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    Mama's Taste

    4.4 (176 reviews)
    ModerateChinese
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

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    Sesame chicken
    Jessica D.

    So delicious!! I think we may have found our new go-to Chinese takeout spot. It can be really difficult to find a good solid place, so it's taken a while. Decided to give mamas taste a try and no regrets!! Everything was fresh and hot. The pan fried pork dumplings (which I didn't get a pic of) were amazing. We got way too much food for two people but we wanted to try a lot of different options, now we will just have leftovers for a couple days :) their portions were also generous and packed to the brim. The sweet and sour chicken were perfect and the lo mein had a great flavor - not bland at all. The sesame chicken was also good. Can't wait to try more menu options next time.

    Orange chicken
    Dickson L.

    Lovely little Chinese takeaway right on the sidelines of the Old Fairfax town center. Lots of "classic" dishes and they're all bangers. The place itself is quite small for dine in, but I'm pretty sure that's not their target so we were able to get a seat for 2 pretty easily on a Friday evening. We got mostly "ABC" comfort foods - orange chicken, Yangzhou fried rice, Singapore rice noodles - and an order of their dumplings in spicy sauce (a bit surprising as it's a more northern China style compared to the rest of menu). It was definitely a bit much for just 2 of us but we intended to take home leftovers. All of it was delicious, cooked to spec, but what really makes them stand out is their superior "wok-hei"; it is the soul of wok-style dishes and compliments to the chef(s) - they absolutely know their craft and it shines in the flavor. This craftsmanship is lost in the new generation and it's a real treat to see it preserved here out of all places. Dumplings were splendid. Juicy and handmade, definitely hits that nostalgic nook from the back of your head. tldr; charming Chinese takeout spot with superb wok-hei in their dishes

    Hot and sour soup
    Hina M.

    New year, light dinner and my new go-to soup spot for 2026! I called in an order for the Pick 2 hot and sour soups along with steamed chicken dumplings, and everything exceeded my expectations. The restaurant is located in a strip plaza alongside other mom-and-pop shops at Courthouse Plaza Center, with plenty of convenient parking available. The service was excellent. When I called to place my order, the person at the front desk listened attentively, clearly explained the menu options, and let me know they were busy and would need a bit of extra time, which I truly appreciated. And the food? Incredible. The hot and sour soup was even better than my previous favorite spot perfectly balanced seasoning, fresh vegetables, and rich flavor. The steamed chicken dumplings were delicious and tasted freshly made. I really appreciated the polite service and the fresh, well-seasoned food. I'll definitely be back for more! Please continue treating your customers with kindness, it truly makes a difference.

    Biang biang noodles with beef (spicy)
    Julie H.

    The best fast food Chinese restaurant and my go to spot for orange flavored beef. Deep fried and sauced to perfection! It's best eaten fresh as soon as it comes out, but it is super hot so gotta be very careful biting into it!! All of their dishes we have tried have been really good and consistently good! And of course since we love spicy food, most of our dishes we get from Mama's taste are spicy dishes. A few that we always get are spicy mapo tofu, eggplant in hot garlic sauce, spicy oil noodles and combination chowfun noodle dish. Amongst other dishes we have tried, those are our favorite. Friendly customer service, food comes out fairly quickly (you do wait if you go at their busy hours), and orange flavored beef does take a little more time to come out. Restaurant isn't big inside and only has about 7-8 big/small tables. Casual dining and water is self serve, just ask for a cup.

    Mapo Tofu
    Andy Y.

    Tasty, delicious, and spicy! A very clean place with an easy kiosk order system. If you are not sure, there are pictures to help you choose. The service was fast and the food was prepared fresh. The dishes were prepared fresh with a lot of spice. Parking was plentiful as it is shared with the businesses within the center. We will be back. Enjoy!

    General tso (front) and pepper steak (back)
    MR H.

    Food: 10/10 recommend. I've been trying to take my friends and family there because it's hard for me to explain. It's not your typical chinese-american style food; everything tasted so fresh and unprocessed. There is so much variety on menu that I'll need to keep coming back with my friends and family so I can try everything on the menu. Pepper steak (white rice included)- I don't even like peppers that much but they were so perfectly cooked-- just firm enough to bite into or pick up without them falling apart but still so soft. The pepper flavor doesn't overpower the sauce flavor or the steak. The steak looked like actual pieces of meat and were so tender that we didn't need to cut it up at all. General tso (white rice included)- omg sooo crispy like it was tossed in the sauce just before serving. We got 3/4 spicy level and it was perfect sweet tang in combination with the biang biang noodles' Szechuan-type spicy. The chicken so juicy and lean. Biang biang noodles (shrimp)- noodles met in your mouth, theyre so good and the sauce wasn't just mouth-tingly, it had a very nice flavor. ordered with shrimp despite not really liking shrimp, but I like trying a variety of proteins to get a good feel for cooking style. These little shrimps were not chewy at all, not fishy, and there were so many of them! Nobody asked, but I liked that they used short grain rice. It wasn't overcooked or over-starchy. The portions were surprisingly generous making it even more worth the price. After dividing the leftovers, I had lunch for work the next 2 days. The leftovers tasted so good, too. Service: fast and polite. The food came out at the same time and there were text message updates on the status of our food. When it got to us, the food was still freshly hot, not reheated. We came in not realizing that they closed in like 45min but they still welcomed us very warmly and made effort to thank us despite more customers straggling in as we left. Ambiance: very calm and extremely casual. Simple disposable plates and utensils. It was perfect for a Tuesday night spontaneous outing with my sister.

