It's been over a year and my favorite squid with peanuts was nowhere near is good as it used to be. Place look pretty dead. and the guy in the back was just standing there not even cooking. Fried rice was good but hard to screw up rice. Egg three young was pretty tasty sauce was just a little weaker than last time. Doubt highly will ever come back. read more

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I have great memories of this joint from my Rutgers University days. Their food was so amazing, generously portioned and a great value. Loved their mei fun, hot and sour soup and orange chicken/beef back then. Came back after many years. Many of the tables were removed but the vibe remained the same. It's still cash only. We got hot and sour soup, eggplant with garlic sauce and sautéed string beans. Portions were still humongous. Food was still excellent. The soup had many chunks of tofu, mushroom and egg. The eggplant was perfectly cooked with a thick spicy garlicky sauce. The string beans had a slight char and crispy but perfectly cooked. Hoping this place will stay open for many more years to come. read more

Mei-Mei Chinese - Roast Pork Chop Suey - Chinese Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

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Used to be wonderful....now? Mediocre at best. The former family owners shared their recipes. Why are you not using them? You kept the basics, fresh ingredients, generous portions...but currently tasteless food. read more

mei meis used to be good. the food is terrible now. nothing good on the menu. they switched their rice to some cheap hard garbage quality. the general tsos chciken is made soupy just straight disgusting. they never change or clean anything there. the staff there are like zombies or robots. they cook no one cleans. you walk into that place with dust and cob webs everywhere on the ceiling and fans and vents . looks like youre walking into a haunted house . ive seen cleaner places in the slums of nyc . avoid this place if you have any decency left in you . read more

Back again Ordered 3 pork egg rolls ( under $9 ) Ready in 20 minutes Friendly service Note: Cash only read more

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I haven't been back to Jersey in over 5 years. I miss the food. I went on a super fast trip for a couple of surprise parties and one of the must eat items was curry shrimp from Mei Mei's. While I've been gone they've changed hands. It still looks almost the same inside, except it was empty, no line out the door that were used to seeing. And that's a pity, because the food was still really good. The curry shrimp is a different recipe which is sad, but it was still good. The egg roll, pork fried rice and salt and pepper shrimp was exactly the same as we remembered. So while the original family is gone, the food is still very much worth eating, read more

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Can't go wrong when the dining room is filled with smiling, happy elderly asians in a chinese restaurant. The parking lot could look sketchy at times with a broken bottle here and there, faded painted parking lines and people arguing in front of Kennedy Fried Chicken next door. Looks can be deceiving. The shabby dining room is filled with a majority of elderly asians enjoying their meals sitting at mismatched tables and chairs. Although the dining room looks weathered it is clean, cleaner than some of the fancier places I have been to. It is a small , seat yourself, get your own drink and pay at the counter when done eating type of setup. There are several women running the place that cook, bring you settings, take your order, bring your food then bus the tables. Everything was delicious. I was impressed with their flavorful fried rice host to large bites of pork amongst chunks and strips of vegetables and egg. Will definitely order the shrimp with black pepper as well as the squid with peanut again. I liked the Ho Fun and also Tangerine beef dishes but will pass them up and try something different the next time. Looking to try some chow fun next time!!! read more

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I don't remember the first time I ever went to Mei-Mei, but I'll remember the last. After dozens of meals there over the years, we're unfortunately back in the search for a Chinese restaurant. And we did gave the new owners a few chances to get it right since they took over but it looks like sadly the best days for this restaurant are behind it. For the regulars, it's clear that the recipes are completely different. More importantly, from an outside perspective the taste and quality are just not good. Sauces that should be thick are watery, sauces that should be thin are gooey. Some food is dry or overcooked and others are bland. All good things must come to an end but we all hoped that Mei-Mei would be an exception! read more

I really liked the food. I feel like some Chinese places are sub par but I would recommend people eating here. We got take out. I got the general tso and pork fried rice. There was actual pork in the rice and the general tso had actual chicken. My husband got the boneless ribs and he also enjoyed it. They do have bigger portions so be prepared for leftovers. read more

