Unfortunately, I wanted to love Qing Mu sooooooo much. I so badly wanted this to be my go-to spot for nearby sushi because there really isn't one close to me unless I want to drive into Media. The owners and staff are amazing and so friendly. They are extremely nice over the phone, upbeat and trying so hard to provide wonderful service and to simply make your day. This place has all the hallmarks of the most wonderful little Chinese/Japanese corner spot, family-owned, and small, where a repeat customer would eventually become known and their voice and face recognized immediately whenever they call or show up. All the photos and other reviews that steered me here had primed me for an amazing experience and my hopes were so high and I was ready to finally find THAT place that I could order from consistently for delicious, quality, fresh sushi, close-by.....but alas! This was sadly not the case.
Everything I have said about the staff and the place are 100% outstanding, and maybe I was here on an off-day. Or maybe something was wrong or it was busy. I have no way of knowing. I will definitely try here again and change my opinion if I am nearby in the future. However, my order of chirashi was simply just one of the saddest and disappointing that I have ever had. The fish was not fresh, or at least not what I would consider fresh enough for sashimi cuts, there was barely any variety or color pop, no vegetable or greenery to offset, and I could not detect any rice dressing at all for the rice base for everything to sit on. Part of chirashi is the presentation, and while that's not a large part of the flavor, it's a large part of the impression. It did not look good, and very unfortunately, it did not taste great either. It was bland, extremely fishy (which I have no problem with), which denotes a lack of freshness, and had a slimy layer to it which it should not. I do feel like I should have ordered something else, like something in a previous photo or review, and that part is my mistake, but if it's an offered menu item, I would expect it to be just as good as their other dishes. The miso soup though, was great! Good flavor, tons of seaweed, and big soft chunks of tofu, which I love.
Eventually, I will try Qing Mu again, possibly when the sushi itch strikes again and I don't feel like traveling far. Or possibly for traditional Chinese-American dishes. Who knows? I don't ever want my experience to end with a place that is so wonderful and inviting and caring about their customers to be such a disappointment when they obviously care so much about those they serve. If you are in the Havertown area, check them out, you may have a very different experience, but for now, definitely stay away from the chirashi. read more