Tang Dynasty Review

Just a few short blocks from Urbana High School, there is a little Chinese restaurant in Lincoln Square called Tang Dynasty. This hole-in-the wall restaurant has a $6.59 all-you-can-eat lunch buffet.

The buffet is from 11-2, dine in or carry out, with a variety of delicious food. They have egg and pork rolls, chicken fried rice, Kung Pao chicken, beef lo mein, and many other things.

The food is hot and fresh, coming in heaping portions on your plate or in your box. The Kung Pao chicken is savory and infused with the taste of the vegetables it’s cooked with, such as green peppers and onions. The chicken fried rice is cooked to perfection, with a very generous ratio of chicken to rice.

However, there is one element that could be improved upon: quicker replenishment. Having lunch 6th hour, I get to Tang Dynasty around at 12:30. By that time, there is not always enough of the food I want. The chicken fried rice is almost gone and there is hardly any Kung Pao chicken left. It’s not that more won’t be added, but being a high school student, waiting even five minutes for your lunch is stressful knowing you have to be back at school before your next class.

Is the food really worth the risk of being late and getting a detention? That is up to you, but I say yes.

I would give Tang Dynasty 4.5 out of 5 stars and a 10 out of 10 on food quality. If you’re easily stressed like me, I recommend getting there early so you do not have to wait for food. All in all, Tang Dynasty is a great restaurant and will continue to serve great food. And the facade is pretty, too.