Yu's Mandarin

We've been looking for a great Chinese restaurant in the area. As native Chinese, I'm picky about Chinese food. I was a bit wary since the reviews are mixed but decided to go since the food photos online look good. My husband and I went for lunch on a Sunday. We like the clean place, the traditional Chinese restaurant atmosphere and large window showing the chefs in the kitchen. We tried the egg rolls, spicy soup noodle (noodles hand pulled by the chefs), flat noodle with beef, and string beans. All the delicious we ordered were delicious. If you like spicy food, be sure to ask for their chilly sauce! Our waitress was very friendly and helpful too. We're glad to have found this Chinese restaurant and will definitely go back for take-outs and dining in.

Decent place. Crab Rangoon’s seemed old and cold.

The chicken wings/pops were hot and fresh but had a greasy aftertaste, which made them unpleasant to eat.

The seafood platter dish was yummy.

We had lunches between games at their Schaumburg restaurant and really enjoyed the food. This one is much closer to our hotel so we thought we would give it a try as well. Again, food and service were all great. The lady at the bar (I guess the owner) was very friendly. Our overall experience was excellent and we will definitely visit again if we travel there.

I recently dined at Yu's Mandarin, drawn in by the promise of delectable Chinese cuisine. My meal comprised Crab Rangoon and veg spring rolls for appetizers, followed by sweet and sour chicken, fried rice, and mapo tofu for the main course. Here's a detailed account of my visit.

**Appetizers:**
Let's start with the appetizers. The Crab Rangoon was delightful, offering a crispy exterior that gave way to a creamy, crab-infused center. Each bite was a burst of flavor, and I found it hard to resist devouring the whole plate.

However, the same cannot be said for the veg spring rolls. These lacked the wow factor. They were a standard rendition of the dish, with no unique flavors or textures that set them apart. They were not bad by any means, just not special.

**Main Course:**
Moving on to the main course, things improved significantly. The sweet and sour chicken was a hit. The chicken was tender, coated in a tangy yet sweet sauce that perfectly balanced flavors. The accompanying fried rice was a delightful companion, with a medley of vegetables and that unmistakable wok hei (wok's breath) flavor.

The mapo tofu, a dish known for its spiciness and bold flavors, was a pleasant surprise. The tofu was cooked to perfection, with a silky texture that absorbed the rich, spicy sauce. It had just the right level of heat to tantalize my taste buds without overwhelming them. This dish was a true standout.

**The Substitution Conundrum:**
Now, let's address an issue that's become all too common in restaurants like Yu's Mandarin - the extra charges for substitutions. I share the sentiment of many diners who find it frustrating when they are billed extra for making simple substitutions, especially when it involves vegetables. In an age where dietary preferences and restrictions are diverse, it's disappointing to see this policy in place.

During my visit, I inquired about replacing one vegetable in a dish with another due to a dietary restriction, and I was met with an additional charge. While I understand that some substitutions may require different ingredients and incur additional costs, this particular substitution seemed straightforward and hardly merited an extra fee.

Such policies can detract from the overall dining experience and leave customers feeling nickel-and-dimed. It would be more customer-friendly if Yu's Mandarin considered a more flexible approach to substitutions, at least for common requests that don't significantly impact the dish's preparation or cost.

**In Conclusion:**
In summary, my visit to Yu's Mandarin was a mixed bag. The appetizers started strong with the delectable Crab Rangoon but fell short with the unremarkable veg spring rolls. The main course, however, was a highlight, with the sweet and sour chicken and mapo tofu showcasing the kitchen's culinary prowess.

While the food quality overall was good, I couldn't help but feel irked by the extra charges for substitutions. It's a practice that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, detracting from the otherwise enjoyable dining experience.

Despite these concerns, I would still recommend Yu's Mandarin for its tasty Chinese cuisine, but with the caveat that patrons should be prepared for potential additional charges if they have specific dietary requests.

Wow, what an upgrade. Excited this location opened up, beautiful renovation and all the food was delicious. Can't wait to come back.