Asian Kitchen — Restaurant in Durham

I’d like to mention I was very excited to try this location, as I’ve heard all good things. I’d also like to mention that I’m well-versed in Asian cuisine. On this past Monday. Myself and partner dined here, quickly sat as it was pretty empty when we arrived. When I went to order. I was told abruptly that I could not order what I asked for “you no like it, and return it from kitchen so no you not order the stewed beef, I bring you the regular” I kindly asked him not to tell me what I can order, he then Mansplained to me the difference between what I want and, what he is going to bring; then I said I didn’t want either, placed some appetizers and side dishes. We kept one menu to decide which new entree I’d like because being told I can’t have what I want as you could imagine, was really bothersome. Another sever now approaches and starts to take the menu. One reaching over my food and then when I said, I’m still looking at the menu, she says no, takes the menu out of my hand and places it against the wall of the booth. At this point, I’m already annoyed because it’s a rather large menu and I’d come with intent of trying what I had already wanted to order! Now your hands are in my personal space you’re telling me no to something as simple as me looking at the menu and to make matters worse she brought us some sauces and rearranged our entire shared and already precisely placed plates. Sending my OCD off the charts. I softly ask for a manager. My partner expressing how well I’m handling my feelings and breathing and reactions.

Who do you think they sent to the table the first ridiculously arrogant server who told me no the first time and then they send the second absolutely oblivious server to my table both acting as the manager, though. I’ve watched the manager walk by twice already, but being the only African-Americans in the establishment at the time, I still remain calm, explained my frustration and disappointment in my experience and stated that I will not be back and paid for my order! The entire time this lady spoke over me as if I’m not already upset enough, but then her completely Asian accent changes as if she was speaking in Ebonics when she ends it all saying. “Sorreeeyyyyy gurllllllll” phewwww. Like are you racist or stupid ?! Or both!? The bougie in me almost displaced itself along side her head. But I smiled through it and repeated that I won’t be back. She said I’d have long enough time to change my mind smiled and walked away. Again. -1/10 experience here !! I will not recommend it to anyone. I had tot take a few days to calm down to write this. Ugh can’t believe...

When I caught wind of the news that Asian Kitchen was under new ownership, boasting an authentic Chinese food experience complete with hand-pulled noodles, I was eager to give it a try, even if it meant driving 30+ minutes. As a noodle aficionado, my anticipation was high, but unfortunately, my visit left me quite disappointed.

I decided to go with the stir-fried Ong Choy and the Beef Stewed Ramen (la mien). The Ong Choy, priced at $15.99, was a letdown from the start. The portion size was notably small, and it was drenched in an excessive amount of oil, masking any potential flavors that the dish might have held. I couldn't help but feel that something was missing.

The Beef Stewed Ramen was a further letdown. Despite the high hopes I had for this dish, it fell flat on the flavor scale. The beef was tough and chewy, making it a challenge to enjoy, and to my surprise, the noodles were oddly soggy. The promise of hand-pulled noodles, which should have been a highlight, was nowhere to be found in this lackluster execution.

As if the disappointing food wasn't enough, my experience took a concerning turn when I observed a rather unappetizing practice by the server. Not only did I witness them scratching their head, but they also handled cash and then proceeded to use their hands to wipe off plates before placing them on different tables. This blatant disregard for basic hygiene was disheartening and raised significant concerns about the overall cleanliness of the establishment.

It's truly perplexing and concerning to see numerous glowing five-star reviews for Asian Kitchen, given my less-than-stellar encounter. The underwhelming portions, lack of flavor, and unsettling hygiene practices paint a very different picture from the one portrayed online. I had hoped for an authentic and memorable dining experience, but sadly, this restaurant fell short on multiple fronts.

In conclusion, my visit to Asian Kitchen in Durham was a bland and concerning affair. The lackluster dishes and worrying hygiene practices have left me with little desire to return. If you're seeking a genuinely authentic and enjoyable Asian dining experience, I recommend exploring other options in the area that prioritize both flavor and...

Today we went to an Asian Kitchen restaurant. Initially, we planned to go somewhere else, but I saw on the map that this restaurant was closer, and we decided to go there since I had it saved in Google Maps. When we arrived, the first thing I liked was seeing the staff making handmade dumplings. That was one of the reasons we decided to order them—they looked very appetizing at the counter.

When we sat down, we were given the menu. I asked if they had a kids' menu, and they handed me the menu that’s usually given for delivery or takeout. This menu had the kids' options, but the main menu, which the server brought, didn’t include a kids' menu or even some of the items that were on the takeout menu. I was very surprised by this since half of my order came from the takeout menu, as those dishes weren't in the main menu.

I ordered General Tso's Chicken, Crab Rangoon as an appetizer, and pork and Chinese cabbage steamed dumplings. For my daughter, I ordered the kids' size sesame chicken. When the food arrived, I was really surprised that the dish for my child came without rice or any side at all. They just brought out the chicken, and they hadn’t asked me when I ordered whether I wanted a side or anything else. I assumed it would come with some sort of side, but it didn’t, so I shared my rice with her.

I really enjoyed the dumplings—they were delicious. The Crab Rangoon didn’t surprise me; it was just like any other one you’d get anywhere. As for the General Tso's Chicken, I felt like there was a lot of batter and not much meat, and the sauce was a bit too sweet and heavily seasoned. It wasn't spicy, but I just didn’t like the sauce, so I had to keep drinking water.

I would definitely return to this place to order the dumplings again, and I’d try the other dumplings with chicken or beef, or even pork again, because they were truly delicious—juicy, large, and with plenty of meat. They were really high-quality dumplings. However, for all the other dishes, I’d give them a 3 out of...