Chang Express Restaurant

Wonderful food reasonable price friendly service ! The Sophie Bowl was absolutely fantastic

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

My wife had Pad Ped and she said it was some of the best she'd ever had. I had Thai fried noodles with chicken. Delicious!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was excellent,

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

I was not expecting anything from a Chinese/Thai restaurant in this area.

I left super satisfied. The tofu drunken noodles were honestly one of the best meals I had in the area and it was a welcome relief from the lack of meatless options around here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Unpredictable quality of the Chinese options. When its good it's amazing. Then the next time it is average at best.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

I am a regular at Changs and it is a staple in our home! We love the Sweet & Sour Chicken, Lo Mein, Drunkin Noodle, Gang Curry and Pad Thai! So thankful they are in Elk Rapids! Fresh Vegetables, made to order and authentic cuisine! Always pleased!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Used to be great food and service last five months downhill rice was soggy and starchy tasted horrible full of oil still like a wet loaf of bread store is starting to look unkept and getting dirty defiantly not same pride in ownership their used to be

I’ve been coming up to Torch Lake /Elk Rapids every summer since I was a kid, and Chang Express was always a staple in our routine. My parents, brother, and I would eat here often—great Chinese and Thai dishes, fast service, and a warm, kind woman who ran it as a true family business. I still remember her two young kids helping out, and a teenage daughter sometimes working the counter. The food was consistently solid, and the experience always felt personal.

So naturally, I was excited to return after all these years and see that the restaurant was still open. But this time around, it was disappointing. The inside looked tired and neglected. The menu was awkwardly taped to the countertop and shelves, the air conditioning was blasting even though it was chilly outside, and the overall presentation just felt… forgotten.

There was no crowd—just one person sitting quietly on a laptop and the guy working the counter, who I realized was the same little boy from years ago, now grown up. But instead of a friendly greeting or any ounce of customer service, I got hit with attitude. No “hi,” no “welcome,” just “what do you want?” followed by multiple “is that all?” interruptions like I was somehow inconveniencing him. It was a quiet Friday night in late April. The town wasn’t busy. The restaurant was nearly empty. So it wasn’t about being rushed—it was just about how little he cared.

Honestly, I’d still give five stars to his mother, who built this place from the ground up with love and hard work. But the energy now feels like no one’s trying. If the next generation wants to keep this place alive, they’ve got to step it up—starting with their attitude, presentation, and basic hospitality.

I love this place! The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is super cozy. I feel like I'm in Asia when I visit this restaurant. The flavors are truly authentic, and the menu is extensive, making it easy to choose. Highly recommended!

Have never been! Their hours posted are incorrect! Everytime i have tried to go, they are closed even though Google search says they are open

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Better than anywhere in TC!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Got great fried rice and spring rolls for $6

Vegetarian options: Veggie egg rolls and spring rolls

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sweet and sour chicken was amazing.crazy good

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sweet and Sour Chicken

First of all the food was banging. Staff was alright but it was a couple of kids working and I went in there and waited for one to get off his computer at one of the tables by the main entrance to cook my meal after I ordered. I sat around for about 30 mins waiting to get my food. Food was excellent and a cute little place but again waiting for staff to get off their butts who (were sitting in front of me) to actually make my meal was bothersome and distasteful but other than that one littls thing it was a good experience so I will definitely go back.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 3

Great food. Fast and efficient service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5