Tao Tao,

1300 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66102

"A neighborhood treasure where they know all the customers by name—and will learn yours too, if you’re a “new Tao Tao baby!” I’m from out of town, and stumbled on this place because it’s near my hotel. When I wandered in, it was clear that many customers are locals who have been going there for decades. I asked for their recommendations, and they repeatedly said the Shrimp Fried Rice, Springfield Cashew Chicken, General Tao’s Chicken, and any variety of the Lo Mein…I tried 4 of those dishes and they were excellent. (Note: the portions are HUGE and I tried this over the course of 3 different nights! A single entree will easily feed two people.) Chef Annie, who is 76+ years old, still cooks much of the food. She has a genuine passion for it and doesn’t want to retire. And her daughter Tina is so friendly and seems to know everyone’s name. Fast service, fresh and unfussy Chinese food, and great hospitality from a family business that’s rooted in the neighborhood….you can’t ask for more!"

"This places transported me back to my childhood, when we would all go to Springfield to have cashew chicken. The cashew chicken was great, I absolutely loved it. The beef lo mein was delicious, the beef was so tender and noodles cooked perfectly. The jalapeño pork spice was just right. We really enjoyed the food. The portion sizes are huge you will not be hungry after ordering here lol. The owners are very welcoming and friendly. I would recommend this place."

"They are so welcoming when you walk in the door and the food was plentiful and delicious! We got the savory and dessert rangoons, chicken and beef lo mein, and orange chicken and all had amazing flavor. The orange chicken, especially, was fried perfectly. We are happy to become new “Tao Tao babies” and will be back soon! Update: Back a second time and it was just as yummy! We got the pepper chicken and veggies, crab and shrimp stir fry and beef broccoli. We loved that it was saucy and the meat was so tender. We have found our new spot!"

"I loved this place. Miss Ann and her daughter are amazing. The food was great. The chicken used for the Orange and General tso was fried chicken pieces instead of the normal breading. They allowed us to do half of each on the order instead of charging us for both. I had a caramel apple ragoon that was amazing. I couldn't even taste the cream cheese in it. All in all you should go."