3.5 really
Came here on a Saturday evening hoping for the cart but that wasn't happening.
waited a while till seated
food overall was just ok
no soy or chili served on the table
on the menu the weekend dimsum was not served either
liked the taro shrimp. it was interesting and crunchy
Jake Vyper
Feb 16, 2025
3
| Overview
+ Authentic Chinese dim-sum
+ Pork Shumai is good
+ Shrimp tofu is a must-try
+ Improved ordering checklist is easy
- Only 2 small pork buns per order instead of 3
- Chinese broccoli pieces are little
- Chili sauce + soy sauce was pre-served instead of letting us make our own
- Red tripe?
- Ambiance looks old.
- Expensive for the amount.
- Customer service could be better
| Full Review
It's been more than 3 years since we'd eaten dim-sum in Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant in Durham, NC, and that's because we've found a better yet farther dim-sum spot in Cary: Shanghai. My girl & I went here for lunch because it was close to an eyeglass shop that we had to visit.
This was the first time we went here on a lunch time weekday; the previous ones years ago were always on a weekend, which were usually crowded. This time, there was a good amount of customers but we didn't have to wait to get seat and parking wasn't a problem.
We were a bit surprised to see the paper menu with a checklist ordering system similar to Mr. Tokyo in Chapel Hill. There's also a larger, separate full menu, complete with photos of various dim-sum items, so even though there were no dim-sum carts going around, it was easy for us to order.
We ordered all dim-sum items: 5x Pork Shumai (4 pieces each) 1x Shrimp Noodle Crepe (3 pieces), 1x Shrimp Tofu (3 pieces each), 1x Chinese Broccoli, 1x order of Pork Bun (2 pieces), tripe & 2 small cups of white rice. Total came up to be around $64 - About the same price we pay for 2 people in Shanghai.
We had to wait for about 18 min. for all the items to arrive - Not as fast as we'd like but still faster than other dim-sum places we've been to. They were all served hot. My girl had to ask for chili & soy sauce for our Pork Shumai; the lady-manager who served us gave us a tiny saucer that already have the chili & soy sauce sauce mixed instead of letting us do it our own like how other dim-sum spots do.
$5 for 4 pieces of Pork Shumai is about the average price now; it's $1 cheaper here than Shanghai albeit smaller (less pork filling). Nonetheless, the Shumais here tasted as authentic as the other dim-sum items, but skin of the Shumais were a bit overcooked. The shrimp tofu was well-cooked though, and the sweet sauce with chives that came with it was enjoyable.
The shrimp rice noodle crepe was good with the soy sauce; and 3 pieces per order was fine for the price, but the 2-piece small pork bun was disappointing; Shanghai & other dim-sum spots usually have 3 pieces. The small cups of white rice were enough for us; the amount of Chinese broccoli with the oyster sauce was fine but the pieces were quite small.
The most surprising part of our dim-sum lunch was the tripe, which we expected to be white instead of red. This was our first time having this kind of tripe and we weren't sure at first if it would be as good as the typical white tripe. This tasted a bit spicier, more tomato-like, not too bad, but we prefer the white tripe we're used to.
There were no major issues with customer service here but our experience could have be better. We just didn't get the sense that the lady cared about our dim-sum needs such as the chili/soy sauce issue I mentioned.
It's quite rare to find a decent dim-sum place in Triangle NC; while Hong Kong is far from the ideal spot to eat authentic Chinese dim-sum, it's still authentic, and if you're craving for good dim-sum but are not willing to drive farther, this is still an acceptable spot. Just don't expect food to be cheap here (like most dim-sums).
For us, this might be our last visit in Hong Kong; this review felt like a bittersweet farewell to what my parents, brothers, and I used to go to for lunch after church years ago. My girl & I just won't settle for less when it comes to dim-sum, especially if we're paying more than $60 for 2.
| Overall Score: 3.4/5
Patricia Beasley
Jan 25, 2025
3
We travel from Wilmington to dine here primarily because there are other activities we enjoy in the area, and this is our only opportunity to savor dim sum. Unfortunately, the service leaves much to be desired; it often makes us feel overlooked. As white patrons, we sometimes experience a sense of invisibility, as our table is frequently ignored. During our last few visits, we ended up leaving earlier than usual due to the lack of attention, as nothing was brought to our table. We always sit by the register, so there's really no justification for this. There have been instances where we ordered a special dish, only for it never to arrive. Thankfully, we weren't charged, but that misses the point. We usually spend over $100 there, just the two of us. While we will continue to return, we genuinely wish they would consider how they treat customers differently. This lack of attention reflects poorly on their business, especially when we want to recommend it to others but feel compelled to caution them about the service.
Arthur Zak
Jan 12, 2025
4
Food is delicious, service is a little hit or miss in terms of speed of taking orders/giving you the bill/paying. Once you order everything is very quick. Good dim sum, not out of this world but sort of your only option in the area. Never had anything here that wasn't tasty.
Brody B
Sep 22, 2024
4
One of my favorite dishes to try at a Chinese restaurant is Egg Foo Young. Is the sauce hand made, are the bean sprouts fresh, how is the protein, you know the drill. And for many years this has been my favorite Egg Foo Young in the Triangle. Their chicken wings were also a treat, and there were lots of other dishes on the menu that everyone else enjoyed.
Things have changed, not sure when but we have noticed a sharp change in recipes and quality. Same dishes, just done differently.
Egg Foo Young with cabbage, including the rib, instead of bean sprouts -- the sauce almost tastes like it came from a powder or can with the addition of some garlic. The portions seem smaller, by about 20-30% -- I don't mind that, as great food doesn't need to come in bulk - but the change to cabbage is... The chicken wings used to have a nice five spice base and more flavor, that seems to be gone or reduced.
We used to love this place, but it has changed -- bring back the old chef or have him train the new one.
Jiajia Ni
Jun 16, 2024
4
Haven’t been back for a long time. It's one of the few authentic dim-sum restaurants in RTP area. Everything is the same as always. The taste hasn't changed. It's not particularly delicious but I have a lot of memories..
The most recommended is the steamed pork ribs.
Gina
Apr 20, 2024
4
We were there a little pass noon, the place is Best has a good blend of American and Asian customers. The shrimp dumpling is really good, taro ball kind of old and stale. You place your dim sum order from the menu, I enjoy ordering from a cart. The place is small, no room for cart.
