Good Chinese Food

[yankygrl]

I’m from NY, lived in TV for the past 10 years and have yet to find a good Chinese food “eat in” restaurant local. Love Sakura at Colony Plaza and Bamboo Bistro near Target but they are Asian fusion. What about you, has anyone found one? Most Chinese restaurants are take out and not all that good.

[Stu from NYC]

We like Kayame but now it is take out.

[B-flat]

We like Kayame but now it is take out.

Plus 1 for Koyame.

[Medtrans]

I’m from NY, lived in TV for the past 10 years and have yet to find a good Chinese food “eat in” restaurant local. Love Sakura at Colony Plaza and Bamboo Bistro near Target but they are Asian fusion. What about you, has anyone found one? Most Chinese restaurants are take out and not all that good.

IMHO there’s no good Chinese food here, but ok Chinese food. We go to Cheng’s On 466.

[bagboy]

IMHO there’s no good Chinese food here, but ok Chinese food. We go to Cheng’s On 466.

Chengs was our go to place for Chinese. Last time we picked up an order (hers) of Moo Goo Gai Pan, and (me) something different, Mongolian Beef. Hers was okay and mine was very disappointing.

[mojoslacker]

Recently had the buffet at Lin Garden II in Inverness. Very well prepared Chinese IMO. Following normal Covid procedures as well. East Wok is another quality place, in Taveres, tho only takeout due to Covid. For local, the VKI Japanese Steakhouse in Lake Sumter is very good though a bit more expensive. Nice for hibachi.

[mtdjed]

I’m from NY, lived in TV for the past 10 years and have yet to find a good Chinese food “eat in” restaurant local. Love Sakura at Colony Plaza and Bamboo Bistro near Target but they are Asian fusion. What about you, has anyone found one? Most Chinese restaurants are take out and not all that good.

I am originally from an area that had no Chinese restaurants. My first Chinese Restaurant was a takeout in Goose Creek SC. That set my standard. All Chinese food in the Villages is good. If it is hot and fur free, it is good. Otherwise, go Mexican.

[Chi-Town]

Cheng's on 466 is quite good. And good is the highest grade around here.

[Ecuadog]

Try Yummy House in Ocala. Near exit 350 off of I-75.

Ocala Menu (https://yummyhouseflorida.com/ocala-menu/)

[Nucky]

I don't miss it. They really did make a Special Wonton for us! No more Chinese for us ever again. Better safe than sorry.

Try YouTube. It has language otherwise I would link it. Type in Eddie Murphy special wonton soup!

[J1ceasar]

There are no good Chinese restaurants in the bubble how you could possibly ever compared to New York City. In fact I will say the reason is because people here are too cheap and the restaurants here understand that. If you look at it and egg roll but you will get here it is half the size with no meat inside of it. Fried rice has very little vegetables or cut up roast pork. There are probably 6 or so good New York style restaurants in Florida I have found why not south of Cocoa Beach and several towards Miami. There is also 1 in Leesburg that is takeout only. he is from New York. The problem is cost and cheapest survive in Senior town

[clayto1234@aol.com]

I've lived in TV 27 years and have not found a really good Chinese restaurant. I'm from Michigan and miss all the good ethnic restaurants. Good Luck

[Stu from NYC]

Wow you folks are a tough audience.

[riley2011]

I’m from NY, lived in TV for the past 10 years and have yet to find a good Chinese food “eat in” restaurant local. Love Sakura at Colony Plaza and Bamboo Bistro near Target but they are Asian fusion. What about you, has anyone found one? Most Chinese restaurants are take out and not all that good.

I love the Japanese restaurant next to the movie theater in Sumter Landing. It may be called Japanese Steakhouse. I can never remember. Great food but at this time may be only take out.

[Jacksig]

:clap2:I’m from NY, lived in TV for the past 10 years and have yet to find a good Chinese food “eat in” restaurant local. Love Sakura at Colony Plaza and Bamboo Bistro near Target but they are Asian fusion. What about you, has anyone found one? Most Chinese restaurants are take out and not all that good.

[Tim Ringler]

There isn't any. You have to go to Orlando, or even further to find the real thing. Most chinese restaurants will "Americanize" thinking that's what most American's want. By the way, General Tso is not Chinese.

