Having traveled around the world with many trips to Asia, I am partial to excellent Chinese food. Also, I’m quite critical of restaurants that do not measure up for me personally. But, when you come across any of my reviews, they are positive—if I don’t like the establishment, I don’t take the time to write about it.
Since we moved to Gilbert, AZ in April 2006, Norm and I have been searching for an exceptional Chinese restaurant in the East Valley. Several times, we passed Hong Kong Bistro on the corner of N.W. corner of Chandler Heights and Gilbert Road. In early Spring of ’08, we decided to give it a try. Our search resulted in an experience that was right on the mark. Hong Kong Bistro is a terrific value for the quality of its food.
We’ve returned to the restaurant more times than I can count. I’m open to trying something different each time, but Norm tends to prefer the Mo-Shu Pork, while tasting my entrees.
Hong Kong Bistro’s menu has everything that most Chinese restaurants feature. The unexpected comes with the Chef Specialties that are more than special. Among our favorites are: Happy Family which is a combination of of shrimp, scallops and chicken with vegetables is a chef’s sauce; Double Pleasure where shrimps and scallops are combined with vegetables in a special hot sauce; Sizzling Rice Combo is a delight of jumbo shrimp and chicken breast with fresh Chinese vegetables sauteed in a smooth delectable sauce, served over sizzling rice; Sizzling Seafood Platter is a combination of scallops, shrimp, lobster tail and crab meat with Chinese vegetables brought out on a hot platter where you can hear everything sizzling. It is topped with a delicate oyster sauce.
While not on the specialty list, certainly one of my favorites is Walnut Shrimp. These jumbo shrimp feature a mayonnaise sauce topped with deep fried walnuts and served with broccoli. It is delectable. The Orange Chicken and Mongolian Beef are more of Norm’s favorites.
For $1, you can add an appetizer, soup, and fried rice to your order. We enjoyed the hot and sour, won ton, and egg drop soup, all which were wonderful.
Presentation on all the dishes we’ve seen served is lovely, with meticulous attention to detail. What impressed me tremendously was the preparation of everything. Even deep fried food is lightly battered and flash fried so as to produce a light creation, not a heavy battered oil-soaked dish which is frequently found elsewhere. In addition there are many light entree choices. Even better, Hong Kong Bistro does not use MSG. Its ingredients are fresh and you can taste the difference.
There are many more selections for us to try on an ongoing basis. It is difficult for us to move beyond some of our favorites, but Michelle Zhen, who owns Hong Kong Bistro with her husband, keeps encouraging us to try different dishes. They encourage their customers to ask for something not on the menu if a particular dish is desired.
The atmosphere is relaxing and comfortable, a cut above most Chinese restaurants.
Michelle and her husband purchased the Golden Canyon in Mesa in 1999. Its continued success encouraged them to buy Hong Kong Bistro in 2008. We are glad they did and encourage you to try it. The drive to Phoenix’s S.E. Valley is well worth it, and you’ll savor every bistro bite.
Hong Kong Bistro
4990 S. Gilbert Road Suite 8, N.W. corner of Chandler Heights Road and Gilbert Road
Chandler,AZ 85249
480 802 1818
Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
