So, picture this: I stroll into Ben's joint expecting a flavor fiesta in my mouth, but what do I get? A lukewarm greeting and an interior that's as exciting as watching paint dry. Seriously, they need to hire an interior decorator who didn't flunk out of design school.Now, let's talk about the menu. It's like they threw darts at a Chinese takeout menu and whatever it landed on, they added. Variety is the spice of life, but Ben's takes it to a whole new level of confusion. General Tso's chicken meets sweet and sour pork in a bizarre dance of culinary chaos.But hey, the food wasn't a total disaster. It was edible, I guess. If you're into that kind of thing. I've had more exciting flavor explosions from a microwave dinner, though. And the portions? It's like they're rationing rice in a post-apocalyptic world. I left hungrier than a vulture at a vegan buffet.Service, oh boy. The waitstaff was about as attentive as a sloth on sedatives. I had to wave my arms like I was directing air traffic just to get a dang refill on my water. And don't get me started on the wait time – I could've grown a beard waiting for my Kung Pao chicken.Now, let's talk ambiance. The place is about as cozy as a Siberian prison cell. The lighting is so dim; I thought I was having dinner in a cave. And the decor? It's like they raided a thrift store from the '80s and said, "Yeah, this'll do."In conclusion, Ben's Chinese Cuisine is the kind of place you go to when you've lost all hope for a fantastic meal but still want to convince yourself you made a reasonable choice. It's not the worst, but it's not winning any culinary awards. Three stars, only because I'm feeling generous today. Cheers to mediocrity!
Richard
Delicious food at great prices; The chicken fried rice is phenomenal. The restaurant itself could seriously benefit from a renovation and perhaps more outdoor seating.Parking: High crime area for vehicle break-ins, especially during daylight hours. Our windows get peered into at least half of the times we come here.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Fried Rice
Heezy Yang
Loved this place! I was visiting from Korea and I needed some Asian food with rice. The place is small and simple but Ben and the other perosn working there were very friendly. They offered hot tea, and more rice! Food was good and the prices were reasonable. I highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
yori frenzli
I absolutely love there noddles, I give them a 5 star just for the noddles and special sauce, and there rice is good, I not sure about every thing else on the menu.
Food: 5
Bob Journey
The restaurant is old and melancholy. In the kitchen, an old man is wok-warming. Can get hot tea for free.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Ajinkya Taware
Really good food, very fresh. I ordered the chicken fried rice as takeout, chicken was fresh and juicy, not overcooked and the taste was spot on. Goes well with the included hot sauce which is mildly hot.Ambience is not great as it is a warehouse neighborhood, recommend food as takeout.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scarlet
I got this beautiful lunch for $10.50, one thing folks, CASH ONLY. The gentleman who took my order was soo nice and the food is really good. They have lots of regulars so you know it’s good.Will be coming back for sure.
Fria Bolan
Yum! Hole in the wall gem. Food is fresh and delicious, I ate my whole plate in one sitting. Ben was cooking up the food, friendly waiter, no wonder they’ve been open so long. Cash or PayPal/cash app only.
Edwin Morales
I'm giving this restaurant a 1 star rating because the customer service they gave me today was horrible. I got there a little before 1, and the lady said the wait would be about 30 minutes and 2 more people after me came in and ordered and left before me when I got there way earlier.Not only that but I waited for like an hour waiting for my food so I decided to just leave and get a refund.
Bucky Goldstein
Don’t let the exterior fool you, the food is simple but delicious, everything is made fresh, the cook is a sweet old man, there’s a lady who occasionally serves you while singing Chinese opera (if she likes you). Best for takeaway but stay if you want to people watch, they get a wide range of loyal customers.
Excellent AUTHENTIC Chinese food in Oakland!If you are in the area I highly recommend you pay this small mom and pop restaurant a visit, food will not disappoint, prices for quality and size of the dishes are also great! Will be returning.
Jay’s Life
Excellent AUTHENTIC Chinese food in Oakland!If you are in the area I highly recommend you pay this small mom and pop restaurant a visit, food will not disappoint, prices for quality and size of the dishes are also great! Will be returning.
eric p.
Great little spot Kinda has a weird smell like fermented vegetables Its in the produce market area Food and prices are great!
Ted F.
Delicious, fresh, and cheap!!! And my new go-to for yummy chow fun, Chinese vermicelli dishes, and so much more. Only a few tables so order to go. Plus the owner sings beautiful Chinese opera!!!
