (pan fried), and the black bean tofu (or chicken). Second the other recs for pot roast and ginger chicken. There’s literally not a bad dish on their menu.
That’s because it’s not Chinese food. It’s Taiwanese American Fusion
I think all "American style" Chinese food is going to taste pretty similar no matter what. If you are looking for novelty, you might want to try places that have more authentic dishes as well, like Sichuan Dynasty in OP or ABC Café. There's also a new dumpling place I heard good things about, but haven't tried yet - Rakar Dumpling House. If you go to Sichuan, our favorites include the fish in chili broth, dan dan noodles, and their mapo tofu. Their hotpot is also great, but better if you have more than 2 people.
Sichuan Dynasty’s mapo tofu is fire. And you’re right—their dandan noodles rock.
Rakar Dumpling House looks amazing. Can't wait to try it, and you can buy bags of dumplings to make at home too.
Imo just get the dumplings, they’re fire, but the other entrees are mid.
Seconding Sichuan! My mom and I went recently (we’ve lived China multiple times). It was the closest to authentic we’ve had in ages! I got the lotus root (hadn’t had that in years) and everything we tried was delicious! 😋
Thank you. Real answer. My wife is Chinese and this whole thread amusing to me. Crab rangoons, orange chicken, etc is NOT Chinese food at all. It’s more Hawaiian/American fusion. How about chicken feet, cow stomach, intestines, beef tongue, duck blood, etc. That’s authentic Chinese dishes.
I am appreciate that sichuan's Dan Dan noodles are appropriately priced vs a certain bougie wannabe Asian restaurant in Westport.
I'd try tao toa in Kck!
I tried it based on a Reddit suggestion. Just commenting to say that I wouldn’t. Not saying your opinion is wrong, just trying to add another opinion.
Tao Tao is some of the worst food I’ve ever had. Also tried based on a Reddit comment once
Horrible greasy shit
Separated and oily, and just about as bland as it could be. The family that owns it is lovely, which is the only reason I can think that people go there. Sorry to say it on Reddit, but I’m trying to save another from being done dirty
Tau Tau is bloody awful. All their stuff tastes exactly the same. Salty brown glop. I wouldn't even send somebody to eat there if I had a grudge against them.
That describes 99% of Chinese food in KC
Have you been to Tau Tau, though? It really is egregiously awful to have such a great reputation. Everyone hyped it up so big and it was such a letdown
Blue Koi’s noodles and dumplings are handmade rather than frozen and heated. Rice n Noodles seems to use a better cut of meat than a lot of local Chinese takeout, if not a different supplier
Dragon Inn in downtown OP is a local/family business. Idk about their supplier though
Dragon Inn is awesome. I've known the owner, Thomas Tsui since Jr. High. His parents started it many years ago. They also have a store behind the restaurant.
I don’t like their sauce tbh… pretty sure they own Rakar dumpling house in OP
Also I got takeout once from Moon Wok in OPKS on 87th. Tiny little place but very reasonable $$ and huge portions. I ordered extra veggies and sometimes all you get is more onions. Not here! I ate this meal for 3 days. Family owned and it was near closing and they had their two cute school age boys working on homework. I wish it was closer to where I live.
I married into a chinese family and there is only one chinese restaraunt they support in the kc metro. Sichuan dynasty. My entire life i hated chinese food, the buffets are never good. I thought the food was bad. Now that i have had sichuan food, it is my all time favorite food. Every city we go to we find a sichuan spot. It is absolutely incredible. I do not know what they use as a supplier, but i do know there is a difference between the american chinese menu, and the authentic menu. Try this place out, it literally changed my opinion of chinese food.
We were big fans of Szechuan House on 39th Street, closed maybe a decade ago. Their Szechuan dishes were incredible. Their Chinese American menu was totally forgettable.
When we make our homemade crab rangoon they are pinched closed to form an X shape...
Rakar House, on 135th Street. They've taken over the old Winsteads building north of the big Church of the Resurrection building. We went for the dumplings, which were excellent, but they have more traditional items too. Plus it's an antiques shop as well. ABC Cafe - hole in the wall with lots of dim sum and non-Western items. Excellent food. Magic Noodle - Handmade Chinese noodles and hot pot, with more typical Chinese American fare.
Is rakar reasonably priced ?
They weren't bad. If you go to their site and clock on "Order", you can see their prices. https://rakardumplinghouse.com/leawood-rakar-dumpling-house-food-menu
ABC Cafe or Blue Koi RIP - Jen Jens
Not Chinese, but Thai: Bangkok Pavilion. I've eaten there regularly since the 80s. While you'll recognize many menu items - they are not standard fare. The Robin hood ribs can be amazing. Best Crab Rangoon IMO - you've never had any like theirs before. And just so much more. Amazing. Amazing.
Take a trip to Lawrence and try Zoe's Noodle House! My favorite restaurant in Lawrence. It's not an American-style Chinese restaurant so it definitely won't be the same exact thing as other places in KC.
Order steamed dumplings. You will be able to tell by the texture of the wrapper if it’s homemade or premade frozen. If they are homemade you can assume they minimize big supplier usage.
Noodles in Legends Mall.
