Rainbow Chinese exeter

Had heard nothing but good reviews about Rainbow House and their much spoke of ‘Babi-Pangang’ dish although most people pronounce it ‘Babi-Pangyang’ I was warned it gets very busy and they sometime take the phone off the hook when its too busy. I called to order around 6pm and they answered straight away and my order was ready to collect about 30 minutes later. The shop was quiet busy and most people were buying large 2 bag orders. Ours came and it was very well packed and no leaking containers. Very reasonably priced and I didn't have a single complaint about the whole meal. The curry which was nice and think comes with a free rice, the babi-pangang comes on a bed of rice or a bed on noodles. The special fried rice has large pieces of chicken and a lovely sauce on the top. We tried lots of different chinese takeaways before finding out favourite (New Oriental City in Pinhoe) but Rainbow House comes very close if not beats it with value for money, variety and taste all together. The staff were very friendly and we'll definitely be eating from here again. Highly Recommended!!!! (I've added photos for the current menu and i couldn't see one on line)

08/04/2025 Update to my previous review. It has since transpired that the Rainbow is under new ownership, but they have taken considerable time to learn the previous recipes to great success. I'm delighted that the former deliciousness has returned and that the new owners have worked incredibly hard to uphold the standards. Thank you 😊 It is such a shame to find that after many years coming here, things have changed beyond recognition. Their delicous curry has always been a thing of great delight, sumptuous, unique and rich in flavour. Last night was so revolting we had to throw half our meals in the bin. When I phoned and implored to bring back the original family recipe, I was told it was the same, just a different colour, which incensed me even more that they tried to put it even in the same class as before. The attempt, since losing a much valued member of staff, has left them churning out slop, green in colour, watery, peppery and something akin to the contents of a baby's nappy. Such a shame. We will be looking for a new Chinese. Oh and you pay more for the displeasure!

So this place looks like a jobcentre, you have to collect and sometimes you can call 30+ times in a night to get an order in as the phone seems off the hook...100% worth it. This has to be hands-down the best chinese takeaway I've had, and I've had a lot. Service is great and the owners are so lovely, the portions MY GOD THE PORTIONS ARE HUGE, everywhere is clean and the prices are modest. Ordering from this place is always a great decision. In fact, think I might order one now.

When ordering from Rainbow I would recommend phoning your order through beforehand. Any orders take around 15-20 minutes, regardless of what is ordered. Completely worth the wait. The food is great, the menu is vast and everything is cooked as you would expect from a Chinese food establishment. Everything is fairly priced, the atmosphere is great and the staff are friendly. On a side note: disabled access may be difficult due to the front of store having a large step and parking is strictly on the street which is inundated with double yellow lines. Overall, seriously good grub at an affordable price. Edit: I forgot to mention that it's cash only!