Chinese Wok — Restaurant in Town of Cochrane

I'll be honest, this place always seemed a bit sketchy from the outside. Sometimes the parking lot wasn't lit, or you couldn't tell if it was open or even what it was called wasn't obvious. It always looked deserted. Then there were some facebook reviews that were not positive. Overall we avoided even trying this place.

That all changed recently. We noticed some renovations happening, proper lines painted in the parking lot, actual cars in the lot and some facebook reviews saying it was under new ownership. Last night we decided to give it a try and we were not disappointed!

I am not sure what was renovated recently but the restaurant itself is roomy and very clean. Everything looked new or at the least very well maintained. We were quite comfortable.

The staff was friendly and attentive and we were never left wanting for anything. The manager and the owner (I'm assuming) both popped by to check on us and make sure everything was okay.

We ordered a meal for six even though there were just four of us. We wanted more selection and maybe some leftovers. We were blown away by how much food there was! There was no skimping on the portion sizes here!

We had chicken fried rice, salt and pepper squid, garlic ribs, dumplings, chow mein and probably some other things I'm forgetting. Each of these dishes were tasty but I will highlight a couple of really standout dishes....

The chicken balls! I've had many chicken balls in my life at different restaurants and food court type stands and I've never had ones like these. First of all, they were large; maybe even bigger than a golf ball. Every one of them was full of ... get this ... CHICKEN! So often chicken balls are all just batter with a tiny bit of chicken inside but not these ones. Each one had a really big piece of chicken in it. There was no cheaping out on the chicken balls at this place.

Ginger beef. I know, ginger beef is ginger beef right? Not so here. The portion size was big, and the beef excellent but the real notable quality was the flavour. The ginger beef tasted like... GINGER. It wasn't just all sugar and beef but rather had a good strong ginger flavour. I really enjoyed this.

In the end we were glad to give these guys a chance and have no regrets. If you're looking for a sit down Chinese restaurant, I think the Chinese-Wok is a solid choice and wouldn't hesitate to recommend...

This is a second reply from the owners message: “Come on” !!!? Isn’t it that’s your promo, half price? It’s not about how much money I spend for food, it’s how you unmannerly took away the chafing tray while I was getting food. I’ve waited til 8:30 to come so I can avail your 50 percent off for your to go buffet as you advertised. I lost my appetite how the way you treated me saying to my face “beef is expensive”. If you are struggling about the price of the beef meat, why not take it down or make exceptions to your promo, Or you should have explained to me prior getting my payment and giving the box not to take 2 slice.Instead, you followed me to the chafing dish just to embarrass me about taking 2 slice of your STEAK. People might think that these are MISLEADING advertise you have.

This is a first reply from the owners message: “Come on” !!!? Well you should have made clear bout your “half price” buffet to go box not to take 2 slices of steak. Maybe have some review on your promotional ads, they’re out on the street. And taking the whole tray away from me felt disrespected.

Original review: 2 slice of their steak of a 4 x quarter inch size, as I was getting food he was sneaking behind my back and he talked to me saying “beef is expensive” he took it away the whole tray. Tried to return the other piece but Felix obnoxiously turned away. I return the steaks and left. We love the food in there it’s cheap, strong taste, flavorful BUT.. it’s time to move to...

I got there just as they were opening; all of the dishes were out within 10 minutes.

Fresh, hot and tasty - exactly how it should be!

The cook came out, and he was proud of what he produced (he should be). I asked whether he made his own batter for the chicken balls, and he said yes.

The reason I asked is because many restaurants use frozen chicken balls and won ton soup made in other places. Being fresh makes this place better than its competition.

A few suggestions: keep all the seafood together use thin won ton wraps instead of the doughy thicker flour. Make the won tons smaller (and use less ginger in the meat mix) in a bowtie manner, not in a crown or dumpling -don't use excess batter on the chicken balls; the chicken portion has too much in places. They don't have to be round to be good

Must-eat items: ginger beef chicken balls peppered beef steamed items The bean sprouts are cooked perfectly.

The staff is delightful. It's evident they're all working together and communicate well.

Even though their renovations were a while ago, the place looks fresh. I was the first in at 4:30 on a Friday, and by the time I left, it was already close to full.

Cochrane is lucky to have such a good buffet. $25 is very reasonable for a dinner buffet of...