    The Handmade noodle was quite tasty. Could use more chili oil but I appreciated the flavor and the bok choy
    Neil W.

    I stumbled upon this place after the Asian Festival on Main in Fairfax. The inside resembles any fast casual strip mall restaurant, although the lady at the counter was quick to welcome us as we walked in. We could either order with her, or with the touchscreen machine. The food came out fairly quickly, although I was warned that the jumbo soup dumplings would take 25 minutes. I loved the handmade noodles, and I recommend anything handmade. I can't attest to the standard Chinese takeout food, such as the orange chicken, general tso, etc. but I love that there's handmade items here, and it's a big differentiating factor between them and other Chinese takeout places. The noodles were very chewy, though they could have used more chili oil, and the dumplings were quite large. I'll have to try the normal dumplings next time

    Chicken w/Black Bean Sauce; extra beef and pork.
    Cornelius G.

    I don't believe I have ever craved Chinese food while visiting Fairfax, but I found myself here, having observed this small restaurant over the years. I ordered chicken with black bean sauce with added beef and pork. (Yes, it was a lot of protein). I requested they only use a small amount of black bean sauce and they went a little overboard or the chef didn't get the memo. Nonetheless, it was wonderful. I wouldn't think twice about returning. It's a small place with tables, but nothing remarkable. Big parking lot. There's a small beer spot next door that is always full of guest, although limited business hours. And, Layered just opened, which is within a two minute walk.

    Combination lo mein
    Rebecca A.

    This is a perfect spot for those desiring a quick takeout spot. While there are tables in the restaurant, it seems few dine in. Dine in is served on flimsy styrofoam plates which adds little to the ambiance. All of the dishes we ordered tasted fine but as a Chinese person, the dishes seemed to be catered to an Americanized palate. The stream of customers coming to pick up orders was steady so the restaurant is clearly popular. However, please note that this is not quite authentic.

    Exterior of Mama's Taste (Feb 2024).

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    So delicious and healthy tasting entrées. The place is very clean. Nice people. Prices are a bit higher.

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    4 years ago

    The homemade dumplings and hand pulled noodle dishes are excellent. This isn't just the ordinary American Chinese take out place.

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    4 years ago

    Great food and awesome service! We've loved everything we've eaten here. Highly recommend

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Amazing! Biang Biang and jumbo soup dumpling highly recommended! Service was great also!

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    3 years ago

    Great soup dumplings! Order in advance as they take time but we'll worth it! They hand make all of their dumplings - so good!

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    4 years ago

    I really enjoy Mama's taste. I have been there several times, the shrimp dumplings are my favorite.

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Best dumplings in Fairfax, hands down! They have one employee whose sole job it is to make the dumplings!

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    3 years ago

    Caffordble, simple, made with plenty of vegetables, the twice fried pork was tender. The place was clean.

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    Page 4 of 5

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    Ask the Community - Mama's Taste

    Is this cafeteria style or you have to tip a server?

    Cafeteria style, but you should still tip at least a small amount if you're dining in.

    Is this a sit down restaurant or carry out only?

    Both sit down and carry out.

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    Songbird

    Songbird

    4.3
    (321 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    This place is such a fun twist on a Chinese takeout bar. The atmosphere blends tiki hut vibes with…read moreChinese influences, making it feel lively, unique, and perfect for grabbing drinks with friends. One of the highlights of the night was meeting the owner, Jason. We bonded over our shared Cantonese backgrounds and even got to meet his aunt, who was visiting from California and happened to be sitting next to us. It made the whole experience feel incredibly welcoming and personal. We ordered the Dynamite Roll, which was a solid choice with 8 generous pieces, and the Szechuan spicy wontons, which were juicy with just the right amount of heat. If you visit, definitely grab a seat at the bar. The bartenders are friendly, engaging, and really add to the experience. We were treated to a complimentary shot of Jäger with Jason and even got to sample their Lychee Pearl cocktail because the bartender had made an extra. The cocktails really stood out. Instead of masking everything with sugary juices, they use extracts and creative techniques to build balanced drinks that complement the flavors beautifully. Jason also mentioned that their cocktail specials change every month, so we already told him we'll be back regularly to see what new creations he comes up with.