This place rocks staff friendly and food is fresh. No gimmicks or fakes all labor of love... Joann is a great waitress.. Franky is friendly and the boss lady is such a nice lady. Kim is always nice... And Chon Kim's brother in law is very helpful on the menu. Update the above was true. New generation took over. Not the same. Recipes ingredients skimpy, quality down due to in experience business & cooking. This is the sad reality. They rocked once in my life time. All of the OG's will be missed. Kim, Frankie, Bobby, Helen, Francis, Chen, Thank you for all the hard work & delicious food. You will be missed. read more

Some months ago, I had a negative experience with their Char Sue Ding. I've returned twice this month, and thoroughly enjoyed their Pork Lo Mein, Vegetable Egg Foo Young, and Shrimp Rice Noodles. I'm hopeful all dishes return to the high standards they met before the older generation retired. Thank you for restoring my faith! read more

Mei-Mei Chinese - Today I ordered their Char Sue Ding -Cantonese barbecued pork; more vegetables than I'm used to, and a chemical taste. - Chinese Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

Pre-Covid, Mei-Mei was famous for their mei-fun aka rice noodle dishes. An Asian co-worker told me about them. At the time I lived about 20 minutes away. Post-Covid, we did takeout in 2021 or 2022 because we had an appointment at RWJ hospital, and the mei-fun was very good. Today, we had another appointment at RWJ hospital, and we ordered the shrimp rice noodle again. Still very good. At many Chinese restaurants rice noodle dishes tend to be too damp. It is however sad to see what has happened to Mei-Mei. It is mostly a takeout place now. There is a small table in the corner and one 8-person table in the middle. Business wasn't very good. The entire time we were there at about 12 noon, only one person came in to pick up his takeout lunch. No one else came in! read more

I've never written a review for a restaurant in my life but this one hurt my soul so I had to. My family has been coming to this restaurant for over 30 years and it not only had the best Chinese food in the area, we all agree that it was the best Chinese food we've ever had. When one of the owners told me she was retiring, I didn't know that meant the ENTIRE TEAM was retiring and being replaced with younger, inexperienced cooks. And even if that were the case, I assumed they would keep the same recipes because I went there in mid-September and I saw them training new staff in the kitchen. However, we went there again this weekend and ordered our usual order and we were devastated. They changed EVERYTHING. Every. Single. Recipe. Nothing was the same. And not even for the better. The rice was bland, the chicken wings weren't crunchy, the ribs were overcooked and drowning in some oversweet sauce, and you could still taste the raw flour in their underseasoned egg foo young gravy. And what's worse is when I immediately returned to get my money back (which they did, thankfully), the kid who I explained everything to said he thought it would be best if I didn't come back there...as if he didn't say what I just said and was actually considering coming back to order more subpar food. What made Mei-Mei so amazing was that it DIDN'T taste like every other McChinese food restaurant. The kid I spoke to said this is the "more popular" style of Chinese food. I know that. We've all had this standard, run of the mill Chinese food. What he didn't seem to understand was "most popular" doesn't mean "best". McDonald's probably sells more burgers than any restaurant in the world but no one in their right mind, given the choice, is going to choose to eat a McDonald's burger over a Shake Shack burger or any gourmet burger from a real restaurant. And you'd think it would at least be cheaper if you're getting a meal that was lazily put together and cheaper to make but no. They had the audacity to RAISE THEIR PRICES. In summary, if you want regular American "Chinese" food, you can come here...or any other Chinese take-out spot, really. I mean, their quality of food is now on par with China Chefs on Easton and China Chefs is significantly cheaper now so, given the choice, I don't see why you would come here. It's sad because Mei-Mei had something special. I hope the new owners see this and reassess their strategy. But I what I really hope is that the old owners get in contact with me and share their recipes. It would be a real tragedy if those recipes are now gone forever. read more

First time trying this place, it has great reviews so I thought why not? I ordered the Squid with Peanut and a side of fried plantains. Squid is pretty good, however there was no gravy/ sauce. Like none. So you end up eating dry rice and this may not bother some but I like my rice to be saucy. Plantains was good as well. Lastly, I got to the store and was told I couldnt pay with a card. I then had to go to another store to get cash back but I wish this wouldve been communicated when I called and placed my order so I couldve came prepared. Overall, I do recommend this spot. Food is good, staff is friendly and food is ready in the timeframe they say it'll be. Looking forward to trying order items on their menu. read more

Mei-Mei Chinese - Squid with Peanut, white rice and plantains. - Chinese Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