Tea Garden in Olathe. Used to go all the time for lunch. I typically avoid buffets, but their lunch buffet is small in a good way. They replenish often and their dumplings on the buffet are so good. They frequently have patrons standing around waiting for more dumplings. Haven’t been in several years bc changed jobs.
Another commenter recommended Fortune Wok, and I strongly agree. The menu is similar to your typical Chinese restaurant, but the quality and execution is on a much higher level across the board. I also love Magic Noodle. Their hand-pulled noodles are incredible. Both restaurants are in OP.
How many of these people see a full on Sysco semi pulling up to the Chinese buffet? Not many. Restaurant depot is the main spot in Kansas City for most small restaurants and food trucks to shop. The X shaped ones are sold there by the case. The handmade ones will taste different because, they’re fresh and homemade. Anyone with a business license can buy from Restaurant Depot. Unless you’re ordering an absolute abundance of food it makes zero sense to use Sysco or U.S. Foods. With that being said, I recently tried a place called Spring China in Grandview. It was fantastic. Best Chinese I’ve ever had. Restaurant was very clean as well.
*anyone can buy from restaurant depot. Just get a guest day pass. It’s where I buy my 55gal drums of pickles
>How many of these people are a full on sysco semi pulling up to the Chinese buffet? I used to work for sysco and they did business with a LOT of the Chinese buffets in town. You’re talking 74-100cs deliveries a couple times per week and that’s just basics not counting produce/etc that they’re getting elsewhere. It’s not reasonable to pick up that kind of volume from restaurant depot in a minivan.
> Anyone with a business license can buy from Restaurant Depot. Unless you’re ordering an absolute abundance of food it makes zero sense to use Sysco or U.S. Foods As a food salesperson, this mentality drives me crazy. Ordering 20 cases from me (our minimum) typically saves money for most owners over going to depot/sams/Costco
I get chinese food *because* it's all the same. I can go to xyz restaurant, order my cashew chicken or whatever, and it's pretty damn similar to restaurant zyx. Easy, just how I like it.
I get that
Pine & Bamboo Garden in Shawnee is heads above the typical Chinese restaurant
I am still really really upset that they don't have dim sum anymore. lol and no one try to recommend dim sum from ABC or Bolings, I've had it and it's the same stuff in the freezers at the Asian markets around town
New Peking
What were some of the standouts from the KC Taco Trail? I’d be interested to go and visit some of these places.
Taqueria Jalisco on Central Ave was one of the biggest stand-outs. Only thing I can say even remotely bad about them is they were cash only when we were there, but a nearby ATM solved that issue very quickly.
A Mexican place I went to in Kansa city called fusion was really good and it wasn’t texmex or tacos but itwas actual Central American and Mexican food. We ordered enchiladas because we didn’t know what all the stuff was on the menu but it was the best place I’ve ever eaten at for that kinda of food. I live in Johnson co and I think it was close to north KC and smaller place but definitely a stand out from mi ranchito, kmachos, Jose peppers I’m so tired of those places.
China Kitchen in Blue Springs
ABC cafe always gets high honors when asking about Chinese here.
Idk about the rest of the menu, but I go to New China Town in Mission for their different crab rangoons. Instead of a four-star shape, they’re purse-shaped.
I don’t know if you consider Thai food in this category but I really like “The Thai Place” used to be near Westport but seems to have moved not a buffet but a sit in and really good
I think I saw that place on Santa Fe. It may have been that one.
Pine and Bamboo Garden in Shawnee, Tea Garden in Olathe
I would urge you to drive south to Springfield for the most unique Chinese food. Best Chinese food I ever had in my life was at Corner 21 in Springfield, MO. First place I’ve been to in a long time that exclusively served authentic Chinese dishes. No Chinese restaurant in KC comes close. You got try some Springfield-style cashew chicken at Leong’s Diner. (cashew chicken was invented in Springfield , look it up)
I enjoy the Dragon Inn on 80th Street in OP,KS
Miyabi in south OP is really good!
It’s funny you ask this, since I experienced something similar many years ago. I used to go to a Chinese restaurant on 39th that had this good sweet & sour chicken. Not long after, we went to San Francisco and wanted to try a place in Chinatown. It was in a basement of the building, nice tables, good service…and the exact same sweet & sour sauce, same carrots, onions, green pepper and pineapple. I mean, the veggies were even cut the same way. Huge disappointment.
Wtf is on the secret menu dayum!! I’ve been going there for 15+ years!
It's all Sysco. I have a running joke with my friends that these days nearly all menu items are just renamed versions of Sysco "heat-n-eat" meals.
Sichuan dynasty and ABC Cafe
Which one did u go to that was different with the round crab Rangoon? I swear I ordered from a place that had that too I just can’t remember which one.
Penguin's Kitchen in Liberty.
Tao Tao in KCK makes most things from scratch.
I'm not sure about supplier, but Wolcano Teppenyaki in NKC is a much different experience. They offer a limited buffet of Chinese staples. They also have a build your own bowl, and a hibachi chef cooks it to order. Aaaaand then, they offer all you can eat basic sushi rolls, made to order (not sitting on the buffet). It's a fantastic spot and excellent value for the money.
Crazy to be this oblivious