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Ching Hua

3.5 star rating
based on 99 reviews

Category: Chinese  [Edit]

1650 Park Street
(between Buena Vista Ave & Pacific Ave)
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 522-8777
Hours:

Mon-Thu. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Mon-Thu. 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Fri-Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Fri-Sat. 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Sun. 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
Yes
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good for:
Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar
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"The food here was great for the price! Tasty, cooked well, good sized portions, and quality ingredients. Nothing was over powered with too…" read more »

99 reviews for Ching Hua

Review Highlights   

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"Spicy Dry Fried Chicken - Seriously." (in 7 reviews)
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"The sizzling rice soup is SUPER YUM." (in 5 reviews)
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"The only dish I have tried and not liked is the lettuce cups." (in 8 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Zoe T.

 

55

48

Zoe T.

Alameda, CA

4 star rating
8/24/2009

I was skeptical of this place at first, for no good reason! Always at the MarketPlace, I'm surprised I hadnt made it in before.

My mind has changed! I've only been in for lunch, which I loved. Fresh, healthy Chinese food is often hard to find, which is why I'm sure I hesitated going in. Well I've found it here at ching hua! Super cheap lunch special, and they're fast! Oh, a friend of mine brought her 3 yr old son, and they are very kid friendly!

We're planning on ordering dinner delivery. This week and I'm stoked!

Oh, and I just had lunch there...midst writing this review!

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Photo of Mai P.

 

0

12

Mai P.

Oakland, CA

2 star rating
10/20/2009

I always drive by this place when going to Alameda and gave it a try with my family earlier this year. The only reason why I've decided to finally write a review is because I finally became a Yelper but mainly because this place is not worth your time or money. You can find better five minutes away in Oakland's Chinatown.

Each time I drive by there, day or night, the place is hardly busy. That should be a good indication. If you don't see Asians lining outside the door at an Asian restaurant ... then it's probably not that great. If you want even better Chinese ... head to SF and eat at San Tung.

In anycase, I went there for lunch and I found it odd that an Asian restaurant had NO Asians working there! Wow! I ordered the following:

1. Steamed Chicken Siu Mai - the only good dish there I had.
2. Steamed Scallop & Spinach - Mushy, skip it and don't ever order scallops unless it's pan seared.
3. Mongolian Beef - Eh ... had better
4. Spicy Dry Fried Chicken - Seriously .... use chicken wings .. it tastes better. It tasted like pre-boiled chicken breast that was thrown on a pan with some sauce just so it looked like it was freshly cooked .
5. Crispy Hong Kong Noodles - No flavor. Go to Oakland Chinatown and get something better and cheaper for that matter.

Venture out folks and don't waste your money at this place.

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Photo of Tiffany L.

 

1

12

Tiffany L.

San Leandro, CA

5 star rating
1/4/2010

Good food, service, and atmosphere. Location and easy access!!!! I love the Szechwan Prawns!!! Brown rice option is good too! Chow fun is lovely. Lemonade with mint leave....PERFECT and good palette cleansing.

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Photo of Ahmed S.

Elite '10

77

304

Ahmed S.

Alameda, CA

2 star rating
Updated - 7/31/2009

I do not like re reviewing places but this place is such a hit or miss. The food is always great. No doubt about that. Have ordered pick up from here several times for lunch, and sometimes service is outstanding, and other times just downright disappointing.

Having to work late in the office one night, I called to place an order for pickup. I was initially told the minimum charge for a pickup was $15. My response was "seriously!." Then after clarification they said that I could, $15 was the minimum for delivery.

They did not ask me how I liked it. I was expecting spicy as specified in the menu, but the chicken was bland. In addition, there was no rice when I got back to my office. It's okay if you charge for rice, but at least ask me and not just give me any. I was left to eat Chinese takeout with no rice. This was not the experience I was expecting.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 3 star rating
    4/20/2009

    Fancy chinese cuisine in Alameda. Went here for lunch with a co-worker once. Decor is neat, really… Read more »

Photo of merockin -.

 

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merockin -.

Alameda, CA

1 star rating
12/4/2009

My first clue was that there were no asian people eating or working there.   The food is terrible and "soggy".  Just keeping it real.....

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Photo of John L.

 

1

8

John L.

