Chins Gourmet — Restaurant in El Cajon

We were really looking forward to trying this spot after seeing all the positive reviews. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite the dinner experience we had hoped for. There were some things we did want to praise & highlight as not all were negative. First of all, it was our first time visiting so we weren't familiar with their menu, but had been asked 3 times in a span of what felt like 4 minutes whether we were ready to order. We didn't feel the need to be rushed as their dining room was only 40-50% occupied at the time we were seated. We ordered the following dishes to share "family style" amongst the four of us (I've rated them on a scale of 1-5 stars): Egg Flower Soup w/ Vegetables (3) Crispy Cream Cheese Wontons (3) Shanghai Steamed Dumplings (5) Tangerine Chicken (5) Filet Mignon w/ Chef Sauce (2) Pan Fried Crispy Noodles (2) Taiwanese Sausage Fried Rice (2) Hot Tea (5) We tried ordering their Mushrooms in a Spicy Honey Sauce vegetable dish, but they were out of it. We obviously liked their Shanghai Steamed Dumplings appetizer and Tangerine Chicken entree the most. The soup & wontons were neither great nor bad. The Filet Mignon was tender but cooked well-done, and may have been much more tender if cooked medium. The Pan Fried Crispy Noodles didn't have much beef & chicken compared to the vegetables. Their Taiwanese Sausage Fried Rice lacked any flavor at all and looked like regular non-fried rice with eggs & bits of Chinese sausage mixed in. One thing that was a little bit of a let down was we were not given any crispy noodles with our soup. We thought the restaurant didn't have any, but saw the crispy noodles on an adjacent table when we were almost done with the meal. Also, we weren't offered house fried rice to accompany our entrees ordered and were just given steamed white rice. Again, I guess we should have inquired but since they didn't offer it, assumed they didn't have any. If their menu had indicated they had fried rice, i probably overlooked that being asked if we're ready to order 3 times in 4 minutes after being seated. On a positive note, their dining room area was very nice, clean, and tables were spaced well apart. Their restrooms were not the cleanest we've seen, but they also weren't the dirtiest. Service was good, other than appearing somewhat rushed at the beginning. Thankfully, this restaurant accepts AMEX for payment. We live over 20 minutes away, so I doubt we'll return since there are other Chinese restaurants as good as Chin's...

Greetings, Super Foodies of San Diego! It's food-critic extraordinaire, Captain 619, here to report on a hidden culinary gem that I've unearthed right in our backyard. Brace yourselves as I unleash the secret identity of this superhero of a restaurant - it's none other than Chin's Gourmet in El Cajon!

Now, I've embarked on epic food adventures across the globe, from the bustling streets of Hong Kong and China to the vibrant Chinatowns of San Francisco and Los Angeles. But, I kid you not, Chin's Gourmet has swooped in and saved the day, surpassing them all!

Tucked away at the crossroads of Avocado and Chase, this modest mall location might not seem like much at first glance. But once you step inside, it's like being transported to a food sanctuary, a haven for true culinary superheroes.

Our superhero of a server, Queenie, attended to every detail with grace and finesse, making us feel like we'd just been rescued from a food disaster. And then, out of nowhere, the owner, Mr. Chin, swooped in! He showered us with generous samples of his signature black pepper chicken, a dish that will now forever be my kryptonite.

My taste buds went on a rollercoaster ride with each dish we ordered. The sweet and sour chicken was a symphony of flavors, the fried rice a harmony of textures, and the pan-fried noodles a melodic crunch that resonated with each bite. The egg drop soup with corn was a soothing balm, a warm hug on a cool evening.

The food here is not just food, but a celebration of flavors, a testament to Mr. Chin's dedication to bringing authentic Chinese cuisine to our community. It's a place where food heroes are born, and taste buds are saved.

So, my fellow food superheroes, if you find yourself in El Cajon, make sure to make a pit stop at Chin's Gourmet. This is not just a restaurant, it's a culinary lair where comfort food waits to whisk your taste buds on a journey of...

Wow... just wow. I can’t say enough good things about my recent visit to Chin’s Gourmet. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile and a friendly welcome that instantly set the tone for an incredible dining experience.

I started with the cream cheese wontons, and let me tell you, these were the best I’ve ever had. Perfectly crispy, golden brown on the outside, with a rich and creamy filling that was absolutely addictive. They were so good, I almost didn’t want to share!

Then came the main courses: sweet and sour pork and sweet and sour chicken. Both dishes were absolutely on point. The pork was tender and juicy, with that beautiful balance of tangy sweetness and just the right amount of sauce. The chicken was equally impressive. Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly coated in that signature sauce. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavor.

I also ordered the chop suey, and it was equally amazing. Fresh, vibrant vegetables, perfectly cooked, and mixed with a savory sauce that tied everything together beautifully. Every bite tasted fresh and perfectly seasoned.

Beyond the incredible food, the service at Chin’s Gourmet was top-notch. The staff was genuinely friendly, attentive, and made sure our table had everything we needed. Our drinks refilled, plates cleared, and they checked in to make sure we were happy. They put in 100% effort to make sure we had an excellent experience.

This is definitely one of those restaurants you remember and can’t wait to come back to. From the delicious dishes to the exceptional service, Chin’s Gourmet has earned a well-deserved five-star review from me. Highly recommended! Don’t miss this place!

Sorry I don't have photos I was distracted...