Hong Kong Bistro – Chandler, AZ
Having traveled the world with many trips to Asia, I am a fan of great Chinese food. Also, I’m quite critical of restaurants that don’t measure up to me personally. But, when you come across any of my reviews, they are positive: if I don’t like the establishment, I don’t take the time to write about it.
Since we moved to Gilbert, AZ in April of 2006, Norm and I have been searching for an outstanding Chinese restaurant in the East Valley. Several times, we have passed Hong Kong Bistro on the northwest corner of Chandler Heights and Gilbert Road. In the early spring of 2008, we decided to give it a try. Our search resulted in an experience that was right on target. Hong Kong Bistro is excellent value for money for the quality of its food.
We have been back to the restaurant more times than I can count. I’m open to trying something different each time, but Norm tends to prefer the Mo-Shu Pork, while he tries my entrees.
Hong Kong Bistro’s menu has everything that most Chinese restaurants offer. The unexpected comes with the Chef’s Specials that are more than special. Among our favorites are: Happy Family, which is a combination of shrimp, scallops, and chicken with vegetables, is a chef’s sauce; Double Placer where shrimp and scallops are combined with vegetables in a special spicy sauce; Sizzling Rice Combo is a delicious jumbo shrimp and chicken breast with fresh Chinese vegetables sautéed in a smooth and delicious sauce, served over sizzling rice; Sizzling Seafood Platter is a combination of scallops, shrimp, lobster tail, and crab meat with Chinese vegetables on a hot plate where you can hear it all sizzle. It is covered with a delicate oyster sauce.
While not on the specialty list, certainly one of my favorites is Walnut Shrimp. These jumbo shrimp feature a mayonnaise sauce topped with fried walnuts and are served with broccoli. it’s delicious. The orange chicken and Mongolian beef are more of Norm’s favorites.
For $1, you can add an appetizer, soup, and fried rice to your order. We enjoyed the sweet and sour soup, won ton and egg drop, all of which were wonderful.
The presentation of all the dishes we have seen served is lovely, with meticulous attention to detail. What impressed me tremendously was the preparation of everything. Even deep-fried foods are lightly battered and quickly fried to produce a light creation, not a heavy, oil-soaked dish often found elsewhere. Plus, there are plenty of light entry options. Even better, Hong Kong Bistro does not use MSG. Their ingredients are fresh and you can tell the difference.
There are many more selections that we can try on an ongoing basis. It’s hard for us to go beyond some of our favorites, but Michelle Zhen, who owns Hong Kong Bistro with her husband, continues to encourage us to try different dishes. They encourage their customers to order something not on the menu if they want a particular dish.
The atmosphere is relaxing and comfortable, a cut above most Chinese restaurants.
Michelle and her husband purchased the Golden Canyon in Mesa in 1999. Its continued success encouraged them to purchase Hong Kong Bistro in 2008. We are pleased they did and encourage you to give it a try. The drive up to Phoenix’s SE Valley is well worth it, and you’ll savor every bite of bistro.
Hong Kong Bistro
4990 S. Gilbert Road #8, NW corner of Chandler Heights Road and Gilbert Road
Chandler, AZ 85249
480 802 1818