Long Xing Iowa City

I can't say enough positive things about Long Xing. If you just want to read the beginning of what will be a long and positive review, I'll summarize. If you're looking for affordable, light, delicious Chinese food in the IC area, this is your best bet. Don't be fooled by the appearance of the restaurant, the food is delicious at an amazing price (entrees <$10), the staff is extremely friendly, and they put a lovely carved vegetable with your dish if you dine in. I've been searching for a great Chinese place in Iowa City since I've lived here over the past 3 years. Long Xing is your standard American Chinese fare, but the staff is extremely friendly and the food is delicious. The sauces don't fall victim to being too sweet and gloopy like a lot of the American Chinese places in the area. The fried rice is delicious, eggy, and light, and the crab rangoons were the best I've had so far in Iowa City. I actually got too excited to eat them and forgot to take a picture. They were large and didn't skimp on the filling, very few air pockets, and they actually tasted strongly of crab! It wasn't just a fried cream cheese pocket. Also, 8 huge crab rangoons for $4.35. So good. My boyfriend ordered the Chicken with Broccoli combination platter, which includes fried rice and a huge egg roll for just $7.75. I ordered the small portion of Spicy Chicken With Garlic Sauce that came with white rice, but I upgraded to fried rice for an extra dollar at a total of $6.75 for a huge meal. I even got a delightful carved flower beet with my meal. I actually wanted my dish to be spicier, but since I'm blonde with blue eyes I assume they thought I couldn't handle it. I can't blame them, I just know to ask for extra spice next time. Even though I ordered the small portion, I could only eat about half and took the rest home. I can't recommend this restaurant enough. Definitely my new favorite Chinese place in Iowa City. I'll be coming back this weekend to check out the lunch special.

Don't let the strip mall look scare you. The front and dining room may not look 5 star, but the kitchen is. For a full meal, not only does the food taste great, but there is also a bit of presentation to the food. My meal came with a carrot lotus and my daughter's meal came with an intricately carved swan from multiple vegetables to make it even more real. It also checks the box where many fail. Although the facility was sparse, it was very clean. I see a great future for this eatery and staff. Keep it up.