China Taste Restaurant Ltd — Restaurant in Prince George

This will be odd entry. I need to issue a retraction. “And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him.” No, the end times are not at hand. Critics change their opinion now and again, even me. In defense, in order to see the brighter side of China Taste, one must not only ask for the “hidden” menu but also speak Mandarin. Or was it Cantonese? This is a point of personal contention with me from back when I flew to China to meet a certain someone (I’m not blanking on the name--Jaime--it’s just not in the slightest bit important) and took it upon myself to learn Mandarin, a useful skill until I realized only two days before my journey that the language I needed to learn was Cantonese. And yes, the languages are different. “Nǐ hǎo” becomes “Nei hou” and some people (apparently) get ornery when you get it wrong. Thankfully, with China Taste’s “authentic” Chinese menu, you can ask for a translation. There isn’t much of a selection compared to a normal Westernized menu, though still plenty enough for the average patron. The prices are not cheap either, starting at around $18.95, but with that, you get a lot of food. Me and my friend each ordered one dish and we couldn’t finish either. My suggestion: go with three or more people and order a number of dishes equal to the group size minus one. I got a sizzling lamb dish while my friend ordered a white fish platter. I couldn’t give exact names because, well, obviously I didn’t know. In the end, the important thing was that these dishes were amazing, worthy of a visit. I think China Taste may represent some macabre trial like those offered up by insidious paranormal forces wishing to test the resolve of mortal men. On one side, you have money and fame, the other happiness. Here, the choice is between a Big Mac and a gourmet meal. What annoys me is that I know a lot of people who would still prefer the burger. Really? Really? I know burgers are great and I’ve had some amazing ones, but this is just a Big Mac. Why choose that? AND yet, people still will. There is a name for those people. I thought about it for some time, and I think I finally found one that’s appropriate. Stupid. Those are stupid people. Defend them if you will, but if presented with a well-made plate from the finest bistro rather than greasy layers of fat, sugar, plastic, and lost dreams, what would you choose? I have a substandard opinion of those still preferring the latter. I simply call them stupid and think nothing of it. To everyone else, those that have gone to China Taste for the buffet, stop. Just stop. Take a breath. Reconsider. There’s a better option. Ask for the authentic Chinese menu and order something better. Let these businesses know that there is demand for this cuisine and that people want it. Finally, I want to address one specific point. The most commonly asked question I’ve ever fielded has been, “What is a good Chinese restaurant in Prince George?” I’ve been asked this obviously from people unaware of my views on the cuisine. I don’t approve of it generally because of the extent it’s been westernized. I have only curmudgeonly recommended a few through gritted teeth, but no longer. I have my answer, China Taste’s authentic menu. I have heard rumors of other restaurants offering such menus but never before have I seen a place feel so delighted to satisfy. The chef came out to our table, pointed at suggestions and asked how we thought of it afterward. Until someone can match that, China Taste will be my source of all Chinese cuisine from here on, as it should be yours.

Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Presentation: 3/5 Value: ...

UPDATE: Went back to China Taste twice after writing this review to give it another try and was disappointed in the experience. First I ordered vegetable chowmein and aside from a bunch of vegetables, the chowmein noodles were bland and not flavorful as mentioned in the original review below. I also noted that the vegetable chowmein doesn't come in large size, however, that is stated on the menu. I went back one more time to get at least the same portion size I did the first time as it was amazing value, however, after ordering a large chowmein I only got one container? This is not what happened the first time I ordered here in the review below. I am not sure if in the original review I got 2 containers by mistake or if I got skimped this 3rd time ordering. But I think this will be the last time I order from China Taste as the noodles aren't flavorful and the portion size (which was something I raved about in the below review) isn't as big as I thought.

Ordered from China taste for the first time and was impressed by the portion size but disappointed in the service. Ordered take out around 5pm on a Wednesday and spent nearly a total of 10 minutes on hold just to place my order. The employee did apologize for the wait and stated that they were really busy, however, if a phone is going to be left on hold for 10 minutes it's better and less annoying to the customer if you just don't pick up until you have time to take the order.

That aside, I got the large plain chowmein and 2 spring rolls. The spring rolls were tasty and I would order them again. They were not overly oily and had nice pops of flavor with each bite. The plain chowmein was a MASSIVE portion and well worth the dollar value 10 fold. The flavor was lacking but I think that is my own fault by ordering "plain" chowmein where all I wanted was actually saucy noodles, no chunks of broccoli or something. So I would probably order the vegetable chowmein next time to make a real decision about the flavor of the chowmein.

My conclusion about China taste would be amazing value and potential for flavor (based off spring rolls) buy final verdict will be decided upon...

Have been eating here for years, food is always enjoyable, but tonight i ordered through door dash and one of the options on the menu was to seperate my 3 item combo into different packages, as i use 1 3 item combo to feed 2 of my kids i figured this would be easier as 1 of the children isnt a fan of the chop sue sauce on her noodles, The charge was for $3.60 extra, and i understand container cost. Even though i find that specific amount for 3 containers a bit steep i digrese we live in the age of plastic ban and understand i pay for my plastic.... However what i was not expecting was to recieve a portion that was noticably smaller then if i had ordered the meal in a normal 3 item container, there was no notice of sizing of containers or any warning of the amount difference i would recieve in food, i still had one of there old 3 item containers in my drawer so i checked how much food difference there was, and i can fit at least 2 more of the smaller containers worth of food into the normal 3 item package and still have space between the food and the lid of the container....

I highly recomend changing the descrition or removing the option all together.

As i said i have been eating here for over a decade i enjoy the food and the service and have never had an experience like this from them before.... But tonights order felt like shrinkflation...