It because the owners take more pride in their restaurant that they wanna provide the best customer service experience possible so they give you that comfort of home feel once u walk in. I like that an yes I do frequent a hole in the wall place an they recognize me an I get the same thing all the time!(:
I had a business associate who had to travel to China and he told me that a lot of "authentic" Chinese food was inedible to an American who is used to Americanized Chinese food. Apparently, the Chinese will eat anything that was in the animal because that's the only way a poor family could survive.
There are so many Hole-In-The-Wall Ma' & Pa' owned/operated Chinese restaurants around that are soooo damn good, that I never bother going to any of the ones you listed in your video
I once went to Newcastle with a minicruise, and I was is in the city for half the day. I went to chinatown, and I had all you can eat for 10 dollars. The food was about the best food I ever had, but the dessert (ice cream) was the worst I ever had. It was cold, hard, had chunks of ice and was way to sweet.
A good rule of thumb is to walk around behind the restaurant and it's clean and well-ordered it's a good restaurant if it's trashy and Nasty avoid it like the plague because you'll probably catch the plague.
@@worldtraveler930naw if it’s dirty in the back it means they are just too busy putting love into the food and don’t have time to keep it clean in the ally 😂
I'm all in for the hole-in-the-wall Chinese-The Tell, (usually): the grumpier the servers, the more genuine the food. But I gravitate frequently to Panda Express 'cuz when it's good (usually) it puts a big smile on my face. Just so darn clean and happy. Still amazingly inexpensive, too, for what you get. Beijing Beef, you have my heart.
Can confirm. My family and I used to frequent a tiny little hole-in-the wall place that sat under some apartments. Great soup, decent chicken, quiet, and pleasant. Many local businessmen loved it, and they kept coming back.
i had an uncle work for coca cola and work on machines at some of the hood places you call them, go ahead and eat there but just gunna tell you now those meats are not identifiable and alot of those places have raw food on cooked food and use trashcans to store the food and reheat it the next day to allow for bigger portions.
OK lets get real folks, they are talking chain restaurants that has hundreds to thousands of locations. You can bet that Burger King and McDonalds would rank pretty high for burgers under similar circumstances. The hot food table at a small Asian grocery store has better options then 90% of these on the list, but they're not chain restaurants!
@@worldtraveler930 I would disagree. I've definitely had better Chinese food at authentic Chinese places, but then again, I've been to some "Mom & Pop" shops and had some terrible stuff too. And sometimes it's hit or miss. If I go to Panda Express, that it's not the best I've ever had, the food is usually pretty consistent and satisfactory. And that's saying something for a place that's effectively a buffet! Cause some Chinese buffets I've been to have been the worst restaurants I've ever been to in my entire life!
@@teds9896 Hear is a Good rule of thumb; go around to the back of the establishment and If it is Clean and ordered than you should be able to expect good service and decent food! But if it's Nasty and trashy just go somewhere else and your stomach will be happier!!
Pei Wei PF Chang's & Panda Express are the only places I've heard of, I usually order from the nearest Chinese restaurant, but it seems that if you're lucky to find a good place, great, otherwise forget it
Honestly, what drew me first to PF Changs was the interior, the ambience (Woodland Hills, CA). Then I noticed that the food is too salty. Then my Chinese uncle who visited us when he was touring the States echoed the same observation. Truth be told, the Chinese food and dim sum in those old restaurants in Chinatown (L.A.) are actually tastier & cheaper, too.
The fact that Panda Express rates #1 makes me question the ranking of all. I've eaten various things at different Panda Expresses and they were all extremely bland and under-seasoned. I haven't had the chance to try all the restaurants on the list but the best dish I get at Chain Chinese restaurants is Kung Pao shrimp at Pei Wei. Pei Wei actually gets pretty good quality shrimp which greatly elevates the dish. As others pointed out a good independent Chinese restaurant will beat chains.
Mongolian.....so unique. Get noodles/rice, toppings, they stir it around on this huge metal table. I was blown away trying it the first time. "wait THAT'S how you make it? NEAT!
When I was a kid we always went to a place called Colonel Lee's Mongolian BBQ (this was in Southern California). Fantastic food and you could tune the flavors and spice levels to what you liked. HuHot is a pale imitation in comparison IMHO. Colonel Lee (was a real person by the way) popularized the cuisine so much that there's lots of Mongolian grills still in SoCal.
Panda Express is fire! The orange chicken is really good. People on here are hating on it so much lol. I get it, mom and pop places are good too but they aren’t chains and that’s the whole point of the video.
i'd go for that ma and pa dirty looking joint down that side street over these any day! those are the best..nothing fancy just good ole stir fry with rice! satisfying and simple
You got that right! I've been going to the same mom and pop Chinese restaurant for 30yrs because the family owners are still there and the food as well as kind service are as of yet unmatched at a very fair price. And even though I live out of town and only get there once or twice a year when visiting family they still know my name.