[RonGee]

Yummy House is close to NY Chinese

[Eg_cruz]

I’m from NY, lived in TV for the past 10 years and have yet to find a good Chinese food “eat in” restaurant local. Love Sakura at Colony Plaza and Bamboo Bistro near Target but they are Asian fusion. What about you, has anyone found one? Most Chinese restaurants are take out and not all that good.
Try the Yummy House in Ocala.... Authentic Chinese food

[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

I’m from NY, lived in TV for the past 10 years and have yet to find a good Chinese food “eat in” restaurant local. Love Sakura at Colony Plaza and Bamboo Bistro near Target but they are Asian fusion. What about you, has anyone found one? Most Chinese restaurants are take out and not all that good.
Yummy House in Ocala is by far the best, it’s located on route 200 Not far via 75 North get off at art 200 exit East and it’s about 1/2 mile on the right in a Shopping Center, the best Dim Sum on a cart

[Rr23070]

Sakura is Japanese

[shuffla@aol.com]

Koyame Asian Express EXCELLENT! 352- 750-9983
1558 Bella Cruz Dr. near Spanish Springs Publix

[noslices1]

I heard a rumor that a P. F. Chang is coming to the villages. A little pricey, but good Chinese food.

[nick demis]

Does that mean we will be out of luck for our weekly sushi feast?

[Villagesgal]

There is no authentic or even good Chinese food here in the Villages or any real ethnic food either. I'm from Seattle and really miss "real" ethnic food. Yummy House in Ocala at least has dim sum. For real Chinese food you have to go to Orlando in the Asian part of town. Bring a cooler and stop at the Asian Market and buy supplies to make at home. Order 2 of your favorite at the restaurant and bring home one order to enjoy for later. Best Korean and East Indian also in Orlando. Have fun exploring.

[Girlcopper]

I’m from NY, lived in TV for the past 10 years and have yet to find a good Chinese food “eat in” restaurant local. Love Sakura at Colony Plaza and Bamboo Bistro near Target but they are Asian fusion. What about you, has anyone found one? Most Chinese restaurants are take out and not all that good.
I cant remember the name but theres a take out in the Publix shopping center on 42 right next to the veteran hospital. Great food at not a badprice

[TooColdNJ]

Does that mean we will be out of luck for our weekly sushi feast?

FOR SURE!! No great sushi here!
Sakura, IMO, is nothing at all like NY or NJ, but just OK.

Koyame is “the best” for many because the portions are huge. The food is not bad.

The other one that people love, which I don’t recall the name of at this moment, was, for us, disgusting... even though it’s rated another very good one. We brought another couple there BC19 and I felt terrible even suggesting it! It was gross, and I’m really not that picky.
We order from China Gourmet in Colony, and as long as it isn’t overcooked, everything but the ribs is pretty good. Veggies not mushy, tasty, and I rate it as PG. (pretty good) compared to others. With that said, it’s take out. For some reason we prefer bringing in Chinese, rather than sitting at. Tradition I guess.

If you need a “fix”, you can find just about anything on
gold belly.com. If you’re willing to pay just about anything too! Sometimes I’m tempted to order a deli sandwich or pizza from NY or Chicago!

[sktb888]

Lmao

[donassaid]

I heard that P.F. Changs was coming to the Villages? I enjoy Panda Express as much as any down here.

[steve1025]

You're right we should have moved to the east coast for N.Y. food. I like all the places you mentioned. China Star at Penellas is my favorite take out.
And your Italian place is a favorite.

[BaileyMom]

I love the Japanese restaurant next to the movie theater in Sumter Landing. It may be called Japanese Steakhouse. I can never remember. Great food but at this time may be only take out.
It’s called VKI and is good!

[Stu from NYC]

There is no authentic or even good Chinese food here in the Villages or any real ethnic food either. I'm from Seattle and really miss "real" ethnic food. Yummy House in Ocala at least has dim sum. For real Chinese food you have to go to Orlando in the Asian part of town. Bring a cooler and stop at the Asian Market and buy supplies to make at home. Order 2 of your favorite at the restaurant and bring home one order to enjoy for later. Best Korean and East Indian also in Orlando. Have fun exploring.

We are new here but have found several good Italian restaurants as well as a good Greek one Taki.

[Sherrilee]

I want chow mein like in Boston... white celery bamboo shoots and noodles on bottom!! What is the chow mein here!! I’ve thought of calling Kowloons and shipping a crate frozen here but ridiculous idea.

[margearch309@gmail.com]

Koyame (hope spelling is correct) it is delicious!

