RestaurantAsian RestaurantPan Asian RestaurantChinese RestaurantCaterer
For fast, fresh, and irresistible dishes, try Ming Lee Chinese Restaurant in Waterville, Maine. At our Chinese restaurant, we specialize in the area's finest Szechuan and Mandarin cuisine, made to order. Come in and experience our fantastic food in our welcoming vibe and atmosphere. We have the dining experience you crave!
Many customers reported a decline in food quality, with complaints about bland flavors, overcooked items, and unsatisfactory dishes compared to previous experiences.
Service Issues
Several reviews highlighted poor service experiences, including rushed service, incorrect orders, and unprofessional staff behavior.
Portion Sizes
Customers noted that portion sizes are large, often enough for multiple meals, but some felt the food was overpriced for the quality.
Mixed Experiences
While some customers praised the food and service, others expressed disappointment, indicating a lack of consistency in their dining experiences.
AM
Ashley Matthews
5 days ago
1.0
We ordered a pu-pu and other items on Christmas Eve, they still accommodated us with allergies which was amazing, however the food was LESS than desirable, we ordered $65 in food, we ended up getting rid of everything:/ I even double checked to see what had changed and they told me the only thing that changed was the chicken teriyaki, bologna! That and the chicken fingers were the only
Thing that seemed similar, I’m not sure why you would make so many changes to one of the MOST popular Chinese food places around. I’ve heard they own another Chinese food place that caters to tourists, and it makes sense to me.. you only have to please them once.. but for us locals we’ll just find a new place. I hope you change the food back but I don’t even know that I’ll give this place a second chance.
RD
Rachel Dennison
Jan 2, 2026
5.0
This is the best Chinese food I have ever had in my life. Granted it had been a while since I've dined at a Chinese restaurant; that being said, the leftovers I took home were still great the next day. I don't consider myself a huge foodie, but I have been having about Ming Lee to all my friends and family since yesterday.
I should mention that I ordered a pu pu platter. And every item was the best I have ever eaten: right down to the chicken wings.
🙌
DW
David Wallace (Wally)
Jan 2, 2026
3.0
Always used to LOVE Ming Lee… They were the best place to go every time we wanted Chinese food. Not sure what has happened in the last 6 months but the food has definitely gone down hill from where they stood before. One great example the crab rangoons used to be my favorite and I don’t even like seafood. Well this time first bite into one all I could taste was onion. I do onion on most of my food but this was very strong tasting and if I didn’t like onion I would have been VERY disappointed and grossed out. Still was disappointed but made it through them. We had a pupu for 2 lg chicken wings sm chicken lo mein sm veg lo mein sm chow mein and extra rice and was $120. Could be a lot worse but still kinda expensive for sup par food. But been seeing a lot of people changing their opinions of Ming Lee and had to try it out and am gonna say my opinion has changed as well. Still decent but definitely not the BEST.
DS
David Savasuk
Jan 2, 2026
1.0
Been going here for 20 years. My favorite Chinese of all time. Not any more. Its under new ownership and the new owner has succeeded in changing ingredients to the point I'm probably never going back. First time that I've ever thrown out crab rangoons and I mean ALL of them minus the 1 that 3 of us tried. All you can taste is onion. Thats just the tip of the iceberg with the unpleasant pallet changes. Highly disappointed to say the least. I would love for the owner to explain why he would buy a highly successful restaurant and change the food that made it successful.
SO
Sir Olpena
Dec 20, 2025
2.0
I keep hearing it's the best in New England, so I keep going back for some reason. More times than not it's been terrible. Most of the time they mess your order up. Looks like they just slopped a scoop of romaine and left everything else out of the meal. One time I got a beef stick that was not even edible. I guess it's a new owner so maybe that's what's happening. Sorry I wish I could say something nice about this place. I don't understand how it is so full. I honestly wanted this place to be awesome. I don't get it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ming Lee Chinese Restaurant
Where is Ming Lee Chinese Restaurant located?
Ming Lee Chinese Restaurant is located at 365 Main Street, Waterville, ME 04901, USA.
What types of cuisine does Ming Lee Chinese Restaurant specialize in?
Ming Lee specializes in Szechuan and Mandarin Chinese cuisine, made to order with fresh ingredients.
What are the operating hours of Ming Lee Chinese Restaurant?
Ming Lee is open Monday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM, Friday and Saturday until 9:00 PM, and Sunday until 8:30 PM.
Does Ming Lee Chinese Restaurant accept reservations?
Yes, Ming Lee Chinese Restaurant accepts reservations.
Does Ming Lee offer takeout services?
Yes, Ming Lee offers takeout services for customer convenience.
Can I contact Ming Lee Chinese Restaurant by phone or email?
Yes, you can reach them by phone at +1 207-873-2828 or by email at mingleechen@yahoo.com.
Where can I view the menu for Ming Lee Chinese Restaurant?
The menu is available online at https://mingleerestaurant.com/waterville-ming-lee-food-menu.
Are there any nearby restaurants or eateries close to Ming Lee in Waterville?
Yes, nearby dining options include Little Caesars Pizza, Five Guys, Taco Bell, and O'Brien's Irish Restaurant & Pub, offering a variety of food choices close to Ming Lee.
Which nearby stores or services can I visit after dining at Ming Lee?
After your meal, you can visit nearby stores like Harbor Freight Tools for hardware supplies, Advance Auto Parts for automotive needs, and RadioShack for electronics and mobile phones.
Are there any nearby recreational or fitness centers near Ming Lee Chinese Restaurant?
Yes, the Waterville Swim & Fitness Center is nearby, perfect if you want to combine dining with a workout or leisure activity.