Flavor and ingredients made in China has to be Americanized because authentic Good Foreign food is too Alien to American taste buds. American do not like Extremely Spicy, Sour, or Foreign Vegetables. People normally identify with food from Childhood and food with similar flavors.
Hu Hot is the best! It's not just the protein, noodle and vegetable choices, but the sauces that make it so unique. This is the only Chinese restaurant that my husband begs to visit, as he normally doesn't like Chinese. He likes the fact that there is nothing strange on his plate, only what he chose himself.
Pei wei was my go to for lunch. If you like PF Chang’s it’s actually owned by them. Same lettuce wraps and soup. Order the Thai dynamite if you haven’t tried it. Foods always consistent and it’s less expensive ❤️
I don't believe that Din Tai Fung is even in the same class as these other eateries. 10 out of 16 as well. No way is Din Tai Fung inferior to any of these.
I go to a chinese place that also sells sushi for cheap. It's way cheaper than Panda Express. Not to mention it's a slightly better quality than them. I'll miss the beijing beef but, my wallet is more important and I have other favorites at the other chinese places.
I really like Panda Express, though I'm not a fan of the PepsiCo products they sell to drink and prefer Coca Cola instead. So, for me, choosing *Panda Express* #1 for *CHINESE FOOD* is about like choosing *Taco Bell* as your best recommendation for *MEXICAN FOOD* or *DOMINO'S* as the _'best choice'_ for *PIZZA.*
Panda Express and PF Changs sells sugared meat. Whereas the lower ranked Pick Up Stix has tofu that I still remember years after moving away from their La Jolla location.
I mean honestly the best nearly authentic( I wouldn't call it true Chinese cuisine, but it's not Americanized either.) Chinese food I've had was an out of the way mom n' pop shop in downtown Portland, OR called The Dragon Well. And the best Americanized Chinese food I've had is from a small chain with like 3 locations, The Noble Palace. And both are definitely better than Panda Express.....
Panda Express sucks it shouldn’t have even been on this list let alone got the #1 spot. And for that reason, and only that reason, this video gets a downvote from me. That said, I haven’t even heard of most of the restaurants on this list. Probably because the best Chinese restaurants are mom and pop places.
Everyone keeps ranking on Panda Express for how bad their Chinese food is. I find most of their menu options to be quite delicious, especially their "Beijing Beef." What a dish, imo.
I work at Panda Express and down the street from the first restaurant that started it all called Panda Inn which is the authentic Madrin cuisine of Asia and Panda Express was made after there first restaurant wasn’t as successful and made it to be Americanized Chinese food but the owners who I had the honor of meeting are 100% Asian and from Asia as there daughter too and Panda really is authentic and the quality it exceptional, I understand it pricey but u pay for what u get and I understand that 100....
Why are the portions so small? While I don't dislike their food, you definitely do not get what you pay for at Panda Express. I am always hungry when I leave the place.
@@athleticguy15 yes I understand you totallly, and you t happens to be but the quality of the food meat, shrimp, and chicken to have fresh veggies cut and prepped all day and to bring it in fresh also they have to serve you what they consider a portion to keep track of there calorie count they advertise but I believe it’s not a big problem as if you’d ask for a double portion I believe it’s only 1.50 more but I make chow mein and fried rice and man if I was in the front line I’d be quite more generous but try out Panda Inn there have very generous portions....
Panda Express ranked above Mr Chow (expensive, had it in Vegas..best Americanized Chinese ever) for those who check comments before wasting their time watching. Admittedly I've never been to some of these places, but I would rank Mama Fu's a few spots higher regardless. It's like your fave neighborhood Chinese takeout place, but more consistent.
Din Tai Fung is the only legitimate restaurant on this list. Or anywhere in the Inland Empire in LA or in Chinatown in Chicago. Or ask anyone speaking Mandarin who lives in America. I know a few people who tell me where to go.
This person does not speak for my “American palate”...I tried Panda Express once! It was a platter of 3 options and ALL 3 were tasteless and super bland.
Damn right I have an American *palate*! I'm tired of being shamed for liking what I like. I appreciate authentic food, but sometimes you just want your comforting sweet, salty, and spicy goodness.
Panda Express in my area is TERRIBLE!!! The food is just bland and nasty. We've eaten there several times and each time it has been the same. They get an A for consistency, consistently bad, but that's all.
God, Chinese Gormet Express kicked ass. I used to eat at one at a mall food court all the time when I'd go to pick up some new Warhammer Minis from the local shop. It tasted super cheap, but cheap in a good way, like super American and fried but it hit the spot for me.
