Discovering the Culinary Delights of Mama Chang

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Mama Chang, a Chinese restaurant nestled in Fairfax, Virginia. The restaurant, owned by a renowned chef, offers a casual dining experience with a focus on homestyle Chinese dishes. The vibe of the restaurant was calm and not too loud, even on a busy weekday night.

I enjoyed the toothpick beef and the flowing sand pineapple bun, although I found the dishes a bit too dry to eat with rice. The lamb shank and braised pork belly with tea eggs came highly recommended and did not disappoint. The Peking duck, soup dumplings, and crispy pork were also standout dishes. However, be warned, many of the dishes are quite spicy, so if you're not a fan of heat, ask your server for recommendations.

The service was generally good and friendly, although it could feel a bit rushed at times. The restaurant's popularity means there's often a line, so be prepared for a wait if you're part of a large group. The atmosphere was clean and it was cool to see the cooks preparing the dishes in the back. One dish that really stood out was the shrimp rice roll - soft, smooth, and packed with flavor. A must-try! Despite a few minor hiccups, my experience at Mama Chang was largely positive and I would definitely return to try their dim sum.