Great takeout place! Especially loved the wonton soup, sweet and sour chicken, and lo mein. A good go-to place. Only thing we didn't love was the pork dumplings but overall good! read more

Mei Mei's is an icon! They have some of the best Chinese food in New Jersey. I don't think you can go wrong with anything here. My family has been coming here for years now and I'm happy to see that business has still been strong throughout covid. Some of our go-to dishes include: tangerine beef, which is a crispy beef with sauce - it doesn't actually taste like tangerine but it's such a unique flavor! Squid with peanuts - crispy squid in a spicyish sauce and loads of scallions and peanuts, SO good when fresh! Fried string beans with ground pork - eat this with rice! Rice noodles - with chicken, pork, shrimp - is a delicious meal on its own! The salt and pepper shrimp is also very good. I'm not a shrimp eater but it's a family fave. Also honorable mentions to the dumplings, sweet and sour soup, and the fried chicken! Sadly their old almond cookies which used to be delicious are no longer around. Oh well, I guess you can't have it all. Call ahead so you don't have to wait in line! read more

ive been going to mei mei for 50 plus years and i know they changed owners never had a problem the whole time today i called i n my order a rude girl who doesnt know how to take and order ,i get yea what do you want ? i tell her and egg roll a pint of pork fried rice ,thats it ? i say yes .click ! doesnt take my name ,doesnt tell me how long doesnt say how much, maybe she should start looking for a job she likes ,by the way the pork fried rice was very over cooked to the point of dried and burnt ,the egg roll was ok ,maybe its time to look else where read more

Delicious food at a no frills spot. Cash only location but it is WORTH it! Everyone is nice, food is ready quickly (can be a little longer during peak times). Everything we've ordered has been good. Pork fried dumplings, house special lo mein, mei fun, chicken wings, beef and broccoli, egg drop soup, etc. So glad we found this little hidden gem! read more

Amazing comfort food! After almost 40 years it's so nice to see the same family making the same great food The hot n sour soup is great and the must have dishes include... Mapa-tofu and shrimp with black bean sauce read more

If I had to give this place 6 stars, I would. It's the best Chinese food I have ever had. I may actually consider this to be some of the best food I ever had. I am from Michigan, and visited New Jersey back in 2006. It got me hooked on Chinese food. I've had it 13 times throughout my life, and it still remains golden. These are the following exceptional dishes this place has to offer: 1. Pork Egg Roll 2. Wonton Soup 3. Hot & Sour Soup 4. Pork Potstickers with Garlic Sauce *favorite 5. Fried Rice 6. Rice Noodles 7. Chicken with Peanuts 8. Shrimp with Garlic Sauce *favorite 9. Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce I know the place doesn't look fancy, and cheap looking. But, don't let that discourage future customers. In a way, it's cool to dine in the old-fashioned styled Chinese diner. read more

Mei-Mei Chinese - Inside - Chinese Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

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Mei Mei is solid Chinese take out food with a greasy spoon atmosphere and good authenticity. I have religiously come here for their beef ho fun with scallions for a decade, and the quality has remained good. Sure, the food is a bit oily, but the flavors are not overly sweet or salty - they feel right. There is also a good proportion of meat to vegetables to starches. The prices are good for the quality and portions are sizeable. If you're a regular, the family here gets to know you well too. I'd give them four stars but I am not really a fan of their decor and they are badly in need of an upgrade, or at least new paint and flooring. The tables and china are also pretty beat up. While I can bring my mom here, I wouldn't really bring anyone else. read more

Mei-Mei Chinese - New facade - Chinese Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

This hole in the wall is one of the few legit Chinese restaurants in central NJ and has been around for over 40 years. When my parents were in grad school in the 80s they often ate at this restaurant. At Mei-Mei it's not uncommon to hear old customers chatting with each other about how long they have been coming to this restaurant. One lady, visiting from Atlanta says, "I've moved to Atlanta but come back to visit just for this!" Whenever our family eats here, we always order the hot and sour soup, the pork rice noodles (#66), shrimp egg foo young, the sautéed string beans, and #104 squid with Chinese pickles. The last dish is my personal favorite - the restaurant makes their own pickles (酸菜 "suan-cai"). Highly recommend this local gem! read more

