Oriental Garden Gourmet Rstrnt

06/09/09

Never going back

by pasion at Citysearch

I've lived in Carrboro for a while now, and decided to try this place out. Arrived at 12:30 for lunch to an empty restaurant (red flag alert). Very musty smell, it felt like they hadn't cleaned in a while. Also, didn't see a sanitation rating (isn't it supposed to be posted?). They got our order wrong, and the food was utterly disgusting. I'm very surprised they are still in business. Very sketchy - never going back.

• Pros: Quiet
• Cons: Food, atmosphere, cleanliness

06/03/08

great for vegan novelty

by gingermarie05 at Citysearch

The women that run this place had friends that were vegans, so they know what you may be looking out for. You may meet one of these women at the market next door (which has awesome vegan lotus wraps in the freezer section!) This is a good place if you want Thai dishes, too--they will leave out the fish sauce. Actually, with exception to the appetizers, I've only ordered off the Thai menu, because it has more interesting dishes, like the fake fish. It is not expensive, and the meals are always full of flavour. This is a good place to go if you have time to hang out, not if you are in immediate need of your meal (it can take a while to prepare). If I went there tonight, I'd get the hot tea, the pan fried dumplings, Tom-Yum soup with tofu, and something with eggplant and the word "evil" in it (hot stuff it you like).

• Pros: vegan food novelty
• Cons: wait for food

08/31/07

Vegan Chinese

by veggiegirl1975 at Citysearch

Oriental Garden is another sit down Chinese restaurant. The owner is very aware of "vegetarian" and even told me that a dish was in fact "vegan" without me asking. Big bonus points.

This restaurant has a Chinese and a Thai menu, both with a separate vegetarian section.

The wonton soup is always vegan, no matter who orders it - it just comes that way. Very exciting. They also have vegetable dumplings.

• Pros: Vegan Options

08/05/06

Big vegetarian selection, hot & humid restaurant, runny tofu & veg dishes

by katakeet88 at Citysearch

They have a big selection on the menu of both meat and vegetarian dishes. Good thing they do not use MSG in their food. However, upon walking into the restaurant, a hot and humid wave of air surrounds you. They have a small fan blowing near the counter instead of AC. There is also a slight smell of chlorox in the air, perhaps from cleaning the restaurant. The lady who took our order was the only waitress and she spoke good English. I had ordered tofu with vegetables and the entire dish was runny from the tofu. The "sauce" was nothing more than salt water. I was disappointed in our waitress' response when she asked us how the meal was. I had mentioned that the tofu was sour. I personally think the tofu had gone bad. I didnt bother mention that the sauce was runny. She replied that when tofu is cooked in a dish it changes its taste. I have had excellent tofu and veggies at other restaurants and find her claim hard to believe. Their other dishes may be worth trying but I definitely wont be back again. Not pleased with the service and the food was hardly filling.

• Pros: not much
• Cons: Humid air, runny tofu dish, bad service

07/27/06

Great Food, Great for Vegetarians

by kayzeemonkey at Citysearch

So, their decor is not the most interesting, sometimes, they don't even turn on the lights during the day, but the overhead cost of having a restaurant in Chapel Hill must be high. THey spend their attentions and money on the food you are eating instead! The Thai section of the menu is the only side I ever order from and with dishes like "Evil Tofu" and "Thai Tofu in Garlic Sauce", I forget that there is Chinese there too...I agree that the atmosphere is spartan and in need of sprucing, perhaps dusting, but they do play traditional Chinese elevator music (which is kitchy and cool) and they care more about the food they serve. For lunch, you can't beat the price and the good hot food. Give them a try and don't worry if the tablecloth is a bit smudged, they can't afford to wash every tablecloth after every patron during the lunch crush!

• Pros: Very good food selection for Vegetarians, free parking.
• Cons: Interior needs updating, but so what? Food is great.