Mei-Mei Chinese Take-Out — Restaurant in Franklin Township

This, right here, Mei Mei - MY MOST FAVORITE Chinese restaurant in the entire state of New Jersey. Well. Okay, maybe this one of my top 10 in New Jersey. Let me reiterate- True to the roots if you select from their authentic Chinese menu. The exterior is a bit sketchy. The restaurant is a small take out restaurant, situated in a small strip mall complex off Hamilton in a not so amazing area. This may be a total turn off to many. This restaurant may not even look at all appetizing to you from the outside. But, trust me, this a true to family traditions type of restaurant of Chinese cuisine. This is a true hole in the wall restaurant. Family owned business since 1975. Never changed their staff too. Never changed their recipes since 30 years ago when I was wee and tiny lass. My brother and I grew up with Mei Mei since 1989 or 1990. They still know my brother and I even after all that time lapsed. They know us by first name to face! Well, in relation to their Chinese menu, you cannot go wrong with anything you select off their Chinese menu. You may ask them which dish falls into the Chinese menu specifically, and they will tell you honestly. The interior is nothing special too... Just your typical sit in and dine in take out Chinese restaurant with only a handful of seats and tables. To die for type of dishes that make this restaurant the top 10 on my list of Chinese cuisine in the state of New Jersey, as well as a foodie who will travel distances simply for food and cuisine, their Mabo Tofu is impeccably delectable to bits and pieces. Put this Mabo Tofu over white jasmine rice, and you can eat this for days and days on end without ever getting bored. It's that immensely delicious. I also highly recommend their super deep fried squid over Chinese pickled vegetables dish..... This dish plus Mabo Tofu, together, God Bless. Ultimate bliss to the palette. Add a little of that authentic red chilli oil to the top as a finishing touch, and you may just want to explode with pure joy and happiness. A definite must try in the area off Hamilton, despite the look and appearance of the restaurant from the outside. It's a major hole in the wall type of restaurant. A hidden gem of Chinese cuisine, even for a tiny take out restaurant that seemingly looks like nothing special at all... Mei Mei should expand to a better location in town, though. I feel like location is everything to gain more insight and exposure. They should really relocate and move to Easton Avenue, if anything to gain as much exposure as possible...

It really pains me to write a less than stellar review for Mei-Mei's. For 30 years the food was top notch. Best in the area by far. Owners knew me and my friends and most would come say hi every time I walked in. I have been twice in the past three weeks since the new owner Eddie took over. First time several of the old staff were still there training the new staff. I wish Eddie and the rest of the staff great success, since owning and running a business is no easy task. But it is clear they are making many changes already, and it appears in most cases to save money. Some takeaways on food specifics: Pork Fried Rice is still nearly the same...great job. Please keep it that way. Great portion, large chunks of pork (not the generic cubed stuff that most places sell) Egg Rolls are also very close the original but there is a difference in the flavor. Perhaps the cabbage is different or less pork. Will definitely try them again. *Pan Fried Pork Dumplings: Completely overhauled these. Nowhere near as good as the original. Far less meat filling, different shape and texture all together. I suspect money saving. Crispy Black Pepper Shrimp - Nearly identical to the original. 12 large shrimp per order with peanuts and lettuce. Excellent. *General Tso's Chicken: Not even close to the original and clear cost savings measure. Chicken used to be all white meat, cut by hand to different shapes and sizes. Now appears to be all pre-cut, same size, different sauce. Not getting this again. *Even changed the fortune cookies to ones with ads on the back of the fortune, presumably because they are cheaper.

I will definitely try again and check out my other favorite dishes including Tangerine Beef, Chicken with Cashews, Boneless Spare Ribs and Shrimp with Lobster Sauce, but will only be re-purchasing the ones that remain authentic to the original...

Being a Rutgers alum, this place has not changed! When you walk in, it's the sound of families speaking, friends chatting and the employees/owners checking on new and regular customers. This location is about 5 minutes from college Ave by car.

One thing out Chinese food is, not all restaurants that serve Chinese food is authentic! Well this is the place to be. The food is cooked with LOVE! The owners really enjoy ppl enjoying their food. The owners walk around and have little small talk which sets this place apart.

Now for the food. In todays cookie cutter Chinese restaurant chain environment this place really stands out. It is a family own led restaurant that's been around since the seventies that has never compromised traditional recipes. Not only can you taste the quality of ingredients and care given to the Food, you can even breathe in, I mean taste, the wok hei lol! I mean you just can't find that anymore. Husband's favorite recipe is the king pao chicken. It has nice chunks of white meat chicken, with a very savory garlicky sauce with just the right spice. And I love picking out the perfectly cooked green onion chunks oh my goodness. I mean he doesn't even eat vegetables, But I ordered the shrimp with peppers and tomatoes and he loved the flavor that the tomatoes added to the dish. He couldn't stop eating them. My husband is a big guy and when he loves a place he loves a place! We visit every time we come home and for the last 10 years they always greet him with a very joyous smile and ask how our family is doing!

The hot oil might I add is perfect! Just the perfect flavor and not too spicy. Most restaurants we ask for soy sauce but the didnt give it a d we...