I was flummoxed that Panda Express came out #1 here. I was on a visit with several friends and we ordered from Panda Express. It was without question the worst Chinese food experience we ever had. The taste was terrible. Most of us had to set aside what we ordered after we got it home and ate some other leftovers instead, it was that bad. I don't think I can trust another Mashed video ranking food at this point.
In this small part of Nor-cal Panda Express is the only outlet recognized and their food they provide is usually Over Cooked dry and very chewy///in no way better than local restaurants
This was clearly a Panda Express commercial. Before I scoff? I've eaten at Panda Express two dozen or more times. One was in my office building. One was in my train station. There was no escape. It's not bad. They give you a lot of food and they give it to you fast. It's tasty. It's not expensive, although with the Weimar Republic inflation of the last few months -- who knows? On the whole It's a decent experience. But it isn't the best in any class. This is a mountain of basic, hey-diddle-diddle-straight-up-the-middle Chinese - like the Bears offense in the 70s. I agree with the comments that you are likely to do better with the odd hole in the wall. It is upper end mediocre food. The very thought that it is at or near the top tells me the fix is in. This is a game show scandal.
Agreed...many videos on Mashed are nothing but hit pieces or commercials for various establishments. Just get some take out at your local good reviewed mom and pop. Best value...
Panda Express is my favorite. Manchu Wok is where I eat at the Riverchase Galleria. New China Buffet is where I wanna go to. But,we haven't been there yet.
I find the top rated Panda Express' food to be bland and not very good, in all the ones I've tried nationally. Unfortunately they are the only choice when I'm traveling. We have a Mandarin Express in our local Mall that has consistantly good food.
I suspect some of these restaurant chains paid for their spot on this list. I frequented Leeann Chin’s in the Twin Cities back in the 80’s & 90’s and I can’t believe it’s rated so low here. Lines out the door and everyone was smiling.
There's a hole in the wall called Mr.chopsticks..here in Denton by the university..and everyone i know its like if you went on a trip to china and the food followed you home..and i think the owner opened it in 76 or something but when approached about turning the place into a franchise he said no he wanted the food consistent authentic and he planned on cooking till hes 90 and all his family like owns and runs it now he retired..but apparently the foods as good as ever and still no franchising..but good for the ma and pop places reguardless what kind of food..
Next you’re going to list best Mexican chains with Taco Bell #1, and Pizza Hut top Italian restaurant. Not just PF Changs, but ALL of these are “Americanized”. Din Tai Fung is the only quasi actual Chinese food.
Completely DISAGREE with the ranking of P.F. Changs. I have tried this restaurant in the past a number of times and a number of their locations, and have found their food consistently mediocre. The food is either tasteless or too salty. The only thing they have going for them is their atmosphere, which is NOT enough to have me patronize their restaurant.
The only ones on your list in California are Panda Express & P F Changs. I’d put PF Changs ahead of Panda Express, although PE is much more affordable. I noticed you didn’t mention Pick Up Stix, I wonder what your opinion is for them?
I uses to like these lists, but after seeing PF Changs in 3rd and Panda express in 1, this has really turned me off mashed... I'm pretty sure someone payed them to do that.
IMO, while Panda Express might not be the best (let alone most authentic) Chinese food you can get, I do like their food and find them to be more dependable than the majority of "hole in the wall" places. At least around where I live (Central NJ). I also think they're a heck of a lot better than PF Chang's, which I've been to a handful of times and was never really satisfied.
I live in rome , new york, pizza joints are everywhere, though we have some Chinese restaurants and they're pretty good , the nearest Chinese chain restaurants are in syracuse I had heard about panda express, good and bad , I liked it , tasty fresh food , big portions served quickly and a fair price , Las Vegas also had some great Chinese food in the casinos
Din Tai Fung ranks lower on the list because of the price....... but Mr Chow is #2 GTFO Din Tai Fung has some of the BEST soup dumplings EVER..........
How is Han Dynasty not on this list?! Most of those restaurants(cough cough Panda Express cough) are terrible while Han actually makes good, authentic Chinese food. And they have a bunch of locations. This list is total bs
I've tried panda Express 5 or 6 times in Houston Texas, and they totally stink on any of their food. China Dragon is an all you can eat buffet and for $12.00 to 14.00, they have a sushi bar that is great too. Free refills on drinks and their staff are great too.
Any hole in the wall Chinese restaurants in your city make better food than these chain restaurants. And cheaper too.
YES! The Best! Buy local
At the cost of a roach infested restaurant but I gotta agree
I concur. Same deal for the Italian and Mexican restaurants that have the hole in the wall too.
