Chop Chop

We are so perplexed how Chop Chop averages five stars when we found our experience to be quite underwhelming.

Many attempts were made to eat here but it was either closed, even when hours indicated they were open, or under maintenance. We were about to give up on them until one day the open sign was illuminated and the cart window was open.

If our taste buds are off we don't go out and try a new food cart. Our taste buds were fine this day. The Kung Pao Chicken ($8) was one of the most bland entrees. It's as though the chef forgot to add key ingredients for the sauce because at the same time he was making the General's Chicken ($7.50). We ended up taking most of it home and added our own sauce to it. The General's Chicken was alright. There was more bread coating the chicken then there was chicken, also more rice than chicken, and the pieces were small.

We were really hoping this would be our new favorite cart for Chinese food but right now we're content with our usual go-to carts.

I've always been quite shocked at the lack of quality Chinese food in Portland. You know That Foodie Mecca that's drowning in every type of Asian cuisine with amazing places for Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese Ect. But the seemingly strange fact is it's very rare to find decent Chinese food. This is not for a lack of places. They are everywhere but hardly decent and never great. I had basically given up. But I always kept looking on YELP from time to time to see if any place stuck out. Thankfully I found CHOP CHOP.

This place is solid. For many reasons. The owner/chef is extremely personable. He cares a great deal about his craft. You can tell him how you want your dish. Everything I've had so far had been great. I say this because I've realized over the years I have a Soy Sauce test with my Chinese food. Depending on the dish but the more soy sauce I feel I need to add the lower the quality of food to either add or hide flavor. I've never used soy in any of his dishes it would insult the food. In fact I've never thought about adding any because all the favors are on point. The Prices are reasonable.

In my opinion, this place is a rare shining jewel that the city has to offer.

Just a heads up, he closes earlier on Thursdays.
Check the hours.

Easily the best Chinese food in the general area (I've tried Jumbo, Hong Kong 97 and the other Chinese food cart in this pod). Also, easily the best for vegetarians. Ask him about your options. The owner is from Hong Kong and is a great dude.

1/29 update: still amazing. Got the pork with garlic and tangy sauce. I love their breaded and fried stuff here, but if you're feeling something that's not breaded, its so good

I was very, very impressed by the quality of the noodles as well as the quantity! Easily 2 meals.

The Lo Mein is delicious & the service is excellent. I definitely want to try more of the menu!

I must say that the guy taking the orders at the window is a little odd (kind of like the person you would avoid at a Greyhound bus station) none the less friendly.
Anyhow, The food here really does live up to the hype and I truly believe has earned the 5 star rating. Hats off to the chef, the food has great texture, flavor and is seasoned well!

I never believe hype. Fine, you have 79 reviews and average 5 stars. Its just a food cart? Right?

People reviewing must just love the food cart scene and don't really know good food?! Right?

Wrong!

Hype away as this place delivers great food and flavor that has depth and is really bold. My general chicken was spiced to my want and it was crispy, savory and there was plenty of it. I also tasted the Kong Pao which was also very flavorful and unique which impressed me. Typically the run of the mill Chinese food kind of all tastes similar based. Not this.

You did me right yelp reviewers!

When you go, dont forget to get some of that amazing sauce that's sitting on the counter. Yumm.

Good Chinese food? In Portland? Whaaaaat?!

In the past I've tried--and sadly been disappointed by--a couple of well-reviewed Chinese restaurants in the SE area. I was almost ready to give up hope...

But then, like a shining beacon at the end of a dark tunnel, Chop Chop appeared. There's a reason this cart has 5 solid red stars--in a sea of Chinese food that ranges from "meh" to "blah", Chop Chop is GOOD! The food is fresh, flavorful, AND reasonably priced. You also cannot beat the friendly service--the man who runs this cart is the nicest guy ever. I discovered this place about a week ago, and have already been back two more times.

So far I've tried the orange, sweet and sour, and kung pao chicken. All have been delish.

Recommended!

Been here 4 times and want to come back again and again. Sooo good. This time we got spicy shanghai noodles - this was so good. So much flavor and good spice. So much flavor to the spice. And the noodles are thin glass like noodles.

2nd got the generals chicken. This is the 4th time I have gotten it and consistently soo good. Keeps me coming back for me every time.

3rd mushroom chicken. So many good vegetables, besides mushrooms, and all so good. Good crunch to the vegetables and packed with flavor. Chicken was tender and not that weird chewy fat thing that stir frys can get

Good Chinese food amongst all the not so good choices in Portland area. Prices are reasonable too. I got the kung pao chicken and it was good and spicy. Definitely a must go spot when you crave Chinese in Portland and don't want to spend too much money. The food cart area is not my favorite but that has nothing to do with this cart.

Excellent Chinese food and Mr. Lee is a super nice guy. I have only tried the spicy chicken and fried rice and would like to try his other dishes. I was there last night and was good to see had extra help in there.