TLDR
A timeless Chinatown classic serving authentic, traditional Cantonese seafood. Perfect for those looking to skip the tourist lines for a reliable and historic dining experience.
Details
An authentic cornerstone of Chinatown, this long-standing institution offers a quintessential Cantonese dining experience that locals have cherished for decades [5]. While often overshadowed by nearby competitors, those in the know frequently bypass the crowds upstairs to enjoy the time-honored flavors found within this subterranean classic [1], [3]. The kitchen specializes in traditional seafood preparations, cementing its status as a reliable spot for both nostalgic diners and those seeking genuine flavors [5], [12], [13].
Food Overview
This restaurant excels in traditional Cantonese seafood, featuring signature items like whole pan-fried flounder, salted squid with hot peppers, and Cantonese-style crabs [7], [9], [12]. Customers also highly recommend the snails in black bean sauce and jumbo shrimp with minced pork, though some have expressed disappointment that the kitchen now removes the head from the flounder before serving [12], [14], [15]. Seasonal delicacies like razor clams are also available for those seeking a more specialized menu [11].
Highlights / Recommended
"Highly recommended dishes include the jumbo shrimp in dry lobster sauce, Cantonese-style crabs, and the salted squid with hot peppers [9], [12], [15]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •salted squid with hot peppers(4)
Customer Sentiment
Patrons widely regard this establishment as an authentic, beloved Chinatown staple, frequently praising it as a superior, often overlooked alternative to more crowded nearby spots [1], [2], [13]. While some diners have noted that the decor is dated, the overall sentiment remains positive regarding its consistent, classic appeal [10], [13].
Caveats
The restaurant's interior is described as having older decor, and some long-time fans have noted changes to the presentation of certain signature dishes, such as the removal of the flounder head [10], [14].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About HOP KEE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Looking For Recommendations For Longtime Fans Of
"Mentioned as a recommendation."
NeutralFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Shrimp Dish That Youve Had In
"The user enjoys the jumbo shrimp dish."
PositiveFrom post: Current Best Spots For Steamed Razor Clams In Nyc
"Mentioned as a typical Chinatown restaurant where you can find razor clams seasonally."
NeutralFrom post: Any Suggestions For A Manhattan Seafood Lunch
"Mentions they used to enjoy the whole pan fried flounder, though dislikes that they have started removing the head."
NeutralFrom post: Any Suggestions For A Manhattan Seafood Lunch
"Describes it as an authentic Chinatown experience and a popular spot."
PositiveFrom post: Any Suggestions For A Manhattan Seafood Lunch
"Recommends specific dishes including snails, crabs, and squid."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Preparation Of Duck In The
"Duck chow fun from Hop Kee was mentioned as a duck dish."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Have Just One Dish From One
"The commenter recommended the salted squid with hot peppers from Hop Kee."
PositiveFrom post: Asian Restaurants In Manhattan That Might Fit 150
"Hop Kee would work for large groups, but its decor is noted as being older."
NeutralFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Singular Dish Or Entreeapp
"The whole Pan-fried flounder and Salt & Pepper squid at Hop Kee are suggested as a good solo dining option."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"This user's mother's pregnancy craving with them in the mid-70s was Hop Kee chow and crab."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"This user recalls getting upset when Anthony Bourdain visited Wo Hop and ate their family's traditional Cantonese crab dish, which had been a hidden menu item since the 1980s."
NeutralFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"This user mentions that they often see a line for Wo Hop but go downstairs to Hop Kee instead."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"This user agrees that people sleep on Hop Kee, often preferring Wo Hop, but knows the value of Hop Kee."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"This user recommends Hop Kee, noting that people often overlook it in favor of Wo Hop."
PositiveFrom post: Cozy Restaurant In Chinatown With Great Food
"Hop Kee, located across the street from Hop Lee, is also recommended."
Positive