[Scorpyo]

I like Cheng's as well. Try different items and you'll wind up with something you might like. I like the Szechuan Braised Beef. Lots of meat and just the right kick. I'm from the Bronx. Let's see....the Bronx has better Chinese food, better Italian food, great knishes. The Bronx has high cost of living (rents and homes), much higher crime rates and ugly neighborhoods. The Villages has okay Chinese and Italian food (no knishes). The Villages has gorgeous homes and just about no crime. Hmmm hard to choose between the two. Also, if you want authentic Chinese food you could have it imported from China. Ugh wait a minute I take that back. The last thing we imported from China did not work out to well.:ohdear:

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Recently had the buffet at Lin Garden II in Inverness. Very well prepared Chinese IMO. Following normal Covid procedures as well. East Wok is another quality place, in Taveres, tho only takeout due to Covid. For local, the VKI Japanese Steakhouse in Lake Sumter is very good though a bit more expensive. Nice for hibachi. in Inverness . You have my vote as the bravest people on site lol

[davem4616]

I’m from NY, lived in TV for the past 10 years and have yet to find a good Chinese food “eat in” restaurant local. Love Sakura at Colony Plaza and Bamboo Bistro near Target but they are Asian fusion. What about you, has anyone found one? Most Chinese restaurants are take out and not all that good.


I'm with you...it just doesn't exist down here....we couldn't find decent Chinese food when we were in Ft Lauderdale either

'Chinese' is one of the first things that we go for when we go back north

[PugMom]

Wow you folks are a tough audience.

:1rotfl:

[BlackhawksFan]

Chinese food here, especially the pork fried rice, is mall food court quality.

[zendog3]

I am from Seattle, so Seattle Chinese is my standard. That said, except for dim sum, I ate college/street food Chinese.

That said, for me, the Chinese carryout from the restaurant in Colony Plaza is as good as it gets. Definitely not fancy.Low cost, harty, flavorful.

[MandoMan]

I’m from NY, lived in TV for the past 10 years and have yet to find a good Chinese food “eat in” restaurant local. Love Sakura at Colony Plaza and Bamboo Bistro near Target but they are Asian fusion. What about you, has anyone found one? Most Chinese restaurants are take out and not all that good.

I used to live in Beijing, where the low quality Chinese food in the “foreign experts dining room” at the Friendship Hotel was quite a bit better than most Chinese food I’ve eaten in the 36 years since. But expecting a Chinese restaurant with chefs from near Hong Kong to make decent Szechuan food or northern Chinese steamed buns or Mongolian food, etc., is like expecting a good cook in a French restaurant to make good Italian food. There are so many different cooking styles in China. And then, there is the sad fact that “moo goo gai pan” and “General Tso’s chicken” and “chop suey” and “chow mein” are only vaguely Chinese, in any case. They are American creations.

Don’t you find that the best Chinese restaurants in New York are the ones specializing in one region, and that when you eat there, you shouldn’t try a dish from a different region? Those are the ones the food critics love. When I returned from China, there are quite a few Szechuan restaurants making good Szechuan food, but I think that apart from in a few large cities, most of those have been closed. A lot of the local Chinese mom-and-pop restaurants have a barely-trained cook who may have never tried real food from other regions of China that he or she is expected to cook. Thus, most of what we buy may be edible, but it’s only an approximation of the real thing. Alas!

The same goes for pizza or the best Mexican tacos al pastor or tacos asado or other sorts. The best is hard to find because the cooks are hard to find and the audience can be hard to find, too. People go to where they can find their favorite dishes, authentic or not.

[Stu from NYC]

I like Cheng's as well. Try different items and you'll wind up with something you might like. I like the Szechuan Braised Beef. Lots of meat and just the right kick. I'm from the Bronx. Let's see....the Bronx has better Chinese food, better Italian food, great knishes. The Bronx has high cost of living (rents and homes), much higher crime rates and ugly neighborhoods. The Villages has okay Chinese and Italian food (no knishes). The Villages has gorgeous homes and just about no crime. Hmmm hard to choose between the two. Also, if you want authentic Chinese food you could have it imported from China. Ugh wait a minute I take that back. The last thing we imported from China did not work out to well.:ohdear:

So where do you get good potato knishes at a reasonable price.

Only thing we have found is Gabila at Publix price is very very high.

[davem4616]

We are new here but have found several good Italian restaurants as well as a good Greek one Taki.

We've been here a few years now, IMHO with very few exceptions, you'll find that the eateries outside TV are far better than those in TV

If you like Greek food, OPA's in Orlando is the best...you cut the lamb with a spoon and you'd think that you were back in Greece....

