Chan Pheng's Mandarin Cuisine — Restaurant in Chico

First Chinese restaurant in Chico. Sarah, our server, was smart and congenial. Place was almost empty at around 7 PM. The celebrations of 5 de Mayo, perhaps? Restaurant was clean overall, so we proceeded to get a Family Special for two, to the tune of $17.50 each. Consisted of the following: 2 egg rolls, 2 foil wrapped chicken, and those big fried thin bread? Won ton soup for two, Almond chicken. Mongolian beef, White rice for 2, and apart a Combination Fried Rice. Egg rolls were average at best, 3 Stars. Wrapped chicken no finesse in the execution, 2.5 Stars. Those fried whatever 1 Stars. Won ton soup chicken tasting broth, served lukewarm which really is bad practice, most know soup and hot temperature go together, but if the chef doesn’t know that, then who does in their kitchen? 3.5 Stars. Almond chicken easy to enjoy, 3.5 Stars. Mongolian beef, small serving but agreeable, 3.5 Stars. Order of Combination Fried Rice, $13.50, more rice and more beef than the other two, a very famous Chinese philosopher said that when expensive combination fried rice is mostly rice, no bargain but good flavor, 3 Stars. No tea offered, a fine tradition, that in this place was a no show. Service can’t complain, 4 Stars. Water tasted good, 4 Stars. Steamed rice just that. Total $54+. Plus gratuity. Decent folks running this...

Date night, so my wife and I tried something new in Chico. So glad we did, our we wouldn't know about this small gem. Hidden in a small corner on Mangrove Ave, we pulled in and entered to a small dining area with a large windowed view of the kitchen. Plus 1, as we could see our meal being prepared. Service is quick and thorough, and the staff are knowledgeable about the menu. We ordered the Sizzling Rice soup for 2, Lemon Chicken, Szechuan Beef, Shrimp and Scallops with vegetables, and Special Chow Mein. Our 2 person table was soon too crowded to eat off of, as the dishes were larger than expected. These were packed with flavor, and overflowing with sauce. The vegetables were crisp, the seafood was perfect... not rubbery or bland, the beef was spicy but not so spicy you couldn't enjoy it. The chicken was falling apart, and the citrus flavor was spot-on. The chow mein was plentiful and packed with shrimp/pork/chicken/veggies... all cooked to perfection. We ate, and left with MORE than enough for lunch the next day. Prices are fair, and the atmosphere is cosy. This could... COULD, become our go-to for Chinese in Chico, giving Happy Garden a serious run for its money. AND, their take-out game is STRONG!! Don't be afraid of...

UPDATE 4/4/2025 Still the best Chinese in Chico. This time I ordered veggie deluxe and spring rolls, Delicious. Look at how fresh and colorful those veggies are. The bright green broccoli. The orange carrots pop. Those are FRESH veggies!

six year ago... I ordered the tofu and vegetables to go. While I waited I watched the kitchen through a large glass window. It gave the space a slightly upscale vibe unexpected for a Chinese place in Chico. Watching the staff work the wok and food gave me nostalgia for my time in Guanzhou, watching street vendors expertly cook noodle dishes in front of me. The avacado green walls gave the room a warm and inviting ambiance. The food I watched coming out was all vibrant looking and delicious smelling. Vegetables were brightly colored (so they were fresh) and dumplings were plump and steaming. The staff was attentive and friendly and asked everyone how their day was going. I'm so glad I decided to pop in. The dish I ordered was excellent, tasty and spicy and crunchy. This is going to be my new favorite Chico...