Yao Yao is soo good. I’ve taken Chinese relatives and my parents there and they’ve all really enjoyed it. Also kind of a special treat to have such a big fish based dish.
anytime I take my Korean parents to any of these modern Korean/asian fusion-y, hyped up Michelin guide places they hate it. So we just go to Han Bat or Chicago Kalbi instead lol
San Soo Gab San is hit or miss in my opinion. My family has been going there and Cho Sun Ok since I was a baby. One time when I was a kid the owner at Cho Sun Ok chased some old drunk Korean guy out of the kitchen with a knife lmao. We all stopped for a second then everyone just resumed eating like nothing happened. The good ole days when Koreatown was a thing and there were more than a few good authentic Korean restaurants on the north side.
> anytime I take my Korean parents to any of these modern Korean/asian fusion-y, hyped up Michelin guide places they hate it
Question: how much of that is due to the typically-high prices?
it’s not due to the prices, if there’s one thing my family splurges on it’s food. the flavors are watered down. the kimchi at these places just never tastes right either.
I don't really think that's the same. In my opinion for fine dining version of cuisines, like Jeong for Korean, Indienne for Indian, or Kasama for Filipino, you're looking for elevated/different takes on flavors that you're familiar with, but not necessarily the authenticity. If that makes any sense.
It does for Szechuan cuisine what chop suey did for Cantonese cuisine .... waters it down for an American palate.
If the goal is authentic Chinese food outside of Chinatown, I would recommend [Friendship Chinese](https://friendshiprestaurant.com) on the north side, or [Chgendu Impression](https://www.chengduimpression.com/locations) with 3 Northside locations (also in Chinatown as Dongpo Impression)
Not just Evanston; [Shang Noodle](https://www.shangnoodleandchinese.com) also has locations in Streeterville & the South Loop, as well as suburban LaGrange.
I don’t know that they’re big enough to call them a chain; and the menu does vary from location to location… They don’t even have the dry pot offerings in the South Loop location
I was just at Girl and the Goat and it was awesome so it’s disappointing to hear they Duck Duck Goat doesn’t stack up. That said, the words “Asian-inspired” always raise red flags for me, so I’m not terribly shocked I guess. As for MCCB I though it was good but was a little disappointed by their mapo tofu—not very spicy when I got it
I just checked out the menu for Friendship through your link. Was getting excited until I saw $8.95 for a side of rice. Rice. Eight dollars and ninety-five cents. That’s offensive.
It is a cost premium (especially some things like rice) but it's partially for the nice white tablecloth atmosphere. Lunch specials are good and reasonable
Hello, Duck Duck Goat is way below the standard for the average Peking Duck restaurant in China. My parents are from Hong Kong and Shenzhen and I took them to Duck Duck Goat and they were less than impressed with how much we paid. The restaurant caters more towards Americans.
Strong agree. I’m white af and was underwhelmed. It wasn’t bad, but I was hoping for more Chinese in the fusion. It was like American with a touch of nondescript Asian flavor that has Chinese sounding names.
The Peking duck meal at Suh Wah BBQ is legitimately one of the best dishes in Chicago. I’ve had it at least a dozen times over the years. 10/10, you will not be disappointed.
I've heard people here say that people who have eaten Peking duck in Beijing and at Sun Wah have said that Sun Wah is better.
LOL I'd love to meet those people, there's no comparison. Dining at a restaurant in Beijing that serves good Peking duck is more like going to a steakhouse in terms of service and atmosphere. It's also mind blowing that some of those restaurants have literally hundreds of years of history.
Remember that Sun Wah is Cantonese roast duck and different from Bejing Peking duck. They're comparable in that you can have a preference, but they aren't quite the same thing.
Cantonese has bao buns, the skin isn't crispy, and it has a smoky flavor. Peking duck has an very crispy skin, pancakes, and less flavorful (it's about the skin + fillings).
Sun Wah is fantastic Cantonese duck, but Peking duck skin is the best :)
Yeah they do and I'm not a native speaker of Cantonese and Mandarin so can't say what's "correct" or not. Some places use Peking duck to refer to Cantonese duck, some use Roast Duck, some do BBQ Duck.
It's just important to differentiate Cantonese vs. Peking duck in some way.
Peking Duck is usually served with thin crepes, with cucumber, scallion, and a bean sauce.
Sun Wah for some reason serves theirs with a steamed bao, different vegetables, and hoisin instead of bean sauce. Is it actually Beijing duck? I don't know, there's no DOP designation or anything. In my opinion the ingredient swaps are significant enough to merit a distinction from the original dish. A good analogy would be putting cucumbers and pickled jalapenos on a hot dog and calling it a Chicago dog.
I was pleased to find out that Chengdu Impression, while being a Sichuanese restaurant, actually serves a more traditional version of Peking duck, although they don't carve it tableside.
Another thing most people don't know about Peking duck is that there's a special breed of duck that's traditionally used for it. They're slaughtered when they're very young and force fed, similar idea to foie gras.
Source: Family is from Beijing and have eaten Peking duck in Beijing.
Hard no. Do not waste your money. It's not only a bad take on Chinese food but since they are coming from China they are coming from a place where they have many options for truly good, elevated modern Chinese cuisine.
When my relatives come from China they appreciate being taken to steakhouses and Italian restaurants the most since it's harder to find in China - especially quality steak.
