Lucky Chef Chen — Restaurant in Oakland

Purchased 3 trays of food @ $5.99 each thru TOO GOOD TO GO (APP let's you purchase end of day leftovers to avoid restaurant waste) and each container was filled to the brim. Each order had fried rice as the carb (the chow mein went quickly) plus some veggies (long green beans or mixed greens of cabbage, celery, etc) and a protein (I.e. batter fried fish, fried chicken wings or fried chicken nuggets)--see pics. Some earlier customers were lucky enough to get 3+ marinated boneless whole chicken thighs.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Arrived exactly at 7:45 pm for beginning of TOO GOOD TO GO pickups and at least 10+ orders were already completed before I could even find street parking. Area may be on the Ghetto side but it's very busy. In other words, get there early to find nearby street parking and wait at the restaurant's indoor tables for best selection. Be courteous and wear your mask! The ladies behind the counter speak Cantonese with some simple English but they're nice and have an efficient TOO GOOD TO GO fulfillment assembly line. One person dished out the food into containers while the other behind the cash register verified TOO GOOD TO GO order #s, confirmed that patrons have tapped the APP for pickup and bagged the order with soy sauce, chili oil, plastic fork & napkins. (NOTE: Check that chili oil is sealed tight--mine leaked and spilled all over the bag.) Spoke a little Cantonese to the ladies and they gave me some upscale options like the fried fish and chicken wings instead of just the fried chicken nuggets.

QUALITY & QUANTITY: Remember this is end of day leftovers so quality of food varies depending on when it was cooked. Don't expect fresh cooked to order takeout. Most of my containers were lukewarm so it's been sitting in the steam warmers for awhile but you can't deny the quantity. My 3 containers filled up a 6+ quart microwave container when I transferred them for reheating. Food was a bit salty but that's to be expected for restaurant takeout.

REHEATING & CUSTOMIZING: Take a little time and thought for best result. Microwave the carbs with a little water to steam heat. To crisp the fried items, put them in an air fryer, toaster oven or hot oven to heat and restore crispness. To avoid overcooking the veggies, add them to the carbs at the end and only reheat for 1 min. To enhance your takeout, add your own custom touches like a sprinkle of green onions, a drizzle of sesame seed oil or Sriracha sauce, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped peanuts or fried shallots, add a side of Kim Chee or even top with a sunny side egg and ENJOY! And if you have left overs, you can always add to some scrambled eggs the next morning for a great...

Very delicious and affordable American style chinese food. I always get the 4 item box, every time it's packed full. For less than $15 you can easily get 3 full meals out of this option. Honestly almost 4 meals. They always have the options you want like noodles, fried rice, orange chicken, broccoli beef, sweet and sour pork... don't sleep on the sesame chicken either.

The value here is pretty unbeatable in my eyes. Quality has been more than acceptable for what it is too. Service is always prompt and friendly even when busy, which it usually isn't too busy.

Inside isn't much going on but there is seating. I always...

It is what it is…And for what this place is, it deserves 5 stars. Chinese food is not my favorite. I feel this is from the times I was let down by other places. Lucky chef Chen has restored some faith in the cuisine. Everything was really tasty. The portions were of good size. I rarely ever finish the lo mein from anywhere but I ate ever last noodle. The people serving were also very kind. It’s not the best but very far from the worst. If you’re looking for affordable Chinese food that seems to be cooked with a dash of love . It’s worth a try. Lunch deals and closing time...