Derrick Wong
No nonsense Chinese lunch dishes. Family run business with Ben still cooking away. With the black bean chili sauce on the side, the flavors are classic chinese.
So, picture this: I stroll into Ben's joint expecting a flavor fiesta in my mouth, but what do I get? A lukewarm greeting and an interior that's as exciting as watching paint dry. Seriously, they need to hire an interior decorator who didn't flunk out of design school.Now, let's talk about the menu. It's like they threw darts at a Chinese takeout menu and whatever it landed on, they added. Variety is the spice of life, but Ben's takes it to a whole new level of confusion. General Tso's chicken meets sweet and sour pork in a bizarre dance of culinary chaos.But hey, the food wasn't a total disaster. It was edible, I guess. If you're into that kind of thing. I've had more exciting flavor explosions from a microwave dinner, though. And the portions? It's like they're rationing rice in a post-apocalyptic world. I left hungrier than a vulture at a vegan buffet.Service, oh boy. The waitstaff was about as attentive as a sloth on sedatives. I had to wave my arms like I was directing air traffic just to get a dang refill on my water. And don't get me started on the wait time – I could've grown a beard waiting for my Kung Pao chicken.Now, let's talk ambiance. The place is about as cozy as a Siberian prison cell. The lighting is so dim; I thought I was having dinner in a cave. And the decor? It's like they raided a thrift store from the '80s and said, "Yeah, this'll do."In conclusion, Ben's Chinese Cuisine is the kind of place you go to when you've lost all hope for a fantastic meal but still want to convince yourself you made a reasonable choice. It's not the worst, but it's not winning any culinary awards. Three stars, only because I'm feeling generous today. Cheers to mediocrity!
Delicious food at great prices; The chicken fried rice is phenomenal. The restaurant itself could seriously benefit from a renovation and perhaps more outdoor seating.Parking: High crime area for vehicle break-ins, especially during daylight hours. Our windows get peered into at least half of the times we come here.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Fried Rice
Loved this place! I was visiting from Korea and I needed some Asian food with rice. The place is small and simple but Ben and the other perosn working there were very friendly. They offered hot tea, and more rice! Food was good and the prices were reasonable. I highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I absolutely love there noddles, I give them a 5 star just for the noddles and special sauce, and there rice is good, I not sure about every thing else on the menu.
Food: 5
The restaurant is old and melancholy. In the kitchen, an old man is wok-warming. Can get hot tea for free.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Really good food, very fresh. I ordered the chicken fried rice as takeout, chicken was fresh and juicy, not overcooked and the taste was spot on. Goes well with the included hot sauce which is mildly hot.Ambience is not great as it is a warehouse neighborhood, recommend food as takeout.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
I got this beautiful lunch for $10.50, one thing folks, CASH ONLY. The gentleman who took my order was soo nice and the food is really good. They have lots of regulars so you know it’s good.Will be coming back for sure.
Yum! Hole in the wall gem. Food is fresh and delicious, I ate my whole plate in one sitting. Ben was cooking up the food, friendly waiter, no wonder they’ve been open so long. Cash or PayPal/cash app only.
I'm giving this restaurant a 1 star rating because the customer service they gave me today was horrible. I got there a little before 1, and the lady said the wait would be about 30 minutes and 2 more people after me came in and ordered and left before me when I got there way earlier.Not only that but I waited for like an hour waiting for my food so I decided to just leave and get a refund.
Don’t let the exterior fool you, the food is simple but delicious, everything is made fresh, the cook is a sweet old man, there’s a lady who occasionally serves you while singing Chinese opera (if she likes you). Best for takeaway but stay if you want to people watch, they get a wide range of loyal customers.
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent AUTHENTIC Chinese food in Oakland!If you are in the area I highly recommend you pay this small mom and pop restaurant a visit, food will not disappoint, prices for quality and size of the dishes are also great! Will be returning.
Excellent AUTHENTIC Chinese food in Oakland!If you are in the area I highly recommend you pay this small mom and pop restaurant a visit, food will not disappoint, prices for quality and size of the dishes are also great! Will be returning.
Great little spot Kinda has a weird smell like fermented vegetables Its in the produce market area Food and prices are great!
Delicious, fresh, and cheap!!! And my new go-to for yummy chow fun, Chinese vermicelli dishes, and so much more. Only a few tables so order to go. Plus the owner sings beautiful Chinese opera!!!
No nonsense Chinese lunch dishes. Family run business with Ben still cooking away. With the black bean chili sauce on the side, the flavors are classic chinese.