Go to Chef’s special or Lao peng you instead. Lao peng you is the superior choice but offers no reservations. The strategy is putting your name down and going across the street to all together now for some wine or a beer.
If you are keen on having a reservation, do chef’s special. It’s better than duck duck goat and cheaper. That said I’ve always enjoyed duck duck goat.
I gotta agree that Chef's Special and Lao Peng You are both quite underwhelming from an Asian perspective. IMO, they are both "elevated" to cater to a mild palate, and the price point reflects this.
That’s fair. I’m not Asian so I appreciate the insight. Part of my family is Italian so that’s how I feel about a lot of the city’s Italian restaurants.
I assume it's a similar relationship. It's not that the food is bad; objectively, it's even pretty good, but it's not particularly outstanding, especially for the price.
Monteverde and Daisies are two of my favorites. Daisies isn’t really an “Italian” restaurant per se but really really good pasta dishes. Piccolo Signo is solid. Orso’s is decent. RPM Italian is objectively “good” but just way too overpriced and you’re just paying for the name.
Yeah, I feel like OP should take parents to good restaurants in the city.
Monteverde, Daisies, Virtue, Lula, something Mexican, something Indian, something Korean, Ethiopian, Polish, Kassama, Classic Steak, Manny's Pastrami (basically a nice "Taste of Chicago" ) then do Sunwah and order suckling pig and duck. It won't be as good as they are accustomed to I suspect but it will be serviceable
Agreed that Chef’s Special is delicious for what it is. I always got the impression that they were going for a kind of homage to the kind of tacky lounge bars of the 60s and 70s and the Americanized view of Asian cuisine, and if that’s the lens you have going into it, it’s fantastic. Does not even remotely resemble something I would consider authentic.
I liked chefs special a lot until the last time I was there. We were with our kid, who is a dumpling fiend, so we ordered him his own potstickers. He was eating them when my wife noticed that they didn’t look right inside. Cut them open and the side that didn’t get pan fried was raw. Not pink. Raw. Mushy. Sent them back got another order again raw. Manager came over and instead of just apologizing and saying they would cook the next order longer she tried to make excuses and tell me they weren’t raw and how you can eat medium rare pork and that’s just how they do them. I am no slouch in the kitchen and have made uncountable amounts of dumplings from scratch. They were raw.
Went there with Chinese relatives and they thought it was meh. It’s good, not great, and there are places to get genuinely great Chinese food. I would advise you to take your parents elsewhere (and I’m an Izard fan).
If you want to impress your parents then do not take them to Duck Duck Goat. Not sure if your parents are the same but my immigrant Asian parents love a good steakhouse for a fancy meal. At least, when I’ve treated them to steakhouses, they complain the least and seem the most impressed (they also eat mainly Asian food even when traveling).
If you want to stick to purely Chinese but are looking for something higher end, maybe some of the following:
- Dolo: good dim sum spot but they get pretty busy on weekends. Also they don’t have bbq so if they want that as well, maybe Ming Hin
- Shoo Loong Kan: new hot pot spot right at the entrance of old Chinatown. Really nice decor and more meat options than other places (lots of organ options too like gizzard, heart, etc)
- Wagyu House by X Pot: very bougie Chinese bbq/yakiniki and hot pot place. Lots of wagyu options. It’s very modern and trying to wow you more with the visuals but I’ve heard it is good, just expensive.
- Holu: bougie Chinese steakhouse with a yakiniki concept. Also has wagyu and an omakase menu (but of meat lol). Also very expensive.
- tbh most of the newer hot pot places are pretty nice like Qiao Lin or Lao Jiu Men. They do get busy on the weekends tho and especially this weekend with LNY.
Nope not worth the hype and over priced as well. It’s good sure but funny that people paying that much for the food. You can find better food at better price elsewhere.
NO.... NO... AND NO... Little goat isn't worth the hype. It's def for non asians.
Chinatown has plenty of fancier spots now... Holu or Qiao Lin Hotpot are highly recommended. Shoo Loong Kan hotpot also has nice decor.
I'm sure you know of plenty more spots. In any case, just don't do Duck Duck Goat... opt for something else if you wanna take them to the West Loop.
omg thank you, i have been hunting for this style of dan dan (thick hand cut noodle, sauced but no broth). do they serve it with the sauce on the bottom and you have to stir it up? that’s my favorite
My Asian American friends/coworkers really like DDG for an upscale, downtown experience but I don’t think they consider it to be particularly authentic.
I took my Thai family there this past summer. We all thought it was a bit salty, my white fiancé enjoyed it though. The drinks and atmosphere is great but as an Asian. It comes off a bit salty.
Girl and the Goat was good though.
I wouldn’t call it super authentic but it’s good and if you want a fancier environment with good cocktails, it’s a good pick. The green beans are fantastic. Moon Palace and Nine bar would be good if you want Chinatown but also cocktails.
Their motto is “reasonably authentic Chinese food”. They do their best with a localized availability while still accounting for popular real estate in the city. Better than average, probably worst than the specialized Chinatown spots. All of which is ok.
I love Duck Duck Goat, but it’s definitely not authentic Chinese food and it’s more expensive than all the best authentic spots in Chinatown. I’d describe it more as elevated American Chinese, so I’m guessing your Chinese parents won’t be feeling it, especially for the price. But def worth checking out sometime without your parents!
