Shang Yuen — Restaurant in Des Moines

As a top reviewer, I’m afraid I have to report the last 3 visits of bad service and food.

*1- the lady was not friendly although we spend at least $60 per visit. She charged us twice- even though we showed her the debit with her business taking a hold for the amount she charged. She refused to serve us without paying again. So we paid twice. Fluke- maybe. I give the benefit of the doubt. It's inconvenient to have an extra hold period.

*2 different visit, couple weeks later. She charges us once again- same excuse. “Oh I forgot to hit a button”, odd as this is the second time the same women. We AGAIN showed her our bank debit of the amount she put in- she refused to give us our paid food without “swiping” again. I’m a former fraud investigator and red flags began to rise. When we got the food it contained so much red pepper, barely edible. *I do like spicy but I’ve NEVER had it that bad. My make up melted off for reference. Ugh.

Also, we watched the next two customers pay and the “worker” had no issues hitting the right button for them and not charging twice. Odd.

*3 visit two days ago. We decided to take cash and when we handed it to her she did a fake laugh- and was like “oh you bring cash” and my husband said, yes we do carry cash from time to time. Again the red crushed pepper was inedible and I tried to get my moneys worth but couldn’t finish. I’ve woken up sick for the past two days.

These visits were plain awful. It’s too bad because we “used” to love going there- but with these three unfortunate situations- we cannot recommend, and if she seems like she is annoyed with you, think twice on...

This is just a real hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant, but it is great. No alcohol, no fancy pictures, no servers. Just extremely fresh food that never deviates. Prices are reasonable & counter service is friendly. Have tried many places in Des Moines, but it’s the ONLY place my wife likes, including the pricey PF Chang’s. Her favorite is the garlic chicken with 2 egg rolls (under $9).

As for me, the Shrimp Mu Shu (8.95) is more than a full meal (w leftovers); wing appetizers are also great, as well as the combination meals. Never had a bad meal here & that is hard to say about ANY place. Angela is usually there handling the counter & will try to accommodate your taste with the kitchen (xtra spicey, less salt, etc). Open til 9:30 Fri & Sat.

2/1/2025 update: downgraded from a 5 to a 3. Wife always loved the garlic chicken & I loved the Mushu. Both were off last time, like never before. It was almost like the food was a bit stale. Long time host/manager also left…so not sure if this is a coincidence or not, because she doesn’t cook. I may try again at some point, but first time we were disappointed...

I have loved Shang Yuen, since I was a child. Been going there for 30 plus years. They were always consistently good. More recently the restaurant has changed owners and they are still calling it Shang Yuen, but the majority of the recipes have now changed and not for the better. Their lo mein, was some of the best I have ever had. Sadly, they changed out the noodles and the flavor of their lo mein. I won't order it, as it is now. Their Mongolian beef was savory and not sweet, and now it is so sweet that I can't eat it. I loved how Shang Yuen would not throw a ton of sugar into their dishes and I could count on them being very flavorful and full of fresh vegetables. Now they are super sweet, less meat and a lot less flavor. To the new owners please please consider switching back to the old tried and true recipes! If not, please consider changing the name of the restaurant, because it is no longer Shang Yuen in my opinion. I am holding out hope for it to go back the way it was before the new owners. If not, sadly I will no longer be a customer and I know several other people who feel...