Most of us think of Chinese take-out as sauce laden, msg heavy and perfect as a midnight snack. (And basically any other time of the day) And nothing is a better stress relief than opening those four little flaps, digging in to the various treasures your chopsticks find and snuggling up on the couch with the newest blockbuster flick.
Imagine all of those feelings combined with fresh crunchy vegetables, lean meat and generous-for-your-dollar portions.
Departing from the typical assumptions of Chinese take-out, Mr. Chen’s gives you all of the flavor without the guilt of over salted, heavy oiled food. Walking into the basement of the Woodley Park digs I noticed the staff snapping a three foot high pile of bright green beans on a small table just next to the kitchen. A confirmation of fresh vegetables on the premises, such a sight for sore eyes!
I ordered the dinner special of chicken with garlic & ginger sauce, wonton soup, a spring roll and steamed brown rice for $7.99. The flavors were light, the vegetables crunchy and the rice was just the right amount of sticky. The ginger sauce had a punch to in that keeps this spice lover coming back for more and after finishing off my very large portion I wondered why more organic Chinese restaurant haven’t popped up through-out the city. It combines good food with a conscious of what you’re putting in your mouth. I know of many people who suffer bland meals at the price of feeling fit.
With Mr. Chen’s that problem is no more. If you’re looking to go REALLY healthy they offer steamed veggies, shrimp or tofu over brown rice with your choice of sauce on the side.
Their lunch specials start at $5.99 and similar to the dinner specials, come with an entree, soup, a spring roll and rice.
Quality ingredients with bargain prices and a health-conscious cooking style. What more could an urban-ite ask for? That’s right…the ability to order online. Though I have yet to use this feature, according to their website you can create an account to streamline your ordering process. (Any feedback about online experiences appreciated)
To see what the Washington Post had to say about Mr Chen’s go here.
Mr Chen’s Organic Chinese
2604 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-797-9668
(Located in Woodley Park)
3 responses so far ↓
1 bettyjoan // Feb 7, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Mr. Chen’s is pretty decent, though I find it to be a little on the bland side. I do like that the vegetables are usually fresh and crunchy. As for online ordering, it’s touch and go–the first few times I used it, it worked great. Then I had a string of orders that got lost somewhere in the internet black hole. If you want to make SURE that your food will get to you, stick with the phone.
2 Justin // Feb 7, 2008 at 10:33 pm
My wife and I love Mr. Chen’s for all the reasons you say; affordable, delivery, fantastic flavors, and fresh tasting. You should try the shitaki mushrooms appetizer sometime. Occasionally they’ve come over cooked but more often they’re a fantastic treat.
3 Anonymous // Feb 11, 2008 at 9:24 am
Mr. Chen’s is definitely the way to go for Chinese food. The price can’t be beat ($7.99 for egg-roll, entree and soup!). The Hot and Sour soup is one of the best that I have had, and I am a big fan of the lack of the McNugget quality in their General Tso’s. If you demand that your Chinese food is accompanied by more than the typical frozen peas and carrots, go with Mr. Chen’s.
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