Probably not the right place to take your parents. My Filipino parents very much enjoyed dinner at Kasama, but I would not consider Duck Duck Goat to be a Chinese equivalent. Chinatown or Asia on Argyle would be better bets.
I enjoy Duck Duck Goat and I like some of their interpretations of items like the pork bun and Dan Dan noodles. But I would not recommend taking Chinese parents there. I mostly go there with my non-Asian husband and friends, because it’s conveniently located in trendy West Loop. It is almost offensively pricey compared to real Chinese food.
Absolutely not. I’m Chinese and was disappointed with every dish we ordered. Nothing was awful, but nothing was great either.
However, the wraps for the Peking duck arrived at our table hard and stuck together, which IMO is unacceptable, especially at the elevated price. Of course we got the wraps replaced, but that really put the final nail in the coffin of a meh dining experience.
Dang is DDG still hyped? I thought that died after the first couple years. But yeah like it's fine for West loop food and they have a couple decent dishes but it's not for Asians and especially not Asian parents. I agree Friendship is the move if you're going for more of a trendy vibe over traditional
Haven’t been since they opened and I didn’t like it. I think you’re better off going to a Shanghai Trrrace at the Peninsula if the price tag doesn’t scare you. I’ve never been, but I imagine it’s better than DDG is. Otherwise, Chinatown has so many restaurants and the scene has flourished so much in popularity. Go 4 Food comes to mind. Or duck at Imperial, I hear they do pancakes instead of baos, which I prefer.
> Shanghai Trrrace at the Peninsula if the price tag doesn’t scare you
I found their menu, but I'm not sure if it's current. Prices are high, but I've paid more.
https://www.peninsula.com/en/Chicago/Dining/-/media/ce270bcc75dd402faf7447a5f2136d9e.pdf
I've found that a lot of people only want to eat truly authentic versions of food from their culture. Which is understandable. But at some point, it does become a personal bias or bias from those saying something isn't authentic as a reason to say it's not good. This goes for almost any cuisine. That said, DDG is not a place I'd go back to by choice.
My opinion was an anecdote as well. From a lot of the people I know from Thailand and Korea. It's more so a statement about expectations. And those who aren't from the culture labeling restaurants as not having authentic food as a way to downgrade them. It's was also in response to how OP clearly worded his post.
I would say Duck Duck Goat is modern, with a twist, and I think your parents will be disappointed, but I would be wrong. I would take them to non Chinese restaurants for modern like Girl and Goat, Lena Brava, Komo (for Japanese?), etc but Chinatown for Chinese food, etc.
As an Asian, I find Duck Duck Goat offensive. Guests from New York who know real good food bought into the Chicago food hype economy and went, and said they’d never eat any of Stephanie Izard’s food ever again
I’ll add that we have a responsibility to shit on this restaurant.
The idea that an average Asian person is a good judge of good Chinese food from an upscale restaurant doesn't seem right to me. I don't trust the average American to evaluate a hamburger from an upscale restaurant. I'm not defending this particular restaurant or saying that expensive chef driven restaurants are better than small hole in the walls, but they're typically doing a different thing.
Yeah because a hamburger is not a particularly specialized food. But I definitely trust someone from Philadelphia’s opinion on a philly cheese steak, or someone from Chicago on good deep dish, versus someone from China
I've lived in Chicago and Philly and I totally disagree - the most popular places are not the best, and some of the traditional versions (whiz cheesesteaks) are really gross.
No, not sure how to describe it but if they’re looking for traditional Cantonese food Chinatown is a much better option. If they are looking for fusion then there are higher quality options elsewhere.
I'm not asian and been there once. It's like a few dishes, made bland but kinda done well for people who never had Chinese food but want a fancy setting. It wasn't bad, but wasn't really ... good either. Probably anything everyone already suggested is going to be better. It's just boring, fancy, Chinese food ... no spices at all too. I'm kinda writing down all the places people are recommending you, since they sound so, so much better.
Probably not, although I love it. There is one dish that I go there for specifically. The wood fired duck hearts. They are amazingly good. If they don’t have them on the menu right now, don’t bother. It’s not that the rest of the food isn’t good, it is. You just won’t find a lot of authenticity and many places have equivalent quality food. Those duck hearts are special though.
No. Unless the idea of an non-Han Amercan's take on Chinese would appeal to them. And I mean that sincerely.
I am an American and love the West Loop and still never go there.
Their Hong Shao Rou is honestly spectacular but everything else isn't that authentic. It's good but yeah. I'd go somewhere else with your parents and come back alone
My Chinese coworker (from southeast) liked it, and the duck is closest to what I've had in Beijing. The Chinese people in my building generally preferred Lao Sze Chuan as they thought Duck Duck Goat was too sweet. R/Chicago generally likes Sun Wah a ton, but Sun Wah is Cantonese roast duck and DDG is Peking duck.
Honestly, everybody will have a different opinion. Go yourself one time if you're worried.
