Oriental House — Restaurant in Maryland

Never judge a book by its cover, especially when it comes to Oriental House. Although it's in the hood, the quality and taste of the food surpasses many of the high-priced (steep) Chinese carry-outs I've had in the suburbs and elsewhere. The food is always served hot, fresh, never greasy, and I appreciate that they don't drown it in salt/MSG and other ingredients detrimental to one's health when added in excessive amounts. There's a lot to be said to that because most Chinese food restaurants practically bathe the food in that stuff and have the nerve to place themselves in urban areas where diabetes and hypertension are endemic... Delivery is usually pretty decent even for a Friday night.

I typically order their General Tso's Chicken combo, which includes an abundant amount of meat and just the right amount of Chicken Fried Rice (two thumbs up for making that the staple rice for combos-- not pork) alongside an egg roll. Don't you hate when you order a combo, and when you open it, 85% of the plate is rice and the other 15%-- a very small 15%, at that-- is the meat? Totally the opposite here! I've also had their Crab Rangoon as an appetizer, and let me tell you... For a chick who absolutely HATES seafood, they've definitely made a fan out of me with that side. There's no nasty seafood aftertaste at all.

When I first ordered from this place, I was definitely skeptical and prejudice because it was in the hood and the prices were low compared to other joints. When the prices are low, you start suspecting and looking around for missing alley cats and stuff like that (Hey! Just being honest!), but Oriental House is probably one of the cleaner shops I've been in when it comes to Chinese cuisine. Needless to say, they've made a regular out of me, and I don't plan to spend my money at any of its competitors, one, because they're over-priced; and, two, the quality isn't as great for what they're charging. I definitely recommend that you check this place out. The only reason I did not give it five stars is because there's only one place, down in Florida,...

So, I went there for the lunch specials. My total was $28.50. I made sure to request extra gravy for my egg foo young. After, everything was ready I checked of course. My gravy wasn't extra as requested. I asked the lady & she said "8 ounces for $2". Mind you I just spent $28. And, the 1/2 lb jumbo hot & spicy shrimp were medium size for $9.99. So, I left. One more place I won't be revisiting. These food places must learn. Right now, eating out is definitely a privilege. And, if WE don't "What will happen to them"? Places going out of business everyday. Earn our money is all...

Within the past 30 days, I have ordered from here twice and the prices have inflated dramatically. I literally had to argue on the phone with the new girl who answers the phone. She tried to say that there was a $1.50 delivery charge when clearly on the latest menu the delivery is FREE. I have been ordering from this Oriental house at least 10 years and the new girl who answers the phone has terrible customer service. They need to bring back the young guy who answers the phone and takes the orders, he was at least giving the honest prices & not...