We've tried the Italian restaurants down here...a very few come close to the ones in Boston's North End, Providence's Federal Hill, or NYC's "Little Italy"... Francesco's on 441 is good

My wife's 1st generation FBI...we do a lot of cooking from scratch using authentic recipes handed down in her family...so we generally choose something other than Italian when we dine out

If you want a great steak "Mark's" in Ocala is tough to beat...

[KRM0614]

The ones here are not real Chinese, closest is Orlando near the mall. Same with deli !

[MJY10101]

We tried a few but settled on Koyame. Always fresh and hot even for takeout!

[MaxCat]

Unfortunately the best authentic Chinese restaurant was to drive over to Cocoa Beach and go to Yen Yen's. Which I think is currently closed -- don't know if permanently or just due to the virus or if the virus was the cause of permanent closure. But if it ever opens again, it's fabulous and authentic. Sit down and fabulous. (I think the owner, who is Chinese, moved to Florida quite a number of years ago from NYC ) If closed permanently, we will have to hope for a re-opening under a new name . . . ????

[JSR22]

So where do you get good potato knishes at a reasonable price.

Only thing we have found is Gabila at Publix price is very very high.

They are by far the best in the supermarket. In a restaurant TooJays is the only game in town.

[Stu from NYC]

They are by far the best in the supermarket. In a restaurant TooJays is the only game in town.

As I understand have to go to Tampa for more of a selection.

Looked at the Gabila website and they will not ship here.

[bioman419]

Yummy House in Ocala. Just off I-75 on Rte. 200. EXCELLENT!

[talktome]

Miss Kowloon on route 1! (Saugus?)

[jebartle]

Plus 1 for Koyame.

Shhhhh! Its a secret...lol

[Stu from NYC]

Shhhhh! Its a secret...lol

Strange that the food is so good and everytime we have gone for takeout Sat about noon only one or two others waiting on their food.

[Huskies]

I’m from NY, lived in TV for the past 10 years and have yet to find a good Chinese food “eat in” restaurant local. Love Sakura at Colony Plaza and Bamboo Bistro near Target but they are Asian fusion. What about you, has anyone found one? Most Chinese restaurants are take out and not all that good.
From one Nee Yorker to another try Ipanema Buffet in Leesburg across from Nisson dealer. It’s a buffet and the food is always fresh and hot.

[mjpuleo]

For more good Chinese food, try Sakura in Spanish Springs--it is hibatchi and is excellent and you get plenty of food for a decent price.

[yankygrl]

I heard that P.F. Changs was coming to the Villages? I enjoy Panda Express as much as any down here.
PF Chang’s is never coming to TV, wrong price market and no where to build there type of building. The application that is on file is from several years ago and went no where.

[Stu from NYC]

From one Nee Yorker to another try Ipanema Buffet in Leesburg across from Nisson dealer. It’s a buffet and the food is always fresh and hot.

There is an Ipanema Brazilian Steak house in Ocala is that what you mean? Nothing else even close according to waze.

[mjkspear]

Yummy House is my suggestion also. Good food.

[rmd2]

I like PF Chang's in Winter Park.

[Chi-Town]

For more good Chinese food, try Sakura in Spanish Springs--it is hibatchi and is excellent and you get plenty of food for a decent price.

Sakura is a Japanese restaurant.

[JSR22]

There is an Ipanema Brazilian Steak house in Ocala is that what you mean? Nothing else even close according to waze.

Ichiban

[Dilligas]

I can not believe how many responders mix and confuse Chinese with Japanese. They are very different in taste and presentation. Good Japanese restaurants that have chinese are generally only adequate for chinese. Same for good Chinese that have Japanese sushi rolls....generally less than adequate. I have a hard time trusting any of those recommendations. I understand....I am from Texas, so if you recommend Mexican (Tex-Mex), you better have lived in Texas, Arizona, or Southern California before offering praise.

[bpascani]

I don't eat Chinese, because it is SO high in sodium! Used to enjoy it, decades ago, but, no more.

[Stu from NYC]

I don't eat Chinese, because it is SO high in sodium! Used to enjoy it, decades ago, but, no more.

You should ask for the low sodium version

[Moonrunner]

IMHO there’s no good Chinese food here, but ok Chinese food. We go to Cheng’s On 466.