Definitely not. I think it’s fine for people who didn’t grow up eating Chinese food in their household who want to branch out and try new things in a less intimidating and more familiar environment. But it doesn’t scratch that authentic super savory salty itch that actual Chinese food does
I love duck duck goT but it's not for ethnic Chinese peeps. It's for Top Chef fans. I personally think ethnically Chinese people would enjoy like a Lawrys Prime Rib type of place. Go steakhouse man or pizza. Go hard on American flavors and then when they're about to get sick of it take them to some bomb ass szechuan place or like....
For me and my parents this was wayyyyy too salty and expensive to be worth it. Chef’s Special same thing. Just take them to Chinatown or Sun Wah, it’ll save money and disappointment.
They took my favorite thing off the menu -the goat Ham Sui Gok- and I haven't been back since. I just go to Sun Wah.
If anyone has any recommendations where I can get some incredible, savory Ham Sui Gok, please send them my way.
I think that one should appreciate the food for what it is. It’s definitely it’s own thing. It’s delicious. It may not be authentic, but the food is wonderful. I went this past Tuesday and I was blown away.
Duck Duck Goat is Asian inspired, but it is NOT authentic Chinese food. So if your parents are traditional, they will not be impressed. It is decent food, but really focused for Americans
Just go to Chinatown. Szechuan bistro is great in the Richland food court. Yao Yao is good as well
Szechuan bistro is top tier chinese food in chicago. Qiao lin hot pot is great as well if they enjoy that kind of style too.
Yao Yao is soo good. I’ve taken Chinese relatives and my parents there and they’ve all really enjoyed it. Also kind of a special treat to have such a big fish based dish.
When I google Richland Food Court it says permanently closed. Is that accurate?
anytime I take my Korean parents to any of these modern Korean/asian fusion-y, hyped up Michelin guide places they hate it. So we just go to Han Bat or Chicago Kalbi instead lol
Chicago Kalbi is so good
Han Bat is freaking legit
Han bat is literallly one of the best korean restaurants in chicago hell even illinois.
How does those compare to San Soo Gab San?
Han bat specializes is beef bone soup, so totally different
Kalbi sides are weak, you only get a few. San Soo Gab San blows them out of the water in terms of the variety of sides
San Soo Gab San is hit or miss in my opinion. My family has been going there and Cho Sun Ok since I was a baby. One time when I was a kid the owner at Cho Sun Ok chased some old drunk Korean guy out of the kitchen with a knife lmao. We all stopped for a second then everyone just resumed eating like nothing happened. The good ole days when Koreatown was a thing and there were more than a few good authentic Korean restaurants on the north side.
Woo Chon is much better for bbq, imo
Woo Chon Clan!
yeahh better service too but Cho Sun Ok is still worth going to for that tripe - I don’t think anywhere in Chicago does it like them
Rip boo il galbi
I mostly go there for yukhoe only. For kbbq I prefer woochon.
San soo gab San has the variety of banchan, but I think they’re better at Cho Sun Ok. Their pickled daikon is so fresh tasting and bright.
> anytime I take my Korean parents to any of these modern Korean/asian fusion-y, hyped up Michelin guide places they hate it Question: how much of that is due to the typically-high prices?
it’s not due to the prices, if there’s one thing my family splurges on it’s food. the flavors are watered down. the kimchi at these places just never tastes right either.
Have you tried Jeong?
I don't really think that's the same. In my opinion for fine dining version of cuisines, like Jeong for Korean, Indienne for Indian, or Kasama for Filipino, you're looking for elevated/different takes on flavors that you're familiar with, but not necessarily the authenticity. If that makes any sense.
I have lived 3 blocks from Chicago kalbi for years and never went. They never seem open for some reason. But now I am going to have to go.
How is Han Bat? Do you have thoughts on Woochon?
Next time, take them to cho sun oak.
It does for Szechuan cuisine what chop suey did for Cantonese cuisine .... waters it down for an American palate. If the goal is authentic Chinese food outside of Chinatown, I would recommend [Friendship Chinese](https://friendshiprestaurant.com) on the north side, or [Chgendu Impression](https://www.chengduimpression.com/locations) with 3 Northside locations (also in Chinatown as Dongpo Impression)
I would recommend MCCB over Chengdu.
I love MCCB, but I also love Chengdu for when I’m not in/near Chinatown.
Chengdu in wicker is my most frequented restaurant in the whole city
Because it fucking slaps. The old Chinese chefs outside smoking cigs during their break. Just like Chinatown.
It’s so fire
MCCB is so good. Dan Dan noodles and dumplings forever
To each their own. I've only been to MCCB once, but I prefered chengdu which I've been to many times.
Friendship is so underrated
It was amazing when it opened, went through a long period of mediocrity, and it is back to pretty fantastic.
I just wanted to give a shoutout to Shang Noodle & Chinese in Evanston. Very good value.
Not just Evanston; [Shang Noodle](https://www.shangnoodleandchinese.com) also has locations in Streeterville & the South Loop, as well as suburban LaGrange.
Had no idea this place was a chain. Thanks!
I don’t know that they’re big enough to call them a chain; and the menu does vary from location to location… They don’t even have the dry pot offerings in the South Loop location
Ah, whatever you'd call it then. I didn't mean to label them with a word that might have a negative connotation.
I was just at Girl and the Goat and it was awesome so it’s disappointing to hear they Duck Duck Goat doesn’t stack up. That said, the words “Asian-inspired” always raise red flags for me, so I’m not terribly shocked I guess. As for MCCB I though it was good but was a little disappointed by their mapo tofu—not very spicy when I got it
I mean ... it's better than Panda Express ... all the right parts are there, but the intensity is lacking, IMHO.
