When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
Taste of Hong Kong
Why Taste of Hong Kong is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Taste of Hong Kong in Ewa Beach offers a vibrant and flavorful destination for friends to meet and enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and freshly prepared dishes that highlight traditional flavors. Customers can savor specialties like tender beef dishes, excellent egg rolls, and well-loved items like Honey Walnut Shrimp and House Lo Mein. The bustling atmosphere, especially during peak times, suggests a popular local hangout where people gather to share meals and enjoy the rich taste of Hong Kong's culinary heritage. Whether for dine-in or take-out, the combination of large servings and fresh ingredients makes it a notable spot for groups wanting to indulge in authentic Chinese favorites within a casual setting.
Here's what people think of Taste of Hong Kong
As of recent, Taste of Hong Kong holds a 3.7-star rating based on 114 reviews.
Customer reviews for Taste of Hong Kong present a mixed picture. Positive feedback often highlights the deliciousness of certain dishes, such as the Honey Walnut Shrimp and tender beef options, as well as fresh ingredients and large portions that provide good value. Many reviewers appreciate the friendly service and the bustling environment that speaks to its popularity among locals. However, negative reviews point out inconsistencies in food quality, including issues with some dishes being cold, flavorless, or having poor texture, particularly noting problems with dishes like Gau Gee, Lemon Chicken, and Lo Mein. Some customers expressed disappointment with food that seemed like it had been sitting for too long, affecting taste and overall satisfaction. In conclusion, while Taste of Hong Kong remains a favored place for authentic Hong Kong-style meals, prospective diners should be aware of variability in experience, as reflected by the overall rating around 3.7 stars from over a hundred reviews.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Nicole
We went here for the first time tonight on Christmas. We were easily able to make reservations this morning around 8:30 for a 5:30 sitting. So if you're going on a holiday, make sure you make the reservations. When we got there it was already kind of full because it's a very small restaurant but there were people who were waiting because they hadn't made reservations and they were on a wait list and it seemed like they were there for a while. However, we went in and we were seated within seconds. It took a while for us to order because I think they were not paying any attention to us. I don't know. However, the lady that took our order is the same lady that was trying to bust tables and be the hostess so I don't know why the others weren't doing as much as she was. We got the three combo barbecue special with Hong Kong roasted duck, Macao roasted pork and some kind of chicken. My husband was the one who wanted the chicken. I didn't like it that much. It didn't have much flavor and it was kind of dry. The duck was really good but fatty but you know it's duck so I don't blame the restaurant for that. The skin on it was really crispy. And the pork was chef's kiss. Really delicious and crispy. We also ordered the shrimp with garlic and chili which was the most amazing dish that we had while we were there and I will go back there over and over for it. The shrimp were like big prawns, not just large shrimp. And they were fried perfectly and they were tender and juicy and it was almost like a salt and pepper shrimp. I keep thinking about it even though we've been home for a few hours now. We also ordered the salt and pepper chicken and my daughter thinks that they tasted sweet but I think it tasted Smokey. I don't know it was really good but it was a much different taste than for instance if you were getting it from Royal Mandarin. And then my mother-in-law got chicken and vegetables and that was really delicious. Very tender and the vegetables were cooked perfectly. Our combo plate came out within about 2 minutes of us ordering it. So fast that we thought it wasn't even ours at first. And the other dishes came out pretty quickly except for the shrimp that took a while but we had all the other stuff to eat. Even under the Christmas pressure, the food was excellent and came out really fast. Please note: when you first get there, they put a hot tea on your table. THAT TEA IS NOT FREE! It's $2 per person and it's just charged automatically. You have to let them know you don't want it and then you have to also check your receipt because they just automatically charge it. Also prices on tonight's menu are higher than they are online so I don't know if it's for the holiday or what.
Simon Liu
Some reviews said the service was bad. But we experienced wonderful service and hospitality. The food was great. The lobster noodles was No. 1.
Phyllis Rostykus
Fast service, extensive and authentic menu, very clean restaurant. The fresh steamed fish was absolutely stunning, tender and caught just the night before and brought to the restaurant that morning. It tasted just that fresh and three chef treated it with utmost respect as there was a very light sauce with scallions and ginger and that was all it needed. The tofu and fish hot pot was tender and delicious. The snow pea leaves were crisp and cooked just to tender. The garlic chili shrimp were very generously sized crisp from the fryer and doused super generously with red and green chilies and at least a handful of garlic. And the orange wagyu was decadent meat candy in the original Chinese style of orange beef, redolent with chili and fruit. My parents had been here once before and liked it enough to come again, as it had made a great impression on them and they were born on the Mainland.
