The Kirin Hut — Restaurant in Lancaster

I've been going here for years now (since 2016).

Initially, I only went for the typical Chinese-American takeout (pork fried rice, chicken lo mein). While I still think they do these dishes better than any other place in the AV, it wasn't until a couple years ago that some native Chinese acquaintances of mine encouraged me to try something from the Secret Menu. I'm very open minded when it comes to trying new foods, so I said sure.

Boy... had I been missing out this whole time.

The Secret Menu section has quite a few options for authentic Sichuan dishes. In my humble opinion, these blow the typical Chinese-American takeout dishes out of the water. You really owe it to yourself to try them.

My personal favorite that I keep coming back for is the "Boiling Fish in Hot Sauce" (or Shui Zhu Yu). A savory, spicy poached white fish soup that is insanely delicious. If you try it and love the spiciness and the tingly feeling of the Sichuan peppercorns, try asking for extra "mala." A bowl of this with some white rice is a real treat.

All the Secret Menu items I've tried thus far are good: The Boiling Fish in Hot Sauce Hunan-style is also tasty (tofu instead of napa cabbage, and the flavor/spiciness profile is a bit different than the standard version) Shredded pork with green pepper. Stir fried pork with green bell pepper strips in a delicious, savory sauce. Amazing with rice. Spicy chicken in Sichuan style. It's spicy, crispy fried pieces of chicken; you really can't go wrong. Boiling Beef in Hot Sauce (Shui Zhu Niu). Same preparation as the Boiling FIsh. While I personally prefer the fish version, this is also incredibly delicious. Mapo Tofu. Spicy silken tofu with bits of ground pork. So good, cannot recommend enough. Vinegar shredded potato. For the western palette, imagine hashbrowns that are only lightly cooked, and have an amazing, mild sauce with a bit of vinegar-y tang. Honestly, these wound up being slightly addictive. Hand tear cabbage. Napa cabbage pieces stir fried with Sichuan chilis. If you love napa cabbage, you'll love this. A really nice, simple dish.

Do yourself a favor and try the Secret Menu! I still need to try more of it.

Oh, and their slushes are great, too. Personally loved...

Honestly, I am disappointed with today's lunch service. We came in and ordered around $75 for our table. We came in enthusiastic and happy... but sadly, it declined. Orange chicken was good Sweet and sour soup, good as well.

Walnut shrimp was not good. I tried a walnut, and it was burnt, and it wasn't a fluke. I ate a 2nd, and it was clear with the bitter taste that it was burnt.

Pot stickers were also too browned on one side.

Service: horrible. The young lady in the green hoodie was so ignorant of the restaurants food and menu items. Wasn't attentive and misquoted prices on things. One example- asked for crispy noodles for soup, was told it was $1. Got the bill, and it was $3.

After eating the walnut, I asked the server if they could please remake the walnuts and said the shrimp is fine, just the walnuts. The reply was shocking. She said no, it's the way it is... I asked for clarification, and she it comes that way. I asked if the chef cooked it, and she said no. I said I didn't understand. Does it come in a bag this way? She said it is what it is and just smiled, then walked off.

I think, honestly, low quality of service today. Food quality issues, and I just don't have the confidence to brag or show off this place again. Unfortunately, I would say to people visiting and thinking of Kirin Hut, if you get a vibe, trust it. If the menu at the table is inconsistent and everyone is missing pages here and there. Maybe that's a sign toward consistency with the restaurant's quality control. It's not worth coming back. You can find...

Customer service was great! The young lady was soo helpful and nice. We only waited a short while for our cooked to order food. The inside of the establishment was very clean and orderly. Very quiet and serene. The food was carry out and when we got home we immediately tore into the bag. Mongolian Beef lunch special with LoMein, egg drop soup and egg roll. We got the Shrimp fried rice and Salt and Pepper Shrimp too. All of this came to around $60, this place isn’t cheap and neither is the food. I was expecting to pay a little more because I knew it would be made to order and good quality. The salt n pepper shrimp was very tasty and has a light and crispy coating, it’s a little salty which is what I like so it was right up my alley. Mongolian beef was tender and tasty with slightly crunchy sautéed onion, this was my niece’s favorite! The Shrimp fried rice was tasty and loaded with big shrimp! The egg roll and egg drop soup was good also. I must mention that I found this place while searching for alternatives to The Great Wall restaurant which used to be a good spot. Now I have replaced them with this spot and it’s closer to home. I can tell this will be my go to spot. I wish I would’ve found them sooner....