Classic Cantonese w/ American-Chinese faves. Old-school Chinatown gem, fading fast. Highlights: sesame chicken, fried rice.
Hop Lee is a beloved Cantonese restaurant in Manhattan's Chinatown, known for its classic Chinese-American dishes and an old-school dining experience. It's a place that evokes nostalgia for fading Chinatown cuisines, offering a taste of tradition that's increasingly rare. While some dishes like dumplings might not impress everyone, the sesame chicken and fried rice are often highlighted as exceptional choices.
Hop Lee offers a Cantonese and American-Chinese menu, with highlights including sesame chicken and fried rice. Some reviews suggest caution with the dumplings, noting they were not to expectations. The restaurant is noted for offering dishes like chop suey and Cantonese pressed almond duck.
"Sesame chicken and fried rice are frequently mentioned as exceptional dishes. Cantonese pressed almond duck is also a suggested item to try."
Customer sentiment is mixed, with some praising the exceptional sesame chicken and fried rice, while others found the dumplings to be unappetizing. There's a general appreciation for its old-school Chinatown charm.
Important Note
Some commenters noted that the restaurant might have Americanized its menu and that better authentic Chinese options might exist elsewhere. Dumplings have received mixed reviews.
"Hop Lee is recommended, with a specific suggestion to go upstairs for a potentially better experience."
Positive"In comparison to Kong Sikh Tong, Hop Lee is described as a Cantonese restaurant with some Americanized dishes, unlike KST which is a Cha Chaan Teng."
Neutral"Hop Lee is mentioned as an old-school establishment in Chinatown."
Positive"This user suggested Hop Lee, also referred to as one of the 'Hops', located on Mott St."
Neutral"This user commented 'also Hop Kee', implying a recommendation for Hop Kee."
Positive"This user stated they prefer Hop Lee."
Positive"This user recommended Hop Lee on Mott Street, describing it as Cantonese and incredibly good."
Positive"This user recommended Hop Lee as an alternative if Wo Hop is too popular."
Positive"A commenter suggested trying Hop Lee for the Cantonese pressed almond duck, noting that the dish in the photo appeared to be tofu, but an almond duck version might be available upon request."
Neutral"This commenter agreed that Hop Lee might have Americanized its menu to cater to customers and suggested NYC has better authentic Chinese options."
Neutral"The user responded to a comment about their Hop Lee order, stating they are white and prefer westernized Chinese food, and asked for clarification on Panda Express as it's not available in Scotland."
Neutral"This commenter expressed surprise that the user ordered certain dishes from Hop Lee, suggesting they may be white and that better options are available beyond dishes comparable to Panda Express."
Negative"Regarding Hop Lee, the user noted that while the dumplings were not good and unlike their expectations from Birds of a Feather, the sesame chicken and fried rice were exceptional."
Neutral"This commenter questioned whether the dishes ordered at Hop Lee were representative of authentic Cantonese cuisine, suggesting better options exist on the menu and that the dumplings looked unappetizing."
Negative"This user expressed positive sentiment towards Hop Lee."
Positive"Hop Lee in Chinatown is mentioned as a place that sells chop suey."
Neutral"The user likes old restaurants like Hop Lee in Chinatown, noting that these cuisines are slowly fading away."
Positive
