China Gourmet

Have patronized China Gourmet since it opened..over 23 years ago. A somewhat different concept for Chinese Restaurants: originally patterned after cafeteria style dining (but not like ubiquitous "Buffet Style" seen nowadays) by original owners. Subsequent owners (for 20+ years) have retained quasi-cafeteria style of self-service..but cook to order on most items. Another plus for China Gourmet..has always been it's emphasis on "natural" ingredients: no MSG, no trans fat/hydrogenated oils, brown rice option, etc., etc.



All menu items are usually well done/prepared..although portion sizes seem a bit meager..and in recent years..the inclusion of more costly ingredients (such as bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, bean sprouts, straw mushrooms, etc.) have been largely replaced by more commmon items such as shredded cabbage, sliced onion, white mushrooms, et al.



Perhaps due to China Gourmet's being located in North Boulder..the owners feel they can charge higher prices for their menu items. For a regular full service restaurant..the prices would be reasonable (excepting also the small portion sizes). But considering the atmosphere and restricted menu items..the prices seem a bit high.



What China Gourmet decidedly has going for it is it's consistency, freshness and focus on healthy Chinese cuisine.

We continue to patronize them due to our long standing acquaintence with the owners..and our desire to help maintain their business. We would like to see their portoin sizes increased just a bit more..as well as a return to more traditional Chinese ingredients.