LULU LIVE Art
Update review- This place is super delicious! My husband and I are fell in love with their Roasted Duck, you have to give it a try! We tried New Zealand Lamb Chops this time, the flavor is quite good, but it's a little bit too pricey. We also tried Xing Zhou Rice Noodles, this is very authentic, just like the real Cantonese taste. Overall, we will definitely come back here to eat more. Previous review- I ordered from Hungry Panda and got the food delivered to my place. I had 4 dishes and all of them are delicious. They are Roasted Duck & Pork combo, Japanese tofu with mushrooms, Stir Fry Rice Cake with pork and Sweet and Sour Pork. My favorite is the Roasted Duck, which is the best Hong Kong style roasted duck I’ve ever had in San Diego. The Roasted Pork is yummy as well, the skin is so crispy. They are super authentic. Japanese tofu is nice too, especially with the thick sauce and mushrooms. I also love the Sweet Sour Pork, this is the authentic style sweet sour pork where the American style developed from. The stir fry rice cakes taste special and unique to me but it is delicious as well. I love this place.
Yule Show
This was also a business-casual-friends dinner, we drove from LA down to San Diego just for the dinner. The owner/boss of the restaurant also owned one of the best and most famous Cantonese restaurants in Kunming, Yunnan, China, with the same Chinese name in San Diego. The dishes we had that night may or may not be on the menu, we had abalone (fresh, as so-called two-headed), lobster, and crab. I have to say, those dishes were good, but they can be better. We also had some normal Cantonese dishes, like chopped fresh boiled chicken, char siu (barbecued pork), grilled pigeon, pickled duck wings, pickled chicken feet, etc. Most of them were beyond average, especially the grilled dove, they were so good almost as good as the best ones in Hong Kong. I don't want to say hope the restaurant getting better and better, it's already had the persons waiting outside for seating at the very beginning first day, the day I visited. I just want to say that the hope my San Diego friends, including my daughter and her friends, can get more elegant, decent Cantonese foods from this restaurant.
How to reach Taste of Hong Kong
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Why Taste of Hong Kong may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Taste of Hong Kong with your friends?
If you're looking for an authentic yet casual dining experience that brings your group together over hearty, flavorful Chinese cuisine, Taste of Hong Kong in Chantilly, Virginia, is an excellent choice. This restaurant offers a vast menu that captures the essence of Hong Kong-style Chinese cooking with generous portions that can easily satisfy a group. Its informal atmosphere makes it the perfect mingling spot where friends and family can relax and share dishes without the pressure of a formal setting. Whether you want to catch up over a big meal or celebrate a special occasion, the warm, friendly vibe at Taste of Hong Kong encourages conversation and connection. Moreover, the variety on offer means there's something for everyone—from spicy stir-fries to comforting soups—making it suitable even for groups with diverse tastes. In sum, if the idea of gathering around a table stacked with authentic, comforting food appeals to you, Taste of Hong Kong offers not just meals but shared experiences that foster camaraderie.
What activities can you enjoy at Taste of Hong Kong for a group meetup?
Taste of Hong Kong shines as a venue where the primary activity revolves around communal dining—something deeply ingrained in Chinese food culture. The restaurant’s menu provides an ideal setup for groups to order multiple dishes that everyone can share, turning the meal into a social, interactive event. Beyond the dining itself, the venue allows you to explore various tastes and textures together, from sweet and sour soup to the classic chicken with cashew nuts, engaging everyone's palate and sparking lively conversation about favorites and flavors. Since the portions are generous, as many reviewers note, it's great for sharing plates rather than individual servings, which encourages a spirit of togetherness. The casual, authentic setting also enables guests to feel at home, making it easy to stay relaxed and focused on social interaction rather than formalities. While it isn't a place for outside entertainment or live activities, the enjoyment comes from the food experience itself—discussing and savoring dishes provides a rich, organic way to bond.
Why is Taste of Hong Kong perfect for group dining rather than just a solo visit?
While Taste of Hong Kong serves delicious food, its true charm emerges when you come with a group. The restaurant’s large portions are tailored for sharing, which transforms eating into a participatory activity where everyone can sample a range of dishes without committing to just one entree. This approach elevates a meal to a social event, ideal for family gatherings, catch-ups with old friends, or even casual celebrations. The variety offered means you can tackle different dishes in rounds, adapting orders to group preferences and dietary needs efficiently. Furthermore, the atmosphere is informal and inviting, unlike many more upscale Chinese establishments where the experience might feel more restrained—this makes Taste of Hong Kong a comfortable place for all ages and personalities to gather. Also, many diners appreciate the reasonable pricing and authentic flavors, making it a satisfying choice for groups wanting both quality and quantity. In contrast, solo visitors might find some dishes too large or miss out on the playful sharing dynamic that enhances the meal.
