My apologies in advance as this might be a bit of a long read.
I live in Norfolk now, but I was born and raised in Richmond. Growing up in the 70s and 80s when there was a plethora of good sit down Chinese restaurants. We were actually spoiled for choice. Unfortunately, because of the sheer number of them several ended up shutting down. One of them is still there and better than ever and that's Yen Ching on the corner of W Broad and Tuckernuck.
Let's start with the criminally low rating of 3.7 currently on Yelp. I wouldn't drive an hour and 45 minutes to Richmond several times a year for a 3.7 anything. This spot has the BEST Chinese food in Virginia. Yeah you might get the grumpy waitress that never smiles but you know what? She's been there for close to 40 years and she knows her $hit. Yeah you might wait a few extra minutes for your food but that's because they're not gonna use old burnt oil that they cooked everything else in. I could cover several other complaints in the reviews, but I won't waste my time. I'll cut to the chase on why it's the best.
I've literally eaten here close to 1000 times since the early 80s. Yen Ching is a staple of the west end. I've come here for afternoon lunches, Sunday dinner, birthday parties, anniversary parties, family, gatherings, takeout, you name it. If you're looking for cheap knock off, run-of-the-mill Chinese, you're not gonna get it here. This place has been family, owned and operated since it opened and their recipes are handed down over generations. Their menu and staff rarely changes because they don't need to. The same gentleman has worked the front desk for as long as I can remember. I've lived 100 miles away for the last 25 years yet he still remembers my name when I call or visit. More importantly, he still remembers my mom who I went there with for decades. She passed away five years ago an I mis her every day. He tells me how much he misses her too every time I see him or talk to him on the phone. He Personally goes to the kitchen to make sure our food is prepared to order when he doesn't have to bother. That level of customer service is impossible to find just about anywhere else.
Anytime my wife or I go back to Richmond we don't come back home without either eating at Yen Ching or grabbing takeout. The experience is a throwback to the days where eating out at a Chinese restaurant was actually an event not just a GrubHub order. The decor has not changed, nor should it, and the restaurant is always clean and beautiful. The food is prepared with the highest quality fresh ingredients, and the greatest attention to detail every single time. The service might not always be overly friendly, but it is always excellent, I can count on one finger the time it wasn't as good as usual. That was after a long drive back to Norfolk and when I called to tell them about it, they comped us our meal on our next visit. They take pride in everything they do and it shows.
Now for the food. THE greatest American style Chinese you will ever eat. The sweet-and-sour chicken is all white meat. Super crispy and covered in house made, sweet-and-sour sauce with pineapple, carrots, onions, and green peppers that are perfect al dente. The Triple Delight is one of the greatest Chinese food dishes in America. Shrimp with lobster sauce? GTFOH you won't find it better anywhere. The eggrolls are crisp, fresh and juicy. The wonton soup will make your eyes roll into the back of your head. The crispy wonton noodles are made in house to order. Even the Duck sauce they serve you is out of this world. Don't skip a pot of their hot tea either, I promise you won't regret it. I could go on and on but nothing on their menu is anything short of delicious.
To wrap it up if anyone is an expert on this incredible spot it's me and my family. Trust me when I tell you that you will never regret a trip to Yen Ching in Henrico. Don't believe me? Tell the gentleman at the front desk that Chris Linzey told you to check them out.
I literally just stuffed myself to the gills with a takeout order that my wife picked up today while she was in town and brought back home. Food was still warm and even though it was almost 2 hours old tasted better than any Chinese food I can find in Hampton Roads. I've got plenty left over for another meal tomorrow as well. I might just have it for breakfast.
I hope you made it all the way through this review and if you did, I'd love to hear your thoughts after you try it for yourself. read more