Details
This Hong Kong-style diner in Manhattan's Chinatown is a go-to for comfort food, offering dishes like crispy fried cruellers, flavorful congee, and soft rice rolls [1]. It's also noted for its affordable HK breakfast specials, which are available until noon [2], [3]. The establishment is praised for its casual, no-frills atmosphere, making it a reliable spot for satisfying meals.
Food Overview
This establishment is celebrated for its Hong Kong-style comfort food, with standout dishes including their congee, rice rolls, and fried cruellers [1]. The 'before 11' set plate specials, available until noon, are a popular choice for breakfast and brunch [2], [3]. While many dishes like the HK baked fried rice, beef and macaroni soup, and milk tea receive praise [4], one reviewer found the beef satay soup noodle disappointing [5]. There's also a mention of Tuna Salad French Toast as a unique item [6].
Caveats
One user advises checking photos before ordering, as some dishes like the beef satay soup noodle were not good, and mentioned past issues with aggressive tipping by staff [1]. Another user noted that food quality may have declined significantly since the previous year [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About EM STAR CAFE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Looking For Hong Kongstyle Portuguese Chicken In
"This user advises avoiding M Star Cafe, stating that their food quality has declined significantly since the previous year."
NegativeFrom post: Looking For Hong Kongstyle Portuguese Chicken In
"This restaurant is mentioned positively alongside 88 Canteen as a place that commonly serves the requested dish."
PositiveFrom post: Best Rice Crepesbanh Cuon In Chinatown
"This user lists M Star Cafe as one of several places in Chinatown that serve rice noodles."
NeutralFrom post: Mabu Vs Kong Sikh Tong For Hk Diner Food In Nyc
"This user enjoys M STAR and specifically mentions their great rice rolls."
PositiveFrom post: Mabu Vs Kong Sikh Tong For Hk Diner Food In Nyc
"This commenter enthusiastically recommends M STAR."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Healthy And Slightly Bland Food
"This user seconds the recommendation for Mstar Cafe, noting it's very affordable and good for the type of food requested."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Healthy And Slightly Bland Food
"Recommended for Hong Kong comfort food, particularly congee and macaroni ham noodle soup, as suitable options for when feeling unwell or needing bland food."
PositiveFrom post: Hk Baked Fried Rice Beef And Macaroni Soup M Star
"This user advises checking photos before ordering, as some dishes like the beef satay soup noodle were not good, and mentioned past issues with aggressive tipping by staff."
NegativeFrom post: Hk Baked Fried Rice Beef And Macaroni Soup M Star
"This user agrees with the sentiment that casual dining spots save time, money, and stress compared to hard-to-book, high-profile restaurants."
PositiveFrom post: Hk Baked Fried Rice Beef And Macaroni Soup M Star
"The user expressed excitement about the appearance of the baked fried rice and noted that M Star Cafe is reasonably priced."
PositiveFrom post: Hk Baked Fried Rice Beef And Macaroni Soup M Star
"This user expressed surprise and intent to visit M Star Cafe upon learning about a Hong Kong cafe in Manhattan."
PositiveFrom post: Hk Baked Fried Rice Beef And Macaroni Soup M Star
"This user provided a link to M Star Cafe."
NeutralFrom post: Hk Baked Fried Rice Beef And Macaroni Soup M Star
"This user appreciates casual dining spots over highly-rated, celebrity-chef restaurants, highlighting the value of places like M Star Cafe."
PositiveFrom post: Best Most Authentic Hk Milk Tea In Manhattan
"A commenter suggested "M star cafe" as a place to try for Hong Kong milk tea, in response to a user asking for recommendations."
NeutralFrom post: M Star Cafe Chinatown
"The commenter notes that the 'before 11' set plate specials at M Star Cafe are actually available until 12 PM, making it a good option for a late breakfast or brunch."
NeutralFrom post: M Star Cafe Chinatown
"The commenter expressed interest in trying M Star Cafe, noting that the hearty carbs are appealing, especially in cold weather. The comment also includes a separate question about another restaurant, North Dumpling."
PositiveFrom post: M Star Cafe Chinatown
"The commenter believes that simple, comforting food from places like M Star Cafe is often more satisfying than that from fancier establishments, particularly highlighting the soy milk and cruller combination for a cold morning."
PositiveFrom post: M Star Cafe Chinatown
"A simple comment expressing that the food from M Star Cafe looks really good."
PositiveFrom post: M Star Cafe Chinatown
"This user has intended to try M Star Cafe for some time and thanked the original poster for the prompt, indicating the post renewed their interest."
NeutralFrom post: M Star Cafe Chinatown
"The commenter found the post about M Star Cafe appealing and related to the original poster's sentiment about intentionally choosing places with lower Google ratings."
Positive