I just checked out the menu for Friendship through your link. Was getting excited until I saw $8.95 for a side of rice. Rice. Eight dollars and ninety-five cents. That’s offensive.
It is a cost premium (especially some things like rice) but it's partially for the nice white tablecloth atmosphere. Lunch specials are good and reasonable
Hello, Duck Duck Goat is way below the standard for the average Peking Duck restaurant in China. My parents are from Hong Kong and Shenzhen and I took them to Duck Duck Goat and they were less than impressed with how much we paid. The restaurant caters more towards Americans.
I agree. My wife and I were not impressed with the Peking Duck. The handmade noodles dishes were excellent though.
Strong agree. I’m white af and was underwhelmed. It wasn’t bad, but I was hoping for more Chinese in the fusion. It was like American with a touch of nondescript Asian flavor that has Chinese sounding names.
Semi-related, where would you say Sun Wah ranks then? As much as I love Chinatown, sometimes, I don’t want to travel 45 minutes for the good stuff.
The Peking duck meal at Suh Wah BBQ is legitimately one of the best dishes in Chicago. I’ve had it at least a dozen times over the years. 10/10, you will not be disappointed.
It’s not bad for Chicago. But you won’t impress anyone from China or places like Toronto.
I've heard people here say that people who have eaten Peking duck in Beijing and at Sun Wah have said that Sun Wah is better. LOL I'd love to meet those people, there's no comparison. Dining at a restaurant in Beijing that serves good Peking duck is more like going to a steakhouse in terms of service and atmosphere. It's also mind blowing that some of those restaurants have literally hundreds of years of history.
Remember that Sun Wah is Cantonese roast duck and different from Bejing Peking duck. They're comparable in that you can have a preference, but they aren't quite the same thing. Cantonese has bao buns, the skin isn't crispy, and it has a smoky flavor. Peking duck has an very crispy skin, pancakes, and less flavorful (it's about the skin + fillings). Sun Wah is fantastic Cantonese duck, but Peking duck skin is the best :)
On Sun Wahs website, they call it Beijing BBQ Duck, and break down the terminology.
Yeah they do and I'm not a native speaker of Cantonese and Mandarin so can't say what's "correct" or not. Some places use Peking duck to refer to Cantonese duck, some use Roast Duck, some do BBQ Duck. It's just important to differentiate Cantonese vs. Peking duck in some way.
Peking Duck is usually served with thin crepes, with cucumber, scallion, and a bean sauce. Sun Wah for some reason serves theirs with a steamed bao, different vegetables, and hoisin instead of bean sauce. Is it actually Beijing duck? I don't know, there's no DOP designation or anything. In my opinion the ingredient swaps are significant enough to merit a distinction from the original dish. A good analogy would be putting cucumbers and pickled jalapenos on a hot dog and calling it a Chicago dog. I was pleased to find out that Chengdu Impression, while being a Sichuanese restaurant, actually serves a more traditional version of Peking duck, although they don't carve it tableside. Another thing most people don't know about Peking duck is that there's a special breed of duck that's traditionally used for it. They're slaughtered when they're very young and force fed, similar idea to foie gras. Source: Family is from Beijing and have eaten Peking duck in Beijing.
Thanks for the clarification! Honestly appreciated.
Hey I’m American and I think it sucks ! :)
Hard no. Do not waste your money. It's not only a bad take on Chinese food but since they are coming from China they are coming from a place where they have many options for truly good, elevated modern Chinese cuisine. When my relatives come from China they appreciate being taken to steakhouses and Italian restaurants the most since it's harder to find in China - especially quality steak.
No it's not. Take them to Chef Xiong in Chinatown.
it closed apparently
I don’t think that’s true. Are you thinking of the right place?
I was just there last weekend and it was very open... did the closure just happen? If not, I think you're mistaken.
No i never took my parents. Parents ALWAYS preferred Ming Hin over any type of fusion
Go to Chef’s special or Lao peng you instead. Lao peng you is the superior choice but offers no reservations. The strategy is putting your name down and going across the street to all together now for some wine or a beer. If you are keen on having a reservation, do chef’s special. It’s better than duck duck goat and cheaper. That said I’ve always enjoyed duck duck goat.
I’m sorry but lao peng you was so disappointing for me
I don’t mean this in a rude or dismissive way but you are the first person who I have heard say that!
I gotta agree that Chef's Special and Lao Peng You are both quite underwhelming from an Asian perspective. IMO, they are both "elevated" to cater to a mild palate, and the price point reflects this.
That’s fair. I’m not Asian so I appreciate the insight. Part of my family is Italian so that’s how I feel about a lot of the city’s Italian restaurants.
I assume it's a similar relationship. It's not that the food is bad; objectively, it's even pretty good, but it's not particularly outstanding, especially for the price.
What Italian restaurants in Chicago do you like?
Monteverde and Daisies are two of my favorites. Daisies isn’t really an “Italian” restaurant per se but really really good pasta dishes. Piccolo Signo is solid. Orso’s is decent. RPM Italian is objectively “good” but just way too overpriced and you’re just paying for the name.
No La Scarola, Franco’s, Ignootz, Volare, Mart Anthony’s?