Alameda, CA

1 star rating
12/7/2009

We always drive by this place, so we thought we would try it out, but that was a big mistake!  The food was mediocre at best.  This place is very Americanized and also expensive for what you get.  We had the crab shiao long bao dumpling appetizer, and it was dry and did not have any broth in them!  The main dishes were disappointing too.  There are better places to go for chinese food in Alameda.

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Photo of Jeremy S.

 

1

14

Jeremy S.

Alameda, CA

4 star rating
5/21/2009

Yum. Haven't found anything on their menu to complain about. The staff is great. And the drinks are always good (and strong). The restaurant's decor also brings another touch of sophistication to Alameda, even though the atmosphere and dress code are relaxed. Not cheap but worth it as a step way above other Chinese food options in Alameda.

This may sound petty but my only reason for not giving a 5 star rating is because they still haven't put up window tinting films or something at the top of the wall of windows, so about half the seats in the place come with blinding sunlight during the dinnner hours.

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Photo of steven r.

 

5

105

steven r.

Walnut Creek, CA

3 star rating
5/16/2009

Nice decor!  Really nice for Chinese in Alameda!  Good bar too.

Did the asparagus with chicken, ginger, garlic and the proverbial black bean.  It was good.  Brown rice too.  Fresh ingredients.  Me liked.  I'd go back.

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0

12

Levi T.

Alameda, CA

2 star rating
11/8/2009

Ok, this stuff is way, way overpriced for the quality. Three entree's and some crab rangoon cost almost $60! If it was great Chinese food, that might be ok, but this is far from great. It was very bland, something for people that can't handle spices I guess. Two of the dishes were supposed to be spicy, and we even asked for one to be extra spicy. Neither of them were remotely spicy, and everything was kind of mushy. There are much better spots in Alameda for Chinese.

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Photo of david c.

 

3

121

david c.

Alameda, CA

4 star rating
4/18/2009

This is the best delivery in Alameda.  The best thing on the menu if you are willing to eat fried food is their sesame chicken.  I also like the ability to get brown rice (which makes me feel like I I order a Diet Coke with a triple cheeseburger).  
Also recommended is their hot and sour soup.  Even though we live next to Chinatown, this restaurant is the best Chinese outside of the city.

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Photo of Mandy W.

 

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8

Mandy W.

Alameda, CA

4 star rating
12/28/2009

We love this restaurant.  They make their own dumplings and the food is very fresh.  My daughter loves this place, too.  Favorite things to order include the green garlic noodles, chicken chow mein, prawns with broccoli. and a lamb dish (I forget the name of it, but it's like Mongolian beef).  Ching Hau is also kid friendly.  We've never had a bad meal here.  Also, they have free delivery and we use that service often.

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Photo of Miska K.

 

7

9

Miska K.

Alameda, CA

4 star rating
2/11/2009

I am rather saddened to see the low star reviews of this place as I have not had a bad experience here...Food wise that is...I have only been there once and while the service was OK, it was not stellar...but, they DELIVER, and this appears to be a rare thing in Alameda (I know this town is small but there are days you just do NOT want to leave the woobie couch, even if it is to go all of 5 blocks...and compared to the other Chinese delivery that I have had in Alameda (Ark) it was 10 thousand times better...on no - that really isn't an exaggeration)

but I have had some rather tasty stuff there...

the squidly bits are like crack...not too breaded and just a hint of heat...I eat way too much of this than is probably good for me

the wontons actually have some juicy pieces of meat in there...not the tough mystery bits you find in most other places - and they deliver GOOD hot mustard...

the green beans are fave of mine...so damn tasty...I could have this every day

the mooshoo was also excellent - fresh veggies and not over cooked...

The Manchurian Beef is what my dear husband likes to call meat candy...it is meaty, with a touch of sweetness and spice (tho there was one time when they sort of went nuts with the peppers). It is pretty much a fave

where I ding them is that they charge extra for rice...yes, it isn't much, but it isn't something I am used to

then other thing is that when you get delivery, you don't get a fortune cookie...small things I know, but I loves me my fortunes!

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Photo of Steve S.

 

26

59

Steve S.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
9/6/2009

A bad excuse for an asian restaurant targetting the non asian crowd. And yes, this is more of a northern style of Chinese cooking. The flavors do not seem to blend well at all.  I have ordered food from them on two occasions. And for the price that I paid, I excepted much much more. The only positive I see here, is that they deliver.

