chuan cafe

This is a must try Chinese restaurant! We were attempting to get pizza around the corner but it was closed (again! 2x now and closed each time...maybe a sign lol). If only we had tried this place sooner! We tried the Orange chicken which had a nice spicy kick not usually found with Orange chicken. Also tried the Shredded pork (did not seem shredded but was very tasty) from the Lunch Special menu, scallion pancake, pan fried pork buns (right?! sounded interesting since these are usually steamed) and the egg drop/hot and spicy soup (soups included with lunch items...another score!) Everything was very yummy and we’re looking forward to our next Chinese food craving to order here again. Decor was subtle. Does not have your usual Chinese restaurant decorations but felt like it needed just a little something to spruce it up. Some reds and greens for good luck and fortune so this restaurant is around for a long time! Staff was also super friendly and attentive. First time ever I was offered more rice in a Chinese restaurant. Crazy how the little things have such a big impact...

This is hands down some of the best food I've had in the whole triangle area. I've been craving authentic Chinese food and Chuan Cafe would hold up against what I have back in the DMV area. It's even worth driving 45 min from Durham. The place is located in the absolute middle of nowhere, but the restaurant itself is cute and generally pretty empty. It seems to be family owned and the server was very sweet. Don't expect 5 star table service lol. It's bare bones in that sense, but you're really here for the food. Szechuan cuisine is known for its spice, so expect chilis and chili oil in most dishes. The Bamboo Flounder Fish is an absolute MUST! It's one of my favorites so I was so excited to see it on the menu. It doesn't stay crisp when you order to-go, unsurprisingly, so dine in to get it fresh. I also highly recommend the Steamed Chicken Slices in Chili Oil, which is a cold appetizer. I've tried the Toothpick Lamb, Double Cooked Pork Belly, Mapo Tofu, and Green Beans (a classic). Sometimes the dishes lean a little salty and the mapo tofu was not my favorite iteration of the dish, but I've been really impressed as a whole. I think if you order more typical American Chinese dishes (egg roll, dumplings, fried rice, chow mein, orange chicken) you will be sorely disappointed. There's not a whole lot of authentic Chinese food in North Carolina, so I highly recommend trying something new when you come! There's still so many more things on the menu I've been eyeing, so I'm gonna continue making the trek to come here :)

Outstanding place for great food!! We ordered 3 dishes to share gen. Chows chicken, double cooked pork belly and braised beef in chili oil. This was the best by far that I’ve ever had. You absolutely need to eat here.

Travel to NC at the night time. We find this restaurant close to my hotel. There was no customer when I arrived at dinner time. It’s make me feel uncomfortable, do I come to the wrong place? The food came so quickly. The amazing things is the food taste so delicious! All the food was tasty and flavorful ! You should give them a chance if you close to this restaurant !

Solo date success! The food is a bit pricey, but I will splurge on food/experience, if nothing else. I ordered an array of items because duhhh I’m a foodie, I like variety, and I’m thrifty so I love to get multiple meals from one. The chef is a nice older Asian woman and when she brought the food, she said “wow, lot of food , take home” which I agreed and laughed. Needless to say this quaint restaurant was very clean and the owners are welcoming. Pictured is the dry fried green beans, spicy fried shrimp, Szechuan Chicken in chili oil, spicy wontons, and spring rolls (not pictured b/c they came first and didn’t wait around for a pic). I loved the flavor profile of all the food and it bears repeating, THE SPICE. Just something about that fried chili oil seasoning that excites my tastebuds. I would definitely recommend if your tastebuds resonate with this review.

Of all the great restaurants that RTP has to offer, Chuan Cafe is amongst the top three for me. Their Szechuan food hits differently - so much savory flavor with the perfect numbing sensation and spice levels. Our go-to meals are spicy Chongqing chicken, bamboo flounder, toothpick lamb, and dry fried green beans. We always opt to dine-in because the restaurant has a nice interior and the staff are attentive. I hope this restaurant continues to thrive!

Fantastic new Chinese place with a focus on Sichuan flavors. I had the fish in hot chili oil and it was perfectly seasoned and very generous portions. They also have classic Chinese-American dishes like Orange Chicken so families with picky eaters can enjoy this place as well. The interior of the restaurant is also well appointed and clean with a modern feel.

We ordered delivery from this restaurant. We were very pleased with the quality of the food and the rapid delivery. We ordered Kung Pao Chicken, Stir Fry Chicken and Mushrooms, Vegetable Fried Rice, and Pork Buns. There was a large portion of chicken as well as mushrooms in the Chicken and Mushroom stir fry. The food was tasty and well seasoned. The portion size was large enough to have plenty of leftovers for tomorrow. We have been looking for a "go-to" Chinese food restaurant. I think we have found it!