The Unappealing Asian Chao: A Chinese Restaurant Chain with a Plentiful History of Poor Reviews
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The ultimate fast-food experience is a delicate balance of speed, ambiance, and delicious, satisfying portions. Unfortunately, our least favorite Chinese restaurant chain, Asian Chao, falls short on all these fronts, according to a plethora of online reviews. When Tasting Table ranked 13 Chinese restaurant chains, Asian Chao finished at the very bottom, with an expert description that was unequivocally negative: "A chain Chinese restaurant that we unequivocally recommend you avoid, no matter how much you're craving Chinese."
Asian Chao is part of Food Systems Unlimited Inc.'s fast-food empire, which also includes Chao Cajun, Maki of Japan, Sushi Fuji, Tobu, and Wok N Grill. The first Asian Chao restaurant opened its doors in 1991 at the Florida Mall in Orlando, aiming to become the go-to choice for mall and airport shoppers seeking a quick bite. However, the chain's aspirations seem to have been overshadowed by a string of negative reviews.
The restaurant's reputation is tarnished by long wait times, tasteless food, small portions, and poor service, as reported by unhappy customers on Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. Even the signature dish, Bourbon Chicken, has received consistent criticism, with one reviewer finding hard chicken pieces and another describing it as full of chicken skin and gristle. It's a far cry from the "irresistible sweet and savory glaze" advertised on the website.
The situation is particularly dire in airports, where Asian Chao's outlet at Atlanta International Airport has received scathing reviews. One customer described a horror experience where a rude server threw food bags at them and another child, and another mentioned having to wait five minutes to pay. The restaurant's small container of noodles also fell apart by the time the traveler boarded their flight.
Things aren't much better at Asian Chao's Garden City, New York, location. Two separate Yelp reviews mention finding hair in the food, with one user describing raw Bourbon Chicken and another warning about multiple instances of hair in previous orders. The lack of portion generosity is another recurring theme, with customers complaining about small portions that are barely enough for one person.
In conclusion, Asian Chao's reputation as a disappointing dining experience is well-deserved, with a history of poor reviews and a consistent lack of quality. Whether you're in a mall, an airport, or at home, it might be best to steer clear of this chain and opt for a different Chinese restaurant.