It because the owners take more pride in their restaurant that they wanna provide the best customer service experience possible so they give you that comfort of home feel once u walk in. I like that an yes I do frequent a hole in the wall place an they recognize me an I get the same thing all the time!(:
California Chinese food isn’t very good tbh
Panda Express is 1000 miles away from being authentic but I actually don’t hate their food
I had a business associate who had to travel to China and he told me that a lot of "authentic" Chinese food was inedible to an American who is used to Americanized Chinese food. Apparently, the Chinese will eat anything that was in the animal because that's the only way a poor family could survive.
It is not authentic Chinese food, but it is authentic Chinese American food.
Idk everything involves a slurry a Chinese started sauce thickening technique.
I like it because their chicken dishes retain the crispness to them and not soggy mush like all the other places.
Someone I know from the UK LOVES their food & I don’t know why! And I’m NOT about to try to hurt my brain on tying to figure that out.
I didn’t even know there were 16 Chinese food chains.
I’m watching
FACTS 💯🤦🏾♀️
Geez!! How many Chinese Food WANNABE Chains exist??
There are so many Hole-In-The-Wall Ma' & Pa' owned/operated Chinese restaurants around that are soooo damn good, that I never bother going to any of the ones you listed in your video
I'll second that motion.
Same.
I once went to Newcastle with a minicruise, and I was is in the city for half the day. I went to chinatown, and I had all you can eat for 10 dollars. The food was about the best food I ever had, but the dessert (ice cream) was the worst I ever had. It was cold, hard, had chunks of ice and was way to sweet.
So true. These are the best!
I agree, I love this place called chop chop in Antioch ca. So delicious ❤️
Nothing beats that hole in the wall Chinese restaurant in your local town or city.
Now that is exactly right!! Applies to all chain restaurants, especially pizza.
A good rule of thumb is to walk around behind the restaurant and it's clean and well-ordered it's a good restaurant if it's trashy and Nasty avoid it like the plague because you'll probably catch the plague.
@@worldtraveler930naw if it’s dirty in the back it means they are just too busy putting love into the food and don’t have time to keep it clean in the ally 😂
@@guthrielindquist1
No.
I'm all in for the hole-in-the-wall Chinese-The Tell, (usually): the grumpier the servers, the more genuine the food. But I gravitate frequently to Panda Express 'cuz when it's good (usually) it puts a big smile on my face. Just so darn clean and happy. Still amazingly inexpensive, too, for what you get. Beijing Beef, you have my heart.
100% agree on the "hole in the wall" restaurants but HATE Panda Express with most other chain Chinese.
The best Chinese food spots are always in the hood. You get the biggest portions for hella cheap.
Can confirm. My family and I used to frequent a tiny little hole-in-the wall place that sat under some apartments. Great soup, decent chicken, quiet, and pleasant. Many local businessmen loved it, and they kept coming back.
Yup!
You damn right sity hustle
i had an uncle work for coca cola and work on machines at some of the hood places you call them, go ahead and eat there but just gunna tell you now those meats are not identifiable and alot of those places have raw food on cooked food and use trashcans to store the food and reheat it the next day to allow for bigger portions.
Til you see how they prepare it there lol
Panda Express is small portions of tasteless food while PF Changs is VERY Expensive!
PF Chang's food is cooked with too much salt.
Din Tai Fung is the ONLY restaurant chain here worth visiting.
What do you mean "small" and "tasteless"? That's the OPPOSITE of Panda Express!
The only one's I've ever hard of are P.F Changs and Panda Express
@N0 One454 Really ? That’s a shame.
@N0 One454 You don't know your chinese food. I'm also from California and I've heard of about half of these.
You gotta get out more if those are the only two you know.
I only heard of panda Express
@TOM It's better than whatever garbage you eat
Din tai Fung is the only acceptable option in this list. They are exceptionally good for a chain.
Ate their in China when company was paying. Very good but expensive. Only recently learned they are also in US.
They are good but expensive to me.
OK lets get real folks, they are talking chain restaurants that has hundreds to thousands of locations. You can bet that Burger King and McDonalds would rank pretty high for burgers under similar circumstances. The hot food table at a small Asian grocery store has better options then 90% of these on the list, but they're not chain restaurants!
I wholeheartedly agree!
@@worldtraveler930 I would disagree. I've definitely had better Chinese food at authentic Chinese places, but then again, I've been to some "Mom & Pop" shops and had some terrible stuff too. And sometimes it's hit or miss. If I go to Panda Express, that it's not the best I've ever had, the food is usually pretty consistent and satisfactory. And that's saying something for a place that's effectively a buffet! Cause some Chinese buffets I've been to have been the worst restaurants I've ever been to in my entire life!
