WHERE: Big Wong King (大旺)

67 Mott St (Btwn Bayard & Canal St) New York, NY 10013

212.964.0540

WHEN: Mon-Sun 8:30 am – 9 pm

HOW: Just walk in with some cash or call to order and go pick up. No Reservation

WHAT: All BBQ, Roast Duck, Barbecue pork, Porridge with salted pork and preserved egg , Roast duck in noodle with wonton (Picture above)

Quarter of a Roast Duck (One order) served at room temperature. This is the best Roast Duck in the US (according to my research as of now).

Full spread, a bowl of porridge (congee) with pork ball, roast duck and the fried dough. It’s ok, I like the porridge with salted pork and preserved egg more.

Big Wong King, NYC Porridge with pork balls

WHY: It’s one of the best for Hong Kong-style fast food. There are dozens of roast ducks hanging in the glass cabinet in the front, and as I sat down at one of the tables in the back, peeking in to the kitchen I saw about two dozen more hanging in the kitchen. I have no idea how many ducks they sell here at this restaurant in a day, but they are so delicious. I told my friend who told me to go there that she got me in trouble because now I want to find a roast duck this good in Los Angeles and I don’t know if I can.

I hope you don’t come here expecting “good service”. Excuse me, the Chinese are not known for giving good service, but they sure can give you great food. Take your pick! You might as well go to a fancy restaurant that you will pay ten times more to have a half as good food for great service. I only go for the food here.

If you walk in by yourself you might be asked to share a table with strangers. You can say no, and they will give you your own. The waitstaff is friendly but they’re always rushing so don’t be offended when they seem to rush you while you order. The food is served super fast. I swear I was just finishing the last word on my food order and the food was already in front of me (of course I didn’t order just one thing).

This is a clean restaurant. That’s what I love about it. I can sit down without having to worry about my clothes getting all sticky. They only take cash but you only need a $20 bill to pay for your and your date’s dinner. I order three things most of the time and pack the leftovers to give away and pay less than $15, which includes a 20% tip.

Can you tell this is one of my favorite spots for Chinese food in NYC?