YUMMY HOUSE in either Ocala or Gainseville is superb! True Chinese food:coolsmiley: and even dim sum on week-ends. Great atmosphere and service

[Heyitsrick]

There's plenty of mediocre Chinese food establishments in the NYC area, as well. Of course, there's a plethora of Chinese food places, so you will find good/great ones. But you'll find some real duds, too.

[chrissy2231]

China Gourmet Colony Plaza

[TandHSTAR@AOL.com]

So you are from New York? We are from Long Island. Good chinese food. Good pizza. Good bagels. Lox. Have learned after 23 yrs to stop looking. Yes there are decent mentioned above foods but unfortunately nothing compared. So enjoy what is here but keep.looking. Stay safe.

[bocaabend]

Yummy house in Ocala. The best!!!!!

[Leadbone1]

I’m from NY, lived in TV for the past 10 years and have yet to find a good Chinese food “eat in” restaurant local. Love Sakura at Colony Plaza and Bamboo Bistro near Target but they are Asian fusion. What about you, has anyone found one? Most Chinese restaurants are take out and not all that good.

Koyame!

[Stu from NYC]

So you are from New York? We are from Long Island. Good chinese food. Good pizza. Good bagels. Lox. Have learned after 23 yrs to stop looking. Yes there are decent mentioned above foods but unfortunately nothing compared. So enjoy what is here but keep.looking. Stay safe.

Sams does have pretty good lox. Have to purchase it in larger packages than I would prefer but it does freeze well.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Another vote for Koyame.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

There is a Chinatown in Orlando on West Colonial Drive. I'm sure that there are a lot of good Chinese restaurants there. We've mostly eating in the Korean and Japanese restaurants down there.

Everyone thinks that they know what great Chinese food is. I've been to China and what they eat there is nothing like what we eat here.

Also, taste in Chinese food is like taste in pizza. It depends on where you're from. The Chinese food and pizza in Boston is very different from that in Chicago or Los Angeles.

You tend to like what you grew up with so if it's different than that you probably won't like it.

I ordered Chow Mein in Manila and was shocked that what I got. Nothing like what you'd get here.

[Drammy]

Chengs disappointed me also. Only steamed dumplings we're good.

[mike1921]

Not Chinese but Thai Rubi in Sumter Landing is pretty good and like an earlier poster said - good is the highest rating for the villages

[New Englander]

Miss Kowloon on route 1! (Saugus?)

Near the Hilltop?

[hipplepi]

last week order out from Sakura big disappointment
5 pieces of meat 8 peas very expensive.
used to eat in then ,orders were great What happened ?

Bronx boy! Pizza next..,

[Medtrans]

Not Chinese but Thai Rubi in Sumter Landing is pretty good and like an earlier poster said - good is the highest rating for the villages

Ate there last week. Pretty bad actually except the soup.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I want chow mein like in Boston... white celery bamboo shoots and noodles on bottom!! What is the chow mein here!! I’ve thought of calling Kowloons and shipping a crate frozen here but ridiculous idea.

I believe that Kowloon has closed.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

For more good Chinese food, try Sakura in Spanish Springs--it is hibatchi and is excellent and you get plenty of food for a decent price.

Sakura is a Japanese restaurant.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Not Chinese but Thai Rubi in Sumter Landing is pretty good and like an earlier poster said - good is the highest rating for the villages

We got take out from there a few months ago. I will never eat there again. The worst Thai food I've ever had.

It's difficult to find Thai restaurants in this area. Even driving to Ocala or Orlando. There just don't seem to be a lot of Thai.

We search all over the Asian area on West Colonial Drive in Orlando and couldn't find Thai.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Near the Hilltop?

The Hilltop is closed. Kowloon is a few miles south of where The Hilltop once stood.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

last week order out from Sakura big disappointment
5 pieces of meat 8 peas very expensive.
used to eat in then ,orders were great What happened ?

Bronx boy! Pizza next..,

We've ordered dinner to take out twice since the pandemic and it was great both times.

What did you order?

[Stu from NYC]

We got take out from there a few months ago. I will never eat there again. The worst Thai food I've ever had.

It's difficult to find Thai restaurants in this area. Even driving to Ocala or Orlando. There just don't seem to be a lot of Thai.

We search all over the Asian area on West Colonial Drive in Orlando and couldn't find Thai.

Ever been to Kayame? Find the Thai food to be excellent.

[Chi-Town]

Cheng's carry out is packaged in the extreme. Tight fitting containers for soup and meals and bagged in a way for easy transport. And good Chinese food to boot.

