Actually, 1,000 Stars!…read more
WHAT IN THE WORLD!!! Total hidden gem.
I know writing this review isn't exactly helping me because more people will discover this place--but the world needs to know!
They're currently offering a $25 lobster special, which is practically unheard of. As of July 2026, the promotion is still going on, and I believe it's tied to a grand opening or a customer appreciation campaign. Whatever the reason, it's a brilliant idea because it got me through the door- not once, but TWICE already.
Beyond the lobster, they also serve excellent Cantonese barbecue, including roast pork, roast chicken, roast duck, BBQ pork (char siu), as well as noodles and congee. It's the kind of neighborhood Cantonese restaurant that's becoming harder to find.
One thing I especially appreciated was that their lunch special rice dishes were still available until 8:00 p.m. Most restaurants stop serving lunch specials by early afternoon on weekdays because understandably they'd rather focus on dinner entrées. I completely understand that business model. However, this restaurant chose to extend those affordable options well into the evening, and that's a level of generosity that deserves recognition. This review is my small way of saying thank you to them.
Now let's talk about the wok.
The "wok hei" (that signature "breath of the wok") was absolutely incredible. It literally is just the heat from the scorching wok that helps make the food delicious, flavorful, and the whole yard. The lobster arrived so hot that steam kept fogging my camera lens, making it nearly impossible to get a sharp photo. My group wasn't about to wait for it to cool down either, so I had no choice but to post a steamy lobster picture, which honestly seems fitting. Steamy, fresh, and delicious... not a bad combination!
The menu itself is extensive. While Cantonese cuisine is certainly comfort food, they also offer familiar favorites like beef with broccoli for anyone who prefers something more traditional. (Tradition in the sense of the Americanized concept, haha) At the same time, adventurous diners have plenty of authentic dishes to explore.
I also have a great deal of respect for the operation behind the scenes. Many Cantonese restaurants effectively run two kitchens at once--one handling barbecue meats, noodle dishes, congee, and chopping stations in the front, while another manages high-powered wok cooking in the back. Coordinating all of that smoothly is no easy task. Much respect to the cooks, kitchen staff, managers, and owners. Running a restaurant like this involves an incredible amount of organization and hard work that most customers never see. It is quite a huge undertaking!
The seafood tasted fresh, the vegetables were cooked with precision (the string beans still had a wonderful crunch), and the flavors were excellent overall. One dish leaned a little saltier than I personally prefer, but considering everything else was so well executed, it was easy to overlook. There were really more pros than anything else.
For a Hong Kong-style restaurant located in Queens--not Hong Kong itself--I think they've done a fantastic job. Of course, nothing replaces eating in Hong Kong, but that's not really the point. This restaurant delivers authentic Cantonese comfort food while serving the tastes and expectations of diners here in New York, especially in Queens and particularly in the Kissena area, and they do it exceptionally well.
Congratulations to the entire team for creating a place like this. It's exactly the kind of neighborhood restaurant that food lovers appreciate: great food, fair prices, and genuine hospitality. (And yes... you definitely won't find us spending our money at Mr. Chow's!)
If you visit, don't order just one dish. Come with family or friends, order several items, and share everything. That's the best way to experience Cantonese dining. Their menu is quite expansive, that's why. We usually dine with groups of ten or more, so I'm already thinking about bringing future birthday dinner and group gatherings here. I noticed they have at least one larger table, although it may be a little tight for very large parties.
I'll definitely be back, and I'll try to upload more photos after future visits.
Most importantly, please support your local businesses. They're what give every neighborhood its personality, diversity, and sense of community. Places like this deserve to succeed.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy your visit as much as we did!