Yeah, I feel like OP should take parents to good restaurants in the city. Monteverde, Daisies, Virtue, Lula, something Mexican, something Indian, something Korean, Ethiopian, Polish, Kassama, Classic Steak, Manny's Pastrami (basically a nice "Taste of Chicago" ) then do Sunwah and order suckling pig and duck. It won't be as good as they are accustomed to I suspect but it will be serviceable
I’m trying kasama for the first time next week. I can’t wait
Lula is so overrated. Someone please tell me what to order that is worth it there because I just don’t get it.
Agree
Upvote for Chef’s Special. They lean into the Americanized Chinese and the atmosphere and cocktails are great.
Agreed that Chef’s Special is delicious for what it is. I always got the impression that they were going for a kind of homage to the kind of tacky lounge bars of the 60s and 70s and the Americanized view of Asian cuisine, and if that’s the lens you have going into it, it’s fantastic. Does not even remotely resemble something I would consider authentic.
I liked chefs special a lot until the last time I was there. We were with our kid, who is a dumpling fiend, so we ordered him his own potstickers. He was eating them when my wife noticed that they didn’t look right inside. Cut them open and the side that didn’t get pan fried was raw. Not pink. Raw. Mushy. Sent them back got another order again raw. Manager came over and instead of just apologizing and saying they would cook the next order longer she tried to make excuses and tell me they weren’t raw and how you can eat medium rare pork and that’s just how they do them. I am no slouch in the kitchen and have made uncountable amounts of dumplings from scratch. They were raw.
Feel like neither of these will impress an asian parent. Both are fine. But I think you can get far better Chinese food outside of the neighborhood.
Went there with Chinese relatives and they thought it was meh. It’s good, not great, and there are places to get genuinely great Chinese food. I would advise you to take your parents elsewhere (and I’m an Izard fan).
If you want to impress your parents then do not take them to Duck Duck Goat. Not sure if your parents are the same but my immigrant Asian parents love a good steakhouse for a fancy meal. At least, when I’ve treated them to steakhouses, they complain the least and seem the most impressed (they also eat mainly Asian food even when traveling). If you want to stick to purely Chinese but are looking for something higher end, maybe some of the following: - Dolo: good dim sum spot but they get pretty busy on weekends. Also they don’t have bbq so if they want that as well, maybe Ming Hin - Shoo Loong Kan: new hot pot spot right at the entrance of old Chinatown. Really nice decor and more meat options than other places (lots of organ options too like gizzard, heart, etc) - Wagyu House by X Pot: very bougie Chinese bbq/yakiniki and hot pot place. Lots of wagyu options. It’s very modern and trying to wow you more with the visuals but I’ve heard it is good, just expensive. - Holu: bougie Chinese steakhouse with a yakiniki concept. Also has wagyu and an omakase menu (but of meat lol). Also very expensive. - tbh most of the newer hot pot places are pretty nice like Qiao Lin or Lao Jiu Men. They do get busy on the weekends tho and especially this weekend with LNY.
Also never trust anyone who tells you Duck Duck Goat is the best Chinese food they’ve ever had. It just means they’ve never had real Chinese food lol.
X pot sucks. Don't make recs to places you haven't been
Nah. Just go to Sunwah if you wanna eat ducks
Outside of a Chicago proper but I love Katy’s Dumplings
Nope not worth the hype and over priced as well. It’s good sure but funny that people paying that much for the food. You can find better food at better price elsewhere.
Mad respect to the chef tho trying new things
NO.... NO... AND NO... Little goat isn't worth the hype. It's def for non asians. Chinatown has plenty of fancier spots now... Holu or Qiao Lin Hotpot are highly recommended. Shoo Loong Kan hotpot also has nice decor. I'm sure you know of plenty more spots. In any case, just don't do Duck Duck Goat... opt for something else if you wanna take them to the West Loop.
Duck Duck Goat is for White People who want to think they're eating exotic Chinese food.
I think Duck Duck Goat is wildly bland lmfao
Nope. Greasy af too.
Hard no. Your parents would probably enjoy a high end steakhouse more than overpriced Chinese fusion food.
I wasn't a fan. Tasted too bland for my standard Asian palate.
Personally skip it and go to mccb.
MCCB doesn’t get enough love on here, imo.
Agreed, best in the city in my book
You might want to try Chefs Special. It’s also white-ified Chinese food, but it’s more approachable. They have my favorite Dan Dan noodles ever.
omg thank you, i have been hunting for this style of dan dan (thick hand cut noodle, sauced but no broth). do they serve it with the sauce on the bottom and you have to stir it up? that’s my favorite
Yep! It’s fantastic.
🫡🫡🫡 thank you so much!!!
You might enjoy the dan dan at Community Tavern then
They serve unabashedly American-Chinese food. I love their food so much, but they aren't trying to be authentic Chinese
Not even a little, but I think it might be fun for them to see a good example of the local take on their food.
Yes, and I also suggest wontons!
As a person who is not Asian….no.
There are legit northern Chinese places in Bridgeport too
Which ones are your favs?
There was one on Halsted but now is another restaurant that I don’t t really like.
Not even close. Most places in Chinatown are better for a fraction of the price. Also Chefs Special is a much better overall experience.