[Graspher]

I spent 40 weekends a year - for 2 years - in Chinatown NY accompanied by a Taiwan born and raised (for 35 years before coming to America) companion. We ordered all our meals from the script lining the walls near the ceiling - never from a menu and not from anything written in English. That's my background related to "chinese" dining.

Like many posters have stated before me - there is no good Asian dining in the bubble. My apologies to the Koyame lovers - IMHO Koyame is just ok. When I'm desperate I will go there - all the other bubble bowls are lousy. I've been to most of them and won't return.

I haven't been to Yummy House (yet) or the Orlando circuit.

Best thing to do is try all these places for yourself - that's the only way to find what will work for you.

[CFrance]

Yummy House in Ocala. Just off I-75 on Rte. 200. EXCELLENT!
Have you been to the dine in part lately? I would be interested to know how they are handling distancing/masks/gloves, etc. For instance, at Carabba's two weeks ago (went for lunch with bubble friend), the servers were wearing masks and gloves. The girl at the front desk was wearing a mask too, but then she tried to seat us in a booth right behind another party. We asked for a table across the room. They did not appear to have any tables or booths blocked off. However, there were few people there, or we wouldn't have stayed.

I would like to give Yummy a try. Their menu looks great. But I don't want to drive 40 minutes to get takeout.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Ever been to Kayame? Find the Thai food to be excellent.

I've never been to Koyame many times. I love their Chinese food. I think I ordered Pad Thai once and wasn't happy with it.

[CFrance]

I've never been to Koyame many times. I love their Chinese food. I think I ordered Pad Thai once and wasn't happy with it.
Me too. I've been there once and had pad Thai. It was very tasteless.


I would go back to try other dishes.

[Dana1963]

Most Villagers will only support restaurants that are CHEAP, probably the best quality with consistent fast is Panda Express. There are several Chinese sit down restaurants no styrofoam in Orlando and Tampa but you must leave the bubble.

[Stu from NYC]

Me too. I've been there once and had pad Thai. It was very tasteless.


I would go back to try other dishes.

We are all very different. My wife loves their pad Thai. I find their Thai chicken to be excellent not too spicy just enough.

[Aloha1]

Thai Ruby is the most bland Thai I've ever tasted. Certainly dumbed down for what they think Villagers want. FACT OF LIFE: As we get older our taste buds decrease. MORE spice adds flavor we can taste.

Making Pad Thai at home is not difficult. Rice noodles, dry roasted peanuts, Thai Kitchen Pad Thai sauce, Green Onion, a package of cole slaw mix or Asian salad mix sans the dressing., shrimp and chicken cut into bite size pieces, and a squeeze of lime at the end and you have it. Add whatever chili pepper you'd like or some fresh ginger and garlic.

[bluedog103]

Good luck finding good Chinese or Italian anywhere near TV.
I spent most of my working life in Downtown NYC. We were in Chinatown or Little Italy very frequently. Unfortunately those days are gone. I realize that the good food from my working days are long gone.
The good news is that we still have a N.Y. home do we can get our fix when we’re up north. Interestingly, the best Italian food is no longer found in Little Italy but it is alive and well on Arthur Ave in the Bronx.

[Ecuadog]

Has anyone tried the new Sunrise Asian Restaurant in Trailwinds Village plaza on 466A?

[Sensei]

Yummy House....Ocala

[JSR22]

Has anyone tried the new Sunrise Asian Restaurant in Trailwinds Village plaza on 466A?

We have ordered food twice and it was good. If you like very spicy tell them when ordering.

[vinricci]

We found Koyame food nice presentation but tasteless.

[xcaligirl]

We like Kayame but now it is take out.
Definitely our favorite! Food is fresh!

[Stu from NYC]

Has anyone tried the new Sunrise Asian Restaurant in Trailwinds Village plaza on 466A?

We were there about a month ago.

Not a good experience.

Took 30 minutes for them to take our order and just under an hour to get it. Not nearly enough employees either taking orders or cooking.

Did not ask for spicy but everything was rather hot.

My wife loves pad Thai (which has always been mild) and has had it all over the US. For the first time it was so spicy she could not eat it.

Tried to look up a website to tell them but website had no way to contact them so let it go.

In any case thought Thai at Kayame is better so will keep going there.

[JSR22]

We were there about a month ago.

Not a good experience.

Took 30 minutes for them to take our order and just under an hour to get it. Not nearly enough employees either taking orders or cooking.

Did not ask for spicy but everything was rather hot.

