Talk & Wok Cafe

I've lived in the neighborhood for about 10 years now and I've never once had a bad eating experience. EVER. Honestly, I really don't get the hatred most people have towards this place. It's one thing if you don't like the food but the feedback I've seen and heard from other locals feels like much more than that. I've gotten to know the owners. It's a family-owned business and they have lived in the area for years. The general consensus and attitude about TWC I keep seeing and hearing is it's not wanted or welcome by locals. Their longest regular customers are those who work at police station a a few doors down. With the bridge around the corner closed indefinitely for repairs, TWC is the only business that's still visible on that side of the intersection. I wanted to speak in defense of this restaurant not just because I've never had a bad experience personally but more importantly, the people who own and work there don't deserve the hate they get from their neighbors just because some people had bad experiences. The Cleary Square area already doesn't have that many food options anyway. All that said, it helps to set your expectations VERY low. If you want high-quality Chinese food, there's plenty of known options in Dedham. If you REALLY don't feel like cooking or just want something filling, TWC has you covered. The Combo Plates are the most popular for people who dine in or are on a lunch break. On that note. They closed the dining areas during the Pandemic though they've since only reopened the 3 tables facing the post office. I assume they only saw the need to do that much since most people take their food to go anyway. The interior feels pretty underwhelming to say the least but the seats are comfortable. There is a single person restroom next to the kitchen but it's been closed to the public since the Pandemic from what I understand. They permanently closed 70% of the dining area as it is. Contrary to what I know many locals think, all food are cooked to order. They do some prepwork in the morning but don't do the actual cooking until the order is placed. You're waiting typically 15 to 20 minutes on average for a small order or combo plate and portions are pretty generous overall. They do charge minimum $3.50 extra for any substitutions with Combo Plates excluding White Rice which they'll do for free. So for example if your combo plate would normally cost $12.50 it would be about $16 if you subbed in Beef Lo Mein or Chicken Fried Rice. It feels a bit much since I don't eat pork and I always request a substitution anyway. Would be nice if they let you substitution Vegetable Fried Rice or Vegetable Lo Mein for $1 or $2 max. All that said, prepare to go in spending at least $14 to $16 for a combo plate and a drink on average. If you want to go a la carte instead, you're spending minimum $30 to $40. That'll cover your pick of a large Fried Rice or Lo Mein, a large entree or two and a large Appetizer or two for up to four people.