HOU (Katy) - Hong Kong's Cafe
A tip led me to try this place (just SW of intersection of Mason Road and Highland Knolls beside Spec's Liquor) .
It was really quite good. A distinct and quantum step up from other places in the area I have tried.
I called in an order and it was ready when I arrived. The containers used were the dreaded plastic round ones with peek-a-boo lids (although ironically they did use "classic" wax paper ones for the rice---just wish the same were used for the main courses), but at least they did not leak on the way home.
Their only failing in the ordering was to not include 2 tubs of hot chilli oil (or paste) as I had requested specifically and confirmed twice during the ordering.
The food:
EXCELLENT Szechuan Shrimp. The shrimp themselves had that distinctive je ne sais quoi scent that shows they lived in the sea less than 2 years ago.
There was an interesting twice-cooked pork with leek on the menu but I was told "no leek" so I fell back on bbq with snow peas. A little skimpy on the pork but what there was was churce.
A very delicate and subtle noodle dish (the name escapes me but it is first on the take-out noodle section of the menu a long set of short names). A sort of composed salad of ultra fine noodles and quite tasty.
I asked for some bean sprouts but they were out but when I requested "Chinese green vegetables" they obliged with good results although language difficulties meant they were dry, not sauced as I'd requested. But still fine and 1000% superior to "mixed vegetables" in places in the same area.
Their pan-fried dumplings I could not swear, but tasted possibly home-made (although given the plethora of ready-to-go versions this seems unlikely but that was my taste impression).
Pork-fried rice could have been improved by some scallions, onions, ginger, greens, or something other than pork and rice!
They do not offer duck which seems a real shame. Peopel who are local say "well just go to Bellaire Blvd" and this is so, but for me it means an extra 10 miles on what's a 40 mile trip anyhow so it's a shame Katy's population do not share a taste for duck (and seriously, I cannot fathom why anyone would prefer chicken to duck but that's just me I guess).
So this (for a change) is a positive review. Just for those kind readers who thought it would never happen. :-)
Thanks to the CH who pointed me to this. Same CH recommended Hong Kong Garden at 637 Mason but b4-u-eat says "(CLOSED)" they are usually reliable in this. Can anyone confirm? Sadly that was the place I was told still uses classic (eat in bed) containers. :-(
Hong Kong's Cafe 1632 S Mason Rd Katy TX 77450 281.392.8880
-
I've ordered from there twice as well. Also didn't get the small tubs of chili paste/oil with the delivery. Not sure what to do about it. Perhaps should just give in and buy a jar of the stuff to keep around the house.
Still, a great find for which I very much thank my fellow chowhounders.
›1 Reply -
I revisited and the American Chinese was again, better-than average. But I post this follow-up to mention I asked and discovered they do have a Chinese menu. It's in Chinese however, no translation available apart from the lady (who is helpful) doing it for non Chinese readers. Next time I go I think I will just order randomly from it, see what happens. Again (on this visit) shrimp were stand-out.
›1 Reply -
Thank you! Just moved to Katy and am having a hard time tracking down some good authentic "ethnic" (for want of a better word) food.
If all us Katyites patronize this place, maybe they'll stay in business. And if we all ask about duck, maybe they'll get some.
And, as the kids say, OMG. They deliver!
›4 Replies-
re: Jaymes
air
Jul 12, 2009 07:42 PM
Jaymes, have you tried Marini's? Search around, they've got amazing empanadas.
And you should bug the Tay Do people into bringing their full menu to the Katy location too! It may not be as monumental as Tan Tan's (approx 1k items last I heard), but it would do plenty of good for ethnic cuisine in the 'burbs. And save me lots of time from having to drive into Bellaire/Midtown...
One thing to note: have y'all found any Korean restaurants in Katy? I would think their cuisine should start popping up eventually as well.
-
re: air
Just moved to Katy, so haven't tried much. Haven't heard of Marini's. I've tried Ruthie's, which I don't care for much and probably won't go back to, and La Finca, which is better, and Las Jarritas, which I think is fun but not particularly wonderful, either, and Taqueria Arandas which I think is very good. We've been there three times.
