A true Chinatown gem w/ classic Cantonese & American-Chinese dishes. Old-school vibe, no-frills, and loved by Anthony Bourdain.
Step into a piece of Chinatown history at this beloved establishment, a true gem that has been serving up classic Cantonese and American-Chinese fare for decades. Even Anthony Bourdain recognized its charm, enjoying their egg rolls and appreciating the authentic, unchanged ambiance that transports you back in time. It's a no-frills spot where the food speaks for itself, offering a genuine taste of old New York.
This restaurant is celebrated for its authentic Cantonese and American-Chinese cuisine, with specific mentions of highly recommended dishes like the salted squid with hot peppers, whole fried flounder, and Cantonese-style fried chicken. The classic 'chop suey' is also noted. It's described as a place where the bold flavors, reminiscent of what Anthony Bourdain admired, truly shine.
"Highly recommended dishes include the salted squid with hot peppers, whole fried flounder with crispy bones, Cantonese-style fried chicken, and options from the 'secret menu' like snails."
Customers express strong affection for this classic Chinatown spot, praising its authentic Cantonese and American-Chinese dishes and its enduring, old-school atmosphere.
Important Note
The restaurant maintains an unchanged, old-school aesthetic that may feel dated to some. It's also noted that it is BYOB.
"This user's mother's pregnancy craving with them in the mid-70s was Hop Kee chow and crab."
Positive"This user recalls getting upset when Anthony Bourdain visited Wo Hop and ate their family's traditional Cantonese crab dish, which had been a hidden menu item since the 1980s."
Neutral"This user mentions that they often see a line for Wo Hop but go downstairs to Hop Kee instead."
Positive"This user agrees that people sleep on Hop Kee, often preferring Wo Hop, but knows the value of Hop Kee."
Positive"This user recommends Hop Kee, noting that people often overlook it in favor of Wo Hop."
Positive"Hop Kee, located across the street from Hop Lee, is also recommended."
Positive"The commenter would have a pizza from DiFara and the salted squid with hot peppers from Hop Kee as their final meals."
Positive"The original poster mentioned Hop Ke as a restaurant they saw recommended in past posts."
Neutral"Hop Kee is recommended for lunch in Chinatown."
Positive"Hop Kee in Chinatown is mentioned as a place that sells chop suey."
Neutral"This user recommends the salted squid with hot peppers at Hop Kee as another good option for fried calamari."
Positive"Hop Kee is recommended for its 'Salted squid with hot peppers' as a good option for fried calamari."
Positive"Hop Kee is recommended as a suitable restaurant for the inquiry."
Positive"Hop Kee is recommended for those seeking a mix of American-leaning dishes and classic Cantonese options, notable for its long history as one of Chinatown's oldest restaurants with a consistent aesthetic."
Positive"A user enthusiastically agreed with the recommendation for Hop Kee's salted squid with hot peppers."
Positive"Hop Kee was recommended for its salted squid with hot peppers."
Positive"A Redditor recommended Hop Kee for both American Chinese and traditional Cantonese cuisine."
Positive"A Redditor recommended Hop Kee, describing it as an old-time classic Cantonese restaurant located downstairs on Mott Street."
Positive"Suggests Hop Kee over Wo Hop for American Chinese food, highlighting its unchanged 80s gangland vibe. They recommend asking for the "secret menu" for more adventurous options."
Positive"The original poster expressed their affection for Hop Kee, stating they used to frequent the restaurant often as a child."
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