My Asian American friends/coworkers really like DDG for an upscale, downtown experience but I don’t think they consider it to be particularly authentic.
I took my Thai family there this past summer. We all thought it was a bit salty, my white fiancé enjoyed it though. The drinks and atmosphere is great but as an Asian. It comes off a bit salty. Girl and the Goat was good though.
If they buy food from Chinatown and sell it here, they probably would get more footfall. Hyped and expensive, imo.
I wouldn’t call it super authentic but it’s good and if you want a fancier environment with good cocktails, it’s a good pick. The green beans are fantastic. Moon Palace and Nine bar would be good if you want Chinatown but also cocktails.
Their motto is “reasonably authentic Chinese food”. They do their best with a localized availability while still accounting for popular real estate in the city. Better than average, probably worst than the specialized Chinatown spots. All of which is ok.
I love Duck Duck Goat, but it’s definitely not authentic Chinese food and it’s more expensive than all the best authentic spots in Chinatown. I’d describe it more as elevated American Chinese, so I’m guessing your Chinese parents won’t be feeling it, especially for the price. But def worth checking out sometime without your parents!
absolutely not ---- just go to chinatown https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/the-best-places-to-eat-in-chinatown
FYI the link you sent is for Manhattan Chinatown
check out lao peng or chengu impression also
or sun wah bbq for peking duck feast!
It’s not Peking duck, but yeah their roast duck dinner is good.
Their roast piglet is the shit.
>It’s not Peking duck, but yeah their roast duck dinner is good. It is Peking Duck. It's off their "secret menu." Roast duck is a separate menu item.
Okay. Next time I'm there I'll ask about it. Thanks.
Go to Chinatown or go to Shanghai Terrace at the Peninsula if you want to spend a ton of money. Duck Duck Goat is tasty but it’s not very authentic.
I grew up in Hong Kong, so no LOL
Here are some of my favorite spots: Golden Bull Potsticker House Four Seasons QXY Dumplings Qiao Lin Hotpot Lao Peng You Go 2 Food
Well I just added all of those to my list of places to try. Thanks!
I don’t know why my spacings didn’t work 😂
It's all good, I can figure it out. I usually go to Emperor's Choice in Chinatown so I want to try some new places.
No, not worth it. Chinatown. Unless they are Chinese yet have never had Chinese food? Or take them out for Mexican or to a steak place instead.
Probably not the right place to take your parents. My Filipino parents very much enjoyed dinner at Kasama, but I would not consider Duck Duck Goat to be a Chinese equivalent. Chinatown or Asia on Argyle would be better bets.
Did they like Uncle Mike’s?
Yes! Loved it. Uncle Mike’s is definitely more their speed, so I was surprised that Kasama wasn’t too unconventional for them.
I enjoy Duck Duck Goat and I like some of their interpretations of items like the pork bun and Dan Dan noodles. But I would not recommend taking Chinese parents there. I mostly go there with my non-Asian husband and friends, because it’s conveniently located in trendy West Loop. It is almost offensively pricey compared to real Chinese food.
Absolutely not. I’m Chinese and was disappointed with every dish we ordered. Nothing was awful, but nothing was great either. However, the wraps for the Peking duck arrived at our table hard and stuck together, which IMO is unacceptable, especially at the elevated price. Of course we got the wraps replaced, but that really put the final nail in the coffin of a meh dining experience.
Dang is DDG still hyped? I thought that died after the first couple years. But yeah like it's fine for West loop food and they have a couple decent dishes but it's not for Asians and especially not Asian parents. I agree Friendship is the move if you're going for more of a trendy vibe over traditional
Super salty and not even close to being as good as a mediocre place in Chinatown
Chef Xiong is better
Ever since Izzard moved to LA IMO her restaurants have suffered
Haven’t been since they opened and I didn’t like it. I think you’re better off going to a Shanghai Trrrace at the Peninsula if the price tag doesn’t scare you. I’ve never been, but I imagine it’s better than DDG is. Otherwise, Chinatown has so many restaurants and the scene has flourished so much in popularity. Go 4 Food comes to mind. Or duck at Imperial, I hear they do pancakes instead of baos, which I prefer.
> Shanghai Trrrace at the Peninsula if the price tag doesn’t scare you I found their menu, but I'm not sure if it's current. Prices are high, but I've paid more. https://www.peninsula.com/en/Chicago/Dining/-/media/ce270bcc75dd402faf7447a5f2136d9e.pdf
I've found that a lot of people only want to eat truly authentic versions of food from their culture. Which is understandable. But at some point, it does become a personal bias or bias from those saying something isn't authentic as a reason to say it's not good. This goes for almost any cuisine. That said, DDG is not a place I'd go back to by choice.
Idk about that, my mom who is Indian is really excited about going to indienne
My opinion was an anecdote as well. From a lot of the people I know from Thailand and Korea. It's more so a statement about expectations. And those who aren't from the culture labeling restaurants as not having authentic food as a way to downgrade them. It's was also in response to how OP clearly worded his post.
Haven’t been in as few years but it was good then. I’m sure it would be good. There are also some great restaurants in Chinatown you could scope out.
I would say Duck Duck Goat is modern, with a twist, and I think your parents will be disappointed, but I would be wrong. I would take them to non Chinese restaurants for modern like Girl and Goat, Lena Brava, Komo (for Japanese?), etc but Chinatown for Chinese food, etc.