@@teds9896
Hear is a Good rule of thumb; go around to the back of the establishment and If it is Clean and ordered than you should be able to expect good service and decent food! But if it's Nasty and trashy just go somewhere else and your stomach will be happier!!
Pei Wei PF Chang's & Panda Express are the only places I've heard of, I usually order from the nearest Chinese restaurant, but it seems that if you're lucky to find a good place, great, otherwise forget it
Honestly, what drew me first to PF Changs was the interior, the ambience (Woodland Hills, CA). Then I noticed that the food is too salty. Then my Chinese uncle who visited us when he was touring the States echoed the same observation. Truth be told, the Chinese food and dim sum in those old restaurants in Chinatown (L.A.) are actually tastier & cheaper, too.
pf chang is for people who doesn't fuckin know anything abt Chinese food...
I sent my plate back, too salty (BROC. AND CHICKEN)
The fact that Panda Express rates #1 makes me question the ranking of all. I've eaten various things at different Panda Expresses and they were all extremely bland and under-seasoned. I haven't had the chance to try all the restaurants on the list but the best dish I get at Chain Chinese restaurants is Kung Pao shrimp at Pei Wei. Pei Wei actually gets pretty good quality shrimp which greatly elevates the dish. As others pointed out a good independent Chinese restaurant will beat chains.
I agree, the food is terrible.
The worst Chinese food I've ever had
Stop overreacting it's not the best thing in the world but it's still fine
I hope u have a good health plan.
How can I ever take mashed serious anymore after they said Panda Express is authentic.
Mongolian.....so unique. Get noodles/rice, toppings, they stir it around on this huge metal table. I was blown away trying it the first time. "wait THAT'S how you make it? NEAT!
When I was a kid we always went to a place called Colonel Lee's Mongolian BBQ (this was in Southern California). Fantastic food and you could tune the flavors and spice levels to what you liked. HuHot is a pale imitation in comparison IMHO. Colonel Lee (was a real person by the way) popularized the cuisine so much that there's lots of Mongolian grills still in SoCal.
Panda Express is the McDonalds of Chinese Fast Food !!!
Good or bad, Panda Express seems to be the most consistent.
Nah, I'd say they're more like the Chipotle of it.
Watching this from China, I honestly don't know whether to laugh or cry
pray for these people...
@@donaldchin7205 My city has an ordinance that puts strict restrictions on formula retail establishments with eleven or more locations in the world.
@@RaymondHng Yay for San Francisco, the place for best Chinese food from Canton to Sichuan to Beijing regional specialties, not Americanized.
Panda Express is fire! The orange chicken is really good. People on here are hating on it so much lol. I get it, mom and pop places are good too but they aren’t chains and that’s the whole point of the video.
Panda Express?! Sugar chicken, sugar steak, and sugar chicken is all they have lmao
In Pahrump NV their food was great, In Amarillo it kinda sucks.
All across Texas you'll find Panda Express is mildly to moderately expensive no flavor and small portions!!
Correct.
To sweet .. I agree
Panda Express in KCKs was horrible. I rather buy PF Chang out of the freezer at Walmart.
Panda Express has the option of veggies as a side. Which is great if you're diabetic or eating low carb.
They put chicken powder in the veggies!
I LOVE HU HOT!!! And Panda Express Walnut Shrimp is to die for.
i'd go for that ma and pa dirty looking joint down that side street over these any day! those are the best..nothing fancy just good ole stir fry with rice! satisfying and simple
You got that right! I've been going to the same mom and pop Chinese restaurant for 30yrs because the family owners are still there and the food as well as kind service are as of yet unmatched at a very fair price. And even though I live out of town and only get there once or twice a year when visiting family they still know my name.
its really weird but not a single of these chinese chains exist in my city.
tons of fantastic traditional mom and pop spots though.
Only two Panda Express locations in San Francisco. Nothing else.
I been to Panda Express one time before seeing Shazam in 2019 I love their orange chicken
Never thought I’d hear food had “too much flavor.” 🤔
Meaning over seasoned, like putting 10 spoons of sugar in your food. Not good.
The only way to come up with Panda Express as #1 is to penalize competitors for flavour. Interesting algorithm.
Flavor and ingredients made in China has to be Americanized because authentic Good Foreign food is too Alien to American taste buds. American do not like Extremely Spicy, Sour, or Foreign Vegetables. People normally identify with food from Childhood and food with similar flavors.
@@covenawhite4855 Its changed in the cities
Where do most of these chains operate? I’ve only heard of 3 of them.
One chain has locations in Texas and Arizona.
Pei Wei is good stuff.
Not to mention Very Expensive!
trash
Hu Hot is the best! It's not just the protein, noodle and vegetable choices, but the sauces that make it so unique. This is the only Chinese restaurant that my husband begs to visit, as he normally doesn't like Chinese. He likes the fact that there is nothing strange on his plate, only what he chose himself.
hu hot needs to go outta business...honest.
