Anyone Else Move Here from a Big City?

Oh H., I'm from NY too (Long Island) and I know EXACTLY what you are talking about! My experience has been that you will have better luck with the Thai and Indian restaurants than Chinese. However, my favorite joint out here is Great China in Kirkland (13501 100th Ave NE). Granted, I haven't tried a ton of Chinese restaurants in the 12 years I've lived here but of those I've tried, Great China is my fave. Though I typically enjoy most of the dishes from there, I love their Hot & Sour Soup, Mongolian Chicken (or Beef) and Garlic Chicken.

One thing that drives me absolutely bonkers out here is that EVERY restaurant charges extra for steamed rice. In NY, they give you a ton of it with every entree and no one eats because they always eat pork fried rice or lo mein with the entrees. Also bummer things to note - no duck sauce, the wrappers they use for the egg rolls are different (they fry up smooth - not bubbly/textured like NY, and they are more "papery") and I've never seen the crispy wonton noodles that you get for free in NY (http://www.tastyisland.net/images/onetonchips_chips.jpg ).

If you have success and find a place that you love and reminds you of home, be sure to check back in! Good luck!

We used to have them around here, but they disappeared when everything got updated around 1980. I used to go with my parents. They were very good.

yeah's wok in newcastle is pretty tasty. They are a sit down, but you can do take out, just call ahead and it is ready really quick.

I'm not sure where you live, but West Seattle has a little
hole-in-the-wall called Lee's Asian Resturant. It's Pan-Asian, so not just Chinese. Everything I've had there is wonderful (except the phad thai noodles-don't bother). We love it and drive over from Bellevue for take out. It's the best place I know of.

If you go, get the 7 flavor beef, honey glazed walnut prawns, and the black bean salmon. My husband would have a fit if I didn't mention the General Tso's chicken.

Good Luck. I love NYC. Best city on earth!

K.

Engs's in Kent has great Chinese food and they deliver. Honestly, I don't know if it is a true Hole-in-the-wall restaurant but it looks pretty small from the outside. Never been inside, always have taken advantage of the free delivery. VERY CONVENIENT! Actually, it sounds really good. I think I may be having Chinese tonight!

That's funny - the 2 places I was thinking of have been mentioned: Lee's and Snap Dragon. I haven't been to Snap Dragon for years, but they're always known for their good Chinese.

We live in West Seattle and pick up Lee's all the time (and sometimes dine in). I'm vegetarian, so I can't speak of the meat dishes, but the Crispy Pepper Tofu and Lo Mein are SO good! I agree with the other comment of the Phad Thai - it's the ONLY think I've gotten that wasn't up to par. They are located in"the Junction" and are 1 block North of the main intersection - it's easy to just walk right by it and not notice it. I just wish that they delivered.

Seattle has got all kinds of Asian hole-in-the-wall restaurants. The trick is to finding the good one near you. I'd check out this man's reviews. He's done loads and limits giving only 3 Chinese restaurants a 5 star rating.

http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=z1GMlRK3L0xdcSLA5...

I wish he did more on the East side. I lived in SF then Seattle and now am learning Redmond. I do agree with this person's Seattle posts.

Try Judy Fu's Snappy Dragon. It's on Roosevelt Ave. between 85th and 90th in Seattle. They do take out and deliver nearby.