Paper Lantern

Address: 4610 Coldwater Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825

Phone:(260) 471-4990

 

This place doesn't look like much and walking inside may not completely change your mind, but walking out without ordering would be a huge mistake. 

The building has held a variety of restaurants over the last few years, none widely successful, and having eaten at most of them, I can't say I'm too upset. This, however, will hopefully break that chain. The food is great. Some of the best in town, and at a very agreeable price. 

After being seated you're given a two sided menu, one side for Chinese dishes and one side for Vietnamese dishes. On my first visit I went with two buddies for lunch, each of us ordering something different from the Chinese side. I sampled everything and we all agreed it was some of the best we've ever had. The lunch dishes come with your entree, choice of steamed rice, fried rice or lo mein, as well as egg drop or hot and sour soup, all for under $7 after tax. For $1 more you can add a spring roll, egg roll, or crab rangoon, all of which are highly recommendable. The portion sizes were very generous, the food was hot and tasty, and didn't feel like the standard greasy, nondescript, saucy mess that you tend to get from these 'typical' take-out prices. I went back on my own to try the Vietnamese menu, and had the pho, a delicious rice noodle and beef broth dish. It definitely didn't disappoint.

 

Price: 4.5/5 you definitely get what you pay for, and then some! Great quantity AND quality for the price (at least during lunch, can't speak for dinner)

Selection: 4/5 combining the two ethic menus isn't necessarily unusual, but they managed to keep an extensive amount of choices from each culture, and have done it well

Taste: 8.5/10 we were all shocked at how thick and hearty the soups were, how flavorful and fresh the veggies were, and how distinct each of the various sauces were. You'll never have to guess what you're eating!

Atmosphere: 2/5 this takes a huge ding for the location, outside, and inside decorum. It seems they put all their effort into the food, and quite frankly I'm not upset.  

 

Overall: 19/25 Definitely a gem. The food quality can compete with the best of the best in town, and the only real upsetting factor is having to eat there. This is readily solved by ordering take out and eating in the comfort of home.