I agree. Hu hot is my favorite buffet.
PF Chang is having money issues. Be careful what time of day you go to Panda Express 😉
So that's why there chicken taste like panda?
Most of our PF Chang's restaurants closed. They're too expensive.
Pei wei was my go to for lunch. If you like PF Chang’s it’s actually owned by them. Same lettuce wraps and soup. Order the Thai dynamite if you haven’t tried it. Foods always consistent and it’s less expensive ❤️
I don't believe that Din Tai Fung is even in the same class as these other eateries. 10 out of 16 as well. No way is Din Tai Fung inferior to
any of these.
I go to a chinese place that also sells sushi for cheap. It's way cheaper than Panda Express. Not to mention it's a slightly better quality than them.
I'll miss the beijing beef but, my wallet is more important and I have other favorites at the other chinese places.
I really like Panda Express, though I'm not a fan of the PepsiCo products they sell to drink and prefer Coca Cola instead. So, for me, choosing *Panda Express* #1 for *CHINESE FOOD* is about like choosing *Taco Bell* as your best recommendation for *MEXICAN FOOD* or *DOMINO'S* as the _'best choice'_ for *PIZZA.*
edo is my fave fast food.. but i like the mom and pops stores when we order chinese.
Thank you for sharing!🙂
Psi Wei is my favorite sweet and sour chicken is so good.
I only go to family owned mom & pop Chinese Restaurants
Also the restaurants in Chinatown in Washington DC are Awesome
Panda Express and PF Changs sells sugared meat.
Whereas the lower ranked Pick Up Stix has tofu that I still remember years after moving away from their La Jolla location.
Gotta use the family store fronts with a low health rating...most will be great
I mean honestly the best nearly authentic( I wouldn't call it true
Chinese cuisine, but it's not Americanized either.) Chinese food I've had was an out of the way mom n' pop shop in downtown Portland, OR called The Dragon Well. And the best Americanized Chinese food I've had is from a small chain with like 3 locations, The Noble Palace. And both are definitely better than Panda Express.....
I only heard of 3 of the 15. Pei Wei, PF Chang and Panda Express.
Panda Express sucks it shouldn’t have even been on this list let alone got the #1 spot. And for that reason, and only that reason, this video gets a downvote from me. That said, I haven’t even heard of most of the restaurants on this list. Probably because the best Chinese restaurants are mom and pop places.
It’s actually not bad atleast where im at.
Who’s your top 5
@@suminternetsht290 Yeah. I really like Panda Express too. A lot of places just can't cook Chinese food well to me.
Sweet fire chicken is the best. I make it at home too.
Manchu Wok | 00:00
Asian Chao | 00:50
City Wok | 1:24
Chowking | 2:08
Pick Up Stix | 2:57
HuHot Mongolian Grill | 3:34
Mama Fu's | 4:20
Leeann Chin | 5:06
Mark Pi's | 5:45
Din Tai Fung | 6:18
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen | 6:51
Chinese Gourmet Express | 7:30
bd's Mongolian Grill | 7:59
P.F. Chang's | 8:30
Mr. Chow | 9:14
Panda Express | 9:51
Everyone keeps ranking on Panda Express for how bad their Chinese food is. I find most of their menu options to be quite delicious, especially their "Beijing Beef." What a dish, imo.
FINALLY someone who gives they're actual honest opinion except of just saying it's inedible because it's from a well known fast food chain
Beijing beef is my absolute fave! Even the leftovers are crunchy and silky to the tongue, And flavorful. I'm eating some as I write this.
@@marymaryquitecontrary Nice! 😋❤️
Everyone here is spitting facts. I will defend Panda Express with my life and soul.
I love Chinese food
Hola from Costa Rica.🇨🇷 When I visit family in Arizona, my schedule includes at least two visits a week at P.F. Chang's. I find the food delicious.
I work at Panda Express and down the street from the first restaurant that started it all called Panda Inn which is the authentic Madrin cuisine of Asia and Panda Express was made after there first restaurant wasn’t as successful and made it to be Americanized Chinese food but the owners who I had the honor of meeting are 100% Asian and from Asia as there daughter too and Panda really is authentic and the quality it exceptional, I understand it pricey but u pay for what u get and I understand that 100....
Why are the portions so small? While I don't dislike their food, you definitely do not get what you pay for at Panda Express. I am always hungry when I leave the place.
@@athleticguy15 yes I understand you totallly, and you t happens to be but the quality of the food meat, shrimp, and chicken to have fresh veggies cut and prepped all day and to bring it in fresh also they have to serve you what they consider a portion to keep track of there calorie count they advertise but I believe it’s not a big problem as if you’d ask for a double portion I believe it’s only 1.50 more but I make chow mein and fried rice and man if I was in the front line I’d be quite more generous but try out Panda Inn there have very generous portions....
