Mandarin Pan — Restaurant in Northborough

2nd update. Things seem better. I will start going again. Here’s my update: I waited much longer than I originally intended because I was hopeful the quality would improve. Unfortunately, it hasn’t; in fact, it seems to have gotten worse. Although I don't have a photo from when the food was great, I did upload a picture of what I’m sadly calling my last meal from Mandarin Pan. I ordered the L4 General Gao with pork fried rice. The rice was almost white, with just five pieces of onion and three tiny chunks of sparerib—completely flavorless. The chicken was 95% filler with slimy dark meat, whereas before, it used to be around 70% chicken and mostly, if not entirely, white meat. I understand it's basically a chicken nugget, but honestly, it would have been better if it actually was.

Original Post: I'm puzzled by what's been happening lately. I've been a regular customer here for about 8 years, and up until now, everything was consistently excellent, especially considering the reasonable prices. I used to recommend this place to everyone. I gave it a chance, hoping my first bad experience was just a one-time thing, but unfortunately, after three separate visits, I can confirm that the food quality has significantly declined. Whenever I come here, I usually order one of two dishes - either an L4 (General Gao with Goons & Fried Rice), or the House Fried Rice. The fried rice used to be perfectly cooked, with a beautiful golden-brown color and generous toppings. Now, it's barely fried, with fewer toppings, and the rice itself is only partially cooked, losing all its flavor. Additionally, the chicken, which used to be exclusively white meat with a consistent texture, now seems to have more slimy dark meat, altering both the texture and taste. I'm not sure if this change is due to sourcing issues or if the restaurant is cutting corners to save costs, but whatever the reason, I can no longer enjoy the food here. It's incredibly disappointing, especially since I used to be a loyal customer, visiting every week or...

Take out place only. Disappointed. They prioritized Door dash orders over those picking up. I ordered on new years eve. I won't make that mistake either. There was no organization. Cooked food was sitting on the counter getting cold. I had to make sure to step up and give my order number twice and offer to pay before someone started putting my order together. I ordered at 530pm and told an hour wait. I said that's fine. I showed up at 640pm and didn't leave with any food until 7:10pm and that's only because I stepped up and again gave my order number to another employee. The only orders ready to go, in brown bags, were clearly labeled for door dash orders. Other people who ordered days ahead of time were also standing there waiting. I got home with my food and most of it was cold, they didn't include white rice (which I specifically asked if the entrees come with rice and was told yes) and they put shrimp in my order! I didn't order shrimp fingers. I ordered chicken fingers meal and they mixed shrimp into the order. Thankfully I'm not allergic to shrimp but I don't eat shrimp ever. I had to microwave my food before eating it. I have no idea how long the food even sat out since I could see, behind the counter, uncovered food was sitting out the entire time 10 of us strangers were standing around waiting for our orders. Only person I saw come in and get an order within 5 minutes was the door dash person. The employee made sure to ask if anyone was there for door dash and prioritized that order. I went here after not being impressed in the past. I figured I'd give them another try since others posted a positive review on a local group, recently. Next year I'll be going elsewhere. The food was ok, after reheated, but nothing to risk the...

Horrible went there for the very first time..Walked in was not acknowledged..placed order ahead of time was told it would be ready in 15 minutes..arrived 20 minutes later. there was a customer at the counter waiting for her food they were preparing it as she waited..10 minutes later the next customer was helped had his phone order being prepared and bagged..10 minutes later I came to the counter only for the gentleman to reach over the counter where mine was already bagged and ready for god knows how long..had I been acknowledged I could have been in and out in 5 minutes.. I then reach my home 3 minutes away open the bag to cold Chinese food where the chix wings were light yellow not even cooked and the chicken fingers had a raw inside coating of batter.. I called told them I want my money back very politely..arrived the lady at the counter checked over the food..yes I only had one chicken fingers and one chicken wing..that Ithrew away. the young cook behind the counter looked at me slammed the cabinet and gave me a horrible look.. Never will return...Horrible...