Chinese Food in Chester Co???

[ttocs]

I just moved to the area and am trying to find a good Chinese take-out place. Any recommendations?

[Daveman]

I live right up the street from China Moon and have to agree with maggiesox, they are pretty good and Mister Wok in Thorndale is also pretty good takeout. That's about it in the area for take out that is decent IMO. I lived in Delaware County most of my life and miss the good Chinese restaurants (not to mention getting a decent cheesesteak).

As far as eating in, I'm glad I saw this post. I used to love Tifco's China Bistro and was upset when it closed. That was the only place that I EVER saw Chinese people eating at who didn't work at the restaurant. Now I will definitely have to check out Han Dynasty!

Some other good places if you're in the driving mood are China Palace and No. 1 China (West Chester, although the Delco locations are better) and my personal fave outside of Chester County is Chun Hing in the Pathmark Shopping Center off of City Line Avenue, near Channel 6 and Channel 10 in Philly.

[percyn]

Dave, the Chef at Han Dynasty was the original chef of Tifcos and it is located right around the corner...so to speak. Ask Han to recommend some items from the menu. He is the first owner of a restaurant who has refused to let me order a dish which did not meet his high standards.

[percyn]

For AUTHENTIC Taiwanese and Sichuan dishes, Han Dynasty will beat all the restaurants mentioned. I guess that's why it was listed as one of Philadelphia's top 50 restaurants in a recent issue of Philadelphia Magazine !!

[Mawrter]

Thanks for the info... it's a little far for me, but if I'm already out that way I'll try it.

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Han Dynasty
260 N Pottstown Pike, Exton, PA

[sagestrat]

I agree totally. Based on all the great feedback on this site, we went last night and put ourselves into the hands of our great waiter (named Han, go figure). The first thing you'll notice is an actual Chinese menu of specialties that you can order in the regular menu.

We started with a fish and pickled vegetable soup, which was my favorite. Then we split three specials: frog legs with pickled chiles, slow cooked pork shoulder, and Chinese broccoli. Everything was outstanding and we agreed to return for more experimentation.

[JingZ]

I'm from Sichuan originally. I live and working in Philly for over 20 years. It's like what Percyn said. The chef has worked at many different places over the years and we've been following him to restaurants for over 6 years( it's like this for many many chinese people). It has been like a religion for me and my family to dine at his restaurant weekly. If you would like to get a taste of real authantic chinese food without traveling to china (no restaurant
can even compare in the east cost IMO) . You gotta check this place out!! But do ask for help if it's your first time ~.-

[Mawrter]

Okay, so we're talking about Han Dynasty in Exton? Pottstown Pike is Route 100, right?

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Han Dynasty
260 N Pottstown Pike, Exton, PA

[snowy11480]

I live in downingtown as well. My husband and I have tried out the China Bistro in Exton and felt their chinese food was great! Its located in the Whiteland Towne Center, same shopping plaza as TJ Maxx and Winners Circle/Riverstone (163 West Lincoln Highway).

On our first visit, I had Miso Soup to start which was excellent. Then had the seaweed salad with some sushi and spring rolls for my entree. Husband had general tsao's chicken, egg rolls, and rice. We both loved everything we had. If you check their website it hasn't been updated in quite sometime - it doesn't even list their sushi options. But i definitely think you should check this place out and give it a try.

If you are just wanting take out, you could always go to the chinese buffet located at Main Street Exton but i think that could add up fast b/c its by the pound. plus, their food doesn't compare to the China Bistro IMO.

[keby]

China Bistro in Exton is awesome! I love their hot & sour soup too. I think they have a new name now - but no clue what it is ( maybe Wifco or Wifo) .Never had their sushi though, I am super pickie with my raw fish. Although I do like Aoki in the Main Street in Exton & Wakita in Chadds Ford.

[CindyJ]

Where, exactly, is Wakita? And say more about what kind of restaurant it is, please.

[katie04]

Kuos is the best in the moment,,,,try in Manayunk...

[keby]

Wakita is in a new shopping center at Rt. 1 & 202, near painters crossing. It is a little passed Hooters. Excellent sushi, great japanese food, almost as good as Sagami in New Jersery. I think the owners are friends.

[CindyJ]

Oh... I know the shopping center you mean. It's fairly close to where I live. I pass it on the way to Williams-Sonoma. I never thought of checking it out. Thanks.

[snowy11480]

China Bistro in Exton (whiteland shopping center) does have a new name. Its called Zwei Asian Cuisine and Sushi. Made a note of that this weekend to add to this post:) We have been since the name change though and the food is just as good. Now they have more sushi options, miso soup, etc. Great place to try!! I'm going to have to check out their hot/sour soup now. thanks for the recommendation! i love that kind of soup but its hit or miss whereever you go around here.

[percyn]

Your best best for authentic Chinese is Han Dynasty in Exton. Tell Han I sent you and you want to order from the Chinese menu. He is great at recommending good dishes. If you like spicy Sichuan food, you will be in heaven.

The Chef at Han Dynasty was at Tifcos, then at Chung King in Philly Chinatown and now here.

[katesprings]

I second Han Dynasty, none others compare. The authentic food can be really hot, but thats how we like it. The only complaint I have is not enough vegetables. When I want lots of veggies, I go to Margaret Kuo's in Frazer.

[percyn]

Veggies? What are veggies? ;-)

Margaret Kuos is good too...especially the Red Cooked Lamb, Whole fish and Peking duck...not sure about any veggies.

[asf5017]

I recommend China King Restaurant in Exton on Rt 100 or Super Wok off of Rt 113 in Chester Springs. All very, very close to Downingtown.

[CindyJ]

What part of Chester County are you in?

[ttocs]

Downingtown.

[FoolForFood]

I think Wegman's is as good as you're gonna get in that area. I tend to stay away from Chinese/Sushi places b/c each cuisine tends to use less than fresh ingredients.

[maggiesox]

Actually, there's a GREAT place named China Moon over in Guthriesville. It's in the Cropper's shopping center. My husband and I were shocked at how bad some of the chinese takeout around Downingtown was, and stopped there while visiting a friend. Delicious. Can't recommend it enough.

[CindyJ]

More in the category of Asian Fusion is Green Papaya in Exton on Rt. 30 just east of Rt. 100. We really enjoy the food there, especially the pho and the eggplant and shrimp in red curry sauce. Also, it's BYO.

[keby]

I like Margaret Kuo's Mandarin in Frazer. She also has a restaurant in Wayne, Granite Run Mall & one in Media. A little bit higher quality ingredients. Most of the places have sushi too which I've always enjoyed too.