Oriental Palace — Restaurant in New York

My shrimp & broccoli was good. I tried to call and place an order, but it went straight to voicemail. The lady said the phone line was probably in use. I was about to order from Seamless (for pickup), but Seamless charges $2 extra for meals. They only accept cash. Their door is left open, which all the beggars come in heckling everybody for food or money. I was only there for 5 minutes and 3 males came in during that time being rude and aggressive to the female patrons (this is why I usually like to place my order for pickup ahead of time). I wish they accepted credit card (I would order more, if they did). They didn’t charge me tax ($8.75 for lunch specials), which is nice, but she didn’t provide me the soup or soda that comes with the lunch special. I usually go to Empire Corner on 5th and 116th street (more expensive), but they lost their chef recently, and the owners don’t cook very well. The cashier is pretty and young, speaks fairly well English, just too busy and overwhelmed at time (they don’t have air conditioning, so she was probably just hot and sweaty). They did look quite busy for 2:30 PM on a Tuesday. They say they have homemade dumplings, so I’ll try...

First of all the price on the menu is different than the price that is quoted when you call. I made a call for delivery and when it got here my food was cold and hard! I ordered chicken wings with plantains. When I called to say it was hard and cold the manager told me if I could heat it up. Who heats up hard and cold plantains? I asked her would she like her food hard and cold? When Jimmy had it, we never had a problem! So I asked if the delivery guy could come and get this food and return my money? She said no. How does it make sense it's cash only and he collects the money. He can't bring me money for a refund?!!! Another option to go down to store and get my refund. I ordered for a delivery!!!! Duh why would I want to go down?????!!!!!! Customer service is THE worst! Humble yourself because we can make you or break you. You don't have to be in Taft! Period! I would not give this place MY business!!!! Especially when there's 15 Chinese...

As a long-time customer of this restaurant, I’ve appreciated their efficiency in the past—often having my order ready upon arrival. However, my recent experience was deeply disappointing and disrespectful.

While picking up a call-in order for my mother, I encountered a man at the counter whom I hadn’t seen before. He greeted me with hostility, snapping in another language and rudely demanding payment. He then aggressively snatched the money from my hand, slammed my food onto the counter, and stood there visibly angry.

This kind of treatment is unacceptable, regardless of how frequent a customer is. Unfortunately, this behavior aligns with a broader issue I’ve observed in similar establishments, where customers are treated dismissively or rudely, especially in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

I am frustrated and disheartened by the lack of respect shown to loyal patrons. This incident has made me reconsider supporting this business...