S.Y Chef

“What an amazing find tonight.”

What an amazing find tonight! From the minute we walked through the door, we knew we were in for a treat! Delicious authentic Chinese food and incredible service. We started with the scallion pancake and the colorful wide cold noodles. Do not pass these up when you visit. The cold noodles are wide rice noodles served with a flavorful peanut sauce over a bed of cucumber salad. Sweet and tangy with just enough acidity. The scallion pancake has so many flaky layers bursting with scallions. We also enjoyed the lamb dumplings, cumin lamb, and the mongolian chicken. Each dish was fresh so delicious. The team's pride in what they do shines through their food and outstanding service. Forget the large chain restaurants! We love supporting local independent businesses and will definitely be back...soon! Years later.... they are still FANTASTIC

Stacy McReynolds

Jan 2026

“Very authentic northern Chinese food.”

Very authentic northern Chinese food. No need to go to Naperville or Chicago for real Chinese food anymore. A must try. Not a big place inside, but clean and easy to park.

M C

Oct 2025

“This quaint Chinese restaurant is located in a humble corner, with simple decor, and minimal online existence.”

This quaint Chinese restaurant is located in a humble corner, with simple decor, and minimal online existence. However, this is not one of those “fake” Chinese eateries who sell inauthentic Chinese food with strange taste. S.Y Chef cooks true Manchurian dish by the people who are from Northeast China. Simply outstanding! If you want to experience what real Chinese food tastes like, this is the place to go.

Chang Yang

Oct 2025

“Amazing authentic food and always friendly customer services.”

Amazing authentic food and always friendly customer services! Highly recommended!

Joe Satake

May 2025

“First time diners, very impressed, will definitely come back .”

First time diners, very impressed, will definitely come back . Despite an unassuming storefront in a strip mall, the place was clean and the food was fresh and delicious. Ordered several Northeastern Chinese specialties - all pretty authentic. Business was brisk, which is always a good sign.

CL

Mar 2025

“Legit, great food, esp the Szechuan boiling beef which you're not getting just anywhere.”

Carl Thoemmes

Feb 2025

“Update 4/7/24 It’s been like a year since I was last here but we decided to give it a try again.”

Update 4/7/24 It’s been like a year since I was last here but we decided to give it a try again. We came here for a late lunch. It’s located in a small outlet, so parking can be limited since it’s shared. They do have some places to sit and eat but it’s limited especially during peak hours. When we came in, we practically had the whole place to ourselves. I believe it’s family owned and the owners are very nice and attentive. They have one gender neutral bathroom. We ordered stir fried lamb with onions, sweet and sour pork with pineapple, and shrimp, chive, and egg dumplings. Portion sizes are very generous and prices are reasonable. -stir fried lamb with onions 5 - lamb meat is very tender, requires very little chewing. -sweet and sour pork with pineapple 5 - most Americanized Chinese places, the pork would be soggy, but here the skin is very crispy. Pork inside is succulent. -shrimp, chive, and egg dumplings 5 - I really liked how they listened to my feedback from last time and added more moisture inside. They were definitely juicier and tastier than before. Skin is thin, good sized dumplings, and flavorful. Rating is 4 No, the owners have not changed. I recommend getting dishes that are not the typical Americanized Chinese dishes like mongolian beef. Try something new and different. Dumplings I would give 4/5. I’ve tried several different kinds but they could be juicier. They have good flavor, just a little dry. I’ve tried shrimp, chive, and egg, beef onion, lamb carrot, and chicken and cabbage mushroom. Scallion pancake was too dry for me. It could use more flavor. Quick fried sauteed intestines were very tasty. I really like this dish. Shredded pork dishes were good. Spicy is really spicy. Shredded pork is not dry, is moist and just a little chew. Portions are generous. Service is good, they take care of their customers. Prices are fair for all the food you’re getting.

Nicholas P

Apr 2024

“Small place but authentic "China" Chinese cuisine.”

Small place but authentic "China" Chinese cuisine. Not your typical Cantonese restaurant. Really good taste and quality. Family owned, friendly service and everything is priced right as well.

Sunny Bhawnani

Feb 2024

“As a Chinese native, the dumplings and the fried rice alone are worth it.”

As a Chinese native, the dumplings and the fried rice alone are worth it. We love that we can order the crab rangoons individually too. Tasty food for a great value!

Brent Yao

Oct 2023

“Highly recommend the eggplant with garlic sauce.”

Highly recommend the eggplant with garlic sauce. And according to my wife the dumplings are just like her mom made. The fruit tea was also very flavorful and a nice contrast to the rich food.

Matt

Apr 2023

“Food is a bit more pricey than other typical places and portions are slightly smaller but the...”

Food is a bit more pricey than other typical places and portions are slightly smaller but the quality and taste is unmatched. Much more filling and satisfying because of how delicious the food is! Service is excellent and the restaurant is very clean. They offer more options for customizing typical dishes (especially pot sticker dumplings). They even offer quantity orders for freezer storage. The website is easy to use but when placing a pickup order it doesn't give a time frame but the fees are beyond cheaper than others for using the convenience of it. Highly Recommended!! The only Asian restaurant I have ever called after eating and told them to give my compliments to the chef!!

Alexander “Alex aka Panda” Fanning

Jan 2023

“Newly opened Chinese restaurant in maple plaza.”

Newly opened Chinese restaurant in maple plaza! Great value for their combo meal! Authentic Chinese and best dumplings I had in Chicago.

Xuan Zhang

Jun 2022