Mei-Mei Chinese - Chinese Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

I've been going to Mei Mei for over 40 years and never tasted Chinese food this good. Mei Mei's food was not like other Chinese food, their food was very different in taste and freshness. My favorite was the chicken in garlic sauce which tasted like garlic sauce. Also the fried rice and egg rolls were very delicious. I have literally traveled up and down the east coast and couldn't find any Chinese food that come close to Mei Meis. The Original owners sold the store and someone else is running it. What a disappointment! , their chicken in garlic sauce tasted very sweet. I'm a diabetics and I have to watch my sugar intake. Also the chicken fried rice tasted dried and old. If any of the previous owner is reading this, they have lost your recipes. If you like sugar and candy, this place is for you. Sad, very sad ! I miss you guys, Charlie read more

Absolutely heartbroken what has happened to my beloved Mei Mei. The sale of this business has taken a little piece of happiness away from me forever. I do really have a hard time understanding how somebody would buy this incredible business and not understand every single aspect of it. This place was a perfect 10!!! And now I will never go there again. read more

Mei Mei has New Management. I been going there for 18yrs. I spoke to Frank(Original owner) 2 weeks ago and he Sold the business as it was time to retire. The Ribs, Egg Rolls and Chicken & Cashews are changed. Ribs now have sauce, Egg Rolls and Chicken/ Cashews are completely different. I am very sad about this change but happy for Frank and his family on there retirement. After 18yrs. of fantastic food....time to move on. read more

Unfortunately, I have to agree with the recent posters lamenting the loss of "our" Mei Mei's after 45 years of amazing food. Even though I moved to NYC 25 years ago, I still stop by whenever I'm in the area. Today I called an ordered eggrolls and shredded beef. The person taking the ordered asked if I knew what number that was. So I said spicy beef and she seemed to understand. When I got there, no one I knew was in the kitchen. First time this has happened in 45 years. No Helen. No Helen's brothers. Nobody. I got home and tried the 'spicy' beef. It was packed in new plastic type containers instead of the old style waxed box. It had bell peppers. And mushrooms. And chunks of beef instead of shredded beef. And it had little to no spice. Now I read that Helen and family have sold Mei Mei's. But to me, there is no longer a Mei Mei's. It's just another chinese restaurant. I hope the new owners read these reviews and go back to Jimmy and Helen's recipes. But somehow I think it doesn't matter. RIP Mei Mei's. read more

Been going here for years. They older generation retired in September and younger took over. They are changing recipes and it's not for the good. Only thing that was the same was the rice which is still the best. Egg rolls are smaller, everything else needed seasoning, flavorless. I'm so sad because this was hands down the best Chinese I've ever had and now it seems it will be gone forever. read more

Mei-Mei Chinese - Exterior - Chinese Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

Good fresh food!! Delicious pork fried rice and the steamed dumplings were too. Make sure you try the shrimp egg roll!!

Being a Rutgers alum, this place has not changed! When you walk in, it's the sound of families speaking, friends chatting and the employees/owners checking on new and regular customers. This location is about 5 minutes from college Ave by car. One thing out Chinese food is, not all restaurants that serve Chinese food is authentic! Well this is the place to be. The food is cooked with LOVE! The owners really enjoy ppl enjoying their food. The owners walk around and have little small talk which sets this place apart. Now for the food. In todays cookie cutter Chinese restaurant chain environment this place really stands out. It is a family own led restaurant that's been around since the seventies that has never compromised traditional recipes. Not only can you taste the quality of ingredients and care given to the Food, you can even breathe in, I mean taste, the wok hei lol! I mean you just can't find that anymore. Husband's favorite recipe is the king pao chicken. It has nice chunks of white meat chicken, with a very savory garlicky sauce with just the right spice. And I love picking out the perfectly cooked green onion chunks oh my goodness. I mean he doesn't even eat vegetables, But I ordered the shrimp with peppers and tomatoes and he loved the flavor that the tomatoes added to the dish. He couldn't stop eating them. My husband is a big guy and when he loves a place he loves a place! We visit every time we come home and for the last 10 years they always greet him with a very joyous smile and ask how our family is doing! The hot oil might I add is perfect! Just the perfect flavor and not too spicy. Most restaurants we ask for soy sauce but the didnt give it a d we didnt need it! read more