My wife loves pad Thai (which has always been mild) and has had it all over the US. For the first time it was so spicy she could not eat it.

Tried to look up a website to tell them but website had no way to contact them so let it go.

In any case thought Thai at Kayame is better so will keep going there.

I find Koyame tasteless. Sunrise I ordered on line and was ready when it was suppose to be. Their hot and sour soup is excellent.

[Pinball wizard]

From one Nee Yorker to another try Ipanema Buffet in Leesburg across from Nisson dealer. It’s a buffet and the food is always fresh and hot.

You are thinking of Ichiban, across from the Nissan dealer in Leesburg. Ipanema is the Brazilian Rodizio in Ocala, which BTW. Is EXCELLENT!

[Pinball wizard]

Yummy House....Ocala

This is a good choice is you are willing to drive. This is especially true for weekend brunch when they serve Dim Sum! Yummy Yummy

[davem4616]

there is no good "Chinese food" down here...we've looked for it for over 20 years in Florida
ya gotta go back north for that

[kaseydog]

We like Kayame but now it is take out.

No.1 Chinese Food 2949 Traverse Trail has a new owner. Tried it today. If you like Koyame(?) you'll like this.

[Pairadocs]

I’m from NY, lived in TV for the past 10 years and have yet to find a good Chinese food “eat in” restaurant local. Love Sakura at Colony Plaza and Bamboo Bistro near Target but they are Asian fusion. What about you, has anyone found one? Most Chinese restaurants are take out and not all that good.

Frankly, NO ! Not sure why, but just find various "Asian fusion", mixes. Some passing, but no, no really REALLY good authentic Chinese carryout like "back home".

[Lonnieme2]

Well, one of my favorite things in life is eating and before COVID-19, my husband I would got out to eat at least three times per week, maybe more. I had hopes for the food around the Villages but after reading the replies, I realize that we may be disappointed when we get there. We ate at the Japanese Steakhouse at Lake Sumpter during out 2019 visit and although everyone else has said that they like it, we were not impressed. Maybe it was a bad day for them or a bad day for us!
The one (and only) good thing about where we current live outside of Atlanta is the array of food choices and the quality. A place that does not meet expectation will not be around for long and will be replaced with something better. The Villages will not be perfect and I know that some things must be sacrificed as life is a give and take. Maybe once we get there I will lose weight!!! :-)

[Pairadocs]

I spent 40 weekends a year - for 2 years - in Chinatown NY accompanied by a Taiwan born and raised (for 35 years before coming to America) companion. We ordered all our meals from the script lining the walls near the ceiling - never from a menu and not from anything written in English. That's my background related to "chinese" dining.

Like many posters have stated before me - there is no good Asian dining in the bubble. My apologies to the Koyame lovers - IMHO Koyame is just ok. When I'm desperate I will go there - all the other bubble bowls are lousy. I've been to most of them and won't return.




I haven't been to Yummy House (yet) or the Orlando circuit.

Best thing to do is try all these places for yourself - that's the only way to find what will work for you.


We feel much the same as you. We quit really looking and hoping some years ago now, however, do agree that Yummy House tucked away in a plaza like location in Ocala is "decent". A dine in with an extensive menu, and they seem to do a really big take out at the front reception counter from what we've seen when eating there. It's worth a try, for us, about as good as can be found around here.

[Neils]

There are no good Chinese restaurants in the bubble how you could possibly ever compared to New York City. In fact I will say the reason is because people here are too cheap and the restaurants here understand that. If you look at it and egg roll but you will get here it is half the size with no meat inside of it. Fried rice has very little vegetables or cut up roast pork. There are probably 6 or so good New York style restaurants in Florida I have found why not south of Cocoa Beach and several towards Miami. There is also 1 in Leesburg that is takeout only. he is from New York. The problem is cost and cheapest survive in Senior town

It is a great place. So why not go back to NY?? Many people never leave there.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Koyame.

I think that pretty much all of them are Asian Fusion these days.

With the popularity of Thai food and sushi, many Chinese restaurants have added some of those dishes to their menus.

