I will never waste my money again eating from Ben Pao's. I had their "signature dish" the scallops, and even though I requested they make it spicy it barely had any taste and no spice to it at all. Seriously I could make this at home for a quarter of the price. I've wanted to try Ben Pao's for a while now and I was past disappointed. The only reason I would suggest this restaurant to anyone is if I didn't like them. If you want out of this world, delicious Chinese/Asian food, try Dragonfly on Randolph Street, you will not be disappointed! Their food is extremely flavorful, the portions are generous and everything is fresh!

I am a Chicago native (born & raised) and a faithfull tripadvisor reader and reviewer. I lived in the City for 25 years and Ben Pao is one of my (if not #1) favorite restaurant. I have traveled around the country and always enjoy trying new foods, new restaurants, both in downtown areas and off the beaten path....but still found excellent right here in my own home town. One thing that will stick with you after dining at Ben Pao is that the food doesn't taste like any other food you have ever had. It is so unique in flavor, texture, and combinations!

Ben Pao's website: ----

The food is not your average Chinese/mediteraian/polynesian blend of exotic flavors, it is much more. The food is mezmerizing!

My favorites:

7-flavor chicken (I get it without the lemon grass, so more like a 6-flavor chicken)...this dish is similar to crispy pork, it has almost a candy coating orange'ish flavor and there are spices and peppers and garlic. Almost like an orange chicken, except thinner slices of chicken and a crispier coating (not a breading). EXCELLENT 4 stars ****

The Old World Egg Rolls and like no other Egg Roll on earth. They don't taste like egg rolls, look like traditional egg rolls, they are a huge ULTRA crispy egg roll shell (hand made and each one is individually fried crispy) filled with the most delicious blend of everything from crab meat to veggies, and the dipping sauces (homemade sweet & sour and a spicy sweet yogurt sauce) are very delicious. EXCELLENT 4 stars ****

The crag rangoon are not tradionally shaped, they are flute-shaped, crispy long rolls, with a bite of crispy oriental onion in each bite of cheese & crab. EXCELLENT 4 stars ****

~One last thing...REFRESHING BLACKBERRY TEA AND GINGER ALE~
When you go to the restaurant (not available on take out), try the BLACKBERRY ICED TEA. The most spectacular tasting tea I have ever had. EXCELLENT, again....4 stars **** The homemade (yes, HOMEMADE) ginger ale is soooooo delicious.

In essense, I have had the cashew chicken (great), the 7-flavor beef (sooo good), and other misc. dishes. They even have mini-chocolate egg rolls for dessert (tiny crispy filled with melted chocolate). Yummy! Nothing compares to the 7-flavor chicken (remember, no lemon grass, too perfumy....).

Dinner will run about $65 for 2 people with 2 big entrees, white & brown rice, 1-2 appetizers and 2 drinks...try the blackberry tea or HOMEMADE GINGER ALE to die for!!!!

All in all 4 stars **** out of 4 stars ****. Seriously.