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Photo of Original A.

 

2

12

Original A.

Alameda, CA

1 star rating
11/28/2009

I really like Chinese food.  It's really hard to find good Chinese food.  For a while this place was the one for me in Alameda.  Until one fateful day I ordered delivery as I did many times in the past.  I ordered some of the spare rib appetizers, which are really good and a few other items I can't remember.  I will never forget the won ton soup.  I love won ton soup and this place had great won ton soup that is until I found a COCK ROACH in it!!!!!!! Ahhhhhh can u believe it???? I was really pissed cause my little 3 year old was eating this food also.  When I called to complain  I received zero simpathy. All they offered to do was refund me. No free meals for a week no attempt at keeping as a customer.  I mean come on people it was a freaking ROACH!!!! Then they proceeded to blame the whole marketplace for the problem. They wouldn't even except the responsibly.  Very sad and disapointing.   Well people you've been warned. won ton soup with a side of disease infested cockroach......yum?

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Photo of c-a p.

 

64

118

c-a p.

Oakland, CA

2 star rating
2/12/2009

Who knew this PF Chang-esque place would have the best combo fried rice ever! It's as almost good as homemade.  But that's where the party ends, folks.

The spicy eggplant featured slaughtered halves of Japanese eggplant drowning in a heavy dark gravy. Tasty but incomprehensible.  The lobster prawn was gorgeous--the dish had no taste even though the shrimps were cooked quite well.

All was fine until the garlic aroma was replaced by antiseptic cleaners.  Are you kidding me?  Jesus. Come on guys!  There were three other parties in the restaurant.  Most of us were done, but who can stand that smell a few tables down?  Gross.

Unsavory.

My friend who is excited about her forthcoming gift of Malaysian nail henna and I would come back for take out of that fabulous fried rice, but I'd prefer to not spend any more time here.  For a good American-Chinese experience, this might be your place but dishes are hit and miss.

And this is no time for $$ hit and miss, is it?

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Elite '10

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127

Joey S.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
1/22/2009

The Marketplace is an often driven-by and ignored part of Alameda.  Ching Hua plays its part in this as another underrated business located here.  

I came here one time two years ago...It has great decor in a Chinese restaurant.  It has a very modern/fusion style.  At $8-$12/plate, its a really great way to dine out and two people can sit down and eat a lot for about $30.  They also have an interesting bar set up and make good cocktails - the Lemon Drop is pretty good (NO, I didn't order it, my gf had it)

And of course, go authentic and get a "Chineken" beer (Tsing Tao) with your food.

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1

7

Nate M.

Hayward, CA

4 star rating
10/26/2009

I have to say I am bit surprised by all the mediocre reviews.  I have been coming here for the last couple of years and never had a bad experience.  I like the food and find the staff has always been very friendly.  I have never gotten anything that was overly greasy.  The only dish I have tried and not liked is the lettuce cups.

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Photo of plot t.

 

17

122

plot t.

CA

2 star rating
10/28/2008

Chicken chow mein and cashew chicken.  Mix the two to make a decent dish.  Everything else is too spicy or swimming in fat.

And that's only if you get the GOOD chef.

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Photo of Liz W.

 

11

38

Liz W.

Alameda, CA

4 star rating
2/12/2009

Ching Hua has a very modern/susion style. Its the best chinese spot in Alameda. The tables are set up in a picnic style but done in a very sophisticated way. And don't let the prices tie you down, they are high  but there is no need to worry as they serve large portions.
Please don't leave with out trying the lamb and the green beans.

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Photo of tosha s.

 

0

21

tosha s.

CA

5 star rating
11/16/2009

Seriously divine Chinese food...especially wonderful soups, such as the sizzling rice and the wonton.  Delicate salting and very fresh flavors. The broth was both strong and subtle.  I couldn't believe the high quality of cooking here after having had nearly inedible Chinese food at every other spot in Alameda.  This place is a true find.  Decent prices too despite the slightly upscale interior.

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186

Josh A.

Goose Creek, SC

5 star rating
4/5/2009

This is better than any place I can eat Chinese back in Charleston.  I really liked the calamari, probably the best I've had.  We also had the snow peas beef, some salmon dish with big fat noodles and black beans, and some other stuff I wasn't too sure what it was.  All I know, is that it all tasted great.  Big people know good tastey food.  I am a big person.  Trust me.