[xkeowner]

Well, one of my favorite things in life is eating and before COVID-19, my husband I would got out to eat at least three times per week, maybe more. I had hopes for the food around the Villages but after reading the replies, I realize that we may be disappointed when we get there. We ate at the Japanese Steakhouse at Lake Sumpter during out 2019 visit and although everyone else has said that they like it, we were not impressed. Maybe it was a bad day for them or a bad day for us!
The one (and only) good thing about where we current live outside of Atlanta is the array of food choices and the quality. A place that does not meet expectation will not be around for long and will be replaced with something better. The Villages will not be perfect and I know that some things must be sacrificed as life is a give and take. Maybe once we get there I will lose weight!!! :-)

Don't despair, there are at least decent restaurants in The Villages area. We have been here just over ten years and have lived four years in the far east and six years in Europe. We went to VKI shortly after we arrived and have never returned. Thai Ruby is Thai in name only. Restaurants inside The Villages cater to both the budgets and tastes (often bland) of retirees. For most "ethnic" cuisines we dine outside the bubble.

Many laud the Italian and Chinese in NYC as the "gold standard." They may be correct, as I have never been to NYC to have a basis for comparison. For many of them, the NYC versions of those cuisines may have been their only exposure and thus set their standards, actually authentic or not. Besides both cuisines have differences depending upon the region in the countries, so for which region are they claiming authenticity.

I have had both cuisines much closer to their origins as well as other locations in the world. We feel there are many good ethnic restaurants within 60 minutes drive from The Villages and we are willing to take the drive. The drive is part of our retirement activities.

Bottom line, be adventurous and get outside of the bubble. The Villages Gourmet website lists hundreds of possibilities and despite their diligence and dedication we know of a few they do not have listed.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Try the Yummy House in Ocala.... Authentic Chinese food

You've obviously never been to China. Most Americans have no idea what authentic Chinese food is.

I've never been to a Chinese restaurant in this country that serves authentic Chinese food.

As for all this talk about NY Chines food, people's taste in Chinese food, and pizza for that matter depends on where you come from and what you're used to. I'm from Boston. I've eaten Chinese food in New York City and tough it was terrible.

And by the way, I've eaten Chinese food in China and did not like it. It was not at all what I expected. What is called Chow Mein here, in The Villages or in Boston or in New York is very different than what is Chow Mein in Bejing.

For some reason Chinese food is different in every state in the country. It's all what you're used to. If it's not like what you had at home, get used to it because you're not going to find that here. It's not that it's bad, it's just different.

[Stu from NYC]

You've obviously never been to China. Most Americans have no idea what authentic Chinese food is.

I've never been to a Chinese restaurant in this country that serves authentic Chinese food.

As for all this talk about NY Chines food, people's taste in Chinese food, and pizza for that matter depends on where you come from and what you're used to. I'm from Boston. I've eaten Chinese food in New York City and tough it was terrible.

And by the way, I've eaten Chinese food in China and did not like it. It was not at all what I expected. What is called Chow Mein here, in The Villages or in Boston or in New York is very different than what is Chow Mein in Bejing.

For some reason Chinese food is different in every state in the country. It's all what you're used to. If it's not like what you had at home, get used to it because you're not going to find that here. It's not that it's bad, it's just different.

I have been to China many times for work and food is night and day from what we have here. Most Americans would not know what to make of it.

Personally I enjoy it but was a culture shock the first time I was there.

BTW in China no such thing as egg rolls or lomein. Chinese look down on simple noodle dishes.

[Aloha1]

Very true about regional differences in Chinese cooking. We've been to China ( Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai) The cooking was different in each city and unlike what you get in the US.

On Maui, there is a restaurant called China Boat owned and run by a couple from Taiwan. The sauces they use on their dishes are unlike anything I have tasted anywhere else. Boy, do I miss it.

[raynan]

So where do you get good potato knishes at a reasonable price.

Only thing we have found is Gabila at Publix price is very very high.

TooJays has knishes.

[raynan]

Cheng's on 466 is closest to what we were used to in Boston and we like Bamboo Bistro also.

[bobdeb]

I had Mexican in Tijuana... (Seriously, but no comment please.)

There are a number of Chinese restaurants here with the very same menu. I've tried more than a few and I can't say I'm dying to go back.

I would gladly pay more for better quality Chinese food like back home... and I'm from New England, not NYC.

[Stu from NYC]

TooJays has knishes.

Do not care for that style of knishes.

We bought several dozen of potato and kosher from Gabila by mail order a few months ago. We even qualified for their knish club.:bigbow:

[Taltarzac725]

Angela Dimayuga’s 10 Essential Filipino Recipes - The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/07/dining/filipino-food-recipes-angela-dimayuga.html)

I was wondering with all the Filipino nurses in this area if there are any good Filipino restaurants in this area? The Villages or surrounding area?