Ten Seconds（十秒到） — Restaurant in Charlotte

I very rarely post a negative review but this experience warrants it. I will try to be as nice as I can since this is peoples’ livelihoods and as a supporter of small businesses, it’s important to me to make sure they continue existing, regardless of my personal experience.

Unfortunately, we had a terrible experience here. We’ve been to Ten Seconds as a family 4 times. This time, we asked for a broth that was non pork to accommodate one person. The only option they had was the tomato broth which genuinely tasted like they had poured tinned/canned soups into a pot and added some water to call it a day. The taste was foul. Between 4 people, only 2 tried to stomach it.

I then opted for my own soup and ordered the spicy beef hot pot with rice. It came out and similarly, the taste was terrible. All of the toppings were soggy and overcooked, mixed together in what I can only describe as mush. The broth itself tasted like vinegar and meat broth combined. I took one bite and let the server know that it wasn’t good, and I would like to send it back (something I rarely do).

Instead of being accommodating or kind, the server immediately had an attitude with me. She argued and said no one has ever sent back that particular dish. I said I understand, but for me personally, this was not a good dish. She then proceeded to raise her voice at me and tell me she was going to bring her manager in - expecting me to back off. I told her I have no problems speaking to a manager. She literally scoffed and then went into the kitchen, then came out and angrily dismissed me to tell me she would remove the item from my bill. I have never had such an experience at any restaurant ever, and having worked in the hospitality industry myself for 3 years, I would never behave in this kind of way - especially when the customer isn’t being rude about their experience, but rather giving feedback and nicely but firmly asking for a solution.

After that interaction, we were essentially ignored by their serving team and had to go up to the cash register to pay our bill (whereas other customers received their bills at their tables).

I was so appalled at this experience that I have been reflecting on whether or not to share it, and ultimately decided to as it’s been 3 days and I’m still confused and upset at how we were treated.

The only good things I have to say are that the fried spring rolls and shrimp shumai (dumplings) were delicious with a sweet soy sauce. I wouldn’t order anything else nor will I ever be...

Calculating exactly when we started coming or discovered what is now our favorite place to eat is complicated 🤔😅 but the last photo in this review was on June 2, 2024, so more than a year ago approximately 😱🥹

The feeling of warmth and peace we feel every time we come is indescribable (which is usually once a week, no more than once every two 👀), even before being regulars, we were always greeted with a smile and phenomenal hospitality; my husband and I discovered that we like it and we always order the same thing 😅 but I invite you to explore the menu 🙌 (since, for example, my little sister went recently and she liked the spicy sour, I usually go for the original soup because I can't eat spicy food hehe 😄😅

The music is always relaxing ☺️🎶 and no matter what time we go, there are always people, in fact, mostly Asians, so I think it's a favorite for the Chinese community 🥢 The teas are divine as well as several appetizers we tried too, our favorite is lychaan peach 🍑, it's tasty and refreshing 🧊

The quality is honestly so unique, it always feels fresh from the broth to each of the mushrooms, vegetables and animal protein that are integrated, the flavor is incredibly consistent and the service is always 1st class 🥇 this is definitely our comfort food and place 🥰🥰

We always recommend it to family, friends, and new acquaintances, and we hope they embrace this experience as much as we have ❤️🧡💛

We wish this place success and millions of blessings 🙏 and know that you have these customers in love and...

Delicious authentic Chinese noodles, SUPER attentive staff, and a relaxed, clean atmosphere! Our server, Maggie gave us great recommendations, and she went ABOVE AND BEYOND to serve us quickly and kindly. This place truly had one of the fastest services I have ever experienced. ALL of our food came out less than five minutes after we ordered.

I highly recommend trying the tangy cold spicy sour cucumber appetizer or the popcorn chicken, which was perfectly crispy with just a hint of cinnamon-like sweetness.

The Szechuan Pepper Soup was super aromatic and flavorful, but be prepared to have your tongue feel a bit numb due to the type of peppers used. The beef flank is always slow cooked for four hours before being served, and it was so juicy and tender!

My favorite dish, however, was the beef mixed rice noodle. The noodles were melt-in-your mouth delicious, the sauce was impeccably prepared, and if you like dry-roasted peanuts, this dish is LOADED with them.

Ten Seconds is a HIDDEN GEM in Ballantyne!...