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We got take-out from here over the holidays while I was in town, and I was quickly reminded how much I like this place. The egg rolls are spectacular. They're huge, and easier to split, but they are the best I've had anywhere. The rice noodles are incredible, and everything else is solidly good. Sesame chicken, dumplings, so much broccoli in the chicken/beef with broccoli, and great pork fried rice. The flavors are all spot-on and the prices are really reasonable - we spent less here for this take-out meal in NJ than we'd spent in NH for a similar-size meal earlier over the holidays. This spot continues to impress - will definitely be back! read more

Best Chinese around. Get the crispy tangerine beef--it will change your life. Tip: Cash only read more

You may not be able to tell from the outside, but this is an EXCELLENT spot for Chinese food. I've tried just about the whole menu, and the best are: - Fried chicken wings (might seem weird at a Chinese restaurant, but trust me they are awesome) - Salt and pepper shrimp (lightly fried) - Rice noodles with beef (mei fun) - Lobster with black bean sauce (the sauce goes great over rice) It is a small family owned place that gets packed during the dinner rush. Very casual and friendly - it is a must try! read more

Mei-Mei Chinese - Salt and pepper shrimp is lightly battered and perfectly fried! - Chinese Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

Mei Mei's is exactly what I picture when I think of the "neighborhood Chinese restaurant." It's well established and has been in business for years, for good reason. They serve great old school Chinese American food, in giant portions. Cash only, no delivery, giant menu Their dumplings come with a side of garlic sauce, which is surprising tasty, the egg rolls are small burrito sized and deep fried, and the young chow fried rice is delicious. Skip the egg drop soup and sesame chicken, try the lobster in black bean sauce read more

Mei-Mei Chinese - Chinese Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

Whenever I'm in town, this is my go to chinese spot. By far the best Chinese food I have ever had. The must orders are: hot and sour soup, salt and pepper shrimp, beef chow mein, Singapore noodles! Word of caution, seating here is limited so if you're not here for takeout, be prepared for a wait or come early for a spot! read more

Mei-Mei Chinese - Family lunch! - Chinese Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

Highly recommend! I Drive 20 mins to pick it up and pass several restaurants on the way! That should tell you enough!

What a treat! I ordered dinner from Mei-Mei for the first time tonight and it was outstanding! The egg rolls were the best I had in a long time! We ordered Shrimp with Chinese vegetables, the shrimp was cooked perfectly as were the veggies, and we ordered the chicken with mushrooms, all I can say was outstanding! Reasonably priced, huge servings, and delicious food...what a treat! Can't wait to order from them again! read more

I have eaten at the original cousin spot Rice Inn Fanwood and this was my go to when Rice Inn closed. Haven't eaten here in over a year but tried it 7-4-23 and the food was amazing as usual. I was hesitant after looking at the reviews but the food quality and taste was the same read more

Holy portions! Mei Mei lived up to it's good reputation yesterday. My fiance and I tried it for the first time. We got two eggrolls, tangerine beef, pork fried rice, and chicken lo mein. Everything was excellent. The eggrolls are huge and have great flavor, tangerine beef was tender and crispy, pork fried rice had huge chunks of pork and almost a bbq/smokey flavor, and the chicken lo mein was filled with veggies, yummy noodles, and plenty of chicken. We also received a small white rice which was cooked well. We are going to have leftovers all week. We will definitely go back! read more

DO NOT EAT HERE, PEOPLE......I heard such great reviews, but this food is disgusting. WE LITERALLY threw away every item. Disgusting pork fried rice (very dark) with general tso's chicken. The most disgusting disappointing FOOD I have ever PAID FOR. What a waste of MONEY and TIME. read more

I've been coming to this place since I was probably not even able to walk yet. My mom used to bring me here for our weekly "date" on Fridays for dinner. We used to sit by the window... so, to say this review is partly nostalgic is an under statement. My mom has ordered there so much, they know her voice and name and treat her like she's a part of family. I've been getting the same thing and I think it's about time I tried other items on the menu, but if it's not broken.... I am IN LOVE with their shrimp egg foo yung. Oh my goodness, that sauce (I always get extra) is to die for. My grandmother loves their egg rolls (the tastiest and biggest you will ever get). On my way there tonight for take out. read more