Cheng-Du Restaurant 249 North Main Street, Mansfield, MA 02048

"Just came home from dinner. Sorely disappointed. I’ve visited twice before - brought home carry-out for the family and been satisfied enough, as well as dined in and was happy with that experience. Tonight was different in nearly every way. The restaurant was full and felt very claustrophobic. We were sat at a high-top beside the bar and didn’t even feel comfortable to have a conversation. It was basically an arm’s reach to the bar patrons behind us and the tables on either side of us. We could’ve reached our forks over and shared plates with our neighbors. We were given carry-out menus to order from and no beverage menus. My wife heard somebody at the table beside us order something like a “Love Potion” and almost asked her “Ooh, what’s that?” There wasn’t time to discuss what we wanted for apps or drinks before our waiter came and gruffly asked if we were ready to order. We ordered apps and literally did not finish ordering our drinks for our party of 4 before our waiter stepped away from us. The food flies out of the kitchen at warp speed in this place but the waitstaff is oblivious to the fact that you might want a second round of drinks with the main course, or simply the check after you’ve been sitting with empty plates for 15+ minutes. One couple beside us also mentioned in conversation (between themselves) that they wanted another round of drinks but had not been given the chance to ask for it. Before the food arrives you feel like you’re being hurried out the door, but once the food is there and you want anything else at all (including just that check you assumed they’re so eager to present), you’re stuck there twiddling your thumbs. As for the quality of the food, the Crab Rangoon is confirmed delicious after a couple visits. The various (and typical) fried rice and lo mein options are also tasty. The beef is the best of the teriyaki apps (no surprise), but the chicken is honestly quite good. The big food disappointment was the sesame beef we ordered for our entree. The menu had it labeled as spicy, but it was not spicy at all. We were imagining rich sesame flavors and good Szechuan pepper spice, but it was super bland - very little flavor other than salty. We could barely taste that it was beef. I would not have been at all surprised if the waiter came back and said, “Fooled you! It’s really seitan!” Very disappointing given how good all the dishes look as they whip past you through the dining room. Consensus is that this place does not live up to all the hype. It’s not expensive overall, but also not worth going back for. We live only a few blocks down the street and will prefer to drive somewhere further away for what we are guaranteed to enjoy A LOT more."

"I felt like good Chinese food and this place looked good. Friendly owner took my order I had beef teriyaki and shrimp fried rice. The beef teriyaki was some of the best I ever had, the shrimp fried rice was good but I like my shrimp cooked little more for a better crunch not bad just a preference issue. Will be back to try other things"

"My girlfriend and I were looking for gluten free Chinese food and honestly she hadn't been able to have any for 12 years, this place is the best!!! You wouldn't realize the difference. Legit got take out every Friday for a month and continue to make the 30 minute drive often. So lucky we found this gem. Funny thing is we found it headed to PF Chang's at Legacy which was being converted to another restaurant, so we searched again and she read a few reviews and decided we needed to try this place out."

"Clean, more of a modern style restaurant. Plenty of tables in the front with a bar in the back. Everyone was friendly. I have been a handful of times now and have been extremely happy with the food and service. The food is that old school New England Polynesian style with perfect seasoning. Some of the amazing things I've had to start with is the hot and sour soup. Nice complex flavors, full of the good stuff like mushrooms and tofu, with just the right kick to finish it off. Egg rolls have a delicious mixture of pork, celery and cabbage. The flavors are done right. Very much recommended. Teriyaki is absolutely delicious and tender, same with the ribs. The wings had a nice crisp and were juicy. The shrimp with lobster sauce is absolutely amazing. Perfect consistency, savory, with flavors of garlic and a hint of sweetness. The shrimp are large, plentiful and cooked perfectly. I get the pork fried rice without onions. Rice had plenty of pork and was very good. I also very much recommend the Peking raviolis. Overall, really good Chinese food, friendly staff and chocolate fortune cookies!"

"This place is amazing. The food is great! My husband and I combine have allergies to gluten shellfish and dairy and haven’t been able to have Chinese food in years. When I called to ask about their gluten free offerings the guy on the phone was so knowledgeable, he knew about allergies and explained there whole process! Can’t believe we were able to enjoy Chinese food again and feel safe because of their knowledge and friendly staff. Will be back again soon!"