China One — Restaurant in Maynardville

I just recently moved to town, and was shopping at the nearby Food City for my first round of supplies at my new joint. Walking out, I looked to my left and saw a non-descript door in a small strip mall-esque joint called China One.

I walked in. On the walls were various pictures of your typical menu items, and a menu on the counter with about 100 options.

I placed a very basic order. Sweet and sour chicken with rice. It was prepared fresh, cooked nice and hot, and I kid you not… was about 3 lbs of food for $14. Easily two meals, if not three.

The staff was great. They had their kids there doin homework and playin games at one of the tables, which I absolutely respect. Said hi to everyone, and they sent me on my way with a huge bag of food.

Arriving home, and digging into the goods… I was satiated and happy. I look forward to trying something different every time I come headed...

This had so much potential but was completely ruined by the overly sweet taste to absolutely everything ordered. The chicken was so dry it was hard and that’s saying a lot since it was swimming in a sweet brown sauce. The broccoli was fresh and crisp, but the sweet sauce really ruined it. Even the rice was sweet? The poor egg drop soup was so thick and bland at the same time. I really wanted to like this place and support a small business but it was just a big disappointment. I hope this experience was a fluke, but judging by the other reviews i believe this...

The older couple did a great job. The food was really tasty. Now it's not my favourite. The rice is pasty and no flavour. No flavour to anything anymore. Hot and sour soup is not sour. We have to add vinager. I ordered a seafood dish and they crab meat was pasty and was artificial and does not say it on the menu and was supposed to have brown sauce and it did not. Maybe that's why it had no flavor. Disappointing. I want the older owners back. Unfortunately they are the only game in town. So I just add lots of diy and spices. It use to have a 4.9 and now is...