Lao Hu Cheng Asian Bistro
About This Spot
Stepping into Lao Hu Cheng Asian Bistro is like entering a small, sunlit haven where the pace softens and the world outside gently recedes. Nestled on Tiger Boulevard in Clemson, this unassuming eatery hums with a quiet warmth that lingers in the air—an inviting pause in the day where food and care meet in a quietly joyful way.
The atmosphere here unfolds with an intimate simplicity, guided by the steady presence of May, the owner whose hands not only prepare each dish but also craft the space itself. There’s a soothing rhythm to the bistro’s service, almost like a conversation shared among friends rather than a transactional exchange. Visitors often find themselves cradling a steaming cup of jasmine or green tea—there to ease the transition between life’s hustle and the meal ahead.
The menu reads like a heartfelt journal of flavors, blending traditions across Asia with a thoughtful twist that reflects fresh ingredients and deliberate preparation. Each dish seems to arrive with a story—whether it’s the delicate richness of coconut milk infusing a classic Pad Thai, the gentle spice of a Massaman curry, or the homey tenderness found inside handmade dumplings. The fresh fruit smoothies and self-serve teas whisper a casual welcome, inviting diners to linger over moments of delight without rush.
What makes Lao Hu Cheng truly memorable isn’t just what comes on the plate but the care stitched into every detail. The owner’s attentive presence and the comforting hum of quiet conversations create a space where visitors feel seen and relaxed. It’s a place that quietly holds you close, much like the flavors that warm your palate—a subtle, genuine embrace in the heart of Clemson.
What’s Available Here
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On-site services
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Delivery
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Comfort food
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Healthy options
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Quick bite
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Small plates
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Vegetarian options
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Dessert
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Seating
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Toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Quiet
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Family friendly
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Groups
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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Credit cards
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Good for kids
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High chairs
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM | |
| Friday | 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 02:00 PM - 09:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 02:00 PM - 09:00 PM |
Kristy Martin 13 Dec 2025
I have never been so impressed by a restaurant as I was this evening at Lao Hu Cheng Asian Bistro. The owner, May, runs the entire thing by herself. Meeting her is like a warm hug from your grandmother and the ambiance is soothing and smooth like a lullaby. We ordered the Tom Ka Gai soup and the Massaman Chicken Curry. May offered us complimentary hot tea before she disappeared into the kitchen to cook our meal from scratch. We tried some homemade wheat sweetener for the tea instead of honey, which was delicious, and when she reappeared with our dinner, we knew we were in for a treat. The food was beautiful and fresh and so fragrant with notes of curry, lime, peanut and coconut. To eat her food is definitely comforting and something we needed on such a cold and blustery day. I’m raving over this place and over the friendly lady that deserves praise. WONDERFUL, May! This is easily now my favorite restaurant in the area!!
True Air Technologies Radon Specialists 05 Dec 2025
I stopped in not knowing what to expect. I ordered the pad Thai with chicken and requested it extra spicy. May (the owner) also recommended that I try the dumplings. The food was excellent. The dumplings appeared to be homemade with beef and vegetables in them. The pad Thai was amazing! It was made with coconut milk that gave it a very creamy texture with a slightly sweet undertone. The slight sweetness with the extra spicy flavor was great. It was loaded with chicken also! Lastly, the price was great given the amount of food I received! I would go back again and would recommend to my family and friends.
TOMMY Bryant 29 Nov 2025
Very nice Asian restaurant. The owner is a one woman show. She does the orders, the front end,answers the phone,and the cooking. (Like everything) I got the Pad-Thai with chicken and an order of Spring rolls. The Pad-Thai is not like your typical thai style. It's cooked in coconut milk instead of oil,its a healthier option. I can't say enough about how sweet and nice the owner is. I would definitely say give this place a try, support local business and come here.
Steve Chowdhury 12 Nov 2025
I cannot and will not complain about the experience we received here. Absolutely delicious food and the lady who runs the shop is incredibly kind and caring about the customers. They have fresh-blended fruit juices and self-serve tea. Service isn’t the quickest but you can make it out the door in half an hour and the food makes up for it anyway. Ordered the massaman and it was authentic and delicious. We were incredibly lucky to find this spot.
Jonathan Hamrick 15 Oct 2025
FRESH! Everything this place puts out is made with fresh never frozen ingredients. Fresh fruit on the counter for smoothies. Self serve Jasmine and green tea available also water. This quaint place boasts an older lady named Mae, who is ready to please any guest with her hospitality and fresh home made cuisine. Seriously a must try! I had the spicy basil chicken special, fresh basil, fresh ginger, white pepper, zucchini, onions, potatoes, broccoli, and something else, on a bed of white rice! The flavors were unaltered and genuine. She does not use MSG or Soy sauce, or ANY oil to prepare meals for an authentic Asian flavor, which is the only thing they provide. This place is like going to your grammas house for a feel good meal. If you’re expecting anything less then go somewhere else. This is not Fast Food!! It’s food for the soul. A great place to decompress and drink tea.
Taylor Scarborough 12 Oct 2025
If I could give this place 6 stars I would. I was not expecting a type of restaurant like this in Clemson, albeit anywhere in SC. This place is very authentic. It is all cooked by one lady. She is also your server. Everything I ate was delicious and had flavors that I weren’t aware of in common dishes such as the dumplings. They were full of flavor. I got the Donburi chicken (this was a daily special). I haven’t wrote a review in 4 years and my experience here was so profound I had to share it with others. I hope you all enjoy :)
Joshua Johns 22 Sep 2025
this place is an absolutely authentic gem! the lady that runs this place hand makes everything, even her sauces, and you can taste how proud she is of her food. came in from out of town for a training and decided to pop in here with a coworker. had the dumplings and cheese angels (rangoon) first, so good, and cost to value was amazing. also ordered pad thai and masamaan curry, just phenomenal. she even made the mango lassi fresh from whole mango. I will keep coming back here as a required stop whenever I come back through this town. absolutely loved everything!
J. P. 18 Sep 2025
Arrived and was met by May, the sweetest cook. She was there alone, and greeted my coworker and I with a smile. She made several menu reccomndations. After getting us drinks, and taking our orders, she then went and cooked our meals. The restaurant smelled amazing upon entering, and light instrumental music plays gently as you can actually talk without having to yell. She then brought out our Cheese Angel's (crab rangoon) and dumplings. They were perfect and delicious, with home made sauces to die for. The She brought out the Pad Thai. When I say this was delicious, and delivered with such care, its not even an understatement. Everything was made fresh in house and delicious. She made fresh Mango Lassi smoothies and could not be happier. May is amazing and running this restaurant by her self to keep it authentic. Im from Charleston and eating here is 100% worth the 4 hour drive.