    Nah, I used to live in the SGV. We have the best Asian food. So this place was a solid 2 out of 5…read more It's open late. That's why I came. I've been here a few times and tried several different things. All average or basic. Nothing wow. I think people come here for the drinks and vibes. Which is fair. Cool ambience. Music, dim lighting, comfortable booths and plenty of parking. Hard pass for me. Prices are a bit high given the portions and quality. But whatever. Don't take my word for it, give them a try for yourself. I've had enough. Unlike their dishes, I'm not salty, just won't be back

    Photos
    Cute and clean bathrooms
    Cute and clean bathrooms
    General Tso chicken
    General Tso chicken
    Water carafe

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    Water carafe
    Mama Chang

    Mama Chang

    3.9
    (995 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    Overall great food, would come back again! We ordered these:…read more Hot Chili oil flounder and tofu: surprisingly very tasty. we only ordered this because this was a very popular item. I'm not a big fan of tofu but this was delicious. The fish was so soft and the sauce really worked well. Ganghood chicken: our favorite thing on the menu, when it comes to fried chicken I'm a harsh critic. With that being said this was REALLY good fried chicken. Combination Fried rice: it had a mix of shrimp, chicken, beef and egg. It was simple yet flavorful. Shrimp dumplings: A bit bland, would not order again.

    Mama Chang is the perfect place for a group dinner. Come hungry, order a bunch of dishes to share,…read moreand you'll still leave with plenty of leftovers. Our group of five sampled a great variety from the menu, including the Hot & Numbing Tofu Skin, Crab Roe Soup Dumplings, Cucumber Salad, Lettuce Wraps, Cumin Fish, Stir-Fried Beef Tenderloin, Crispy Pork Ribs with Scallion Crisps and Mixed Grain & Purple Rice, Stir-Fried Beef with Chilies, and Kung Pao Chicken with white rice. The standout for me was the cumin fish. It was fried perfectly--crispy without being greasy--and the cumin added great flavor without overpowering the dish. The crispy pork ribs lived up to their name and had a nice kick of spice. The cucumber salad packed a serious garlic punch, which I really enjoyed. The Hot & Numbing Tofu Skin was something completely different from what I expected. It's sliced into long ribbons that resemble noodles or pasta. The flavor was excellent, although the texture took some getting used to. The only dish that fell a little short was the stir-fried beef tenderloin, which could have used a bit more seasoning. Everything else was delicious. The portions are enormous. At first the prices seemed a little high, but once the food arrived it made perfect sense. Every entrée was easily enough for two meals. One thing to keep in mind is that rice is ordered separately and isn't included with the entrées. Service was excellent throughout our meal. We arrived for lunch and didn't realize they close between lunch and dinner (lunch is served from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.). We ended up staying until about 2:45, and the staff never made us feel rushed even though they had technically closed. They greeted us promptly, took our drink orders, and gave us plenty of time to look over the menu without hovering. The restaurant is tucked away on the ground floor of an office building, so it's easy to drive right past if you aren't looking for it. Parking was plentiful, and the oversized booths comfortably fit all five of us without feeling cramped. If you're dining with a group and want to sample a variety of authentic dishes, Mama Chang is definitely worth the visit.

    Photos
    Indoor seating
    Indoor seating
    Peking Duck
    Peking Duck
    Mala Hot Pot

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    Mala Hot Pot
    Chans Kitchen

    Chans Kitchen

    4.7
    (112 reviews)
    5.4 mi

    We love this small but mighty Chinese carry out! My kids go to USArts in the same plaza for drawing…read moreclass on Wednesdays and we get takeout here after if we have no other dinner plans. I usually get the general tso's chicken, beef chow fun, and a large hot n sour soup, and it's enough to feed our family of four. I usually prefer authentic Chinese food but once in a while I crave for some classic Americanized dishes as well! I can tell that the food is not loaded with MSG and grease like some other places. I also like the new, clean, and modern look of the place. The nice gentleman gave my son a free soda one time - thank you!

    Chan's Kitchen absolutely hit with these. I got the black pepper shrimp and the General Tso…read morechicken, and both were soooo good. The shrimp was crispy, fresh, and packed with flavor -- that black pepper kick with the jalapeños and scallions gave it the perfect little heat without overpowering it. The General Tso chicken was exactly what you want: crispy pieces covered in that sweet, tangy, slightly spicy sauce, with just enough broccoli on the side to make it feel balanced. Everything tasted fresh, hot, and flavorful. Definitely one of those meals where you keep saying "just one more bite" until it's gone. Straight FIRE!!! Highly recommend. I'll came back a few days later to order more of the shrimp w/ extra shrimp this time, it's that GOOD!

