China Gourmet — Restaurant in Salem

I'll preface this review by saying that I've worked in kitchens for almost 15 years. So I have a fairly decent idea of what I'm talking about.

We ordered -

Pot stickers The Happy Family Combo Beef and Broccoli Sweet and Sour Shrimp And Pork Fried Rice.

The food was as bland as anything I've ever tasted. The potstickers tasted like nothing. No seasoning, no spice, literally just protein wrapped in gluten.

All of the sauces were water thin and flavorless. There was a lake of sauce in the bottom of our to go containers but none of it stuck the the food when you scooped it out.

Some of the veggies were very well cooked, and others were very raw.

The pork fried rice was just white rice with stuff mixed jnto it. You can tell because the rice has no color on it, which would indicate that it was cooked together in the pan with the other ingredients. Instead it's just plain white rice with bits of pork and egg mixed in.

The broccoli tasted like it was cooked on a very dirty flattop. You know the flavor, that musty old Grease flavor that comes from splashing water on a grill to steam cook veggies, when the grill is covered in old food grease.

I ate a few bites and gave up. I've had better Chinese food at Safeway for 1/2 the price.

Being a chef, I don't usually complain about food because I know everyone has bad days in the kitchen, but this was by far one of the worst meals I've eaten this year.

I will say on a positive note though. The portions were huge, and the food was hot. However we will not...

My friend and I came to order takeout. When inquiring about what we wanted to order, the lady thought that's what we wanted to clarify several times. When we asked if we could have noodles instead of rice as my friend has been here before and knows she likes the noodles, the lady who I believe is the owner, I told us know you don't want noodles I guarantee it's the rice you want. In a very standoffish rude tone. Even if the food was phenomenal, I would never come back to this establishment because of the attitude of the woman taking the order, who I believe is the owner as she said she's been here for 10 plus years and knows what's good on her menu. Well in my opinion if you don't think the noodles are good enough, because when someone orders noodles you suggest rice, I would think that that means not everything on your menu is good. Also I am not one who normally leaves reviews unless the place was super good or super bad. And to top it all off the food that we got was absolutely disgusting the rice not even fried. And it was supposed to be fried rice. It is literally white rice with some vegetables I don't even think that there was pork like most Chinese restaurants have. The teriyaki sauce on the sesame chicken or whatever sauce it was, was bitter and had a vinegar bite to it. I suggest if you want Chinese food you do not go here and instead try John's Chinese on River road, I promise there you will not be disappointed. If you order from China Gourmet (😂😂 gourmet😂😂) you're going to be...

I've been coming to this great little place since about 2014. The flavor and the tastes have not changed. The first time I came I pulled into the parking lot and thought to myself. I don't know if I want to stay, but I am so glad I did. I've eaten a lot of Chinese food all over the place and I have to say that when I come to Salem this is the only place I will eat if I'm hungry for Chinese. The staff are very friendly. The outside doesn't look like much, but inside is a very warm and inviting atmosphere. Nice tables. Nice lighting chopsticks on the table and the food is exceptional the sauces are thick and have loads of flavor. Also the portions are huge. The vegetables here are always fresh, never frozen. I don't believe I've ever had anything here that I didn't absolutely love. As you can tell by the photos it's always done hot and fresh and if you can't eat it all ,not a problem Take it home and warm it up later. It'll be just as good. Most everyone that we see there usually takes home a box... I usually get beef and something. The beef is always tender never cuts with a fork and as I said the vegetables are crisp and very good. If you're in Salem or close and you want to eat some of the best Chinese food, stop into...