China Orchid — Restaurant in New Orleans

Super disappointed - quality of food has been going downhill for years. They convinced me to go back with a buy 1 get 1 free coupon that listed two options. I called, clarified I had the coupon, and wanted to get 1 of each item. They asked if I wanted two of each, and I clarified no, one of each. I get there and they’ve messed up the order, giving me two of the same item, and when I let them know I ordered one of each, they try to charge me for the second item. Apparently, they won’t mix and match, which they decide to tell me only when I showed up to pick up my order even though they accept my order on the phone (which they managed to get wrong anyway.) Ended up paying for the incorrect order and leaving, and opening it up at home to see they were also so cheap they only gave me one rice - guess buy 1 get 1 doesn’t apply to the side of rice 🙄

Used to be my go to in college but this visit combined with the food not being nearly as good as it used to be is my clear sign to give up on China Orchid once and for all.

**edit to add to the owner’s response on this thread - there was no “or” printed on the coupon, and nothing she is saying was obvious. They clearly made mistakes on their coupons, as noted in other reviews, and it’s wild to imply that the customers should know differently.

To the owner’s ridiculous response that “And you can always ask for extra rice for 2 entrees we don’t charge for it just because people waste a lot of rice that’s why we don’t give Qt size but Pt.instead” I literally can’t wrap my head around a restaurant that decides that you as a customer are wasting their food, because last I checked, they’re not in my home watching me eat. So, I guess I clearly should have been happy with the one single side of rice for a meal for multiple people, or read their minds to know I had to ask for a normal amount 🙄

Thanks to previous reviewers for pointing out that China Orchid is under new management, no wonder it’s so different...

Update for Nov '23! I have changed my former glowing review (as found at the end of this newly edited review). First let me say that this was my favorite Chinese restaurant for a couple of decades but something has drastically changed recently. My last pickup order of my usual favorites was subpar to say the least. Notable changes include but are not limited to the takeout packaging which has been changed to smaller portion sizes. The crabmeat Rangoons were in a bag not the usual clamshell. They did not stay hot and some arrived broken. The Gen Tzso chicken portion was smaller and the meat was overcooked and tough. It had fewer vegetable pieces cut smaller and less sauce. The combo vegetable order had fewer vegetables in the assortment. The rice in the combination fried rice tasted stale, was offcolor/tan, was hard and crunchy in spots and there were fewer pieces of the assorted meats and vegetables usually included in the dish. It is very obvious that something has changed. Maybe there is new ownership and or a new cooking staff or both. It appears corners are being cut perhaps hoping to boost profits. But if this is the new norm they have lost my patronage and that of many other long term customers as well. I hope they read this and take appropriate corrective measures. In the meantime I am looking for a new favorite Chinese restaurant. Below is my former review from a couple of years ago. Too bad. My favorite Chinese food place in my neighborhood. GREAT Gen Tso chicken, combo rice, mixed veggies, crab meat...

This was a wonderful spot to stop for a quick meal. I got the orange chicken combo. It was fantastic. Personally, I would have preferred less sauce, but that's splitting hairs, and probably not universal.

The server was on her game, and a delight to deal with. She never let my drink go empty. The sweet tea was actually sweet, like a Southern granny made it.

The seating has plenty of options, so it doesn't matter if everyone wants a booth or a chair, or if your party is split, everyone can be accommodated. Also, the rest of the diners were well mannered. There wasn't a single blaring phone or inappropriately loud conversation. It was a very pleasant environment that was beautifully decorated.

Additionally: Another person posted in their review that this place only has 4 free parking spaces, otherwise, you have to pay to park. This is incorrect. They have 4 reserved spaces. Otherwise, you have to park amongst the other visitors to the shopping center, who may be going to the bank, ice cream parlor, etc. The parking kiosk in their picture is for parking on the street, which is mostly for visitors to other businesses neighboring this shopping center, because many of them don't have...