    Photos
    Kung Pao Chicken
    Kung Pao Chicken
    Chans Kitchen
    General Tso's Chicken

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    General Tso's Chicken
    Chef Yan

    Chef Yan

    3.4
    (414 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    Hidden gem! A nice sit down restaurant with lunch specials and even happy hour drinks! Pleasantly…read morequiet with good service. Was pleased with the little appetite openers (pickled radish and peanuts) while waiting. Authentic and tasty, though I think they made it less spicy for us So

    Chef Yan delivered the kind of meal that makes a celebration feel even more special. We started…read morewith the xiao long bao, which came out steaming hot with delicate wrappers and a rich, savory broth inside. Every bite had that perfect balance of soup, pork filling, and ginger-vinegar flavor that makes xlb so satisfying. The sizzling beef was easily one of the standouts of the night. It arrived still crackling on the plate, tender and packed with smoky, slightly sweet flavor. The tofu shrimp dish was another surprise favorite -- light but comforting, with silky tofu and perfectly cooked shrimp that paired really well together. For something more classic, the chicken and string beans hit the mark. The chicken was juicy, the string beans stayed crisp, and the garlic sauce tied everything together without overpowering the dish. To top it all off, the restaurant brought out dessert for my brother's birthday, which made the night feel extra thoughtful and memorable. Between the food, generous portions, and warm atmosphere, Chef Yan turned a simple dinner into a great celebration meal. Definitely a spot worth coming back to.

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    Chef Yan
    Beef Stir-Fried with Wild Pepper
    Beef Stir-Fried with Wild Pepper
    Shredded Pork wDried Tofu

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    Shredded Pork wDried Tofu
    Cheng's Asian House

    Cheng's Asian House

    4.2
    (858 reviews)
    8.7 mi
    $$

    If you're looking for outstanding Asian food, this place is absolutely worth seeking out. The…read morelocation is a little tucked away, but the food more than makes up for it. The portions are incredibly generous, and every dish we tried was delicious. The drunken noodles were packed with flavor, the fried rice was perfectly cooked, the Tso's chicken was excellent, and the steamed fish was fresh and beautifully prepared. The highlight of the meal was the spectacular tableside Flambé dessert--it was both delicious and a fun experience. The service was exceptional. Our waitress was incredibly sweet, attentive, and made sure we were well taken care of throughout the meal. The owners were also warm and welcoming, adding to the wonderful dining experience. And don't skip the beer--it was fantastic! Great food, generous portions, outstanding hospitality, and excellent value. We'll definitely be back.

    I saw this place named on some guy's list of best restaurants in NOVA. We only ordered 4 dishes so…read moreI can't speak for the rest of the menu. But what we did get was pretty darn good (if a bit pricey)! The style is much more authentic, so if you're looking for something like Hunan Cafe (Greenbriar), or that NOVA institution China King, this is different. Is it better? For the most part, yes. (But I still crave that Americanized sweet, spicy, glazey brown sauce that comes in slight variations in so many dishes). I had the hot and sour soup, Szechuan spicy fried eggplant sticks, Taiwanese rice noodles with fried tofu, and the Chengdu twice cooked pork. Everything was excellent, except....the hot and sour soup. Honestly, Hunan Cafe and China King beat the pants off this place's hot and sour soup. Here, it was a bit too sweet. It had some red chilies in it, but I could not detect much white pepper. And it's a vegetarian version, so no small bits of chicken or pork. I'd skip this the next time I order from here. But the other dishes... amazing! The noodles were light-tasting but still delicious. The eggplant was garnished with cilantro, garlic, salt, and red chili sauce. The twice cooked pork was sauteed with sliced leeks and the same red chili sauce. I think that's the fresh, zingy, spice flavor profile I like that can't be found at Americanized Chinese restaurants. Sure, China King has its place and I'll still go back there when I'm close (RIP China King Fair Lakes and Herndon). And admittedly, I go to that awful Panda chain occasionally because I never learn. The unfortunate thing is, I'll more likely go to these places than Cheng's because of the price. The pork dish was $21 and the noodle dish was $19. My total bill came to $60 before tax and tip. If I need to stuff my face with a Chinese umami bomb fast, I'm probably going to the other places for $15-30. I do want to try the rest of the menu at Cheng's, but it's going to be a drawn-out process for the sake of my wallet. I'd be remiss if I didn't include a comment from my dining partner. She compared the quality and taste of the food at Cheng's to Peter Chang's (either Peter Chang's-Herndon, or Mama Chang Fairfax). A high compliment. But she said the value is better at those places' AYCE options than what we got at Cheng's, and I agree. If you've been to none of these places, you have to try them all at least once.

    Photos
    Cheng's Asian House
    Sesame Chicken
    Sesame Chicken
    Banana Flambe - set up

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    Banana Flambe - set up

    Mama's Taste - chinese - Updated August 2026

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