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Old 08-27-2023, 04:21 PM
 
2,379 posts, read 2,710,734 times
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I've been pretty glum for years about not finding a good Chinese restaurant, at least not in the east Phoenix/Scottsdale area. But I happened to stop in at Old Town Taste in Tempe, and wondered if any of you had been there.

It's a nondescript-looking place with annoyingly loud pop music, and the only good thing about the decor is the widely spaced tables. The menu is relatively limited. No duck, for instance. But what impressed me was that when my order of a classic non-spicy dish showed up unbearably peppery, they were so extraordinarily apologetic and concerned, offering to make a mild version - even though I didn't ask. In fact, I initially said no, because I hate to waste food. But they insisted, telling me that I could take the spicy one home to give to someone else. The version I finally got was good, and both were possibly the biggest portions I've ever seen in a Chinese restaurant. I was just really impressed by their courtesy.

Ever been there?


https://www.oldtowntaste.com/
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Old 08-27-2023, 05:40 PM
 
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Never been there, but the menu seems authentic... prices are a tad expensive, but maybe that's the trend in all restaurants.

Curious in what dish(es) you ordered.
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Old 08-27-2023, 05:56 PM
 
Location: The Disputed Lands
843 posts, read 564,666 times
Reputation: 1649
Quote:
Originally Posted by Voebe View Post
I've been pretty glum for years about not finding a good Chinese restaurant, at least not in the east Phoenix/Scottsdale area. But I happened to stop in at Old Town Taste in Tempe, and wondered if any of you had been there.

It's a nondescript-looking place with annoyingly loud pop music, and the only good thing about the decor is the widely spaced tables. The menu is relatively limited. No duck, for instance. But what impressed me was that when my order of a classic non-spicy dish showed up unbearably peppery, they were so extraordinarily apologetic and concerned, offering to make a mild version - even though I didn't ask. In fact, I initially said no, because I hate to waste food. But they insisted, telling me that I could take the spicy one home to give to someone else. The version I finally got was good, and both were possibly the biggest portions I've ever seen in a Chinese restaurant. I was just really impressed by their courtesy.

Ever been there?

https://www.oldtowntaste.com/
Never been there. There is another decent Chinese place in Chandler on Dobson and Warner, about 5-6 miles further down the 101 South from Old Town Taste. It's called Phoenix Palace.
https://www.phoenixpalacechandleraz.com/

They have a very extensive menu, with Dim Sum available at lunch. It's not perfect, but the wife and I do enjoy it. The hot & sour soup is great. The prices are not high, the portions are big, and they don't charge extra for more white rice.

(Side Rant: Has anyone ever noticed the tendency for most Chinese/Indian/Thai restaurants to provide a meager amount of white rice with the meal? Most times it's nowhere close to sufficient, and they will charge more if you ask for more (which most people would, unless maybe they ordered a fried rice dish). It's a big pet peeve and probably a scam to milk more money out of you. This place cheerfully will bring all that you want and even more to take home for leftovers. This sadly seems quite rare. /End of Rant).

PS: Phoenix Palace is by Lee Lee International Supermarket, which is an interesting place itself for ethnic groceries. They have a lot of Asian groceries but also European, Indian, etc. Lots of rare produce. Large beer aisle. Stop by for kicks. Make sure to check out the fresh fish counter! And the meat counter. The whole store smells like a fish market, which takes "some getting used to".

Last edited by KO Stradivarius; 08-27-2023 at 06:07 PM..
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Old 08-27-2023, 07:06 PM
 
Location: Metro Phoenix, AZ USA
17,914 posts, read 43,412,732 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KO Stradivarius View Post
Never been there. There is another decent Chinese place in Chandler on Dobson and Warner, about 5-6 miles further down the 101 South from Old Town Taste. It's called Phoenix Palace.
https://www.phoenixpalacechandleraz.com/

They have a very extensive menu, with Dim Sum available at lunch. It's not perfect, but the wife and I do enjoy it. The hot & sour soup is great. The prices are not high, the portions are big, and they don't charge extra for more white rice.

(Side Rant: Has anyone ever noticed the tendency for most Chinese/Indian/Thai restaurants to provide a meager amount of white rice with the meal? Most times it's nowhere close to sufficient, and they will charge more if you ask for more (which most people would, unless maybe they ordered a fried rice dish). It's a big pet peeve and probably a scam to milk more money out of you. This place cheerfully will bring all that you want and even more to take home for leftovers. This sadly seems quite rare. /End of Rant).

PS: Phoenix Palace is by Lee Lee International Supermarket, which is an interesting place itself for ethnic groceries. They have a lot of Asian groceries but also European, Indian, etc. Lots of rare produce. Large beer aisle. Stop by for kicks. Make sure to check out the fresh fish counter! And the meat counter. The whole store smells like a fish market, which takes "some getting used to".
Better try that one. It's not far from me. Hot and sour soup is a favorite of mine, thanks!
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Old 09-01-2023, 06:35 PM
 
2,379 posts, read 2,710,734 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HodgePodge View Post
Never been there, but the menu seems authentic... prices are a tad expensive, but maybe that's the trend in all restaurants.

Curious in what dish(es) you ordered.
I agree, a bit expensive, especially considering the total lack of ambiance, but I'm not able to find the cheap shabby Chinese restaurants of my childhood.
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Old 09-06-2023, 02:46 PM
 
9,196 posts, read 16,643,139 times
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Old Town Taste is awesome, especially for legit Sichuan. Not for the pepper-averse.
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Old 09-11-2023, 09:48 AM
 
1,023 posts, read 1,451,525 times
Reputation: 1953
Quote:
Originally Posted by Voebe View Post
...I'm not able to find the cheap shabby Chinese restaurants of my childhood.
If you're looking for a cheap/shabby (but good) Chinese restaurant, idk if you'll find it in Scottsdale, but this def fits the bill:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dtc2PV7Cq1QT7eic9
Here's another one:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EVio6ZD8BoYRWRBR7
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Old 09-13-2023, 07:37 PM
 
Location: Arizona
6,101 posts, read 2,722,498 times
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My go-to used to be China Chilli in Phoenix but it went downhill now its mostly new hong kong or Chen wok.
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Old 09-14-2023, 08:11 AM
 
1,023 posts, read 1,451,525 times
Reputation: 1953
Quote:
Originally Posted by Goofball86 View Post
My go-to used to be China Chilli in Phoenix but it went downhill now its mostly new hong kong or Chen wok.
The new hong kong on 24 & Indian School and Chen wok on 7 & Maryland? Are those places actually pretty good? I've been to china chilli and liked it
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Old 09-17-2023, 01:25 PM
 
Location: Arizona
6,101 posts, read 2,722,498 times
Reputation: 5876
Quote:
Originally Posted by WSPHXPELON View Post
The new hong kong on 24 & Indian School and Chen wok on 7 & Maryland? Are those places actually pretty good? I've been to china chilli and liked it
Yes, both are good for Chinese takeout. I've never dined in though.
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