Eating Out: Hop Kee | New York, NY

Last Saturday, hubby and I went on a totally not food-related adventure in the city – the 2015 New York International Auto Show at the Javits Center. While food was available there, we still ended up in Chinatown because hubby was pining for Chinese food. We went to our family’s favorite – Hop Kee in Mott Street.

It is easy to judge Hop Kee by its looks then run in the opposite direction. With its underground location, no-frills ambiance and outdated tables and seats, Hop Kee’s retro vibe is authentic, not just an affectation. They even have an old-school cash register. We’ve been eating there for years, but we still see the same waiters who never seem to age. *cue Twilight Zone music* On one wall, you’ll see pictures of celebrities like Anthony Bourdain, Conan O’Brien, Bill Cosby, Michale Graves and Mark Ramone.

We usually order food from the secret menu. Unfortunately, my favorite Crabs Cantonese wasn’t available last Saturday. Happily, they had the Salted Squid with Hot Peppers.

We paired it with this vegetarian dish, Sautéed Watercress.

Hubby ordered this crispy half Roast Duck.

Hop Kee’s service is pretty fast, hence the hustle and bustle that goes on there. When there’s a queue of waiting patrons, they would clear your table as soon as they see you’re done eating. Rude? Maybe, but usually at that point, you’re too full to care. They know that they serve good food. Hop Kee opens at 11 a.m. but close either at 1 a.m. (Sundays-Thursdays) or 4 a.m. (Fridays-Saturdays). They only accept cash. They’re Zagat rated, and also included in the Best of Citysearch. One very specific accolade is from the NY Press Best of Manhattan 2001, “Best Late Late-Night Chinatown Restaurant For Taiwanese Cuisine”, which is odd because I always thought that they served Cantonese food, not Taiwanese.

Hop Kee is as authentic as it can get. Well, it’s authentic enough for me. Please, please don’t compare it to the typical Chinese take-out because that’s not authentic either. I’ve read negative reviews of the place, but most of them ordered from the regular menu. Our favorites include the Salted Pork Chops, Crabs Cantonese, Salted Squid with Hot Peppers, Pan-Fried Flounder, Roast Duck, Sautéed String Beans, Sautéed Watercress, Steamed Sea Bass, Fried Spring Chicken, Pork Chop Peking Style and even Snails Cantonese Style. (I personally don’t eat snails, but I do enjoy getting the snail meat out of the shells using a toothpick. My husband does the eating. That’s the fun part, IMO.) Oh, and order Crabs Cantonese when it’s crab season, so you don’t get lackluster crabs.

Hop Kee’s food is not cheap, but the servings can be shared by a group. It’s family-style eating, which is great because Hop Kee is a family favorite. Mention Hop Kee and everyone’s on board, willing to go for a ride to Chinatown.

Address:
Hop Kee
21 Mott Street
New York, N.Y. 10013