For Chinese, tried every place I've spotted along Hwy 99, with decidedly mixed results, and I'm being kind.
There's a pretty good, not great by Central Texas standards, but acceptable I guess by Houston standards, BBQ place on the west side of Mason a few blocks south of I-10. Nonmachers.
The little Greek place, Santorini, I think it is, is okay for fast takeout food, but expensive.
And that's about it.
Haven't looked for Korean or Thai.
-
re: Jaymes
air
Jul 12, 2009 08:22 PM
Marini's Empanada House is a local legend for their empanadas. The original location in Montrose burned down in a fire, they re-established themselves in Katy, and they are back bigger than ever. I'm honestly surprised DD&D didn't make a stop here on their recent tour of Houston.
http://www.theoriginalmarinisempanadahouse.com/aboutus.html
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/451102This thread has a couple good recs, it is still pretty accurate to today. I would also agree with Captain Tom's for seafood.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/392570-
re: air
Captain Tom's has always been good, until last time (some months ago) when a slightly suspect oyster was encountered. But generally very good. Shrimp, catfish, oysters and stuffed crab all good. Their gumbo I can take or leave. A downside is the difficulty of finding a seat there most of the lunchtimes I have been(!) The hectic service seems terminally chaotic initially but always seems to result in people getting what they asked for. Their fried stuff is excellent as are their oysters although I wish they consider having a New Orleans style "oyster bar" section where the sole reason was to prop it up and eat oysters "as they come". The reason I say that is that the time it takes to order "another dozen" can be excessive, and breaks the rhythm a bit, not that I am suggesting the heinous practice of pre-shucking trays(!!!!). NO! I suppose with limited space that is a pipe dream.
-
-
-
-
-
air
Jul 11, 2009 12:53 PM
Hey bb, I picked up a copy of their menu today and they have the entire Vietnamese side of the menu, but none of the Chinese dishes.
My mom has dined there and she asked them about the rest of the menu, namely the clay pots. They responded that they don't necessarily always have the ingredients for the clay pots, but they do get them from time to time. If the ingredients are available they'll be happy to take the request and make the dish. So if you're interested in the clay pots, call ahead, otherwise head for the Hwy 6 location.
›1 Reply-
re: air
Whoa! Whoa!! Whoa!!!!
Passed here and did not order, but DID pick up their to-go menu (at Hwy 6 & Westheimer SE corner).
Holy intestines Batman. This place is authentic. Guts (hoof and fishes), duck, seasonal Dungeness crab and Maine lobster, lemon grass frog legs, squid, clams, crispy fried bean curd, char-broiled meats . . . to name but a few.
The menu is encyclopedic in the style of those from chinatowns here and elsewhere.
The owner (I think) augers well too. A man with presence immediately in attendance
We will dine here (or take out) and report.back
This is what Chowhound is supposed to be about. Even with my own restless searching this place had completely escaped my notice but is about 5-7 miles closer than the nearest (not the best) enclaves on Bellaire Blvd. If only it were a tad farther west but I am frankly surprised it exists where it does and won't complain.
I have a feeling the food will be good as the place appeared well-funded and nicely appointed and managed upon a quick initial impression.
Thanks for this tip.
bb
-
-
air
Jul 11, 2009 09:58 AM
Glad to hear you had a good experience.
My family said HK Cafe is the place they turn to first, so if you're happy there, feel free to skip Cafe Asian. You should still try Tay Do Express because their menu is based on the influence that Chinese cuisine brought into Vietnam. I haven't found any other place in all of Texas that has a clay pot dish like theirs (provided they are on the Katy location's menu - may want to call ahead to confirm). Chinese/Vietnamese style would probably be my overall favorite style of Chinese considering how much patronage I've given Tan Tan and Tay Do.
As far as people in Katy not having the taste for duck, keep in mind one big reason behind A&O's closure: no adventure and unwillingness to support non-chain restaurants. Pei Wei gets more business than any of the places I suggested to you. However, Tay Do setting up shop out here is a good sign, so I hope more people open their eyes to some quality food considering their entire menu is far better than anything offered at Pei Wei.
And I can confirm that yes, HK Garden has closed.
