Cathay House — Restaurant in Waco

I had seen Cathay House pop up on my researches often and decided to try them out this time. I am sad to tell myself that I had been missing out!

1. The food was so tasty and delicious! We ordered take-out of the egg with tomato, eggplant, eggroll, fried rice, soup dumplings, and a few other things. I can't wait to order the more popular Asian dishes they serve!

2. I ordered takeout via phone with Nick, who was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! He cared SO much about my order. I mixed up two soups in my mind when placing my order with him and he triple-checked with me after I said the original soup I mentioned was good. I will not go into specifics, but I will say, Nick took care of me! I thought it was the sweetest thing ever when we unpacked our takeout order. I have never experienced a more detail-oriented takeout call before.

3. Upon arriving ridiculously early to pick the order up, Nick was so kind and full of smiles. The welcoming and calm vibes were great. Adding to this, I can't wait to dine in as the ambiance was BEAUTIFUL. The ambiance (this is mid-day) was dim, peaceful, quiet, and a place where I look forward to having some chill dinners with friends and family!

4. Adding to #1 (I must re-express my gratitude for their kindness and services), Cathay House went over the top with my order. Again, I won't dive into specifics but, they were amazing! I never experienced a take-out order like this before. I look forward to dining in!

5. The other younger gentleman working during this time (Saturday 2/22/25 mid-day), I wish I asked for your name. Ownership, please post their name here, or if they wish not to, recognize them internally!) was incredibly kind and sweet and held the door open for me which was uncalled for. This goes to show how much service this restaurant provides.

I do not provide reviews often, especially for to-go orders. I am also not easily impressed as I am a very easygoing and patient person, which I believe now is why, with a take-out order, I felt obligated and inspired to make this review from my experience with this restaurant.

Thank you, Nick and the unnamed staff member who went over the top, were so kind, and truly showed they cared. I absolutely love the chill/calming vibes and tasty food you have!

Lastly to all reading this review, please remember to be kind and tip well to those who do...

Cathay House recently orchestrated a symphony of flavors and heartfelt moments, enchanting us with its culinary prowess and genuine hospitality. From the moment we stepped through its doors, a world of culinary delights unfurled before us, ready to unveil its treasures. Joined by my wife and our two eager young companions, we embarked on an unforgettable culinary voyage that exceeded all expectations.

The inviting ambiance enveloped us, setting the stage for a remarkable experience. Each dish, a culinary masterpiece. My wife's selection, the "Hunan Delight with lo mein noodles," paired exquisitely with a soothing coconut milk tea, creating an intricate dance of flavors on her palate. I ventured into the "Sweet and Sour chicken with lo mein noodles," accompanied by a Hot and Sour Soup that harmonized textures and tastes with finesse.

Our extraordinary waiter, Nick, elevated our dining journey to new heights. His genuine dedication to enhancing our experience was evident in his attentive service and adept menu knowledge. It was through Nick's engaging guidance that we discovered the enchanting narrative behind the meticulously hand-painted artwork that adorned the entire back area, a detail that deepened our connection to the establishment.

In the midst of this culinary symphony, a heartwarming interaction with the food runner, a gracious Elder lady whose name remains a fleeting memory, painted an endearing portrait of the establishment's genuine care. Her welcoming smile and thoughtful gestures resonated deeply, particularly when my wife requested chili oil. The food runner's return, with chili oil in hand and a heartwarming aura, perfectly encapsulated the warmth that permeates Cathay House.

The genuine encounters with Nick and the food runner epitomize the essence of Cathay House, a place where exquisite flavors blend seamlessly with authentic connections.

Cathay House is a harmonious composition where culinary artistry merges with heartfelt hospitality, creating an experience that is truly unforgettable.

In conclusion, we wholeheartedly endorse Cathay House to those in search of a culinary escapade that ignites the senses and touches the soul. Brace yourself for a journey of culinary wonders and sincere interactions, where every bite and every exchange contribute to a symphony of...

Based on the 4.1 star review for this restaurant, I decided to give it a try. Upon entering, I immediately smelled chemicals, and it was very unappealing. However, I still wanted to try the food and went against my instinct to turn around and walk out.

I was seated quickly and greeted by my server named Kerrigan. She was very polite and attentive to my needs. I ordered the sweet and sour chicken lunch combo with steamed white rice and the won ton soup. The soup was quite flavorful. The chicken was tender but tasted bland and the white rice was nothing more than a sticky white rice, scooped up and plopped on the plate. It wasn't even neat. The chicken had large chunks of white onion, green bell pepper, and a few slivers of sliced carrots. I'm used to sweet and sour chicken having added pineapple, but it was missing in this dish and so I was not impressed with it at all. And to add, I overheard the man sitting at the next table talk about the onions he had in his sweet and sour chicken. He said "if I were to eat those dinosaur sized onions, I would still be tasting them into next week." I laughed and said Sir, I agree." If you've ever had really good Chinese food, I wouldn't recommend this place unless you want oversized onions in your food and an aftertaste of what smelled like fabuloso. In closing, I ordered a side of their fried rice. As you can see in the picture, it is nothing to rave about. It's simply their steamed white rice douse in soy sauce. No carrots, no peas, no large onions, No Flavor. This restaurant gets a D- for my...