5999 Bartlett Center Dr.
Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 382-7581
I grew up in what is now called "Old Bartlett". Not a whole lot has changed in the area of Bartlett Blvd/Stage Rd over the years. That rings true for a hidden gem nested in a shopping center not easily seen from the main roads in Old Bartlett. Chang's House is a well-known Chinese takeout joint located in a shopping center on the corner of Bartlett Blvd and Stage Rd. They have been serving the local community awesome Chinese food since the mid 80s. I have crammed my brain trying to figure out if I've ever been there before, considering my folks raised us right down the street. With the establishment being hidden so well, I doubt my parents even knew it existed, thus never brought any home for dinner. I decided to grab some the other night and to end the curiosity.
Chang's House gets great reviews on Urbanspoon so I was excited to finally try it out. I went in around 7:30 PM on a Tuesday evening. I found myself to be the only one ordering Chang's at that time so I was happy to know my order wouldn't take long. I decided on the kung pao chicken and a small order of chicken fried rice. I hardly ever order kung pao chicken anywhere but after seeing it available as a spicy dish on the menu, my decision stood. I talked with the nice lady who took my order and asked for the entire meal to be made as spicy as possible. She wasn't phased by the request so I had faith it would all turn out great. For $15, I was a little taken back but after being handed what felt like a 10 lb bag of food, I visioned at least three meals in my future. It was all ready in 10 minutes and back to the house I went.
I was so anxious and hungry, I almost ate some on the way home. I'm glad I didn't, however, because that would have created a massive mess in my truck. I opened it up when I got home and saw that they stuffed the containers so full, the lids barely fit on them. I noticed on the kung pao chicken a bunch of whole red peppers. I made sure to snag a bunch of them as I made my plate. I grabbed a beer, sat down and began enjoying some great Chinese takeout in my living room. I was very impressed with the flavor of the sauce on the kung pao chicken. It was fairly spicy and gave me a slight sweat breakout, especially after eating a pepper. I really enjoyed the celery and peanuts combined with the chicken and white rice. The fried rice was some of the best I have ever had and they managed to get a good spice going in it as well. When I was done, I wiped the sweat from my head and put the remaining two meals worth of food in the fridge. The leftovers turned out just as delicious and spicy in the following days. I have another Chinese takeout joint very close to my house but I think I will drive the extra miles to come to Chang's House again and again.
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