Chef China — Restaurant in Spring Valley

I have gone to Chef China for about 7 times in the past 4 years. The food is always excellent, and the staff are nice. I can’t believe the portions…I have eaten the leftovers over a period of 3-4 days.

It’s not exactly ambient, but it’s cash only with no indoor seating; it appears there used to be in-house dining, but likely because of COVID, that changed everything.

My opinion completely changed on February 12, 2025, I’d had a half-day assignment at a nearby school, and had bragged to the staff that I was about to order some food from Chef China, “my favorite place,” stating that they give such generous portions that the food will last about 3-4 days. The staff were excited and took down their number.

Around noon, I happily went to order the egg foo young, sweet sour soup, and chicken chop suey that came with crispy chips, fried rice, and an egg roll. I enjoyed several small meals. On Friday night I went for the last serving. Luckily, it was literally the last scoop put on my plate, but in the far corner of the styrofoam container where the chicken chop suey was, was a curled up long strand of black hair. I couldn’t stop gagging, and threw out a huge plate of the chicken chop suey, and the egg foo young.

I am so disgusted that I will never eat here again, even if the food is good. I don’t think I’ll be able to eat any Chinese food anytime soon.

I read their reviews. Most are good, but several are negative. One review said they too found a long strand of black hair. Last time I checked, hairnets are supposed to be worn.

It’s sad because it was the best Chinese food I’ve ever had. I will be letting the staff I bragged to about what I found. In fact, it was the school that told me years back how great the food is. No one wants to find hair in their food!

You have lost a good customer. You couldn’t make it up by offering me a free meal. No thanks. I did call the restaurant last night, and the girl only offered to say something to the kitchen staff. A refund would’ve been a nice...

A Hidden Gem That Feels Like Home — Chef China

After living in San Diego for decades, I finally discovered Chef China — a humble, family-owned restaurant that completely won me over. This isn’t your typical Chinese takeout joint. It’s a place where pride, tradition, and genuine care meet on every plate.

Every dish here tells a story. The meat is perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside — that rare balance you only get when food is cooked with love, not haste. You can taste the craftsmanship in every bite, and you can feel the heart behind it.

Sure, it may take a little longer to get your food, but that’s because they make everything fresh — the way your mom or grandma would when cooking your favorite meal. There’s something comforting about that wait; it builds anticipation, and when your food arrives, it’s worth every moment.

And don’t let the modest exterior fool you — Chef China is the living example of the saying, “It’s what’s inside that counts.” Inside, you’ll find warmth, passion, and the kind of flavors that keep people coming back for years.

I’ve seen a few posts claiming the quality has slipped, but honestly — one off day doesn’t define a restaurant that puts so much heart into what they do. If something’s not right, let them know. The family truly cares and will go above and beyond to make it right. They even make there own sauces!

In sum, if you’re craving authentic, huge American portions, and heart-made Chinese food that feels like home — even when you’re far from it - go to Chef China!

Food tried: Salt and pepper Chicken Wings Drunken Noodles Orange...

A TRUE COVID EXAMPLE. I think just about everyone would agree that since covid-19 started customer service has pretty much disappeared. Well Chef China is a pure example of that. I saw on Google they had salted pepper chicken wings. I've had them other places and I love them so I thought I'd give them a try. I tried calling the restaurant eight times in 20 minutes. All eight times the line was busy. I was only a block away buying a burrito for my fiance so I drove over there. They were only allowing one person in at a time so there were two people in front of me outside in line. When I got in and made my order I told the lady that I had been trying to call them for over 20 minutes and the line was busy. Her response was "we don't answer the phone because we're pretty busy." In my opinion that was an aweful reason for not answering. Customers are calling and the phone was off the hook. She took my order for chicken wings. 6 wings for $9.99 12 wings for $13.99 Those are pretty expensive wings. She told me they would be ready in 25 or 30 minutes. Wow...really??? That's why I was trying to call in the first place. So I wouldn't have to wait. In conclusion, I drove home to drop off the burrito then drove back to Chef China to get my wings. They were pretty good but not worth the anguish. A customer should not have to jump through hoops like that. Especially at those prices. BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE! I won't...