Golden China Restaurant — Restaurant in Sparta

Frozen, greasy food, and not honoring what's on the menu.

First of all, I thought this restaurant had closed down over a year ago because it's always so dark. I saw someone walking out of there, that's how I knew it was still in business. Then I saw the OPEN sign. I went there in 2019 (unless it's changed hands since) and the food was bad enough that it was my only visit.

If you go, it's CASH/CHECK ONLY. I didn't see that posted anywhere, but I wasn't looking. There wasn't a menu on the door, or anywhere other than the overhead board. I was standing back to decide what I wanted, when the man at the counter called me up there.

The whole system seemed unorganized, sloppy, and cheaply put together. There was some kind of a makeshift window for money/food exchange to the left. There were some condiments in packets, on a table, to the right. There were two tip canisters (I'm rethinking my tip now, but obviously they need it more than I do). There were hand drawn signs directing customers in one direction. It was unprofessional.

It was frustrating trying to place my order. The man who was taking it, didn't know the numbers for the lunch menu (I thought it would make it easier if I said the numbers), then he couldn't hear me so he reached out and held the makeshift window, so it would stop rattling. In the middle of taking my order, the phone rang and he answered it, without excusing himself or acknowledging me. Rude and unprofessional.

They don't include soup with the lunch menu, although it's...

I've eaten Chinese food all over the US, Europe and even in China. The food here is good, and considering we're in rural NC, I'd rate it as excellent. The kitchen is clean, the vegetables and meats are cooked perfectly, and the portions and prices are excellent. If I were to criticize anything at all, I'd say they're a little light on the seasoning, but that may be to satisfy the local taste buds. Because of the pandemic, they only do take out and erected a plastic barrier to separate the open kitchen from the dining / waiting area. Yes, they only accept cash or checks, but that's hardly an inconvenience. Everyone in Sparta and the area knows about this restaurant because it's the best restaurant in the area.

Update: I didn't think their food could be any better than it already is, but then I tried the General Tso chicken... OMG! Nobody...

the FRIED DUMPLINGS ARE THE BEST ON THE EAST COAST. Jimmy outdoes himself every time. When I first moved up to Sparta, I was actually worried about only having one Chinese food place since it is my favorite type of food to eat. I was completely and utterly surprised at the absolute tasty quality of food here. When my family comes into tow, its normal to order their take out at least two nights in a row.

I eat here at least once a week, ordering the fried dumplings every time. The General Tso's chicken is fantastic too, and the lo-mein, mei fun style, is one of my favorites as well. I've tried just about everything on the menu and haven't had any complaints.

As far as the dumplings go, I actually make it a point to try dumplings in other towns, when I can, and NOTHING COMES CLOSE...