What type of food and menu options can groups expect at Taste of Hong Kong?
At Taste of Hong Kong, groups can dive into an extensive menu that offers a wide spectrum of authentic Hong Kong-style Chinese dishes. The cuisine here leans more towards traditional mainland and Hong Kong street flavors rather than the Americanized versions, giving customers an experience that’s more genuine and rich in character. Highlights include savory and crispy chicken with cashew nuts, flavorful stir-fries packed with fresh vegetables and meats, and classics like sweet and sour soup that many diners rave about. Given the variety, the restaurant caters to meat lovers, seafood fans, vegetarians, and those with milder palates alike. One key aspect is that the serving sizes are typically large enough to accommodate sharing, turning the meal into a sampling adventure for a group. While dim sum isn’t served, the restaurant makes up for it with a broad selection of other dishes that showcase different textures and seasonings unique to Hong Kong cuisine. From rice noodles to hearty soups, the menu’s diversity supports an interactive dining experience where everyone can find something they enjoy.
How does the atmosphere at Taste of Hong Kong support social gatherings?
The atmosphere at Taste of Hong Kong is unpretentious, casual, and welcoming, making it an ideal place for social gatherings where the focus is on food and fellowship. Unlike high-end restaurants where the environment can sometimes feel stiff or overly formal, Taste of Hong Kong offers a more down-to-earth vibe that puts groups at ease. The décor and setting evoke the feel of old-fashioned Hong Kong eateries, providing a nostalgic and authentic backdrop that encourages everyone to be relaxed and informal. The noise level and seating arrangements are conducive to conversation—groups can sit close enough to interact comfortably without excessive distractions. Additionally, the staff are known to be friendly and accommodating, which helps guests feel welcomed and taken care of, adding to the overall positive social experience. While the restaurant may not offer entertainment or activities beyond dining, the genuine atmosphere fosters connection through shared enjoyment of food, which is often all a group needs to create lasting memories together.
What are some challenges or downsides to consider before planning a meetup at Taste of Hong Kong?
While Taste of Hong Kong offers many positives, it is important for groups to be aware of a few potential downsides that might affect their experience. Some reviews mention that while many dishes are excellent, the quality can be inconsistent; certain items like Chinese broccoli have been described as less tender or somewhat bitter, which could disappoint some guests. Pricing can also be a factor, with some diners feeling the cost is slightly high compared to other Chinese restaurants in the region, which might impact larger groups with tighter budgets. Additionally, the restaurant does not provide dim sum, a popular choice in many Hong Kong-style eateries, so groups seeking that experience won’t find it here. The place is casual but not necessarily spacious—or designed specifically for event hosting—so very large groups might find seating arrangements less than ideal during peak times. Lastly, extras like Chinese tea are not free, which could add a small cost to the overall bill; however, this is common in many authentic Chinese restaurants. Being mindful of these points can help groups prepare and set their expectations appropriately.
How can Taste of Hong Kong enhance your group dining experience compared to other local options?
Taste of Hong Kong stands out among local Chinese dining options by offering an authentic taste of Hong Kong cuisine with larger portions designed for sharing, a combination that naturally suits groups eager to explore varied flavors together. Unlike many Americanized Chinese restaurants, it holds a reputation for staying closer to traditional recipes, bringing a sense of culinary exploration to your meal. The casual environment reduces the barriers that sometimes come with dining out, allowing groups to relax, talk freely, and linger over food without feeling rushed. Many customers appreciate the friendly and attentive service, which helps ensure that orders are managed smoothly and that everyone’s needs are met. The restaurant balances authenticity with approachability, making it a destination where groups can enjoy a genuine culinary trip without traveling far. This blend creates an engaging dining experience that many find more memorable and satisfying when shared with friends and family.
What practical tips should groups keep in mind when planning their meetup at Taste of Hong Kong?
To make the most of your visit to Taste of Hong Kong with friends or family, planning ahead can ease your experience considerably. Since the restaurant’s popularity can lead to busy times, especially in the evening, consider reserving ahead or arriving early to secure good seating for your group. Take advantage of the large portions by ordering a variety of dishes that everyone can share, ensuring a richer culinary experience and allowing guests to sample more flavors. If your group includes diverse dietary needs or preferences, discussing these with the staff can help tailor your order accordingly. Be aware that items like tea are charged separately, so factor this into your budget. Lastly, consider the possibility that some dishes may vary in quality, so having several options on the table can help ensure everyone finds something enjoyable. With these tips, your group can focus on enjoying the delicious food and each other’s company without unnecessary hiccups.