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7

christopher c.

Alameda, CA

4 star rating
11/11/2009

This is authentic sichun fresh and tasty , the best asian food in Alameda ca. plenty of space , great bar, lacks intimacy but the service very good.

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0

160

doctor g.

Alameda, CA

3 star rating
4/22/2009

I'm not really a fan of this place.  The food is ok.  I'm not really into Northern style Chinese cooking.  This is not your usual Cantonese food.  I love the decor, but I think the prices are a bit high and you're paying for the nice atmosphere.

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Photo of laura b.

 

837

602

laura b.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
5/15/2006

New Chinese (Beijing and Sichuan cuisine) restaurant in A-town.  A large amount of vegetarian dishes.  VERY reminiscent of PF Changs but without the creepy mcdonalds/walmart/starbucks vibe of the terrifying mega chain.  My favorites include the vegetarian lettuce cups (tofu, water chesnuts and black mushrooms that you wrap up in lettuce at the table.  FUN!  i love interactive food making...there is not enough of that in the world!  it may be the key to world peace!  or something!) and the pea sprouts in garlic sauce are yum.

Full bar.  Lychees in the ice tea!  Everything is very fresh and healthy and i really like the high ceilings...great building.  What else?  This is one of the relatively few decent places to eat on the lovely isle of Alameda.  Apparently the lunch specials are a deal.  Oh and check out the info under Take Out on their website...very informative and helpful!  

I don't really have more to say, I just wanted the coveted first to review status as that seems like a much cherished prize on Yelp :-)

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Elite '10

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422

mitch m.

Mobile, AL

2 star rating
8/9/2008

I like the focus on Northern Chinese food.  Service was good, but the food just wasn't that good.

The dumpling skins were appropriately thick, but the insides weren't good at all. The shrimp tasted old and the filling was just kinda bland. Ungood.

The hot and sour soup wasn't good either.  Missing the black pepper.  Not hot enough, not sour enough.  There were shrimp in it but the shrimp was old too.  The only good thing was that the hot and sour soup didn't have pork in it.  Pork is traditional, but Elphaba doesn't eat pork. (Being the wicked witch and all)

The good thing was that when we went to Trader Joes afterwards  the free samples of grilled cheese were really good.  The grilled cheese might not have been so good if the Chinese hadn't been so bad.

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2

14

Emily C.

Oakland, CA

3 star rating
6/21/2008

I was going to give this place a higher rating.. but reading below and learning of their MSG use is very disappointing. No wonder I liked it, how could you not. I feel very deceived!! If I would have known they use it, I would have asked for no MSG.

I still gave it a decent rating because the food wasn't bad. The two dishes I shared with a friend were flavorful and cooked perfectly (I wonder why??). The ambiance was nice, a bit loud.. but that's okay. Service was very friendly and attentive.. maybe because they felt bad about their little secret.. hmmm.
My cosmo was awesome and pretty much kicked my little behind.

Was going to come back.. but now I don't know if I will. Very sad that they use MSG.. at least write it on the damn menu.

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Photo of Simone F.

 

78

65

Simone F.

Oakland, CA

1 star rating
11/26/2007

Can I leave it with negative 5 star?!  This place is the worst!  PF Chang would've been a wee bit better...  (and PF Change is disgusting white ppl Chinese food!!)

My bf went there for lunch (to go) shortly after they opened.  He had the cumin lamb w/brown rice for lunch.  He said it was pretty good.  

So I wanted to check it out.  We didn't feel like walking/driving after a long day at work so we decided to order delivery.  They won't deliver to Oakland even I live only by Park Bridge which takes 2 min to drive to.  But it's fine for the farthest point in Alameda!!  That's super lame!  So, fine, we would go and pick the order up.  We arrived at the restaurant as we were told in 15 mins.  So, I drove and my bf got out to pick up the food.  All the servers there including the manager/owner walked by him many times and ignored him (it wasn't even that busy in there)!!  So he walked out and all pissed off after waiting for 10 mins w/o any service!!  The manager had the nerve to call him later and yelled at him about not picking up the food.  We told him what happened and he apologized and told us he'd like to have us in sometime soon in the future.  