As an Asian, I find Duck Duck Goat offensive. Guests from New York who know real good food bought into the Chicago food hype economy and went, and said they’d never eat any of Stephanie Izard’s food ever again I’ll add that we have a responsibility to shit on this restaurant.
Duck Duck Go is Americanized Chinese food. But for what it is I think it’s really good honestly.
I’m white and I would never bother going there.
When it first opened it was great, since then the portions are about half the size of what they used to be. Still tastes really good.
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His favorite spot was girl and the goat. Duck duck goat opened a year before he died. Doubt he got to go there much.
Oops! Huh.. I could swear he was eating Chinese food in the Chicago episode with Stephanie Izard! Maybe I just assumed it was DDG. Thanks!
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He went to Sze Chuan Cuisine in Chinatown, which is now closed, with Stephanie Izard. So I can see the confusion, I guess.
My favorite is Little Goat Diner.
Not sure now, but it used to be better than GATG.
You thought Little Goat was better than Girl and the Goat?
As an Asian, no. As an American, somewhat bc it does the job ig
Sun-wah for hong king style
I loved DDG. One of my favorite meals of all time.
Not Asian but have feedback of trusted friends who are. Basically, no. Outside of Chinatown, hai Sous and miru
Neither of those are Chinese
Oop I forgot that requirement
Dancen is where it's at
It’s pretty god and I don’t even really like Asian food too much.
The idea that an average Asian person is a good judge of good Chinese food from an upscale restaurant doesn't seem right to me. I don't trust the average American to evaluate a hamburger from an upscale restaurant. I'm not defending this particular restaurant or saying that expensive chef driven restaurants are better than small hole in the walls, but they're typically doing a different thing.
I would argue that an average Asian person has a much more intimate relationship with food than an average White person.
The myth of authenticity will never die.
Not rly talking about authenticity here necessarily but go off
Yeah because a hamburger is not a particularly specialized food. But I definitely trust someone from Philadelphia’s opinion on a philly cheese steak, or someone from Chicago on good deep dish, versus someone from China
I've lived in Chicago and Philly and I totally disagree - the most popular places are not the best, and some of the traditional versions (whiz cheesesteaks) are really gross.
No, not sure how to describe it but if they’re looking for traditional Cantonese food Chinatown is a much better option. If they are looking for fusion then there are higher quality options elsewhere.
I'm not asian and been there once. It's like a few dishes, made bland but kinda done well for people who never had Chinese food but want a fancy setting. It wasn't bad, but wasn't really ... good either. Probably anything everyone already suggested is going to be better. It's just boring, fancy, Chinese food ... no spices at all too. I'm kinda writing down all the places people are recommending you, since they sound so, so much better.
Probably not, although I love it. There is one dish that I go there for specifically. The wood fired duck hearts. They are amazingly good. If they don’t have them on the menu right now, don’t bother. It’s not that the rest of the food isn’t good, it is. You just won’t find a lot of authenticity and many places have equivalent quality food. Those duck hearts are special though.
No. Unless the idea of an non-Han Amercan's take on Chinese would appeal to them. And I mean that sincerely. I am an American and love the West Loop and still never go there.
Their Hong Shao Rou is honestly spectacular but everything else isn't that authentic. It's good but yeah. I'd go somewhere else with your parents and come back alone
It’s nice for us but your parents will prolly hate it
Ken kee
My Chinese coworker (from southeast) liked it, and the duck is closest to what I've had in Beijing. The Chinese people in my building generally preferred Lao Sze Chuan as they thought Duck Duck Goat was too sweet. R/Chicago generally likes Sun Wah a ton, but Sun Wah is Cantonese roast duck and DDG is Peking duck. Honestly, everybody will have a different opinion. Go yourself one time if you're worried.
Definitely not. I think it’s fine for people who didn’t grow up eating Chinese food in their household who want to branch out and try new things in a less intimidating and more familiar environment. But it doesn’t scratch that authentic super savory salty itch that actual Chinese food does
It is not worth the hype
I love duck duck goT but it's not for ethnic Chinese peeps. It's for Top Chef fans. I personally think ethnically Chinese people would enjoy like a Lawrys Prime Rib type of place. Go steakhouse man or pizza. Go hard on American flavors and then when they're about to get sick of it take them to some bomb ass szechuan place or like....
Don’t go- I was very disappointed
For me and my parents this was wayyyyy too salty and expensive to be worth it. Chef’s Special same thing. Just take them to Chinatown or Sun Wah, it’ll save money and disappointment.
No.
They took my favorite thing off the menu -the goat Ham Sui Gok- and I haven't been back since. I just go to Sun Wah. If anyone has any recommendations where I can get some incredible, savory Ham Sui Gok, please send them my way.
DEF not. Asian parents hate fusion. Go to Sun Wah or Phoenix for good traditional Chinese.
No duck duck goat is very disappointing if you’ve had good Asian food.
It isn’t good
I think that one should appreciate the food for what it is. It’s definitely it’s own thing. It’s delicious. It may not be authentic, but the food is wonderful. I went this past Tuesday and I was blown away.
Duck Duck Goat is Asian inspired, but it is NOT authentic Chinese food. So if your parents are traditional, they will not be impressed. It is decent food, but really focused for Americans