You should share the disgusting food protocol at PE, they are disgusting. This obviously was a sponsored video.
My friends who visited Mongolia told me they didn't see any Mongolian grill restaurants within a 20-mile radius 😄😄😄
Panda Express ranked above Mr Chow (expensive, had it in Vegas..best Americanized Chinese ever) for those who check comments before wasting their time watching. Admittedly I've never been to some of these places, but I would rank Mama Fu's a few spots higher regardless. It's like your fave neighborhood Chinese takeout place, but more consistent.
We have a place called "Golden Dragon" awesome Chinese food. Their Buffet is the best.
Are you in texas?
Din Tai Fung is the only legitimate restaurant on this list. Or anywhere in the Inland Empire in LA or in Chinatown in Chicago. Or ask anyone speaking Mandarin who lives in America. I know a few people who tell me where to go.
Mom n pop Chinese spots for the win. Lunch specials and flavor with better prices
Did you really put Panda Express and No1? Say it isn't so. Oh, the American pallet.
So true I am chinese and i know that my family never makes any of those dishes we rarely make fried rice.
@@zjb1711 Some of us Americans need to get out more and try real food. Not all these Americanize foods.
Panda is really gross...I’m shook that it came in 1st...
This person does not speak for my “American palate”...I tried Panda Express once! It was a platter of 3 options and ALL 3 were tasteless and super bland.
Damn right I have an American *palate*! I'm tired of being shamed for liking what I like. I appreciate authentic food, but sometimes you just want your comforting sweet, salty, and spicy goodness.
Am surprised Panda Express is #1. Maybe I need to go there again.
Panda Express in my area is TERRIBLE!!! The food is just bland and nasty. We've eaten there several times and each time it has been the same. They get an A for consistency, consistently bad, but that's all.
I feel bad for you. It seems you just got unlucky with the spots near you. The ones I’ve been to are really good!
@@lennoxtvthingy7408 Believe me, I know it's just my area.
Really like Pick Up Stix. We had it the other night. Really different than most Chinese takeouts. The food is also fresh.
Leeann Chin is just about the same as Panda Express. We have them in MN
overrated!
God, Chinese Gormet Express kicked ass. I used to eat at one at a mall food court all the time when I'd go to pick up some new Warhammer Minis from the local shop. It tasted super cheap, but cheap in a good way, like super American and fried but it hit the spot for me.
I was flummoxed that Panda Express came out #1 here. I was on a visit with several friends and we ordered from Panda Express. It was without question the worst Chinese food experience we ever had. The taste was terrible. Most of us had to set aside what we ordered after we got it home and ate some other leftovers instead, it was that bad. I don't think I can trust another Mashed video ranking food at this point.
In this small part of Nor-cal Panda Express is the only outlet recognized and their food they provide is usually Over Cooked dry and very chewy///in no way better than local restaurants
I've never had any of the others but I enjoy Panda Express. Haters may say it's not authentic, but I really don't care it still tastes good.
I will never understand what people like about P. F. Chang's.
😳 PF Changs is my favorite!! Their pepper steak is amazing!!!
cuz they trash
Probably the atmosphere.
This was clearly a Panda Express commercial. Before I scoff? I've eaten at Panda Express two dozen or more times. One was in my office building. One was in my train station. There was no escape.
It's not bad. They give you a lot of food and they give it to you fast. It's tasty. It's not expensive, although with the Weimar Republic inflation of the last few months -- who knows? On the whole It's a decent experience.
But it isn't the best in any class. This is a mountain of basic, hey-diddle-diddle-straight-up-the-middle Chinese - like the Bears offense in the 70s. I agree with the comments that you are likely to do better with the odd hole in the wall. It is upper end mediocre food. The very thought that it is at or near the top tells me the fix is in. This is a game show scandal.
Agreed...many videos on Mashed are nothing but hit pieces or commercials for various establishments. Just get some take out at your local good reviewed mom and pop. Best value...
Panda express was dissapointing, overated and tastless, If thats #1 on the list I dont even think Id wanna try any of the others.
You nailed it.
I don’t know if Panda Express should be called “authentic Chinese food”, but it’s so freaking good that I really don’t care. No surprise they’re #1
When I was in Manila I ate several times at Chow King at Robinson's Mall Antipolo it was EXCELLENT!!!
Panda Express is my favorite by far. We have 2 within a couple miles of each other. ALWAYS packed, ALWAYS fresh, and ALWAYS great.
Yummy House ! Quality food. Quality service !
