Grand China: Not So Grand Experience

Lately, I have been on the prowl for decent Chinese food in Glendora.  Being of Chinese descent, I am looking for something more authentic than Panda Express and closer than Alhambra, Rowland Heights or Arcadia.

Thus, when a flyer for with “Under New Management” and “No MSG” emblazoned across it arrived in my mailbox, my interest was piqued.  I placed an order for pickup and pulled up to the storefront located next door to . 

Upon entering, my first impression was that it was a good thing I had placed my order to go.  Grand China is your classic Chinese takeout joint, meaning that although there is limited seating, you would not want to enjoy your meal there unless you absolutely had to.  There is not really any décor to speak of, just a few tables and chairs, the counter and cash register. I hurried home, eager to try the food.

We ordered three dishes to share, family style.  The first was the Vegetable Pan Fried Noodles ($6.99).  Also known as cake noodles in Hawaii, I was disappointed by Grand China’s version of this dish.  I found the texture of the deep fried crispy noodles strange.  It was initially crunchy on the outside, but quickly became chewy and difficult to eat after the sauce was added. My Korean girlfriend and I agreed we would not order this dish again. Ironically, it was my husband’s favorite dish of the three we ordered.

Next up was the Broccoli Beef ($7.99).  Thin fillets of tender beef were stir-fried with carrot slices and broccoli florets in a beef-based sauce.  This was a definite improvement from the noodles. The Chicken with Snow Peas followed ($7.99).  Soft pieces of chicken were tossed in white sauce with crisp snow peas, sliced carrots, crunchy water chestnuts and juicy bamboo shoots.  This dish was also well-received, even by our children.  The latter two dishes included generous portions of steamed white rice.

Our order included two free Spring Rolls, thanks to a coupon on the flyer.  These were a bit too greasy and the filling somewhat bland.  The menu I had ordered from was outdated, so we missed out on the dinner specials, which included your choice of entrée, two fried wontons, an egg roll or soup, fried or steamed rice and soda for anywhere from $6.49 to $7.99, depending on the entrée meat.  They also offered inexpensive lunch specials ranging from $3.99 to $6.99.

Although I would rate our experience as mixed, I would be willing to give Grand China another try, especially for a lunch or dinner special.  For now, eating adequate Chinese cuisine in the comfort of my own home trumps fighting traffic to eat exceptional Chinese cuisine in a noisy, crowded restaurant.

Address: 535 W. Baseline Rd., Glendora, CA  91741
Business Hours: Sunday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Phone Number: (626) 914-8118, (626) 914-3699

Price Range: $2.99 - $10.99           
Type of Cuisine: Chinese
Standout Dish: Broccoli Beef