Fall River’s nostalgia for long-gone dining spots is fierce. But so is its hunger for something new.
When it comes to Chinese fare, Fall River and beyond has been home to a long line of legendary restaurants, some that now only exist in memory.
The iconic China Royal, and the recently closed Mee Sum on South Main Street, are among those that have captured the hearts and filled the bellies of many a local foodie and are now ingrained in city history.
But there are still a slew of other restaurants ready to take up the torch as your local go-to for Chinese food.
We recently asked readers to vote on their favorite Greater Fall River Chinese food spot, and there was one eatery that swept the competition.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Out of a dozen places in the running, the Spindle City’s own Mr. Chen — with its emphasis on classic dishes while also bringing something unique to the table — took top honors with nearly 50% of total votes.
Fall River’s rep for Chinese fare continues
Owner Dominic Chen credited his “die-hard loyal customers, which I consider a family” with his decisive victory, calling on his troops to vote and keep not just his restaurant, but more importantly the city of Fall River, the top name in the game when it comes to Chinese dining destinations.
“I saw someone from Swansea was taking the lead and I wasn’t going to let that happen … I said there’s no way any other town is going to take it from Fall River,” said Chen, who followed the poll until it closed.
Since making its much-anticipated debut in July 2022 at 210 Rhode Island Ave., Mr. Chen has been carving out its own niche in the city’s South End.
Business was booming right from the get-go and hasn’t died down since, with folks drawn to Mr. Chen’s creative menu food and charm — an impressive Chen family Lego collection a key element of its quirky and fun decor.
Cacoila egg rolls, chourico rangoon:This is Fall River’s new Chinese restaurant.
What makes Mr. Chen stand out from the rest?Â
Beyond the palate-pleasing food, Chen said what keeps folks coming back is their overall experience.
“It’s the relationship that I have with customers. They always show up,” he said.
Chen says part of his recipe for success is to stay at the forefront of people’s minds as they reach for their takeout menus.
He makes it a point to communicate with his customers daily, through Facebook posts showcasing their menu offerings, specials and Chen happenings, while “everyone else is just falling off the grid.” He connects with customers by putting a face behind the food.
And when he can pry himself away from his busy kitchen, Chen said he does his best to give back and support the community that supports his business. Recently those efforts have included collaborating with the nonprofit Action Fall River’s team of volunteers to distribute some wonton soup to homeless residents along the Quequechan River Rail Trail.
Fall River icon:Mee Sum Chinese restaurant marks ‘last hurrah’
What are Mr. Chen’s most popular items?Â
A quick glance at Mr. Chen’s order slips and you’ll find a recurring theme: nearly all include at least one particular menu item.
When it comes to Mr. Chen’s hands-down fan favorites, “General Tso’s chicken is the king,” Chen notes.
They are also known for their Portuguese fusion items — popular among the SouthCoast crowd — such as chouriço rangoon and egg rolls, and caçoila fried wontons.
The introduction of his new “Dom Dom” flavor — which he described as “caramelized spicy and sweet” — on various chicken, shrimp and chicken wing dishes has also really taken off with customers.
He’s also put his own spin on some appetizers, such as crab rangoon nachos or his “Domchos” — deep fried wonton chips topped with nacho cheese, chouriço and onions.
“It’s the creativity that brings in more revenue,” Chen said.
The menu also includes all of your classic Chinese food staples, as well as a number of tofu and veggie offerings, and an array of different flavored bubble teas and milk teas.
Need an alibi?Check out this new Somerset sports pub
Chen eyes expansion
In 2023, roughly a year after opening, Chen sought to open a second location — this one focused on bakery items — on Jefferson Street; however, that plan fell through.
But Chen says he remains committed to expanding the business down the road. “If the right opportunity shows up at the right location in Fall River, I would jump on it,” he said.
Plans include a larger dine-in establishment, slightly different in concept than his existing location, with a full bar and dedicated parking lot for customers.
Mr. Chen’s South End spot can currently accommodate six to 10 people in booths, although most of their customer traffic is takeout, with Thursday through Sunday their busiest days.Â
When can I visit Mr. Chen?
Mr. Chen is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 9:30 p.m. They are closed on Tuesday.
Other Greater Fall River contendersÂ
Other top finalists, in no particular order, included Fall River’s China Star and China Sails, China Lake in Somerset, and Swansea’s Hoy Tin.
Source link
