Chuan Kee Chinese Fast Food — Restaurant in Manila

FOOD ISN'T GREAT. STAFF ARE DISRESPECTFUL. Read more below. ⬇️

Cafe Mezzanine is an extension of Chuan Kee restaurant which is located on the second floor and basically serves the same food, just with a small price difference. Since there was a long queue of people waiting to be seated at Chuan Kee (first floor), we were told that we could dine at Cafe Mezzanine (second floor) instead since the place wasn't as packed as it was on the first floor. Upon entering Cafe Mezzanine, the staff told us to go back and wait outside so they could clean the vacant tables. So we waited thinking that they would let us in right away. About 20 minutes later, it seemed as if they had completely forgotten about us. No one was telling us to come in so we eventually had to knock and ask if we could occupy one of the empty tables before they finally realized we were there and let us in. BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!

After being seated, we finally had the chance to look at the menu but some of the items on the list were unfamiliar to us so we asked the server what was in it. We also asked what items were most popular on the list so we could order it too but the lady kept saying "hindi ko po alam, bago lang po ako dito" which was disappointing since we went all the way to Binondo to try out some food which we couldn't typically try elsewhere. So we asked her to give us a different server who could explain the menu a bit more but for some reason, no one came to our table. In the end, we just picked whatever was familiar to us then raised our hand so someone could take our orders. However, the servers just kept on passing by without paying any attention to us. Take note, there were at least 5 servers on duty and the place wasn't even packed with customers. At this point, it had already been almost an hour since we arrived and we were already super hungry so I went up to the counter and started telling them our orders. The staff told me to wait at the table but I insisted that no one was assisting us. I also told them about how long we waited outside and that no one called for us to come in in spite of the fact that there had been several vacant tables to occupy. They said that it was cause they were busy but I found that to be impossible since the place wasn't packed and the staff could be heard just chit chatting with each other. In the end, no one apologized for the bad experience. We waited for our food for another 20 minutes, ate it, payed then left. Food was average, not worth standing in line for, and probably a 6 out of 10. For a tourist food destination, this was NOT the kind of experience I was looking for. I also should've checked the reviews online before even considering to dine at this place since other people pretty much had the same bad experiences. So if you're still reading my review at this point, mag...

The very best dumplings and out of this world spring rolls ..don't order the chicken it is a joke...or the chop suey..yuk it comes with liver..just ruined the chop suey.. soups are ok.. if you go here then eat dumplings or Shanghai rolls trust me..it is worth the trip just for that. I'm going back there now so I will add to this review.. the upstairs is air conditioned but cost more..down stairs beggars beg outside the windows while you eat your food and on the street constantly one after another after another after another and mostly little kids working for the mafia i suspect targeting people in line fir this restaurant..who knows maybe the restaurant gets a cut..and I'm talking non stop ..even as you walk in the restaurant there is a woman selling cakes at the entry way to the restaurant who asks you to help her..that the restaurant allows..it because I saw them get her something to drink.... even with the organized begging and all the street beggars and filth of China town the Shanghai rolls and dumplings are amazing. The best in all of Asia I have seen. Especially the Shanghai rolls...the best part of chuan kee is the prices ..the prices are very affordable and I know this allows you to try several dishes and still withing your budget. I ate soup, dumplings, Shang high rolls every time even chop suey but I didn't know it had liver. I still ate it..the food s fresh and cooked to the order and the dumplings and Shanghai rolls are definitely hand made and very fresh..love this place.. only bad part is getting here is 1.5 hr for bus 70 php that takes a long route and this place is last stop . Then u need a tricycle to get to the restaurant usually 100 php don't get scammed. I took a grab back to south mall for 500 php still took forever and a...

DISRESPECTFUL STAFF RUINED OUR DINING EXPERIENCE

On December 3, 2024 around 7pm, we decided to try this restaurant after seeing the long queue, assuming it was a popular and worthwhile place to eat. When we placed our order, the lady who assisted us mentioned that one of the dishes would take 20-25 minutes to prepare. We were fine with the wait and agreed to it.

As time went on, we finished eating and realized we were already full. Since the last dish hadn’t been served yet, we decided to request a cancellation for it. We also asked if the remaining food we hadn’t finished could be packed for takeout.

Unfortunately, the same lady, her response was disappointing and unprofessional. Instead of addressing our request politely, she was rude and dismissive, making us feel uncomfortable and disrespected. While we would have completely understood if cancellations weren’t allowed due to restaurant policy, her tone and attitude were unnecessary. To make matters worse, she initially ignored our takeout request for minutes and even threw us irritated looks, which left a bad impression.

Eventually, she came back to pack our food and explained that the cancellation couldn’t be processed without the manager’s approval, who unfortunately wasn’t available. While we understood the reason, her delivery remained discourteous and only added to our frustration.

What could have been a pleasant dining experience was overshadowed by this interaction. Professionalism and respectful communication are essential in customer service, and we hope the management takes steps to improve this for...