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General Tso's Chicken
Garlic Shrimp
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Shrimp w/ Black Bean Sauce
About
The Essence of China
Welcome to The Essence of China, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of West Linn, Oregon. Located at 1727 Willamette Falls Dr, this beloved local eatery has been delighting patrons for over two decades with its authentic Chinese cuisine and warm hospitality. The restaurant is not just a place to eat; it’s a culinary experience that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of China.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by the friendly owners, who bring a personal touch to each dining experience. The exceptional customer service is a recurring theme in reviews, with patrons noting how the staff goes above and beyond to make you feel at home. Jessica Badger highlights the efficiency and attentiveness of the team, ensuring her visit was memorable even close to closing time.
The menu is a treasure trove of flavors, boasting signature dishes that have earned rave reviews. You absolutely can't miss the sesame chicken and lo mein chicken, both praised for their exceptional flavor profiles. The Shanghai dumplings have earned a reputation for being a crowd-pleaser, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and well-crafted recipes. Customers have described the food as “Chinese soul food,” a testament to its comforting and satisfying nature.
Another highlight is the General Tso’s chicken, which has been declared the best by many. Patrons appreciate the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, presented with a crispy yet tender texture that avoids the pitfalls of being overly breaded. The hot and sour soup and egg flower soup are also must-tries, characterizing the hearty, comforting essence of traditional Chinese soups.
Menu options aren't limited to dinner; the lunch specials provide excellent value without skimping on quality. Locals rave about the generous portion sizes for the price, making each meal a satisfying experience. Regulars like christopher amsden have noted the consistent quality of every order, affirming that each visit is as delightful as the last.
Finally, to complete your meal, don't forget to explore their beverage options. The selection pairs beautifully with the menu, enhancing the dining experience. Whether you’re dining in or taking out, The Essence of China provides an inviting atmosphere and a promise of delicious food that keeps guests coming back for more.
In summary, The Essence of China is not just a restaurant; it's a beloved community staple that offers an unforgettable taste of China right in West Linn. With every visit, you’re guaranteed genuine hospitality and dishes that will delight your palate. Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, this culinary haven promises to leave you longing for your next visit.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Absolutely spot on amazing customer service. We arrived about 30 minutes before closing and were going to take our food to go, but the woman working there offered for us to stay and eat. She was incredibly efficient, made sure we had water, and kept us updated as our food was getting close to being done. We had the sesame chicken and the lo mein chicken as well as barbecue pork and the shanghai dumplings. WOW. Blown away. Highly recommend eating here and I am looking forward to trying some of their other dishes. ”
“ Every time I order, it's quality. Their lunch special is amazing, and great value. They're always super nice when I order as well. ”
“ Loved the food!! Everything was delicious and the server was very kind and spoke in a gentle manner :) the portions were big considering the price and just overall loved it ”
“ This is Chinese soul food. Very good sauces. Generous portions. Reasonable prices. The owners are very nice. General tso's chicken and vegetable rolls were spot on. ”
“ What a gem! We were greeted promptly by one of the very friendly owners. He and his wife own this restaurant and they been in operation for 22-23 years. They clearly have a number of regular guests based on the conversations I eves dropped on Great selection of food and beverages. I normally judge based on the hot and sour soup, but I was also craving egg flower soup tonight...both were phenomenal. The pan fried pot stickers were quite large with a delicious dipping sauce. My husband judges based on General Tso’s Chicken and this one was the best he’s had - “perfect blend of sweet and spicy, crispy but not overly breaded.” We’re so excited to have found such a wonderful Chinese food restaurant so close to home in West Linn. 10/10 would recommend! ”
“ Feels family owned and operated. Have been going here for many years and always get a great meal with nice portions and friendly staff. ”
“ Essence of China is the best Chinese food you're going to find here locally within a ten mile radius. Seriously, there's nothing better. Employees are very attentive even when busy, food is always fresh, hot, and delicious. I would highly recommend the potstickers... they're homemade, not the generic kind you find in most places. Hot tea is always complimentary with your meal. I'd highly recommend the Mongolian Beef!!! That's my personal favorite. Just do yourself a favor and stop in!! You won't be disappointed. Pretty sure it's a family run/local business... which is a bonus!! ”
“ If you like Panda Express, don’t come here. If you love Chinese food, come here! Pot Stickers (steamed) rival the best from San Francisco. Hot and Sour soup is great. House Fried Rice and Orange Chicken are divine! Don’t expect typical American-Chinese food, this is way better! ”