Panda Express is my favorite.
Manchu Wok is where I eat at the Riverchase Galleria.
New China Buffet is where I wanna go to. But,we haven't been there yet.
I’d have to disagree with PF Chang, maybe it’s the ones here in Orlando, but the times I’ve been there, the food lacks flavor and seasoning 😕
I find the top rated Panda Express' food to be bland and not very good, in all the ones I've tried nationally. Unfortunately they are the only choice when I'm traveling. We have a Mandarin Express in our local Mall that has consistantly good food.
I suspect some of these restaurant chains paid for their spot on this list. I frequented Leeann Chin’s in the Twin Cities back in the 80’s & 90’s and I can’t believe it’s rated so low here. Lines out the door and everyone was smiling.
There's a hole in the wall called Mr.chopsticks..here in Denton by the university..and everyone i know its like if you went on a trip to china and the food followed you home..and i think the owner opened it in 76 or something but when approached about turning the place into a franchise he said no he wanted the food consistent authentic and he planned on cooking till hes 90 and all his family like owns and runs it now he retired..but apparently the foods as good as ever and still no franchising..but good for the ma and pop places reguardless what kind of food..
Thanks, Lola ! - Perhaps I’ll try it before the end of summer if I’m in the area.
Next you’re going to list best Mexican chains with Taco Bell #1, and Pizza Hut top Italian restaurant. Not just PF Changs, but ALL of these are “Americanized”. Din Tai Fung is the only quasi actual Chinese food.
Completely DISAGREE with the ranking of P.F. Changs. I have tried this restaurant in the past a number of times and a number of their locations, and have found their food consistently mediocre. The food is either tasteless or too salty. The only thing they have going for them is their atmosphere, which is NOT enough to have me patronize their restaurant.
The atmoshere is some designer's notion of Chinese. Having worked in China, the only place that was decorated like Chang's was....a PF Chang's!
The only ones on your list in California are Panda Express & P F Changs. I’d put PF Changs ahead of Panda Express, although PE is much more affordable. I noticed you didn’t mention Pick Up Stix, I wonder what your opinion is for them?
Pick Up Stix is No. 6 on their list.
Leann Chinn is pretty fire for a chain. Feel like it’s similar to Panda Express but taste less sugary which I like
I uses to like these lists, but after seeing PF Changs in 3rd and Panda express in 1, this has really turned me off mashed... I'm pretty sure someone payed them to do that.
IMO, while Panda Express might not be the best (let alone most authentic) Chinese food you can get, I do like their food and find them to be more dependable than the majority of "hole in the wall" places. At least around where I live (Central NJ). I also think they're a heck of a lot better than PF Chang's, which I've been to a handful of times and was never really satisfied.
The first thing that came to mind was "There are 16?!?!?!"
I didn't even know there were 16 Chinese chain restaurants out there, LOL.
In and Out Burger has great Chinese Food.
2021, Now you can update the list and put Chowking to rock bottom, you cannot even compare their noodles to instant noodles.
I love Panda Express’ Beijing beef. It’s soooo good.
Chang’s House is unbeatable.
You should add the Mandarin buffet restaurant into the top 3 list))
A NEW, HUGE Panda Express two miles from my home......
BLISS !!!!!!😊
I live in rome , new york, pizza joints are everywhere, though we have some Chinese restaurants and they're pretty good , the nearest Chinese chain restaurants are in syracuse I had heard about panda express, good and bad , I liked it , tasty fresh food , big portions served quickly and a fair price , Las Vegas also had some great Chinese food in the casinos
Din Tai Fung ranks lower on the list because of the price....... but Mr Chow is #2 GTFO Din Tai Fung has some of the BEST soup dumplings EVER..........
Mama Fu's!!! I wonder which Chinese character "Fu" is...
I haven't even heard of any of this restaurants except panda express.
How is Han Dynasty not on this list?! Most of those restaurants(cough cough Panda Express cough) are terrible while Han actually makes good, authentic Chinese food. And they have a bunch of locations. This list is total bs
No arguments from me.
I agree but I think they were looking at regional/national chains. Handy nasty is a Philly/SJ thing as far as I know
@@Mark-vs9rk They're in NYC too
I've tried panda Express 5 or 6 times in Houston Texas, and they totally stink on any of their food. China Dragon is an all you can eat buffet and for $12.00 to 14.00, they have a sushi bar that is great too. Free refills on drinks and their staff are great too.
I would have agreed once upon a time. I grew up in a smallish midwestern city (
Panda Express sucks. It really does.
notice there are ZERO dislikes of this comment!
Not anymore!
i'm shock to see chow king here
Beijing beef at Panda...yum
I live in California
I’ve never heard
of a Chinese chain restaurant,
other than Panda Express.