I’ve traveled far and wide—from bustling cities to tucked-away gems—and tasted dishes that tell stories of their own. But this? This meal right here might just be the best I’ve had since leaving home.
Let’s start with the Shrimp Fried Rice—every grain was perfectly seasoned and pan-kissed with wok flavor. The shrimp were plump, juicy, and cooked just right, not rubbery or lost in the mix. Each bite felt like it had purpose, with green onions, egg, and just the right hit of sesame oil rounding it all out.
Then came the Shrimp with Vegetables—a balance of freshness and flavor. The veggies were crisp and vibrant, not steamed to death like many places do. The light garlic sauce allowed the natural sweetness of the shrimp to shine through, making it both hearty and refreshing.
Now the General Tso’s Chicken—this dish alone deserves its own standing ovation. Crispy yet tender, with that perfect sticky-sweet heat, every bite had that signature crunch followed by a rich, bold finish. It didn’t just taste good—it tasted intentional.
The Pork Fried Rice was another winner. Smoky, savory, and just greasy enough to be comforting without being heavy. The pork was flavorful and generous, and it held its own as more than just a side.
And finally, the Shrimp Egg Rolls—golden, crisp, and filled to the brim. No shortcuts here. You could actually taste the shrimp, fresh cabbage, and hints of ginger and garlic in every bite. Paired with the right dipping sauce, they became the crown jewel of the meal.
This wasn’t just lunch—it was an experience. One that transported me through flavors I hadn’t felt since the comfort of home. If you’re ever chasing that feeling—of food made with love, tradition, and soul—this spot is where your journey...
Read moreFirey Bowl on Satellite Blvd in Duluth is a nostalgic throwback to the Chinese-American restaurants of years passed. This was my second time ordering takeout for the family, and it’s a solid choice for feeding a crowd on a budget. The menu is massive - almost overwhelmingly so - with a dizzying array of classic dishes like General Tso’s and lo mein. It’s old-school Chinese-American fare, not gourmet, but comforting and familiar.
The food itself? Decent and satisfying when piping hot, though it loses some appeal as it cools. Portions are huge, ingredients seem fresh, and prices are reasonable for the quantity. It’s not going to win culinary awards, but it delivers on value and a retro vibe.
The restaurant’s interior, however, feels stuck in the ‘90s. It’s a bit cluttered and disorganized, with a dated look that might’ve been bold back then but now just feels tired. The humming soda cooler up front is hard to ignore. Service is efficient but not particularly warm - don’t expect a chatty welcome, but they get the job done.
Overall, Firey Bowl is a pretty darn good pick for takeout when you need a lot of food for a good price. I’d recommend skipping the dine-in experience and enjoying those massive portions at home while...
Read moreOur dinner was a total gastronomic delight!!! Do NOT be tricked into thinking this is just another American Chinese establishment offering things like kungpao chicken, lo mein, egg drop soup, etc. Instead, ask for the Huaiyang-style menu which was introduced in early December. As someone born in Jiangsu Province in China, I would comment this is arguably the best Huaiyang food I’ve ever had in the U.S. Some dishes, such as shizitou (steamed “lion’s head” meatball), dazhu gansi (shredded dried tofu with chicken broth), Dongpo pork, and beer braised duck, are not easily found even in NY/LA/SF (Huaiyang cuisine is largely uncommon in traditional Chinatowns), but are elegantly prepared and served here. I can’t describe how good those dishes taste, nor could these photos - you’ll have to try them yourself.
Again, the Huaiyang style menu was recently added by the new owner and chef and I believe they are still in the experimental phase to determine what the permanent menu options should be. In the meantime, definitely ring them up a day in advance (takes much longer to prepare and cook) if you’d love to try some authentic Huaiyang dishes not quite the same as any other Chinese...
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