So, a few weeks later, we gave Ching Hua another chance.  We actually went in, sat down and ordered.  The place looks okay, a bit more trendy/posh Chinese restaurant.  Service was bad!!  I can't remember everything we ordered but I clearly remember 2 dishes we ordered:  

Mu Shu Seafood ~
Every piece of the ingredients were almost shredded super thin...  but it had this sauce so watery that it looked like a bowl of soup!!  Their so- called "pancake" that came with the Mu Shu was soooo thin!!  At least 1/6 of the thickness of a tortilla!!!  So, you are supposed to put that hoi sin/plum sauce on the "pancake", scoop the "Mu Shu" in the "pancake", roll it up and eat it like a burrito...  Yeah, good luck to that!!  With the super thin "pancake" + sauce + soupy "Mu Shu", you think you can even roll that baby up?!  Ha!  Your "Mu Shu" now looks like a baby's diaper on a sick day!!  (It wasn't even yummy!!)

Cumin Lamb ~
Hmmm...  It smelled sooo good when it arrived at our table!!  Steaming hot and looked fresh!!  We started eating it and it had great taste!!  After the first top layer of the lamb was eaten, the rest of the "lamb" looked like left over crumbs picked up from the side of the stove that they collected from dropping on the side.  I mean, my dog food looks a lot better than their food.   We couldn't even finish our food.  The waitress came by later and asked if we wanted to pack up the "leftover lamb".  Do I need to collect crumbs to munch on later?!  I think not!!!

Tea ~
You get charged sooo much money for the freaking tea!!  They are not even top notch tea, they were just so-so... I guess you have to help out on paying for their pretty tea-pots instead of what's really inside!!

They came to change out the plates for our neighbor's table but not ours.  She had the nerve to look at our table and walked away!!  She didn't even pick up the dishes that have been sitting there for quite some time.

Even a great sushi chef sent his order of food back to the kitchen.  I don't know how the people here give Ching Hua more than 3 stars even you said some of the dishes were the worst you've ever tried, and you still rated it 3 stars.  WTF?!  Did you get comp for a free meal on giving it more stars?!  Don't try to be kind, be true to your reviews!!  It might hurt the owner's/cooks' feelings but it can only help them to improve and correct themselves!  As for me being a Chinese and know of Chinese food, this place deserves a maximum of 2 stars for its look and 1 star for both the food and services.

I think we were very fair on giving Ching Hua a few chances to let it redeem itself.  I didn't just review this place from one first try!

Ching Hua is truly a very not authentic Chinese restaurant with bad bad value.  Why pay so much more for such quality of food and service while Oakland China Town with GREAT VALUE, GOOD Chinese food is only 3 mins drive away?!  Support the good restaurants, not the bad!!  And yeah, never judge a book by its cover!!!

Their dishes that they serve there are not hard to make.  They are not that hard to make...  When we go eat at a restaurant, you want to be served and good chefs to cook for you so you can sit back, relax and enjoy!  At Ching Hua, you can only get frustrated and very unsatisfied from services to food quality.  Go to Shang Dong in Oakland instead!

Ching Hua should change the name to Shit Hua (http://www.shithuaoncr...)!!!

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Photo of Alex L.

 

139

291

Alex L.

Santa Clara, CA

4 star rating
12/3/2006

The BEST sesame beef I've ever had. Absolutely wonderful! The service was impeccable. The best I've ever had at a chinese restaurant (outside of Chinois in Vegas, but that hardly counts).

The chicken siu mai was undercooked and there was a only partially cooked piece of chicken in one. The potstickers might be the best I've had. Puffy yet crispy and full of good flavor. The cherry pokr was interesting. Never heard of it anywhere else so it's worth trying out for that reason alone.

With the exception of the siu mai mishap, it was an outstanding meal and worth the trip to Alameda.

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ChubbyBunny I.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
11/2/2006

Most restaurants in Alameda are geared towards oldsters, naval yesteryearmens with fishermens tossed in, corporate megaglomeration, family, or just plain crappy.  I live in O-Town but I  end up in Alameda a lot and it can be hard work to find anything that meets the delicious.

It was a lovely surprise to find well made Chinese food on the Isle.  Granted, it doesn't fill the junky egg roll, sleazy take-out like we had it in NYC box, but it definitely hits the flavor spots and I'm addicted to the Hot/Sour soup.

