Chang Luong

3.5 stars! Chang Luong is actually a hidden gem--so hidden that I never knew about it until after I graduated from Berkeley. Service is interesting. Food is AMAZING. Ambiance is a little weird.FOOD [4.5/5]=========+ Twice Cooked Pork [5/5]A bit different than how I was expecting but in a good way! It's more tender and saucy, and less spicy than it's traditionally done. The portion size is great!+ Pork & shrimp dumplings [5/5]I could eat these all day. They're made super well and are flavorful. They come with a generous portion of meat! Sauce provided is good as well.+ House special fried rice [3.5/5]A typical fried rice, nothing too special about it. It was a bit dry.AMBIANCE & SERVICE [3/5]======================The restaurant is not in the cleanest of states and has a few flies + bad lighting. Service from the one-man show is not very friendly and he will give the bare minimum, even if you try to be friendly. But damn his food is good so...

Chang Luong isn't just a hidden gem--it's like stumbling upon a delicious secret shared among those who know where to find it. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, this place feels more like a cozy gathering at a friend's place.Picture this: during my last visit, the ambiance took an unexpected turn of events--a guy totally engrossed in a horse race and a lady with a penchant for clearing her throat with operatic flair. It was a moment that added a unique charm to the already welcoming atmosphere!But here's the kicker: Chang Luong is a one-man show! From taking orders to expertly cooking each dish, the chef here does it all with finesse and flair.Now, let's cut to the chase--the food here is a league of its own! The Honey Walnut Prawns are crispy, perfectly coated, and drenched in a sweet-savory sauce that's so addictive you might consider starting a support group. The Mongolian beef packs a punch with its bold flavors; and, it is like a flavor explosion in your mouth. Don't even get me started on the Hot & Sour Soup--flavorful enough to make your taste buds dance--and the Salt & Pepper Fish Fillets that are just downright tasty.Despite being a hidden gem and a hole in the wall, Chang Luong keeps you coming back for more with dishes that clearly have heart and soul poured into them. Each bite is a testament to their commitment to quality and authenticity.If you're up for an adventure in taste with a side of quirky charm, Chang Luong is your place. Don't be fooled by the unassuming exterior--this place is where culinary dreams come true, one unexpected opera solo at a time!

Chang Luong is the definition of a hidden gem. Tucked upstairs across from Cafe Durant, Chang Luong can be found down a dimly lit hallway that will leave your wondering if they are even open, a thought that only grows stronger as you emerge into a large dining space that is most likely almost entirely empty, staffed by a single person responsible for both taking the orders and cooking the food while you wait in awkward silence wondering how you wound up here.You'll shortly be rewarded for your efforts though, as you are served some of the best Chinese food in Berkeley, and at prices that can't be found anywhere else these days. Take a look at the menu pictures I posted and I promise you'll do a double-take at the date, as it feels like these must have been posted back in 2017 before inflation and supply-chain issues wreaked havoc on all of our dining experiences. They even have a whole menu of well-priced lunch specials perfect for the cost-conscious student roaming the streets of South Side.In terms of dishes, my wife absolutely loves the Fish with Black Bean Sauce and makes sure to order it almost every time we come back to Berkeley. We decided to try something new as well this time and went with the Yi Xiang Pork which was also excellent. I just don't think you can go wrong here, and it's a shame that so few people know about this place. Give it a try and you won't be disappointed!

Amazing food, super authentic Chinese food and had so many options. Super great service! A hidden gem for sure.

rudest customer service ever. What I ordered was not as described at all. Not only was the garlic chive pancake burnt to a crisp, but it had meat inside?? Nowhere on the menu did it say there would be meat (the person we ordered it for is vegetarian). Owner was super unprofessional and claimed that the photo "doesn't need to match what we ordered". Hell yes it does, that is literally the bare minimum. can you believe that dish cost $12? Avoid this dogshit restaurant at all costs, they don't deserve any customers

The 3.5 star Chinese restaurant rule definitely applies to this place (good Chinese restaurants have 3.5 stars because bad service but good food makes up for it. If you look at the one star review of this place, it's all related to service lol) This place is such a hidden hole in the wall gem. My friend told us to come to this "sketchy but super good" restaurant and we just trusted her. It's located upstairs of kimchi garden near Asian ghetto in Berkeley. Right as you walk in, there's probably no one to greet you or take u to your seat because it's a one man show. The chef does everything. Props to him. The food was DELICIOUS. The orientation looks meh like a home cooked meal but don't let it fool you. The flavors and seasonings are perfect and goes super well with rice. Definitely will come back and will even download Panda (the delivery app that they partner up) just to order delivery from them. Apparently the Berkeley Chinese students come here all the time and order from here so that's how you know it's good.

Reading these reviews is hilarious. Went here all the time during Cal days. Hidden gem / hole in the wall serving up good Chinese eats at affordable prices. If you're looking for white glove service inquire elsewhere. It's charming in its own way.

HANDS DOWN my most favorite restaurant in Berkeley. I used to come here about once every two weeks and the owner started recognizing me hehe!This is one of those IYKYK places. It's at a super obscure location, up the stairs behind a bunch of restaurants. When you get there, you won't be greeted by anyone and you probably won't even see anyone at all. I usually go ahead, grab a menu, seat myself, and wait for uncle to come out and take my order. My friends and I can always count on the uncle the works this entire place to pull thru with that authentic Chinese food. Yep, ONE MAN works the ENTIRE place. Takes orders, busses, cooks, everything in between. A one-man show! So the service is super understandably not the greatest, but for a Chinese kid like me, the nostalgia that this man brings me is invaluable! Sometimes his kid is there too doing homework or playing video games. I feel like I'm literally at my uncle's place. I recommend his Shui Zhu Yu or water-boiled fish. Sooooo good. He cooks it with mung bean flat noodles and oooof!!! The stir fried green beans are delicious as well! Honestly everything I've gotten here was great because everything reminded me of home hehe.He's cash only but recently also started taking Venmo which is really convenient!

The food here is OK but the service is absolutely TERRIBLE. The restaurant owner talked to me sarcastically when I was merely asking him about payment options, saying I was "taking advantage of " him. Then, I specifically confirmed with him that I could dine in even if I ordered takeout on my phone since I know some restaurants do not allow to do so, but he changed his answer after I make the order and told me I couldn't eat in and asked me to leave, making me feel deceived. If you like delicious Chinese food, there are a lot of other options with friendly services at Berkeley. Please only come to this restaurant if you want to make yourself unhappy.

The food here is amazing! I recommend the dumpling! They are delicious! The service was amazing, very kind workers.