The decor of the restaurant has the remnants of a 1970s something banquet hall with its floor to ceiling mirror walls, worn down carpeting, awkwardly placed chandelier, and tiny high stool bar tucked way in the back of the restaurant by the kitchen and bathrooms... but who comes to Hong Huah for the decor? Some of the reviews here gripe about the slow service of the place, but when the food is this good... you have to kick back and take the time to truly appreciate the delicious Chinese food this place has to offer. Things you must try here...
1. The pork wok fried potstickers (dumplings). Why are these 8 pieces of deliciousness worth trying? The dough has what the Taiwanese would describe as the perfect " Q Q" texture. Meaning that shell of the dumpling has a chewiness texture that is firm and has a bit of a bounce as you chew. The bottom of the dumpling has the perfect sear, which provides a delicate crunch factor, hence why it is called a pot - sticker... these are literally just the description of the outside. The inside of the dumpling is stuffed with a giant succulent pork meatball that is just mouthwatering delicious. The potstickers are served with a vinegar soysauce and hot chili on the side. Both are a great accompaniment to the appetizer. Note that these are fried, and as expected will be greasy, but they're not saturated in oil.
2. Satay beef ( on a stick). 4 pieces of beef, skewered into a stick. It's marinated in a Taiwanese BBQ sauce that is called satay sauce (沙爹醬). I can't describe it, but you just have to take my word for it and try it. They're delicious.
3. Although I don't have a picture of it cause it was inhaled before it even hit the table... there is a sliced sausage dish you absolutely have to try. It comes with slice raw garlic and it's just that good. It's one of those appetizers you need with a beer, specifically a Taiwan beer (台灣啤酒).
4. Beef chow fun with pan fried flat rice noodles , bean sprouts, and green onions. It's a delicious noodle and beefy dish. A bit on the greasy side, but keep in mind it is fried noodles.
5. Hong Huah lobster, which is literally one whole lobster seasoned with the restaurant's secret spices and coated in drawn butter over a bed of steam broccoli. I can't quite describe the spices, however it is delicious. The lobster itself was cooked to perfection. The spices was a great accompaniment. I would have prefer to have control of how much butter I consume though I will have to make a mental note to ask of it can be place on the side the next time.
6. Fish filet with a veggie melody. Little chunks of white fish coated in what tasted like a tempura batter, light salty sauce, and the veggies consist of pea pods, water chestnuts, carrots, and bamboo shoots.
Overall, the restaurant provides delicious and large portions of foods at a very reasonable price. The decor is dated. The service is slow, but the staff is friendly. This is a small family own restaurant for over 25+ years. This place is a small hidden gem in the neighborhood and dare I say, better than some of the places in Chinatown? It's a great place to bring small children out to dinner. Do keep in mind that there isn't a changing table in the bathrooms though. read more