Holy Crap These Are TASTY menu stuffs:  Pan Pacific Won Ton, Spicy Dry Fried Chicken  (OMG11!!!11!), Hot and Sour Soup  (of the gods), Tea Smoked Duck  (the lotus buns are EXCELLENT), Lettuce Cups (great portion), many other items.

The Good:
Meats and veggies are fresh and high quality every time, without fail.
Nice bar and interesting top shelf liquor collection.  
Excellent and interesting tea selection and attractive service of same.  
Service is much better than when they first opened.
Comfortable and attractive atmosphere, surprisingly chic for Alameda.
None of that sub gum, garbage food smell so it's a nice night out.
Not ridiculously fusion, stays true to classic American Chinese dishes but updates the flavor profiles  (oh yeah, I went there)

The Not So Good:
Prices are on the higher end of the Chinese food scale although food quality and portion make this valuable
Noodle Dishes (I've tried only 2) are mushy and unimpressive, although they do make their own noodles and I have not tried the Hong Kong noodles yet.
Sauces can range to the sweet side  in dishes like the Cherry Pork.  However, you get an actual hint of cherry and a sauce that doesn't remind one of  jell-o, so don't be scared to try things on the menu.
NEVER EVER enough broccoli in anything (especially the vegetarian dishes, even the tofu broccoli), no Chinese broccoli.

I actually recommend to Oaklanders and it's not so far into Alameda that it will scare you.  It's on the less techy side of the island and easy in, easy out.

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0

21

Clarissa C.

Alameda, CA

1 star rating
5/2/2007

Several days after eating a few bites of the astonishingly flavorless and spice-free kung pao, my stomach still feels as if there's a void in it, as if all the flavor of all the food I've had since then has vanished in the black hole it left behind.  

The other order, vegetarian lettuce cups, while good the first time I went here were also incredibly bland.  Luckily, I got the dinner take-out and was able to season them at home enough eat a couple.

Also, some items make use of MSG, of which they don't inform you on the menu or anywhere.  My boyfriend discovered that on the first visit when the lettuce cups triggered an allergic reaction.  

I really hate to be so negative, but holy buckets, it was awful.  And I tried more than once - really, I did.

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Elite '10

127

293

Todd B.

Alameda, CA

1 star rating
5/1/2008

I am relieved to see all these negative reviews. They are dead on. From the poor female who sat in the greasy sauce that the busser neglected to wipe from the seat to the sweet and sour pork  that had no pineapple this place is like what would happen if PF Chang started getting really dirty and lazy. One Star for the chicken lettuce wraps. I noticed the couple next to us getting only appetizers. That's the ticket here, the entrees are crud and will ruin your stomach. Poor Service, and they charge you for soda refills WTF??? You have to wait 10 minutes for the non-free refill from the point you ask for it. I am not a man who is cold tho, I gave 16%  gratuity which is MY way of saying WEAK SERVICE.

Yesterday as I my breezy and I visited her grandparents, who live on the Alameda beachside, we noticed they were eating Ching Hua. They told us they didn;t like it and offered some to us. We said NO THANKS. I am glad I'm not alone.

Close shop already, it just ain't workin yo.

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Jennifer L.

Alameda, CA

2 star rating
2/2/2008

The food is good, the service is very good, the tea is great, the bar is very great, but they use MSG and they do not tell you they use MSG - there's no notice on the menu - and that's why I gave them only 2 stars - they must inform people that they use this chemical and they must refrain from using it upon request.

We've asked for no MSG but they added it anyway - we had the telltale "cough" and headache after dinner.  

We've given them many chances to get it right and not add MSG, but they're not listening.  

If you have no issue with MSG you'll likely enjoy eating there, but if you want to keep that out of your body, you might have a tough time convincing them not to use it.

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Sandy L.

Alameda, CA

4 star rating
10/20/2008

Best Chinese restaurant in Alameda, one of the best in the Bay area.

Be prepared for much more than the "run of the mill" Chinese food. All of the dishes are well prepared and tasty.

If a dish as the same name as one you have had in another restaurant it probably will be much, much better. The tastes and seasoning will be unique. The ingredients will be fresh.

The service is friendly, attentive, and relaxed.

Favorites: Margaritas, great teas, dumplings, calamari.

Nice place.. go there for lunch on Saturday, have a Margarita, and enjoy the street traffic

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Will A.

Alameda, CA

4 star rating
10/23/2007

Love the sesame chicken, and the shu mai was good.  Got some brown rice as a side which was not very good, but they gave me a credit for the next time I went back.

Went with good friend last night (4/8/2008), and we sat in the restaurant (I usally go take out).  I didn't really mind that the place was 90% empty but they sat us right next to someone.  

I thought it was funny that you had to run this maze to get to their bathroom.  Felt like I should get a piece of cheese when I finally got to the door ;)

Got my usual meal there, and wasn't disappointed.  I guess will try to the Ark, but my only knock was that they probably need to do something about the headlights blinding you if you are facing Park as the headlights of cars coming off of Buena Vista are distracting.

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Elite '10

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Michele M.

Livermore, CA

4 star rating
7/1/2008

What a refreshing change from the "other" chinese restaurants I've patronized (in every sense of the word).

Very industrial looking with a lot of stainless steele and concrete floors. Clean and food is phenomenal. I went here from a suggestion of a friend that lives in the area and we had a blast. Great service, great food, great fun. Maybe could use a little music... but we don't want this turning into an Uncle Yu's on roids or a industrial Miyake's.

Great place go try it! NOW!

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Dave K.

Charlotte, NC

4 star rating
6/15/2006

Almost as good as it's older sister Shen Hua located up College in Rockridge.
This place has the exact same menu and the food is pretty much the same too, but the service could use a swift kick in the pants. Took about 20-30 minutes to get our order and is wasn't even busy.
The location is nice, you can feel low-rider bass when they're stopped at the light. The bar is pretty warm and the grid seating layout is just far enough apart. A visible kitchen and huge corner windows make it quite comfortable, even if you have to wait 20 more minutes after they clear the plates to get the check.
Food is clean and very tasty, no mystery meat. Great szechuan sauces, like in the fantastic home-made noodles with assorted seafood. Appetizers are good and could easily make a great meal with a few of their fruity cocktails.
Bring a date and watch out, because it fills up on the weekends!

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Elite '10

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442

Nobbi L.

Alameda, CA

3 star rating
11/14/2007

We ordered delivery today. Menu on the web looked fantastic. Delivery was faster than expected.

Hot & Sour Soup: No. Just not right.

Mu Shu Pork: Actually the best dish we ordered.

Crab dumplings: pretty good but no dipping sauce. How about a soy/ginger/vinegar sauce.

Hunan Pepper Pork: too much corn starch in the gravy.

Calamari: cold, soggy, rubbery, but good flavor.

They do warn about takeout. So maybe I'll go there some time and upgrade the number of stars.

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Jeff D.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
11/25/2006

Eddie Chu and his family opened a branch of my favorite chinese restaurant (see Shen Hua) fifty feet from my store.

Yay.  Happy. Joy. Bliss.  Prawns!

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Allison L.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
10/25/2006

Loved the vibe of this place: modern without taking themselves too seriously. If you're looking for higher end Chinese food, this is the place to go.

The lunch specials are delicious and definitely filling, while still being on the not too pricey side.

And because it's Alameda, you're likely to run into at least 1 or 2 people you know while dinning here. ;)

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Michelle W.

Vallejo, CA

4 star rating
3/29/2009

i'm not supposed to like this place.  it's really not authentic even though it's owned by an asian person!  but mr ching must be a smart and able-minded businessman, because he has sneakily warmed his restaurant into my little immigrant heart.

i was beyond shocked by the complete and utter phenomenal-ness of the spicy dry fried calamari.  it had my taste buds at hello.  i enjoy food a lot, but it's really rare for something to grab me and slap me across the face.  the calamari is probably the most tender i've ever had in my life, and the flavor of the "spicy dry sauce" is incredible!

the pot stickers and chicken lettuce cups were less pleasurable to eat though.  the "sauteed mixture of chicken and vegetables" was almost a little bland, which forced me to double up on the plum sauce.  the skin-to-stuffing ratio of the pot stickers was not optimal, but they made up for it in size.  BIG FATTIES!

this place is great for lunch (lower priced lunch menu, smaller and cheaper appetizer portions), and it's so nice -- interiorly speaking -- that it would be a great venue for dinner as well.  the service is hit-and-miss, although everyone is super friendly.  and it doesn't break the bank.

order the SPICY DRY FRIED CALAMARI!!  unless you hate calamari or you're allergic, in which case, do not take my advice!!

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